#100blueceleb

[oceansssblue]

100 CELEBRATION – PROMPT 8. PIRATES AU

HUNTER/F READER 💖💔🔥

WARNINGS: ALCOHOL, SCARS, BLOOD AND WOUNDS, STRONG DERROGATIVE LANGUAGE TOWARDS WOMAN, MENTIONED DEATH OF A PARENT. SEX SCENE (NOT VERY EXPLICIT, MORE SENSUAL&SUGGESTIVE).

Note: This came out to be so long! Just so you have an idea, it's 30 pages of word doc. I'll divide it in chapters in this same post so you can continue with your reading easier if you need to do it in more than one go. Don't worry about the warnings, this is mostly adventure with fluff and just a tiny sprinkle of angst (happy ending and all). Upgraded Hunter to Captain. On another note, only 4 more prompts left for the 100celeb! Enjoy and please let me know what you've thought. Reblog if u can! XX, Blue :)

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1. The Deal

The stench of alcohol would have been overwhelming if you hadn't been living in this kind of atmosphere your whole life. It makes the air around you feel charged and warm; clinging to the old wood of the chairs, tables, and countertops alike. The crowd is loud and roars with fits of laughter; a fight or two breaking in the corner of the bar. You don't spare them a second glance. If you had been a proper lady, all of this might have scared you away; but no, you're no lady. You're a pirate.

You feel at home in places like this. There's drunk men, yes, and dangerous ones; but you've never felt more alive than surrounded by fellow pirates. There's freedom, banter, and songs so ancient everybody is able to sing along. Even the sporadic fights are a reminder that you're all human; that you get angry and make mistakes with consequences. Sometimes those in a position of power don't even look like one; just empty carcasses dolled up with pretty dresses and jewelry that somehow have learned how to move and talk. All practiced, meaningless smiles and repetitive conversation. This is nothing like it.

You're enjoying all of this while being alone and silent in the far end of the counter, perched up on one of the chairs. A patron or two have attempted a conversation with you tonight; though a quick, cold side glance has been enough to shoo them away. You're not a conversationalist; and you're on one of those melancholic moods today. Memories of your father and your youth fleets by your mind; like gusps of wind you can never catch. Still, even when distracted and lost in thoughts from a life time ago, a part of you is always vigilant; cataloguing changes in your surroundings and possible dangers. It's the reason why you hear the almost imperceptible change of the crowd straigthening their backs and their voices changing to a wary, expectant tone. Footsteps; a lazy, slow spring, light and cautious in it's feet. Ready to fight -or flee-.

You don't turn around to acknowledge the newcomer. For others it may seem like you don't even care for who approaches you or what could he want from you; perhaps it even makes you look arrogant and overconfident. But oh, you are paying attention; and even if your posture seems relaxed and nochalant with your back still facing the crowd –the aproaching stranger– the hand carefully positioned over the knife hidden in your left boot is perfectly ready to strike.

The footsteps come to a halt right behind you. The atmosphere in the bar turns tense. It must be someone of importance, to make the crowd react like that. If it weren't, people would have just continued laughing and drinking.

"You're hard to find".

Cryptic. It's a peculiar voice; you'll give him that. Deep and slightly raspy, though somehow smooth and warm at the same time. A bit of an incongruence. You know a lot about that.

You take a slow, long gulp of your whisky before answering; your index playing with the rim of the glass.

A hint of amusement slips into your answer. You can't help but play –just enough– with danger; you've always been like that.

"Perhaps you're just bad at searching".

He hums, not impressed with your comeback. Your ears pick up the sound of the man dragging the closest chair towards you. The tone of his voice –relaxed but quietly carefull– doesn't change while he sits down.

"That would be a bit ironic, considering who I am".

You've played with the moment long enough. You glance at the man sitting next to you; eyes quickly cataloguing his hard facial features, long hair, strong shoulders and trim waist. With that half-tattoed face of his and the red bandana across his forehead, he's hard not to place.

"Ah" your lips turn up in a tiny smile. "Captain Hunter, famous treassure-seeker and leader of the misterious Marauder. Yes, that would be quite the joke".

You can't help but feel in danger –and curious– being this close to him. This man is one of the most well-known pirates on this side of the Five Seas; you'd grown up at the same time the stories of the Fett brothers had grown as well. They were said to be eight; along a longer list of cousins and other distant relatives. Some had tried to join their crew under the pretense of being one of them; but their physical similarities were a dead give away. If there was a Fett around you, you just knew. They had the same bone structure, a sort of sharpness to their features, and brown or amber eyes that rooted you in place. There was no need to question it.

You've watched members of the Fett family here and there –some in bars you frequented, some walking across the harbor, a few even taking their pleasure with a lady in the protection of a dark alley at night–, but you've never once talked to one of them. There's always a first, you guess.

"To what do I owe the honor, then?" You ask, feigning desinterest though this is the most exciting thing that has happened to you in the last three months.

The pirate scans you in silence. You understand the flush the Fetts often pull from the ladies; he's got one hell of a stare. It takes all the years you have facing oponents for you to not squirm.

"I'm sure you've heard something around" he finally starts, his eyes turning to scan the crowd. "I'm planning to start a new adventure soon, all the way up to the North Sea. I'm looking for recruits".

You arch an eyebrow, not fooled by his vague explanation. You don't like when people do that on purpose; it means there's always things to hide.

"I thought you boys didn't let any stranger join your little family club" you answer, almost teasingly.

He looks back at you. He gives you a single word.

"Exactly".

It's heavy and full of meaning. He's pointing out you're no ordinary stranger; admiting that you're somewhat special. You're not gonna' lie; it strokes your ego a bit, even if you don't let that distract you.

"You need me" you realise with a smirk. That's the only reason he'd allowed you to join them. You must have something he can't find in nobody else. But what would that be? "Why?"

The pirate shrugs. So quiet, so misterious. You're intrigued.

"I hear you were born in Ionia. It would be useful, having a guide through the dangers of the North Sea. It's dangerous waters".

Your smirk widens.

"Mm, you've heard" you mock almost in a singing voice. "So you've studied me. Not many know I was born there. Ionia is too far away from here for anyone to cross-check".

Hunter's lips curve upwards in a faint smile.

"You're right with that. There are a lot of different and often oposite stories about you".

You hear the rest of the sentence even if he doesn't say it out loud; who knows which ones are true.

You fully turn your body towards him.

"And which one brought you to me?"

You'll say yes. He probably knows that too; you're not one to turn down a good adventure, and it would be a heck of one to be able to work with the Fetts.

You still want to have all the information before you accept.

"I admit all of them were pretty interesting" Hunter says, fingers tapping against the wood of the counter. "But there's only one that makes you unique".

It's involuntary; the way your face adjusts to a new proud and understanding smile.

"You need a diver" the puzzle slowly starts to make sense. "What treassure are you trying to find this time, Captain?"

Hunter's dark chocolate eyes sparkle with interest. He might be a feared pirate; but in his heart he's still a child dreaming of magic and fairytales, like all good pirates are. Like yourself.

"It's going to be a long journey. I need a diver that can hold their breath for at least twenty minutes underwater. There's only one place in the North Sea where I'd need a skill like that".

You find the last missing piece.

"The caves of Ilum" you realize, your own eyes brightening in wonder. "You're trying to find the Moon Kyber cristal".

It was your favorite story growing up; how a group of trained soldiers named "the Jedi" had learnt to canalyse the energy residing in a special mineral and used it to improve their fighting style. They were said to be extinguished –decimated in a great war in the Old Times–, and that the last of their kind had hidden his Moon Kyber cristal somewhere in the cold North Sea, burried in one of the Ilum caves. Pirates and sailors had tried to find it for centuries, desperate to fill their pockets with money or their hands with power; others, for the simple pleasure of owning a piece of history. But the Moon Kyber had never been found; soon forgotten in memories and often brushed aside as tales.

"And you're what, going to send me to explore each posible underwater cave you find?" You ask, wary about the execution of his plan.

He remains calm and unbothered.

"We could try it that way, but it would take us a bit too long for my taste. I've already done my work and I know exactly where to navigate" before you've had the chance to ask, he's already sending you a warning glance. "And I'm obviously not telling you. Can't risk you trying to get it on your own or giving the information to someone else".

You sigh in resignation.

"You want me to make a blind jump. To trust you. That all of this is true and I'm going to be safe in a ship full of men I know nothing about".

He answers with a single, final word.

"Yes".

You hum in thought. You don't. You don't trust him; and you don't trust you'd be safe with the crew of male strangers either. Perhaps he wants you to bring the cristal to him –if it exists– and then he'll get rid of you to enjoy the reward alone. Perhaps this is all a story and he needs you for something else. Who knows, he might even want to hand you to someone else for some sort of revenge. No matter. You'll be alert and you'll come out if this clean.

You make up your resolve and tilt your chin up at him.

"I'm asuming you'll sell the kyber and make a fortune from it" you point out, then state with a firm voice. "I want a third of the price".

Hunter snorts; the first real, uncontrolled reaction you pull from him.

"I have seventy men on board and you want a whole third of the reward. A bit ambitious, don't you think?"

You shrug. Negotiating is part of being a pirate. You know it's too much to ask, but it's just a start.

"Like you said, my skill is unique. We both can't get the Kyber without the other. You know where it is and I'm the only one able to get it. Good luck trying to find someone who can hold their breath for twenty minutes and swim in those freezing waters at the same time".

Hunter tries to make you back down with his stare and his silence; but you don't waver, and you defiantly stare back at him.

The pirate clenches his jaw once.

"Twenty-five percent" he conceeds.

You grin. You don't think this man is the type to soldier through an extense negotiation; and you're not in the mood for that yourself. You might have tried to go for a thirty percent some other time; but you'll consider it as a victory this once.

"Deal" you nod.

The Captain and you shake hands.

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2. Nightmares brought to life

You wake up to the king of your nightmares. You haven't seen Commodoro Palpatine in eight years; but he still manages to evoke the same feeling inside of you. Terror, anger, fear, pain. He's the one that killed your father eleven years ago; the reason why you're covered in scars you haven't allowed anyone to see.

"Hello, my dear" he smiles, a crooked, cold thing. "I was wondering when I'd have the pleasure to meet you again".

His fingers graze your shoulder while he walks around you like a vulpture waiting for the poor hurt animal to exhale his last breath; sending goosebumps through your skin.

You clench your fists; unable to tear yourself from his touch with the tight restraints they've put you in. The last thing you remember was walking outside of the tabern to get some sleep. You don't remember receiving any blow to your head, so it's possible they may have slipped a drug to your drink.

"What do you want from me?" You spit out, trying to hide your fear beneath a layer of ire.

Commodoro Palpatine laughs almost in delight.

"Straight to the point, I see" you hate the way he talks, so falsely sweet. "You've made a deal with a certain Captain lately. I want to make you a deal as well".

At this point in your life, his extense list of spies doesn't surprise you. You haven't seen him in eight years because he hasn't wanted to; not because he couldn't. It's the problem about him; he has everyone under his radar with promises of money, threats, and power.

"What deal?" You ask him directly, skipping the show of you trying to resist to his wishes. Better get this over with.

"You'll go on your little trip with Captain Hunter. You'll get the Moon Kyber for him, and once you return to land, you'll hand it to me".

You scoff, voice coming out in irritated muttering.

"And what makes you think I won't flee with it?"

Palpatine's dark smile could kill death itself.

"There's two things pirates always look for, my dear. Credits... And treasures" he finally shows you the small object that he has been hiding in his hand this whole time, an old pendant you recognise well. It belonged to your father –before he gave it to you in your eight birthday–; Palpatine must have teared it from you the day he tortured you and killed him.

Your body tingles in pain with the memory; your heart clenches. Even for pirates, credits don't have enough value compared to a few handfull of things. Your late father's pendant is one of yours. You need it.

For the second time in the week, you say the word again.

"Deal".

The emotions inside of you are vastly different.

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3. A girl versus a crew of men

The Marauder is everything you have ever imagined it would be. The ship is beautiful; dark wood and scarlet sails, with it's three mastils standing tall and a sharp bow to cut into the sea. The crew is as you expected it to be too; fierce and diligent, paired with a common distrust towards the new recruit -you–. On the first day, Captain Hunter gives them orders to let you be; though it does little to stop the glares and sneers as you move through the ship.

It doesn't matter. They'll get used to your presence; you all have a long trip up to the North Sea.

You can't help but feel excited. It's been a decade since you last stepped in home. You'd escaped Ionia with your father in an attempt to hide from Palpatine; and while Corus is full of dark memories and loneliness, you still keep a fond memory of Ionia. Of long dips in the water and a time when everything felt safe, easier. You know your return won't feel the same –not without your father by your side–; but you still long to see the white coast and it's dark, almost black waters. You've always find that to be a beautiful contrast.

You don't let Hunter out of sight. As weeks pass by, you can't help but make a habit of observing him. You're curious; and you still don't trust him. The wariness starts to dissapear with time; but it's a residue that always stays no matter how hard you scrub.

Hunter is as fierce as the rest of his men. Frown set and jaw tense, he barks orders around no-one dares to give a second glance. The ship advances so fast that you start to think that the way to the North won't take as long as you'd originally thought. It's a well oiled machine; his words are actions inmediately carried by his crew. There's a special kind of relationship between this men; Hunter might be their leader, and there might be a clear hierarchy, but they act so in sync and hold such a deep respect for each other that it's hard to see the lines between their positions. You've never seen pirates move and fight like that. Perhaps that's the reason for their fame and victories; the fact that they know each other so well, the fact that they trust each other to the bone. The fact that they're family. You wonder how it would feel to have so many siblings spread around the world and never feel alone.

To your surprise, you notice your relationship with the Captain shifting as well. With each harsh encounter you face by their side against other pirates, sailors, or the dangers of the sea, he seems to relax a tiny bit more around you, giving you more freedom to move around the ship without his gaze set upon you. The night you help one of his brothers –Echo– with a deep gash on his hand, he even offers you a nod and a slight curve of his lips you catalogue as a smile.

Alcohol has always been sailors favorite method of killing time; and facing the cold and loneliness of the night. Unfortunately, it does more than soothe one's worries away; it gives men courage, which in itself is not a bad thing, but if taken too far rum loosens tongues and problems arise. The night you finally cross the border of Corus's sea into the North one, everyone is happy and excited; bottles of rum being passed around the crew, everyone sprawled lazily in deck. Hours creep in between jokes, stories and laughter; eyes growing glassy and slowly blinking sleep away. As usual, you're sitting alone close to the bowsprit; a position that allows you a perfect vision of the rest of the ship. You're still close enough to hear them –since they're not bothering in whispering anyways–.

"Shut up, di'kut" one man playfully punches another's arm. "You're probably gonna' spend all your credits in a woman when we get back".

Everyone laughs and snickers, and the pirate in question shrugs with a radiant grin.

"You would understand why if you'd had experienced the warmth and pleasure that comes from being buried between a woman's legs. One day, vod" he rises his rum and takes a long gulp from the bottle.

The crowd roars in laughter, and the first man's cheeks light up in an embarassed red.

"Not my fault all the woman we happen to come across are whores, Blades" he mutters, as the chuckles slowly die around them. "I prefer to save my earnings for other things. And to save myself from who-knows-what disease".

The one named Blades smirks and doesn't let him go that easily.

"Well, you have a pretty pirate right there" he points at you with a jerk of his chin. "Why don't you try your luck with that one, mm?"

All eyes turn to you. They roam up and down your figure, considering the pirate's words. Like they've suddenly remembered you're a woman. And you're here, with them. The man Blades is taunting hesitates; but eventually nods tersely, and stands up to make his way towards you.

A shiver spreads through your spine. Though you don't think they'll try anything as a collective –not under Hunter's command– you can read the hunger in their eyes. This men have never been your friends –you're aware of that–, but neither have they acted as enemies. Now, though, you feel surrounded by sharks.

Even if your heart speeds up and emotions clash inside of you, you keep your breathing under control, casting your eyes downwards in order to look distracted and ocupied. You listen to his stumbling footsteps approaching you. Your left hand carefully moves towards your ankle, where you keep a blade cinched to it and covered by the fabric of your boot; waiting for the perfect second to move.

"Hey, gorgeous" he starts his line once he's just a step away from you, towering over your sitting position. "How about you and me go to have some fun below deck?"

"No, thanks" you answer feigning boredom, ears and corners of your vision still trained on him and the rest of the men avidly watching the interaction behind him.

He makes a disaproving sound with his tongue.

"Ah, come on, girl" he keeps trying, growing nervous at the thought of the rest of the crew watching his defeat. "Don't be a prude..."

He goes to grab your shoulder, but you're way faster than him. You swipe his legs of the floor with a quick strong movement of yours; and you're holding the blade to his neck in a blink. He's too stunned to say anything –watching you with wide eyes–; but the rest of the crew inmediately straightens up ready to defend him.

"The answer is no" you insist, voice low and dangerous, finally retracting your weapon and standing up and away. "Now I sugest you return to your place".

He does it without uttering a single word, perhaps still shocked from the surprise. Everyone seems to be. Surprised and wary. Perhaps your reaction has been a little too much; but once again, you're alone in a ship full of strangers –strangers that could turn on you in an unfair fight you'd had almost unexisting chances of winning–, and you need to send a message. You're no-ones plaything. And no one is going to touch you unless you want them to.

You sit back down quietly as well, studying the crowd in case of another altercation. Adrenaline pumps through your veins. There are some insults being spat under their breath and some whispering; but no one picks up another fight. Your eyes eventually find Hunter; who is standing up and watching the situation in front of the Foremast. He's tense –though you're not sure who exactly is he angry with–; and when his eyes bore into yours, your scars itch uncomfortably under your shirt. You tilt your chin up at him.

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4. Warm up

The Marauder is more or less two weeks away from the caves of Ilum. You can't help but feel a sort of peace as you stare into the horizon; an orange sun melting into black waters, setting everything on fire. It's beautiful. The air is already so much colder; though you know it's nothing compared to how freezing the North Sea is.

When the sun is completely extinguished and there's no longer light to guide the Marauder through the rocky coast of Ionia, Hunter gives the order to rest for the night. The crew bunkers down below deck –hiding from the cold– and you use the rare oportunity of being completely alone to take a quiet swim.

It's not that you're enthusiastic about going into the freezing waters at night. But it's been a few years since you did a long dive, and it's a good idea to start gaining a bit of practice. Your body needs to get used to moving in the North Sea again. It's not an easy task.

You carefully lower yourself on one of the boats until you touch the surface of the water. It's so black it acts like a perfect mirror under the moonlight; your eyes staring at your reflection without a clue of what could be hiding underneath. You try the temperature sinking a hand on the sea. Goosebumps inmediately rises on your skin.

Boots on and everything –any layer of clothing helps– you slowly leave the boat and dissapear under the water, teeth inmediately pressing against each other in an effort to cope with the paralising cold. It's almost as if it grips each one of your muscles and locks them in place, trying to drown you.

You get used to it for a few minutes first; then, your hands leave the edge of the boat. You close your eyes and remain floating with the minimum effort; legs gently moving to keep you close to the surface from time to time.

You train in a progression, just like you learnt when you were a kid. You first hold your breath for five minutes; then you do a dip of ten, then fifteen. When you come up for air again, you take another fifteen to rest. Although the water is freezing cold, your wet clothes and the wind makes the return to the sea for one last dive feel almost like a relief.

Twenty minutes gives you a lot of time to think. Your mind does a slow review of this last month in the Marauder; whatever you've happened to learn about members of it's crew, of Hunter. He's closest to other four pirates; Wrecker, Tech, Echo and Crosshair. They seem to be even more in sync than the rest. You notice they're the most different appearance-wise as well; perhaps that's what pushed them together, or maybe they have just known each other the longest.

You also think of Palpatine and your father. It doesn't sit well with you, hiding this second deal to the captain of the Marauder; but you have little choice. Palpatine wouldn't have let you go if you had refused; and you know he'll be waiting for your return. You'll find a way to fool him; but until you do, you'll keep that secret close to your heart. Who knows what would happen to you if Hunter or any of the Fetts discovered it...

Stress evaporates underwater. Your mind eventually empties; you're part of the sea. Time vanishes too.

You wake up from your trance with your lungs burning. You're forced to break the surface of the water; inmediately taking a quick breath of air in. Your head pounds; but you close your eyes and calm your agitated body down, anchoring your elbows to the boat and letting out a tired, panting sigh. Each gulp of air hurts for the first few seconds; until you regulate your breathing again. Exhausted and shivering –you really should get to warmth now–, you use what little strength you have left to pull yourself over into the boat and then lift it up to deck again.

Completely exhausted and curved forward with both of your hands resting against your knees, you don't even notice him until he speaks; his calm voice startling you and making you stand up straight again.

"You could have died and nobody would've even known".

His dark chocolate eyes are set on yours. This time, the surprise brought up by his unexpected presence makes them look innocent and young.

Water dripping onto the deck and clothes stuck to your skin, your answer comes out in a whispered shiver.

"That would have been really tragic" you agree, hugging your own body in a futile attempt to warm yourself up. "You'd never get to see your Kyber".

Hunter's lips and throat moves as if to speak; but then he stays in silence, observing you quietly with that intimidating stare of his. You can usually ignore it, but this time you feel the need to break the tension.

"I was getting myself used to this waters again. It's been eleven years since I was last in Ionia. I have a natural skill for diving and holding my breath, which I've been training since I was a kid, but believe it or not, I still need a bit of aclimatising".

"And you decided to do your first try at night without warning anyone".

You give him a shrug and a guilty smile.

"I can't really practice while the ship is moving, so it had to be at night... And I don't like others watching" it slips out.

Hunter hums. His eyes flicker down towards your collarbone, and you suddenly realise that with your loose shirt sticking to your skin, the very first of your scars is now visible. You inmediately tense and pull it back to place.

He notices it, but makes no comment.

"Your skin is starting to turn blue" he points out. "You should get to warmth".

"Guess I'll have to make myself a spot between your men under deck" you chuckle, trembling. "Steal a bed roll or two".

What Hunter offers doesn't leave your head in the next few days.

"You could take my bed. I can always bunker with Tech" the pause between the two of you is long, perhaps because you're both shocked by his words, and Hunter continues in an effort to downplay his sugestion. "We can't have you falling sick now, with no proper medics on board".

If Hunter's words surprises you, perhaps your answer shocks him as well.

"You could always stay".

There's a million of thoughts and emotions roaming in those dark eyes. For a moment, you think he'll pass; but when you shiver again, his gaze turns soft, warm, and he smiles.

"Let's go inside, then".

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5. Vulnerable

It's unfair. Hunter is, to date, the best sex you've had; and it's difficult not to want a repeat of that night when you see him everyday, and you're both trapped in the same ship in the middle of the sea. Maybe that's why you can't tear your eyes off of him; yes, the fact that he's good like that, and not the lingering doubt that you're starting to like him.

Hunter had treated you like only lovers in books did. He wasn't rough, though he certainly wasn't soft either; it was sensual, passionate, lips moving over bodies and hips joining in endless waves. You had been reduced to moan and whimpers; and you had left him breathless as well. Hunter had been particularly unselfish and considerate, mindful of your comfort and pleasure; and in a world of pirates and dangerous men, it had shocked you to your very bone. It was a bit scary, in fact; how it felt like he was undressing your every layer and pulling them apart even when you had remained hidden in most of your clothes all the time.

The tension between the two of you builds and builds while days pass; until you can't longer keep it locked inside.

You knock on his private room at night; and when he opens with an irritated expresion that quickly morphs into hunger and surprise, you all but jump him. You bite down onto his lower lip, ravenous, and he groans into your mouth; hands caressing your back before taking a firm hold on your hips and pushing you back.

"What?" You ask him, panting, face tilted up towards him.

Hunter's dark eyes scan you. Studies you; almost as if he doesn't quite understand.

You can't help yourself. You want him too bad; you're on fire, impatient, and you kiss him again when he stays in silence. He seems to forget whatever he was going to say; because he let's you push him backwards into his room, and tugs you to bed. His eyes close while you caress and kiss his body, taking his clothes off; and he only seems to come back to his right mind when you're seconds away of sinking onto his cock.

"Wait" he asks, fingertips digging into your hips while you take position over his hips.

He breathes heavily under your confused gaze; a hesitant expresion on his face. It's like he wants to tell or ask you something; but he's afraid.

You search his eyes; the hunger and eagerness, mixed with the confusion and wariness, and you suddenly understand.

"You think this is some sort of plan. A way of using you".

Hunter sighs, relieved he doesn't have to voice his worries out loud, and you answer with a dry laugh.

"And what is that plan, Hunter? Seduce my way into your heart and flee with the cristal?"

The silent is painful. It hurts; though you understand his waryness. You'd probably have thought the same had he looked for you again. The thought has crossed your mind; that doing this is dangerous, that it could complicate things. But you don't care; you're used to running the long way.

"Perhaps I'm using you" you taunt, and his eyes darken in a warning until you elaborate with a fervor you rarely let anyone see. "But to feel something other than anger, loneliness, ambition. There's no ulterior reason why I want to have sex with you. You don't trust me. And I understand. But you can".

You wait; eyes open and eager. Honest. You don't exactly know how this trip is going to end; but you've got no intentions of hurting him, and you'll try to avoid it as much as possible.

You just want to enjoy his body and affection now; feel that exhilarating pleasure again. Leave your head for a little while.

"I can try" he finally answers, taking a deep breath. His fingers take hold on the edge of your shirt. "I want to see you this time".

You tense; it's an involuntary reaction. Hunter gently caresses your hip with one hand, patiently waiting for an answer. You can read his words in his warm eyes; "You can trust me too".

Your voice is so low and meek he has trouble hearing you.

"I've never shown them to anyone" you whisper, biting onto your lip uncomfortably.

Hunter squeezes softly. He stays quiet; letting you decide.

It's dangerous. You already see him differently than anyone else; sharing this vulnerability with him is a big step. And like him, you have trouble trusting; you don't want to get hurt.

You look at him, sprawled under you, long hair tangled in a mess and warm brown eyes staring straight at you. Gentle hands, beautiful skin. Vulnerable. Patient.

Your trembling fingers pull off your shirt; leaving you exposed to him. You tightly shut your eyes and remain inmovile on top of him; Hunter breathes out and slowly reaches a hand towards your skin.

"Who?" He asks, because it's obvious this scars haven't been made by accidents, but inflicted by someone.

You shiver.

"Palpatine".

You don't have to specify. Even if he's from Ionia, like yourself, his power and cruelty extends everywhere.

"When your father died?" He quietly questions, cautious not to push you away.

You remember he had studied you before all of this.

You give him a sad smile.

"Yeah. I foolishly wandered alone once, when we were on the run, and he captured me first. He used to play this sick game with him... Where he would cut me open and leave a trail of my blood around, for my father to search and follow like a dog. It wasn't enough to just kill him. Palpatine is a monster, and he and my father were the oldest of enemies".

And then, a confession burried deep in your soul, because you're too fierce of a pirate to be scared of anything, and more so of just one man.

"He terrifies me" you whisper.

Hunter's hands take hold of your innocent face.

"He isn't here" he soothes you, tenderly. "You're safe with me".

He kisses you, and you swallow every worry down. The "he's closer than you think", and "he'll be waiting". They're your burdens to carry; your curse. Your secret.

For now, you let Hunter kiss you and guide you onto his cock; and you surrender to pleasure and oblivion.

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6. Ilum

A whole month of nights in Hunter's bed and the heartfelt conversations afterwards, the Marauder stops in a big formation of rocks in the region of Ilum. Hunter explains to you everything he knows about this place; and then it's your turn to play.

Every single man of the crew is waiting in deck, staring at you while you're lowered on one of the boats and take a few minutes to calm down and prepare yourself.

The moment is inevitable; and you jump headfirst into the water, ignoring the biting cold and calmly starting to swim towards the rocks. You stay close to surface at first. Once your hand comes into contact with the first of the caves, you anchor yourself to the rock as best as you can and take a deep breath.

"Here goes the first dive" you think to yourself, and you start to swim straightly downwards into the depths of the sea.

The first ten minutes feel easy after this last two months of training. You try to find some sort of entrance between the rocks; but to no avail, and once your lungs start to burn, you start your way up to surface again.

Panting heavily, you make a negative sign with your finger to Hunter, who is watching among the crew from the ship, spyglass in hand; and take ten minutes to calm yourself down again.

You nod and open your eyes; swimming to the next rock and signaling you're going down again. Ten minutes of swimming downward goes; the water getting colder and the pressure on your ears bigger. It borders on painful; but you push that to a second plane and focus on your research. Your eyes follow a group of tiny yellow fishes moving towards a gap in the underside of the rock; and you wonder if the treasure could be hiding in the other side. It's wide enough that you could carefully swim through it.

There's only one way to find out.

Resolved and confident, you start swimming forward, following the trail of fishes in what you now identify as an underwater tunel. It get's progressively darker the more you advance; and your lungs start to burn, making you worry about wether if you should start your way back or continue with the dive. But then the colour of the water slightly changes; dark blue instead of black, and then ligther in what has to be... light.

You swim faster, and faster, and faster; and then, you're suddenly taking a deep, rushed breath in in what you can now identify as a cave. You've never seen anything this beautiful. Thin rays of sunglight enter through tiny spots left between the rocks; partially iluminating the cave in a faint glow. There isn't just one cristal in here; but dozens of them, all different colours and shapes, stuck all over the rocks in both the cealing and walls. They shine and sparkle. This cave really feels magical. You get lost for some minutes staring at your finding; until your eyes fall in some mineral you've never seen before.

You swim closer, one hand clinging to the rocky wall to support part of your weight; studying the sparkling cristals curiously. It's a mix between grey and blue, and the size of a finger; they look like some sort of gemstone. You know this probably isn't what you're looking for; but it doesn't mean it's not special.

You continue searching; but you're unable to find the Moon Kyber. You sigh, tired, and close your eyes. You think of the stories; the supposed origin of this cristal. The Jedi. Kybers were thought to be almost alive; the Jedi believed some could be even heard as music. That the Kybers called them; had a natural affinity with some. You're no Jedi, and you don't really quite believe all of it; but perhaps there's some truth to what you nowadays know of history.

You take a deep breath in and remain with your eyes closed; focusing on the rest of your senses. The small movement of the currents against the rocky walls; the tiny fishes swimming around. Your presence, alive and warm; picture all the other gems around you. You stay like this for a few minutes, almost in a trance; until something shines over your closed eyelids, and even before opening your eyes, you already know what you're goint to find.

It's an amber colour, much smaller than what you had imagined, and shines like there's a tiny sun, liberating energy, trapped inside the cristal's walls. Even if you're not touching it, it feels warm; in ways you can't understand. You carefully close your fingertips around it; and the cristal almost comes off of the rocky wall inmediately, like it wants to go with you. A sincere smile forms on your face.

Your eyes travel back towards the other unidentified mineral you'd found in the cave. Your mind starts to connect the dots; an idea taking shape in your head. You take two pieces of the blue-grey mineral as well; and the kyber goes into your boot while one of the blue cristals sits on top of your tongue.

Shooting one last lingering glance towards the cave, you take a deep breath; and initiate the way back.

When your head pops out of the surface of the water after almost an hour of exploration, cheers and shouts sound from the men on The Marauder. You get back onto the boat; and they pull you back onto the deck. Your breathing is shattered, exhausted, and you smile tiredly at Hunter when he inmediately steps towards you.

"Did you find it?" he asks, eyes shinning, hands coming to rest onto your shoulders affectionately.

You make a chuckling noise with your throat and open your mouth, spitting the blue cristal into the palm of your hand. Around you, there's a chorus of disgusted groans and excited whispering.

"Yeah" you laugh, pinching the beautiful shinning cristal between your fingertips. "I got it alright".

Hunter's rare smile is just as radiant as the real Kyber; which remains hidden inside of your boot when you both join each other in bed hours later.

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7. Breaking hearts

While for everyone the journey from Ionia back to Corus is one of pure hapiness and bliss, you can't help but feel melancholic; like all things are coming to an end. It's not that you'll miss The Marauder dearly; but coming to port means a possible end to your's and Hunter's relationship, and that... That you'll miss.

You catch yourself glancing up at him all the time. He notices it, and you mask it under a small smile or a teasing wink; but inside, your heart squeezes painfully. For your idea to succeed, you're going to have to betray him first. Well, you won't be really betraying him; but he'll believe so. And he has to believe it. For this to work, Palpatine has to see the hurt and pain in Hunter's eyes; the surprise and rawness of his anger and the rest of his men. It's the reason why you can't warn him. The time to soothe him will come; but first, you have to push him through despair.

You wonder if he loves you as you've come to love him. Yes, you do. It's a hard truth to accept; but it's the truth. Somewhere between liking him and growing fond of him, somewhere between melting at his rare smiles and sharing nights of pleasure and passion and the quiet conversations afterwards, the pirate had stolen another treasure, fiercely protected under numerous walls; your heart.

Sometimes you're sure he does. It's the way he looks at you; or how he grazes your hand and back. The way he shoots a glance at anyone else when he hears them speaking ill of you or how he turns protective. Even his close brothers often tease him about it. Others, his feelings seem to be burried between his own layers of distrust and nochalance; when he can't bear to show such vulnerability any longer. In those times you try to disarm him with one kiss after another one. Sometimes you suceed, and sometimes you don't; and he'll twist out of your arms to take you from behind. To escape the power of your eyes; eyes that will force him to blurt all worries and desires he isn't ready to share yet. There's still a long way for your's and Hunter's interactions to grow; but you have plenty of patience for a man like him.

The Marauder docks quietly but swiftly; it's crew happy to touch land again no matter how much they've enjoyed their adventure at the sea. Everyone rushes to enjoy their free time; The Marauder will only stock up for the night before moving elsewhere. Hunter offers you his hand in a mocking chivalrious gesture; and you accept his help laughing, entwining your fingers with him afterwards and tugging him along. Hunter chuckles quietly and follows.

"Where are we going?" he asks, lightness in his voice.

You turn to grin up at him.

"Isn't it obvious? I think we deserve something other than rum to celebrate".

Hunter smiles wider, his eyes taking that quiet warmth and softness he sometimes show when looking at you. You squeeze his hand affectionately too.

One whiskey gives way to another one; and soon you're lost again in Hunter's chocolate eyes, in how handsome he looks, how much you like him. Love him.

"Please, forgive me" you beg him in your head, memorising his features. "Please, please, please".

Palpatine irrupts in the bar three hours after you had arrived -perhaps waiting for Hunter to be inebriated, perhaps making sure none of his men would be close to help him-; followed by a flock of the Red Guard soldiers. He likes to do an entrance; and as expected, time seems to freeze with his appearance, frightened eyes and shocked expresions directed at him. Palpatine's own cold eyes inmediately find you; and Hunter -Oh, Hunter- inmediately stands up to put himself between the two of you.

You can see his tense shoulders and his jaw clench; while Palpatine looks relaxed while he shortens the distance between you.

"How lovely" his voice is that of a snake, acompanied by a cruel, dark smile. "Don't tell me you've stolen his heart too, my dear. Absolutely brilliant".

Hunter stays in place; but his eyes flicker from him to you in a mix of confusion and hope. He knows how Palpatine's words sound; he just can't believe you've done it, the thing he was afraid of from the beginning. Grow close to him only to betray him in the end. Use him.

Though surprised, Palpatine doesn't seem to be at all interested in whatever is happening between the pirate and you. He extends his hand; tone laced with sudden boredom.

"Now dear... Please, the Kyber" he asks.

This time Hunter does turn around to look at you. He looks as you push your hand into your pocket; and come up with a grey cristal. You hand it to the Commodoro.

"My fathers pendant" you demand, voice sharp and serious.

Hunter's eyes find yours; almost like he's asking if that has been the price.

Palpatine laughs.

"When you've given me the real one, dear" he points out. You knew he would.

You shoot him an irritated glance; nodding quietly and taking the blue cristal out from your breast band. Palpatine arches a brow; and examines the gemstone. It's nothing he has seen before; it shines even with no light inflection, a bright, glowing blue. Pure. It looks like it holds the sea itself. Or perhaps the moon.

Hunter makes a move to grab it; but two Corries inmediately hold him in place, Palpatine tutting condescendingly.

"Ah, ah. I believe the Moon Kyber is now mine, Captain Hunter. You should take more care of who you trust for the next time".

You can't look at him. Can't watch Hunter's face and the pain and hurt reflected on it. Everything in you is screaming to comfort him; to take his hand, to caress his hair like you do at night. You can't.

Palpatine offers you his part of the deal; and you quickly take your father's pendant of his hands, tying it up around your neck. Keeping it safe.

The man of your nightmare smiles.

"Well, it was nice to oficially meet you, Captain. I'm sure we'll see each other again" the Commodoro says, briefly nodding at him in farewell before turning towards you and gesturing to the door of the tabern in invitation. "Shall we leave now, my dear?"

You feel Hunter watching you. You want to take one last look at him before following Palpatine; but you'll break. You can't.

You take a deep breath in and walk outside the bar.

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8. A new start

A month later -one of the hardest of your life, after the loss of your father- you hear news about The Marauder docking in Kamino's port. You've been keeping an eye on Hunter in the distance; cautiously asking around and following him around the South just one carefull step behind. You'd like to have contacted him sooner; but it was too risky, considering Palpatine had yet to sell his blue cristal and he'd probably keep an eye on you as well until he had those credits in his hands. Now, though, now... Palpatine is a million credits richer; and you are free to explore the world again. Free to find him.

You know things wouldn't end well if you'd directly confronted him. He probably hates you right now; has tried to burry your memory in a pit of anger and hurt. And you understand. He might probably still resent you even after you've explained yourself; but you have to at least try.

You miss him. So much...

You send a messenger instead. It's a ten year old boy who doesn't even know who you are or who Hunter is; who doesn't know the content of the small bag he's been paid to deliver. It's safer this way.

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9. A surprise from the past

Hunter makes a silent gesture to Wrecker, and his brother let's the child pass. Wrecker -and all of his crew, really- has been particularly protective lately. Although he was just as furious and dissapointed as the rest by what had happened, his brother's love for their family would always be bigger; and thankfully, Hunter hand't had to give much of an explanation to his crew other than that the pirate girl had deceived him with the cristal. Fled.

The kid is awfully persistent, though, and he's just a kid; so Hunter receives him with a gentle but tired expression on his face. It's been weeks since he had been able to shut en eye for more than three or four hours at a time.

"I've been paid to hand this personally to you, sir" the young boy says, handing him a letter first.

Hunter guesses he has recognised him by the long hair and the bandana; or the half-tattooed face. The kid waits patiently while he opens the letter.

Hunter's mind blanks while he reads the six words scribbled on it.

"Told you; you can trust me".

No signature, no name; but he knows very well who the writer is. A girl he hasn't been able to take out of his head; one he hates and loves at the same time. Misses.

Hunter can't do anything else than to stare at the kid. The young boy nods to himself, and then hands him a small bag, almost shoving it in Hunter's hands.

"Miss will be in the last tabern of the harbour until twelve" he waits to make sure his message has been listened, and then nods again. "Good night".

The boy quickly dissapears, and Hunter is left staring at the small bag in his hands. It's very light; but somehow, Hunter knows there's something inside. He can... Feel it. It's some sort of moving energy. Alive.

He takes a deep breath; preparing himself for what he could be about to find. For possible disappointments.

He slowly opens the bag.

The cristal shines almost like it is trapping the sun inside. It's the prettiest object Hunter has ever seen before; a rich amber colour mixed with orange and gold. The different tones swirl and mix inside of the cristal's walls; it... Pumps, like a heartbeat. Calm and consistent. Warm.

A tearful smile forms on Hunter's lips. This is the Moon Kyber cristal; it's real, it exists. And it's there, right in his hands. Which therefore means she hadn't really betrayed him; just carefully played her cards. She wanted her father's pendant. It hold great sentimental value to her; even if it had hurt, he'd understand. Commodoro Palpatine had probably forced her to get the Kyber for himself; and she had been left trapped between two men that wanted her skills.

Hunter thinks of how scared she must have felt. She had explained to him the story behind her scars; carved deep all around her torso when she was nothing but a young girl. A decade later, she had still shivered and trembled when Hunter touched them; when he had tried to soothe the pain away with his hands, his lips, and his tongue. She had almost cried that first time; holding her tears if only by pure stubborness. Hunter thinks on how much stress she must have gone through; knowing what fate awaited her. He smiles realising how smart she has been; taking not just one, but two fake cristals with her from the cave as well as the real one. She'd known Palpatine would believe her to be hiding the Moon Kyber; tried to trick him. So she'd fooled them all; Hunter included, because -now he realised- she needed Palpatine to see his hurt and dispair for all of it to become real. And she had done it all in silence. And won.

Maker, he loved her. She could have kept the real Kyber to herself; and yet, she had handed it to him, maybe because... Because she loved him as well.

Hunter leaves the real kyber in Tech's capable hands and walks to the tabern; the last one in Kamino's harbour, where she awaits.

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10. Déjà vu

You're on your second whiskey when you hear the footsteps; a hand coming to rest on your back. You know who it belongs to without even looking at him; the size of it, the splayed fingers -trying to touch as much of you as he can-, the gentle presure, the emotions that somehow seeps from it.

Hunter's voice is warm and slightly raspy; your favorite combination.

"You're hard to find".

Love and happiness burst inside of you. You know what his presence here means; what that sentence means. He has forgiven you; or at least, he's willing to try.

You turn around and study him. He's... You melt under his watch. You never thought this would happen; that you'd fall in love with another pirate.

You shoot him a soft, but playfull smile.

"Perhaps you're just bad at searching".

He smiles and hums.

The End.

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PLEASE LIKE AND REBLOG! MAKE ME FEEL MOTIVATED TO KEEP WRITING :)

You can check the other AU oneshots for the 100celeb here:

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[oceansssblue]

100 CELEBRATION — PROMPT 14. TELEPATHY

TECH / F READER 💖(🔥)

WARNINGS: BRIEF MENTIONS OF INSECURITIES, SEXUAL THOUGHTS BUT NO PROPER SEX SCENE.

NOTES: Here we have a fluffy and sweet/sensual one for our dear Tech. Oh, how I love that man... Let me know if you' ve liked it and reblog if you can. We've only got 3 more prompts for the 100celeb left (with our boys Rex, Cross, and Echo). See you on the next one! Xx, Blue.

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Tech had a strict rule; he would not use his mind-reading ability on anyone if not for safety reasons exclusively. That meant, for example, that he was able –and would– use his telepathy to find out Cid's ulterior plans –plans the Trandoshan never mentioned to Hunter– ; but he would control himself and refrain from reading his brother's minds outside of missions and the like. If Tech didn't consider someone in danger, he would silence the thoughts that so often slipped uninvited into his mind.

However, even his own strict rule had to be broken on the rare occasion. Sometimes, the few people he cared about weren't in inminent physical danger; but experimenting some sort of emotional stress that they couldn't always resolve by themselves. Watching them suffer in silence when he might have been able to help if only he had been informed of the nature of their affliction... Well, in those cases, Tech felt morally obliged to intervene.

All this considered, there's no valid reason for him to use his telepathy on you today; but he can't help himself. He had tried to reach a logical conclusion for your behaviour around him lately; to no avail. What he knows is that you can't stand to be in the same space as him for more than a few minutes at a time. He had brushed it aside as mere coincidences at first -you had forgotten something, or had to help Omega with another-; but after a whole month of quiet observation, Tech can't deny the truth any longer. It hurts, the thought of you finding him so irritating or disliking him so much that you inmediately shied away from his presence; but he wants to know what exactly you can't stand about him. Perhaps he can find a solution to it... Tech isn't fond of many people; but he is of you, and he values the friendship that had slowly blossomed between the two of you. He thought you did too, he was sure of it. He needs to know what has changed.

And so the next time you rush out of the cockpit to the sonic, after putting an abrupt end to your conversation with him once again, Tech tunes your thoughts in. Your voice echoes inside his head in a series of stressed whispers. He has to concentrate to discern the jumbled words from one another; your mind is working light speed.

"Oh my god, will I ever stop messing up my words every time I talk to him? With how impossibly smart he is, he probably thinks I'm stupid by now!"

Then, a firm, clear sentence -Tech can imagine you pointing at yourself at the mirror, frustrated-.

"Get your shit together!"

He hears the door of the sonic opening and your footsteps moving in the direction of the bunks.

Alone with his own thoughts again, Tech ponders the new information around. He's relieved to know that at least you don't seem to be angry or irritated at him per se. You just seem to be intimidated by his intelligence; which is more of a compliment than anything else, really. Still, he can't help but feel guilty. Had he ever acted in a way that has made you feel undervalued? Had he off-handedly critiqued any aspect of your psyche? Made an unfortunate comment on how your mind processes things? He doesn't believe so; but it wouldn't surprise him either. For all the intelligence he posseses, he knows he often lacks of emotional tact; something that his brothers -Wrecker, in particular- seem to be well versed in.

Ah, there's always things to learn, mm?

He'll try to make you feel more at ease next time.

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Tech is pleasantly surprised to have you tagging along in his exploration of Arkana's forest. The rest of The Batch had decided to stay in The Marauder, catching up on some sleep; but he had prefered to take the chance to observe the planet's rich ecosistem before they had to make their way back to Ord Mantell the following morning. You had inmediately jumped at the oportunity as well. Tech would have thought that an hour expedition would have been too much for you to be in his presence; but you had joined him with a bright smile, and half an hour later, your mood is just as friendly.

Arkana's forest is a surprising mix of bright colourful flora. There's not as much green as one would have expected; but instead, trees and flowers grow in vibrants blues, pinks and yellows. Your eyes widen in awe at a bright neon magenta flower that is as tall as yourself; steps slowing down to admire it.

"What's its name?" you ask him, curiously.

Tech doesn't need to consult his datapad; he knows exactly what it is.

"Fluoridium flowers. Their shine is not a property of the plant per se, but a result of different kinds of neon-like minerals in Arkana's soil. It is often used as..." Tech notices the way you're silently staring at him, an almost lost expression on your face.

He remembers your thoughts on him; and the rest of his explanation quickly dies on his throat. He doesn't want to overwhelm you with unnecessary information. He ends his info-dumping -as Crosshair used to call it- with a few brief words.

"Let's just say it has a lot of uses".

He nods to himself, and then re-starts their walk through the forest. You follow him inmediately, frowning in confusion at his interrumpted explanation.

"For example?" you ask him, and Tech shoots a carefull glance back at you.

"I didn't think you'd be interested in knowing that".

His words bring a honest, surprised expression on your face.

"Why not?" you sound highly confused.

You can't help but think you've done something wrong. It had looked like Tech had wanted to share the information with you; and then he had stoped himself from continuing after taking a look at your face. Had you done something you weren't aware of?

Tech's eyes flicker around the forest almost avoiding you.

"I wouldn't want to bore you" he answers, voice quiet and hesitant.

Tech is never hesitant. He might not know everything; but even then, his usual way of talking is always confident and self-assured. He has no problem in admiting a lack of knowledge in something; he'd admit it in the same firm tone he uses for everything. Why is he acting so strange now?

His words tug at your heart. Perhaps something has happened without you noticing it. Perhaps there had been some sort of discusion between the brothers; or some fleeting comment Tech had taken too personal.

You are enamoured by him; he could never bore you.

For the first time in perhaps forever, you reach your hand towards his wrist; tugging him into a stop and looking up into his eyes with your cheeks lighted up in a faint blush.

"I find all your explanations interesting" you sum up the courage to add "I like hearing you talk, Tech".

You shoot him a small, soft smile; fingers squeezing his wrist softly before letting him go.

Tech is momentarily stunned. He is first confused by the contradiction between your recent afirmation and the thoughts he had heard from you just a few days ago; he is also surprised by the tender affection he reads on your eyes. Your honest little admission sends a warm feeling to his heart.

You're still looking at him; perhaps waiting for an answer, a reaction from him. Tech's heart speeds up. He feels the need to listen to your mind tingling through his veins; and he allows himself that little exception again, just this time.

"How could you ever be boring? You're like a living encyclopedia. And you look so adorable when you're explaining something, specially when you raise your index. I like seing how excited you get, how you come to life. Ah, Tech, if only you knew... I could hear you talking all day".

Tech blushes instantly; slipping out of your mind and trying to hide the way hearing you "talk" about him is making him feel. He must have gotten something wrong. You evidently still enjoy spending time with him; you... Care. Those first thoughts he read from you last time must have been born of your own insecurities; insecurities he would try to help you leave behind.

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You like when the cockpit is at it's maximum capacity. It means you're able to watch Tech with other posible distractions claiming his attention; masking your unwavering interest. Right now, for example, he's listening to Wrecker's and Omega's chattering; making a few brief interventions here and there. He's also piloting The Marauder back to Ord Mantell; and shooting some carefully concerned glances at Hunter, who was injured in The Batch's last mission in Targa. He has always been an expert at multitasking.

You, on the other hand, are focused on just one thing; Tech himself. How his hair is slightly ruffled after the mission, and the way his eyes seem to softly shine with the hyperspace lights. His pouty lips; and the way his long legs look when he spreads his knees apart, turning in the direction of his brothers once The Marauder is set on autopilot.

Fuck, how you wish you could be standing -or kneeling- between those legs...

Tech suddenly stutters in his speech, his cheeks blushing perhaps as a result of something one of his brother's had said. It pulls you out of your thoughts for a minute; your eyes focusing on how cute he looks with the soft tint of embarassment on his face. It's not an expression you often see on him.

You're really helpless when it comes to Tech. Your mind inmediately swings to dirty thoughts; pondering wether he'll get a similar expresion if he'd get flustered at sex. Would he be shy, cheeks set on fire and a timid, adorable wide-eyed expresion on his face? Or would he be as confident and firm as usual, making you melt at his feet with a few caresses and well aimed words? You'd be eager to please him either way, that's for sure.

Tech stands up abruptly; clearing his throat nervously, face impossibly flushed now. His eyes flicker everywhere around the room, and he inmediately makes a hasty exit muttering a rushed excuse. Your eyes trail after him in concern; asking the rest of The Batch about him in case you got lost on something important that would explain his sudden and unexpected retreat.

"What was that?" you whisper to his brothers, half confused and half concerned.

Hunter's eyes snap back at you. He looks uncomfortable; shifting in his place.

"You tell me" he answers, criptycally, inmediately turning his attention to Meg.

What does that even mean? He... He couldn't have known what you were thinking about, could he? Well, with how perceptive he is, perhaps he might have guessed the direction of your thoughts with those heightened senses of his... But certainly not Tech, right? He's smart, yes, but you hadn't been that obvious, had you? Or were your thoughts so clearly written in your face?

Wrecker bumps his shoulder into yours, trying to integrate you into the conversation and diffuse the sudden weird atmosphere that had set around you. You shoot him a soft smile; though your mind is still being pulled in Tech's direction, who had all but ran away to hide in the bunks.

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Tech had been fighting your thoughts for one whole month now. And fighting was the apropiate word; because it had been madenning difficult to focus on anything else but the way you seem to lose your atention on the outside word when you focus on him. It had been a complete shock at first; his mind needing a few days to process this change of perspective. The realisation that your only problem with him was that you liked him a bit too much, that he made you impossibly nervous, had been hard to accept. Tech would have thought you'd go for someone like Hunter; but no, you were utterly interested in him. He didn't really understand why at first; but as weeks passed, he had listen to all kind of thoughts about him -from sincere admiration to soft tenderness to hungry lust-, and he guessed he could understand your reasons now.

Needless to say, he had been a mess. He was always so composed; but your thoughts about him had shattered his control to pieces. He spent most of his days either flustered, or lost in your own thoughts; to the point the rest of his brothers had noticed it. Hunter, who knew exactly what was going on, had encouraged him to bring the conversation to you; but even if he knew how you saw him, he was still a bit unsure. He didn't want to make you uncomfortable; and he still felt guilty of invading your privacy. What if you got furious at him? Never wanted to see him again? That would be heartbreaking.

The situation couldn't continue for much longer, though; he was distracted, and he needed to be focused on their missions -to keep all of them as safe as possible-. He had no other option than to confront you. Though perhaps... perhaps his way of going about it wasn't the most wise.

Hunter had gone to Cid's to deliver their part of the deal; while Wrecker and Omega had decided to celebrate with a few games of dejarik and Mantel Mix. Echo, though tired, had tagged along as well; if only for keeping a responsible eye on them. You had claimed to be tired as well; so you had stayed in The Marauder with him.

You were currently sitting next to Tech; watching him tinker about with an old datapad of his he was trying to fix so Omega could have her own one. He could feel the weight of your stare on his face; momentarily glancing down at his hands each handfull of minutes. The tension was palpable between the two of you; and Tech couldn't help but tune in into your thoughts once again. You were practically screaming them to him...

"Fuck, look at those fingers... So long and skilled... He really does have beautiful hands. If only I could feel them on me..."

Tech feels a small rush of excitement slowly igniting inside of him. He tries to focus on the task at hand; a futile attempt. Your thoughts keeps slipping onto his mind.

"Inside me. Fuck, wish I could feel them inside me. Clench on them while he licks my clit with his tongue and I could dig my fingers into his hair, push him against me, and he'd get me ready for his cock and... Oh, god, what would his cock feel like?"

Tech is so dizzy with the raw hunger and need laced in your words he blurts out an answer without wanting too.

"I wouldn't be opposed to trying that".

He realises, far too late, that his thought hand't stayed in the safe privacy of his mind; but exposed out loud for you to hear as well. His eyes widen in surprise.

"W-what?" you stutter, terrified of having spoken your own thoughts out loud.

Tech blushes and watches you nervously. The cat is out of the bag, now.

"I-I... Please forgive me, you were thinking very loudly and I could not help but listening in and..." he explains hurriedly, your expresion only switching from confused terror to terrified surprise.

"What do you mean? You... You can read people's mind?" You almost squeak, shocked at not having heard of any of this until now.

Tech nods, guiltily, and the realisation of your crush being aware of all you've fantasized about him makes your cheeks burn in pure embarassment.

"I'm sorry!" you inmediately apologise, wanting nothing more than to stand up and run away. "I-I..."

"It is not your fault" Tech inmediately cuts in, taking a deep, calming breath as if he is nervous himself. "There is nothing for you to apologise for. In fact, I am the one who should. Please forgive me, mesh'la. I did not intend to invade your privacy like this. I first thought you had a problem with me, and so I peaked into your mind twice to figure out why, and... And I should have stopped there, but the way you continued to stare at me made me curious and... I'm sorry, mesh'la".

You soften at the honesty of his words; and the affectionate way he calls you beautiful in Mando'a. You glance up at him cautiously; embarassment slowly melting away with his positive reaction.

"So you're not... You're not uncomfortable, then?"

Tech's cheeks are still slightly red; though he forces his eyes to stay on yours.

"No. It was a shock at first, I must admit; but your thoughts have never made me felt that way. Nervous, distracted, turned on... Yes, but not uncomfortable" he pauses and carefully adds "like I said, I wouldn't be opposed to try any of them".

You almost jump at the chance; but there's something else holding you back. You don't want this to be a one time thing. You don't want this to be merely sexual. He knows all your thoughts on this; it's just fair you get to find his.

"Did you... Did you hear all the non-sexual thoughts about you too? About us?" you ask him quietly.

Tech responds to your vulnerability with a warm smile. His hand slowly reaches down to yours; sending a shiver through your spine.

"I did. And I'd like to try those as well, cyare" he whispers, a confesion that stays just between the two of you.

Your heart soars; the explosive rush of happiness pushing a radiant smile on your face, happy tears on your eyes.

"Yes, yes, yes, yes" you chant in your head. And then, in case he's listening... "Kiss me, Tech".

You catch a brief glimpse of his answering smile before his lips join yours in a soft, passionate kiss. You sigh into him, melting against the carefull hands that slowly come up to craddle one side of your face and your left hip. Tech hums in contentment. His own swirl of excited, tender thoughts mix with the ones that slips from your mind into his. You kiss and kiss; and the passion and affection burning in both of you is so similar he does not longer differentiate in between.

THE END.

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You can read the other prompts for the 100celeb here:

And you have a lot of other clone wars and bad batch stories here:

[oceansssblue]

100 CELEBRATION – PROMPT 7. MERMAID AU

TECH/ FEMALE READER 💖

WARNINGS: This story alternates between reader's and third person (Tech'ish) pov. Seahorses can survive in cold temperatures in this fic because I say so. Fleeting mention of mer-child abandonment. Very tiny non-graphic shark attack. Otherwhise fluff, fluff and fluff!

Note: this is my third time –second for Tech– writing mermaids for our clones! In this one-shot, both Tech and female reader are mermaids, though from different sub-species. Hope you like it, let me know!

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Below the surface, where the world is a myriad of blues and different marine kingdoms coexist, there are two subspecies of mermaids. Shallow mers mainly live in lakes and ponds; the few that not, never wander too far away into the cold, dark depths of the ocean. Their thin, iridiscent scales are more suited for warmer temperatures; while the thickness of the deep-water mers allows them to travel surprising distances down where the sun can no longer reach. Deep-water mers have strong powerful tails and sharp canines and claws that turn them into dangerous predators; shallow mers, though agile and fast, aren't a comparable threat.

You've never seen one of them.

You've heard the stories, of course; heard of their aggression and how they lurk in the darkness to hunt any poor creature that has dared to enter their waters alone. You've seen the scars that their claws and bites have left on some of your people; deep marks carved deep into scales and skin. They've appeared on your nightmares –when you were nothing but a kid–; bubbles tinged with the scarlet red of your blood. Everyone shares the same opinion about them; they're hostile, dangerous, and you should never, never, never, get close to any of them.

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It's a beautiful day. Rays of sunlight reflects the water in a way that makes it sparkle; almost as if thousends of tiny stars had fallen into it. The ocean is cold enough for a dive into it to feel refreshing; but not as much as to bring unpleasant shivers to your skin.

You spend most part of the morning exploring the reef and curiously observing different types of starfishes around the corals; pausing here and there to play with the ocasional mischiveous octopus or angry crab. After so many years living in the sea, you know by now when to interact with them and when to give them space; and you are very careful of respecting the sealife around you. It's a delicate balance for all of you to live in peace.

After a small but satisfying lunch you make your way to your best friend's home; a tiny seahorse you've long decided to name Yellow. Basic, you're aware; but well, your friendship started many, many years ago, when you were finally getting the trick on how to properly swim. When your mother left you. Once a shallow mer gives birth, the mother takes care of her child until the newborn has adquired the knowledge on how to survive on it's own; then, they follow different paths, so the young mer learns to face the difficulties of the ocean on it's own. If he's strong enough, he'll push through; and one day he may reunite with others and close the cycle with a child of it's own. Perhaps for some it may seem like a cruel thing; but that's how it has always been, how your subspecies still exists today. It's a solitary life; but there are so many unexpected places to find friends.

Yellow's home consists in an almost complete circle of redish and orange corals not too far away from the water's surface. There's a lot of plancton in this part of the reef; so it makes sense for the small seahorse to have settled here. He's as chirpy as always to greet you; swimming excitedly around you before anchoring his tail to a strand of your multicoloured hair. You chuckle at the thought of it looking almost like a tiny seatbelt for your hipocampus friend.

"Good afternoon, dear Yellow" you tell him affectionately, the knowledge that he doesn't understand your language never detering you into chatting with him. "What shall we do today, mm?"

You like to go on little adventures with Yellow; explore new parts of the reef or perhaps make new acquaintances together. He's a little energetic thing, and so adorable you never get bored with him.

"Wanna' try to find some parrot-fish?" You propose, and he moves his tiny dorsal fin in agreement.

He may not get your every word; but he can read into the way you move and talk. By the tone of your voice, he knows you're offering some exploring. If he didn't feel like it and he'd prefer to stay closer to home, he'd have let you know by staying completely immobile.

"Mision parrot-fish it is. Hold on to that seatbelt" you smile happily, and slowly begin to swim.

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In the end, your innocent trip turns to be a heartbreaking disaster; an encounter with a triaenodon shark has an unexpected outcome. They're usually pacific creatures, but the blood slowly trickling from one of it's sides has evidently scare the animal enough to react agressively at the posibility of a second predator going in for the easy kill. You've got no time to try to difuse the situation; as the wounded shark inmediately lurches for you. A terrified Yellow abandons the now precarious cover of your hair; releasing air to quickly let himself sink into the ocean and away from the fighting scene.

It's a game of swim-dodge-redirect from there. Finally, to your relief, the shark exhausts herself and decides to cautiously leave; and panting, body aching from the effort, you let out a long sigh of relief. The terrifying part of the encounter isn't the minor wounds you now carry on your skin; not even the fear and adrenaline. No; the real scary part is that Yellow is nowhere to be seen, and you can't seem to find him after an exhaustive search.

Tears in your eyes at the thought of losing your tiny best friend, you continue swimming downwards in the direction you knew he escaped to; so anxiously focused on finding him you don't even notice the way the water darkens around you and the increasing cold that freezes your skin.

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"Yellow!" You call him in a happy cry when you finally get sight of him.

In just two quick ondulations of your tail you're floating right next to him; and the little seahorse inmediately goes to hide on your hair.

"Oh, Yellow" a tear finally manages to roll down your cheek. You talk to him in a hushed, tender whisper. "I was so worried for you! I thought I was never going to find you! Oh, dear friend, I think we're gonna' have to take a break from exploring for a while..."

You're so overwhelmed by being reunited with the small hipocampus that you don't even notice the way he seems to shrink away; and tug insistently at your hair. You don't even realise you're not alone anymore until you hear the sound of something big moving too close to you in the darkness of the water.

Fear instantly spreads through your body, and you tense scanning the ocean around you. It's then when you noticed that fuck, you're deep; the cold almost unbearable and your eyes having trouble adjusting to the lack of sunlight. You don't see the creature lurking until it's right in front of you.

It's a deep-water mer.

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Tech curiously observes the mer interacting with the tiny hipocampus. She's nothing like he has seen before. There are so many differences between them that the deep-water mer can't help but put a stop in his journey back home to study her. It's highly unusual to find one of them here; it's too cold, too dark, and their bodies aren't enough adapted to be permanently exposed to the depths of the ocean.

Tech has never come across a shallow mer before. Their subspecies live in different layers of their wide acuatic habitat; and shallow mers are incredibly timid, elusive creatures, always opting to flee without further questioning than to expose themselves to any danger. He can understand that; evolution hasn't gifted them with the same resources as deep-water mers. For the rumours he's heard, Tech knows shallow mers lack of pointy canines and their thick, resistent skin; tail also smaller, thinner, and less powerful than theirs. While the shallow mer subspecies had slowly adapted to a tranquil, mostly uneventful life on the surface, deep-water mers had had to perfectionate their hunting techniques; and any useful fighting traits had been inherited through generation after generation to what they are now.

Tech can't really understand her words; they sound similar to their language, though in a higher, more melodious register. Still, he can read the relief and melting worry in her body; the way she seems to sag upon finding the small yellow seahorse, who quickly hides in her hair. Tech observes them curiously; are they... friends?

She has a small heart-shaped face; her big expressive green eyes, plush lips, and button nose giving her an innocent look. Streaks of blue, green, red and yellow paints her long half-braided hair without an apparent order; perhaps trying to imitate the vibrant colours of the corals of the reefs above. Two pairs of small thin fins protrude from the tragus of each ear; probably vestigial and without real function. Her skin is much paler than his; and while deep-water mers have dark blue and black scales, colours shared as well with the tail, shallow mers apparently carry a very different canvas on their body. The scales on her upper chest begins with the same pale tone of her human skin, and transitions to a mint and persian green towards her tail. Tech notices it's much smaller and narrower than his; the flukes aren't as pointy, and there isn't a stinger at the end. It's a mix of the previous greens and some darker emerald colour as well.

Tech's own colours mostly mimetizes him with the depths of the ocean; but even with that advantage, he has remain staring for too long to pass completely unnoticed. At least by one of the two creatures barely twenty feet in front of him; the hipocampus trying to alert her fellow distracted friend.

Tech can tell when she exactly realises they're not alone. Her whole body tenses; eyes quickly scanning the water around them. They pass right over him once; then, her frightened gaze returns to his figure and transforms into terror. She freezes staring at him.

Tech understands her fear; it's only sensitive. She can barely see him from this distance in the depths of the ocean; his blue-black tail dissappearing in the darkness. Tech realises right then that, as much as he has heard stories of shallow mers been shy, mostly innocent creatures, it's possible she has heard stories about them as well; and by the mers reaction, Tech can guess the ones about deep-water mers aren't as pretty.

Still, Tech's endless curiosity hasn't been extinguished after one brief examination; so he very slowly aproaches her until they're nothing but three feet apart from each other. Tech's attention is again redirected to the creature's hair; the small underwater currents softly moving the few colourfull strands that escapes her braid in a half halo around her head. Up close, it holds an almost iridiscent hue; and Tech reaches a clawed finger to carefully trace a strand up and down, enthraced. His eyes scan the shallow mer again, and Tech has a sudden realisation that surprises himself; she's pretty, and he's so confused and lost at his own thoughts he can't do anything else but blink at her. There's endless beauty in the ocean, he has admired it countless of times before; and yet, no creature had personally called to his desires and perception of attraction like this.

Lost in his silent pondering, it takes Tech a few minutes to realise the level of stress the poor creature is experiencing at his presence. The shallow mer is uncontrollably shaking; eyes shut tight and heartbeat speeding at such a pace Tech can hear it in the quietness of the ocean. He had asumed she'd understand he meant no harm by now; but clearly there's another million options that are passing through the mer's mind, and Tech decides to give her space.

Upon the swoosh of his tail, the shallow-mer carefully opens her green eyes again; analysing him in what feels like an eternal second. Tech does his best in appearing relaxed and non-threatening.

The silent mutual observation lasts ten more seconds or so; then, the shallow mer makes an abrupt turn and sprints in a fast swim upwards, clearly running away. Tech can't help but feel dissapointed; but even if he's mostly sure he could catch up to her with a bit of effort -and something inside of him saddens at the thought of never seing her again-, he decides the best course of action is to let her go.

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You return to the reef and give your goodbyes to Yellow in a blurred daze. Once alone, the adrenaline of your friend's dissapearance and the encounter with the deep-water mer drops down; and you feel so exhausted and drained you inmediately curl up in the safe, hidden space between the rocks you call home.

That night you go to sleep thinking on him; on how unfairly stronger and powerful he looked with his sharp claws and muscled tail. It's a fitfull dream at first; though as the night advances and the fear grows distant, other details come to light. You suddenly remember his mesmerising amber eyes; how soft his bronze skin looked, tone much darker than those of shallow mers. The colours of his tail, so different to hers; a navy blue mixed with black, with just a hint of details in faded white and cyan. The impresive width of his two tail flukes and the sharp stinger in between. He made a fine mer.

The abrupt thought rips you of your light slumber. You wake up, panting in surprise. Surely you can't find the predator that almost made you have a heart attack atractive, right? He could have killed you; you'd like to think you're a bit more intelligent than that.

But he didn't.

The tiny little thought crawls like an unexpected visitor into your mind; and then, you can't think of anything else. He could have killed you, hurt you, but he didn't. Why?

At first you thought he was going to attack you. When you first felt his dangerous clawed hand reaching for you, you had shut your eyes in terror, waiting for the inevitable doom to come. Claws and canines biting and tearing delicate skin. But nothing had happened; nothing further than a... Could you call that a caress? Was that it?

Now, away from the danger and with your head in a clearer state, you picture the encounter again in your head. You try to remember the expresion on his face; realising there was more genuine, innocent curiosity than vicious agression. And he hadn't even tried to chase you when you had swam away. Could he hold the simple gentle curiosity for you you felt for the smaller creatures you often explored in the reef? Would he... Would he not attack you if you came across each other again?

It's a dangerous thought; and when the new day starts, you can't seem to quieten it inside your head.

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A rush of electrifying excitement zig-zags through Tech's body upon identifying the creature swimming in the distance. He interacts with orcas and whales enough to know the figure is somewhat unique; at least in this depths of the ocean. He hovers in place, patiently observing. He doesn't want to scare her away like last time. What is she doing down here again?

Tech scans the dark water in search for the hipocampus. He had the impresion the shallow mer had followed the small animal here last time; perhaps the situation has repeated itself. After a quick eye-search, though, he brushes the posibility away. She came her on her own. Why? There's no reason why a shallow mer would have to swim this deep.

Tech notices the way she swims in short bursts of energy and how her eyes constantly flicker around; like she's stubbornly looking for something. If not the hipocampus, what could that something be?

It has to be him.

It's the most logical answer; and yet, some part of Tech refuses to believe it, perhaps because he doesn't want to be hurt and dissapointed if it isn't. With a mix of hope and waryness, the deep-water mer swims towards the visitor; slowly announcing his presence to her.

The shallow mer's eyes widen in surprise; just a hint of fear and caution taking a grip on her. She doesn't make any move to run away, though; instead, she floats in place and stares.

Tech resists the urge to get closer and greet her, swim around her and gently brush his tail with hers as he does with his family. He doesn't want her to flee; so he patiently waits for her to make the first step.

Almost as if understanding this, the shallow mer flicks her flutes and cautiously shortens the distance between each other. Coming to a stop in front of him, she takes a deep breath; then, a high melodious voice breaks the silence of the ocean around them. She's talking to him.

Tech's inmediate surprise must be visible in his face. Frowning, he tries to make a sense to her words; but he doesn't get the full meaning of it, just an impresion of what she's saying. Tech thinks -or wants to believe- she's greeting him.

The shallow mer sighs quietly. Observing him for a few long seconds, she makes a move forward; a trembling hand extending towards Tech's face.

He tenses; not a product of fear. She doesn't have claws like him; Tech doesn't think the shallow mer can hurt him much with her bare hands. It's more of a wary reaction. He doesn't know what she wants; and the thought of her touching him admitedly sends a sort of carefull expectation to his body. Tech has shared a few kisses here and there with a female friend from another pod of deep-water mers; but it was sort of an agreement for them both to experience the situation together, and not out of real desire or attraction. Now, this mer... Not knowing where she stands, what her intentions are, being unable to talk to her about it, makes him nervous.

Breathing heavier and without tearing his eyes from her face, he let's her be. He shivers when he feels her soft fingertips playing with his hair; closing his eyes involuntarily before watching her with surprise.

She shows him a shy smile and then repeats the gesture in her own hair; exactly like he had done the day before. It's like she's trying to tell him something with it; and Tech flushes finally comfirming she came back because she's curious about him as well.

Tech nods; and calling his courage, he repeats the gesture on her. This time she just observes; she doesn't flinch.

It's a game of reconnaissance from there. They curiously study the other, hands no longer touching in order to try to respect their space; sometimes asking for a better perspective or trying to ask questions with mimics along the way. At one point, she opens her mouth and points with her index at his teeth, tilting her head. Tech answers showing her his sharp canines, and the shiver she gives him this time is clearly a joke, paired with an entertained smile. Tech chuckles and nods. They could look scary, he supposes. The deep-water mer makes a "no, no" sign with his hands before pointing back at her; indicating a clear "i'm not going to hurt you". The open, friendly smile she gives him is blinding.

They spend almost an hour interacting with each other. When she finally points upwards, signaling her need to return to the surface, Tech feels an instant urge to keep her with him a little longer. He knows he can't, though, shouldn't; perhaps she has other things to do.

He makes a "wait" sign and -upon her nod of acceptance- quickly dives down in the ocean; tail moving powerfully in order to take him to his home as fast as possible and back.

When he returns, he's got a mix of algae and zebrafish crushed scales in his left hand. Zebrafish are an incredibly species; they can regenerate a whole fin amputation and their own heart damage. It's one of the most interesting creatures Tech has spent his time studying.

He tries to convein this to her, his voice gentle and calm while he tries to represent his explanation with his spare hand. She frowns, completely lost at first, glancing down at the mix in his hand and back at his face. Then, he tries to draw a starfish with his index, and upon poiting to the still angry wound on her side and shoulder insistently, an "oh" of understanding washes over her expression. She nods with an appreciative smile.

Tech's hovering so close to her now that he can feel her breathing pattern in front of him; the tiny change of the water movement when it passes through her gills. Tech has them at both sides of his pectorals; while her's are positioned a bit lower, towards the end of her rib cage.

He studies her wounds with critical eye, wondering what could have caused them. There's a few scratches here and there; probably produced by the drag of skin against rocks and corals. A bigger one on one of her sides above the beginning of her tail looks like a shark bite. None are deep or particularly worrying; but Tech knows they must hurt, and if he can help her, he will.

Tech swipes some of the mix in two fingers and gently presses them against the indents of the bite. The shallow mer hisses in pain, her body reflexively trying to shy away; but he makes a soothing sound with his voice and the mer looks at him, breathing through it and regaining awareness of herself. She stays patiently put while he helps her.

Heartbeat speeding inside his chest, Tech slowly dares to trace the pad of his thumb over the scratch on her cheek. He knows the minor wound needs no medicine, it's already healing on itself; but he can't keep his hands to himself. She's beautiful; expresive eyes and cute nose, colourful hair and a elegant, delicate body he wishes he could further explore.

She shivers; but the deep-water mer doesn't detect any fear from her, can't smell anything of the sort in the ocean around them. Her eyes lock with his; and even if no words are exchanged, Tech can't help but feel there's some sort of silent conversation there. Wonder, desire, caution. A longing reflected in the other mer.

The moment has stretched too long, and Tech drops his hand back to his side. He nods, signaling that his work is finished; that she's free to go now if she wants to.

The shallow mer doesn't take her eyes off of him. Tentatively, almost as if testing his boundaries, she grazes her tail with his in a gentle, thankful gesture. Tech's aware that the gesture could be considered flirting in their species; and blushes slightly.

He hears her soft chuckle. Then, she swims up and they grow apart again.

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You grow fond of him. It's easy to do so, really; once the frigthening first impression is out of the way, you can see further than that, and every small thing you discover about him apeases you more and more as weeks pass by.

The first few days are just more of those cautious, curious interactions. As you slowly get used to the others presence, you both start to grow more relaxed and playful; Tech –his name is one of the first things he teaches you– eventually inviting you for a long swim, and you happily accepting. You can't help but observe the way he moves; the power and strength in his long blue tail, mesmerised. When he catches you gawking, a tiny satisfied and knowing smirk makes it's way to his face; and though you inmediately look away, embarassed, you can't help but think it looks good on him as well.

A month after your first encounter you ask him to follow you to the surface. You know it's not ideal for him, his scales and skin too thick to cope with such warmth for long periods of time; but you know he'll be okay for a couple of hours, just like you are able to cope with the depths of his comfort zone. Tech nods curiously and explores with you every inch of the reef just like a kid. It's him who stares at you enthraced this time; marvelling at the way the sunlight flickers off of your iridiscent scales, at how shiny and bright the greens become. When you glance at him in confusion as to why he had stopped, wondering if he felt tired, he stares straight at your eyes and whispers one of the few words he has learned in your language.

"Pretty".

It makes you blush and internally swoon for him. You answer with a radiant smile and quickly peck his cheek before swimming away. Tech looks at you in surprise before moving to catch up with you. He affectionately rubs his body against yours as he does and passes by.

He takes you to meet his pod. You're not going to lie, the first fears and doubts about Tech resurface with the intimidating group of deep-water mers; your instinct screaming at you at the obvious disadvantage, at the danger, encouraging you to run away. But Tech –sweet, intelligent Tech– inmediately notices it; and reassures you by constantly standing by your side and giving soft caresses to your hands and back. It helps that his family is openly friendly and accepting; with the exception of Crosshair. Tech brushes his reaction aside, telling you it's normal of him to behave like that. You hope you will grow on him with time.

The way they live, play and hunt is a spectacle to see and experience. Tech tries to give you a thorough explanation on why and how deep-water mers had had to learn and adapt like that; though with the small bunch of words he has managed to learn by now and his irrepresible excitement it's hard to follow him. Tech's patient, though, and you're curious; so with a bit of effort, you both make it work.

After his quiet, surprisingly normal and easy inclusion to his family, you take him to meet Yellow. You point at the small sea horse and tell him two words –"Friend. Pod"–; Tech's amber eyes filling with some sort of melancholic understanding before he's fiercely hugging you towards him. You tremble in his arms and press your forehead against the side of his neck, breathing him in; you haven't had this kind of contact in so long –it has been years since you last came across one of yours–, and it feels so devastatingly comforting you fear you'll grow addicted to it.

Your heart clenches when you see him interacting with Yellow. He's so big, and your friend so tiny; it's an adorable sight, and the way the seahorse quickly warms up to him and the mer gently treats him is simply adorable. With a fond smile on your face, you realise you're starting to fall in love with him.

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One of those nights when Tech can't help but feel alone, even with the knowledge that his pod is sleeping not far away from him, the deep-water mer follows his heart and thoughts and swims upwards towards the sky; towards where the stars seem to fall into the ocean. He knows his way around the reef by now; and with his speed, he's soon carefully peeking his head into the circle of rocks you sleep in and call home. You're curled up in yourself; arms crossed hugging your stomach. You look so small and vulnerable it tugs at the strings of his heart; and Tech carefully swims into your space and lays by your side.

The carefully brush of a tail against yours wakes you up; your gasp quickly growing silent when you realise it's Tech besides you. You look at him in surprise, quietly questioning him; and he answers in small melodious words in your mother tongue.

"Alone" he points at her, then at himself. "Worry. Miss".

You sigh and eliminate the tiny distance between your bodies, melting onto him.

"Miss you too" you whisper against his neck, tightening your embrace.

Tech hums happily and curls his tail around yours, softly caressing your hair. After a few minutes of memorising his embrace, when you stop hiding in his neck and glance up at him, he gently holds your chin in his grasp; amber eyes shinning with an unusual intensity.

"Love" he whispers delicately in front of your lips.

Your breathing hitches. Is he really telling you...?

Tech kisses you; a soft, reverent press of lips on lips that brands your soul with his name. It draws a sleepy, content sigh from you; and you answer him dreamily.

"I love you too, Tech".

You've finally found your mer.

THE END.

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Tara! This one was so sweet, hope you' ve liked it, I love merfolk so fucking much!

Next up; prompt 8 with pirate!Hunter !! It might take me a little longer as I'm going on a trip with my friends soon.

Please, interact in tumblr! Wether if it's with a like, reblog or comment, it really helps the community to stay alive and personally make one feel more happy and appreciated. Can't deny I've felt a little ploff about it lately. Don't be a ghost, I promise I'm nice! ;)

See you in the next one. Take care.

Xx,

Blue.

Back to main masterlist here:

[oceansssblue]

100 CELEBRATION – PROMPT 6. HISTORIC PERIOD (REGENCY) AU

REX/FEMALE READER 💖🔥

WARNINGS: ALTERNATIVE UNIVERSE INSPIRED BY THE BRIDGERTONS, REFERENCES/IMPLIED CLASSISM AND ARRANGED MARRIAGES. SMALL AGE DIFFERENCE MENTIONED (nothing happens until reader is an adult). PERHAPS SOME HISTORICAL INACURANCIES. THIS ONE'S ALL FLUFF AND A BIT OF SMUT IN THE END (virgin reader). No name of female reader is mentioned, but I kinda needed to give us a surname, so we're lady Everhart now.

This one is SO long y'all! I still wanted to publish it under one single post, so I decided to name each part so you can find it easier if you can't read this one in just one go.

Read below the cut!

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PART 1. A HELPING HAND

In a society were appearance was almost as important as reality, your family stood at the very top of the piramid. It made walking around town without being recognised an impossible task; but your life has always been like that. Since you were a small child, mother and father have always reminded you to behave as if there were more than a pair of eyes studying you. People in Mandalore –and in any other country, for that matter– like to speculate and gossip; more so in the higher classes, and people tend to be specially critique and less permissive with those who hold more money or power than them, perhaps because of simple envy. And your family is very envied; but also well respected, and some are –daresay– even fond of you three, because for all the money you have, your family has always been polite and considerate. A small donation was made each year to the local orphanage and hospital. Those who worked for the family were never mistreated; and though your parents may be strict to you, they are, generally, kind people.

You have always been a sociable, friendly girl anyways –while also a tad shy at the same time–; so all the recognition doesn't bother you that much, and you make your way to the town's florist with a happy spring on your step, smiling and answering greetings, and even stopping for a quick chat with one or two fellow mandalorians, if only for courtesy. You've just celebrated your twelfth birthday; and for the first time in your life, your parents have allowed you to visit the town center without them. Without their guiding hand. Of course, you are still in the company of your chauffeur –who has been asked to make sure you remain safe and doesn't let you walk more than a few steps ahead of him–; but still, the ilusion of a bit of independance is thrilling.

You've had a nice stroll through town; stopped to have a taste at your favorite bakery's delicatessem and decided to finish the visit adquiring some beautiful flowers for your mother. You have a hard time choosing; they are all their own brand of magnificent, and you've always been just a tiny bit undecissive. You finally end up buying a stunning arrangement of purple Limoniums and daisyes; a few magnolia leaves in between to act as a background for the main artists. Purple is your mother's favorite colour, and both of you share a love for flowers and other flora. Your favorite spot at your family's main estate is probably the gardens; where you like to read or sketch.

It is upon the short walk back to the horse carriage in which you came in when you recognise someone else. The oldest of the Fett girls –Ashoka, if you rememember well– is holding a conversation with the only descendant of the Krells; a family almost as rich as yours but nowhere near as charismatic. You quietly observe the interaction; quickly reading between lady Fett's frown and her pursed lips. You can't blame her for not doing a better job at masking her disdain. You haven't really had the chance to personally talk with sir Krell yourself; but you have been in the presence of his parents –Marie and Pong– several times, and it has never been an exciting experience.

Your own frown can't help but make it's way through your face when you see the man closing his hand around lady Fett's wrist; the older girl –she should be fifteen or sixteen, you suppose– visibly unhappy about it. After a brief moment of hesitation, you decide to step in. Ashoka and you are nowhere near as friends. You've barely exchanged more than passing greetings with her; but you have often watched her family from affar –it's inevitable to feel curious, if only because for how many Fetts they are– and they had always been perfectly polite and kind. You can see she is on her own today as well. Perhaps you're exagerating the situation, but just in case, you'll offer her the chance to flee the scene.

"Lady Fett!" You bring a pleased expresion of surprise to your face, coming to a slow stop besides her. Your chauffeur waits patiently for you a few steps behind, giving you some space. "Oh, this is such a wonderful coincidence! It has been so long since we last had the oportunity to chat with each other... I was just on my way to the carriage that will take me back home. I'm not sure if you came here on one of your own, or if you have finished with whatever has taken you to center town... But I wonder if you wouldn't mind sharing mine on the way back so we could use the time to get reaquainted?"

You'll give her some credit; her blue eyes –a unique trait of hers, since none of the other Fetts share that eye colour– only widen fractionally for a second before she's following you on your made-up excuse, smiling instantly.

"Lady Everhart" Ashoka gives a tiny half nod half bow in courtesy, which you replicate inmediately. "A wonderful surprise indeed. It is a brilliant idea, it would be wonderful to get reaquainted. Are you in a rush, dear?"

You can almost imagine the silent conversation between you and the older girl's eyes. You fake a bit of hesitance and worry and gesture towards the arrangement still in your hands.

"Oh, I'm afraid so! You see, I had just bought this beautiful flowers for my mother, and I worry they'll go to waste if I don't put them in water soon. I hope it doesn't pose a problem if we retire now?" Then, you turn your body to fully face sir Krell and smile sweetly. "I really am sorry for cutting your meeting short, my lord. I hope you find kidness in yourself to forgive me".

There's really no such thing as kidness in the Krell's name; but the man knows a lost battle when he faces one, so he gives you a forced smile back and makes a small gesture with his hat.

"It is already forgiven, my lady" is his polite answer. "I wish you both a good rest of your afternoon".

He shoots a last lingering glance at lady Fett before he courtesys again and retires. Ashoka lets out a sigh of relief and you smile gently at her, gently redirecting her towards your carriage.

"Follow me, lady Fett. Our transport is just around the corner here".

It's only until you're both sitting down in the carriage and you've given the chauffeur instructions to make a stop at the Fett's estate when the young woman finally allows herself to fully relax and alludes to the situation you've helped her escape.

"I can't thank you enough for that, lady Everhart" she starts. "Lord Krell doesn't appear to understand the decline of an offer when he hears it".

You wash it off instantly; and though you've always felt irritated by the general gossip, you can't help but ask her directly.

"Please forgive me for inquiring, and do not feel the need to answer if you'd prefer not to... But I assume he is interested in courting you, then?

Lady Fett sighs again; an exasperated one, this time.

"He has always paid... Particular attention to me, yes. The fact that I will have my presentation in society next year seems to have duplicated his efforts, no matter how clearly I've shown my desinterest. You would think he couldn't get more obnoxious than he normally is; but oh, believe me, he can".

Ashoka's eyes widen again, almost as if that last part was blurted out and caught even herself by surprise. You certainly weren't expecting it –people are always so carefull with what they say around you, perhaps afraid of offending you– and you laugh and giggle at both her comment and her expresion. Seing at how you're not bothered at all, lady Fett chuckles quietly as well, though with a tint of embarassment on her cheeks.

Both of you have a nice chat while the carriage takes you to the Fett's. This is the first time you've really interacted with Ashoka; but you take an instant liking to the older girl.

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PART 2. TEA AT THE FETT'S

When lady Fett invites you to a cup of tea upon arriving to her house, you're unable to say no to those big blue eyes of hers. Ashoka really is a beautiful girl; with incredibly long, almost white hair that ends right past her hips, and that bronze skin inherited by all the Fetts. She has a small nose and plush dark lips; and a wide smile that stretches from side to side of her face. She's not as tall as her brothers. Where they have wide shoulders and a strong build, she's more on the leaner, agile side; but you can definitly see the resemblance between them. Now, the similarities between the Fett boys themselves... That is astounding; other mandalorians often joking about their parents having somehow pre-selected the same looks for all of them. As far as you know, there are two girls and eleven males in the Fett family; ages ranking from twenty-six to eight. The fact that so many children had lost both their mother and father –the first during labour, the second one in war barely a year after her death– was terribly saddening. At least they all seemed to be a loving family, support each other; and they were doing well.

To your relief and joy, Ashoka inmediately asks a maid to find a place for the flowers you've bought to remain watered and safe; and so you're able to follow her through her home without worrying about them. You curiously study the rooms as you walk by them; never having visited the Fett's before today. Wether your family ocuppies the top of society's piramid, Ashoka's family stands on the bottom part of nobility; though your parents have always been fond of the Fetts and that same distant but sincere fondness seems to have passed onto you. Most of the other higher families share the feeling; the Fett name is undeniably linked to a long list of brave soldiers and warriors, and Mandalore takes great pride on its army. If you remember correctly, only one of the Fett boys has followed an alternative path; Kix, who must be just a year older than Ashoka, and has been recently apointed as the town's doctor new apprentice.

Lady Fett guides you to the gardens; and inmediatly upon stepping outside, you can hear laughter and different sets of voices calling to each other and half-shouting. You quickly find out what's the funny scene. One third of the Fett boys have their eyes blindfolded while they try to catch the second third –and Omega, the youngest of all at only eight– with their hands; while the last small group of them watches the scene a bit further apart, sitting down around a small table and enjoying conversation over tea.

Ashoka shoots them all a smirk.

"I see you're all entertained" she comments, making herself known, and the Fett's sitting at the table all turn around to happily greet her.

You stand a few steps behind her, still watching the game with a tiny smile on your face.

"Ashoka! You're back earlier than we expected" Gregor –third oldest– frowns and worries. "Is everything alright?"

The older girl steps aside so you're in their line of view as well and gently beckons you to her side. You focus your attention back on the gentlemen.

"Yes, thanks to lady Everhart. She just happened to pass by and aided me at escaping sir Krell's hands".

Quiet groans and mutters spread through the table, and you have to reign in the need to laugh. Apparently, the rest of the Fetts are as irritated by sir Krill as Ashoka herself. You see some other more serious, clenched jaws as well. You should have guessed this soldiers would be particularly protective of their sister.

"Lady Everhart" the oldest of the brothers, Cody, inmediately stands up to greet you, and you give him a small courtesy in response. "Your presence is more than welcomed into our home. Would you like to join us for tea?"

You nod politely at the offer, shyness mixing into your feelings. After all, you're in a house full of strangers; you'll need some extra time to feel more comfortable around them.

"Thank you, Sir Fett" you quietly answer. "If you're sure I won't interrupt..."

Cody waves a hand in nochalance.

"Of course not, please" he turns and gestures for you to take place in one of the spair chairs.

You elegantly sit down, mindfull of your dress, and Ashoka takes the spot besides you. You smile amicably to the rest of the Fetts.

"Evening, sirs" you greet them, receiving a wave of choruses back.

Cody sits down again as well.

"You'll have to forgive the noise, lady Everhart. Sometimes finding new ways to entertain Omega and Tup can get to be a bit too much".

You read the underlaying wariness and worry under his words and their facial expresions; and so, you answer with an unbothered, sincere smile.

"It poses no problem at all, sir Fett. I wish I had someone to play with me like this when I was a child. It looks like fun...".

There are some relieved smiles and smirks in response to that; and soon you're inmersed in annecdotes and stories about Ashoka's family, the atmosphere turning less formal and more relaxed with each set of chuckles and laughs.

A general picture of the Fett's starts to form in your mind. Commanders Cody and Wolffe are the oldest ones; followed closely –just by one year apart– by Gregor, and then sargents Rex and Howzer. The twins, Fives and Echo, stand at the middle of the bunch; Kix being the last adult of the Fett siblings at seventeen years old, just one year above Ashoka. Jesse and Dogma are fourteen and thirteen, respectively; and then you have the youngest siblings at last, Tup and Omega, with ten and eight. It is clear they all love each other just the same.

For all their physical similarities, their personalities are vastly different. Commander Wolffe is the most intimidating one of the group; his few interventions almost coming off in quiet mutterings and irritated snaps. He's still polite and it's clear he's just as caring towards his family as Cody; he's just a bit more rough around the edges, perhaps as a result of his experiences at war. You try not to glance twice at his eyepatch.

Cody has all the qualities of a good father; since he had to basically take the roll of one. He's firm but patient; and has impecable manners. Gregor's character seem to be less sharp and more openly friendly; the kind of person who'll make anyone feel instantly at ease.

Kix and Gregor seem to be the more affectionate of the bunch. You can't make a picture out of Howzer because he really doesn't interact much; you suspect he's a bit on the reserved side.

Rex is like a mix of everyone; he's similar to Cody, holding that same self-confidence and firmness, while holding Kix and Gregor's warmth –even if he shows it in a quieter, more subtle way–, and adding a bit of the twins traits.

Fives is one of the most straight-forward people you've met; while also being the chirpiest –for a lack of a better word–. He's all bright smiles and cheekiness, jokes and laughs; it's hard to picture him in battle with a personality like that, though you have no doubt he makes an excellent soldier. Echo is a quieter version with much more irony and sarcasm.

Observing the rest of the younger siblings playing, you can tell there's a bit of brotherly rivalry between Jesse and Dogma; the first one acting more carefree and mischiveous while the second follows rules to perfection. Tup and Omega are just inocent sweethearts; the boy more shy and the girl more curious. You're surprised at how fast you've managed to catch everyone's twist; how much their differences shine.

The rest of the evening passes by; and it's soon time for you to return home –mother and father might start worrying now–. You say your goodbyes to the family and Ashoka guides you back to main entrance; a maid quickly stepping forward and politely reminding you of the flowers you left in the vase before. You wait patiently for her to bring them to you. It is on that short wait when Sargent Rex and Omega make their way to the staircase; and the maid reappears with the stunning flower arrangement. The youngest of the Fett's makes a surprised sound while she changes the direction of her steps.

"Oh, wow!" She exclaims, eyes wide open, aproaching slowly with his older brother at his back. "I've never seen such vibrant purple flowers before!"

You smile and show them to her; Omega peering curiously and glancing up at you as if asking for some sort of explanation.

"This ones right here are Limoniums" you point, voice soft and gentle. "They come all the way up from Naboo, and it is said they represent hope and beauty. And you probably recognise the daisies. Did you know they're often used in medicine? They help wounds heal faster and reduces inflamation".

Omega looks at you in surprise.

"Really? I should start to collect this then, I'm somehow always falling around!" She blurts out, making the three of you chuckle inmediately.

Rex squeezes her shoulder affectionately.

"It would help if half of your games didn't require you to wander around with your eyes closed, 'Meg" he points out in good humour, and you smile wider at Omega's response and pout.

"But they're the most fun..."

Sargent Rex chuckles and nods in acceptance.

"Okay, okay".

You glance at the flowers and back at the eight year old girl. You quickly make a decision and hand them to her.

"You know, it's a rocky trip to my family estate and I wouldn't want this beautiful flowers to go to waste. If you promise you'll take care of them, I'll leave them here under your care".

Before any of Omega's siblings have had the chance to shut the offer down for her, the girl is already jumping up and down in excitement.

"Oh, I promiss I will! Thank you!"

She quickly takes them in her hands and approaches the maid again, gesturing happily while the woman tags along and indulges her while they walk away. You smile so wide your cheeks hurt.

"That was a very nice gesture" the sargent comments, Ashoka nodding in agreement. "Which unfortunately means you'll return home with your hands empty. Are you sure you don't mind?"

You shake your head to the sides, still smiling honestly.

"We're not lacking flowers at home" you shyly joke. "And I have a feeling my mother wouldn't have been as enthusiastic as Omega. I can always buy another one for her."

A pair of days later, a similar purple arrangement is delivered to your family estate; a small card that signs "the Fetts" with a slightly messy scribble that you suspect is Omega's masterpiece. The detail brings a fond smile to your face.

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PART 3. THE RACE

Hera Syndulla has always been your best friend. Her family had moved in from Ryloth decades ago –and mandalorians were not exactly welcoming to strangers–; but the Syndulla's carried a good name and fortune with them, so your grandparents –you never had the chance to meet them, for they had died long before you were born– had all but encouraged their friendship. Your respective parents had therefore grown together; so it was only natural that the two of you, both girls that were used to attend the same social circles, happened to grow close as well.

You're on one of those socially aceptable entertainments today; the anual horse race in honor of the Cuy'val Dar; those who no longer exists with us. Hera is right by your side on one of the stands; both of you chatting excitedly and making comments about the form and beauty of the horses or the rumoured ability of their jockeys. Spring has just arrived to Mandalore, and the weather is specially pleasant today; every man and woman taking the chance to show their best attires and dresses, transforming the public stands in a wide spectrum of fabrics and colours. You've chosen a light blue for today; where Hera wears her classic lime green dress, one of her all time favorites. It compliments her well.

Still talking with your bubbly friend, your eyes flicker distractedly over the rows of fellow mandalorians; taking in known faces and spotting other unfamiliar ones here and there. It is in that lazy scan around you when you lock eyes with a set of almost golden ones on the stand next to yours; and your attention inmediately zeroes there. Rex Fett smiles politely and makes a greeting elegant gesture with his hat towards you; never ceasing to talk with the gentleman at his side –Sir Skywalker, you believe–. You return the courtesy with a slight, almost imperceptible blush to your cheeks. You've heard that Rex has been promoted to captain –while the twins had just finished ARC training–; and you know you're not the only fifteen year old that has been thinking about the handsome soldier lately. You've heard other girls your age –and older– gossip about him; and about how dissapointing it is that he never takes another woman other than his sister to dance. You've heard a bit of resentment and venom in those words too, as well as another few ill-words; but you have no doubt Ashoka's brother had tried nothing but letting them down gently, never intending to humiliate or hurt them. And you're confident that he doesn't give in because he thinks better of himself than those who had insinuated anything close to interest. By what you can remember of him from that one ocasion at the Fett's and the very few interactions between each other through the following years, he's nothing but considerate and gentle. Perhaps he hasn't indulged another woman before because he hadn't been particularly interested and he didn't want to consciously play or hurt anyone. It is unusual; but you respect that.

Unfortunately, all that rambling inside your head makes you lose the trail of your conversation with Hera and your friend quickly notices why; pointing it to you with an amused smile.

"Ah, so I finally learn what is your type, then..." she comments, voice humourous.

You tear your eyes away from the captain and look back to Hera; uncontrollably blushing harder at her unexpected and very direct comment.

"I have said no such thing" You answer, perhaps with a bit too much emotion for that comment being far from the truth. "Besides, Captain Rex is a few years older than me. It isn't like that. Why does your dirty mind always have to jump to that?

Hera laughs.

"Alright, alright. No need to act so offended, my lady" she jokes. Her bright green eyes flicker upwards behind your back. She then grins widely. "He just glanced back at you again, by the way".

Your face twists in surprise, and you carefully take a glance back as well; finding him completely absorbed in a new conversation with a readhead that can only be Lord Kenobi. You frown in confusion, and your friend starts cackling quietly. You look in her direction again and quickly understand it was her way of proving her point; and you have to roll your eyes and chuckle inevitably. Hera is a little sneaky thing.

When the race is announced to be about to start, and the jockeys may ask for a token of a lady of their choice to bring them luck, both you and Hera are truly surprised when Lord Vizla asks you for your handkerchief. Pre Vizla is only three years older than you; however, you've never really interacted with him and he definitly has never shown anything akin to interest before. But there's eyes on the two of you now –unbekownst to you, Rex's as well–; and he's from one of the most powerful families of Mandalore, so you smile politely and hand it to him.

Lord Vizla ties it to his wrist and smirks; and you can't help but think he's a different kind of attractive as well. Ah, hormones really make a young woman's body and mind a mess when they're fifteen.

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PART 4. THE BALL

You're seventeen; and a few months after your birthday, right at the beginning of the summer, Mandalo'r Kryze organises the anual royal ball for all men and woman of your age to be presented into society.

Saying you are nervous would be an understatement. This is no ordinary ball. You're aware of how much this ocasion could change your future; women in nobility marry young. Your soon-to-be husband could ask you for a dance today; or perhaps feel pushed to take you off from another gentleman's hands after this ocasion and pursue you in the ones to come.

You wait in line with the other seventeen year old girls –woman, now– trying to mask your nerves. Every single one of you are dressed in your finest attires. The dress you've chosen for this ocasion is a special emerald green with a lighter tone for the lace and embroidery; as well as the usual white elbow-length gloves and silver jewelry. The delicate tiara that holds your updo is lined with five small diamonds; another two teardrop-shaped ones hanging from each ear. In the space between your collarbones a heart-shaped emerald rivals for the attention of the dress she was sumoned to match with. Your tight corset and heels might feel uncomfortable; though you have to admit you've never felt better with yourself than when your mother had finally allowed you to look at your reflection before taking the carriage to the Mandal'ors palace. You've never considered yourself vain -there are so many other important qualities, after all-; but you had to admit you had felt relieved and satisfied with what you could see. You know everyone's eyes –and gossips– would be upon the group of debutants today; and you can't help but want to make a good impresion.

Soon, you're all parading down the marble staircase towards the salon that will hold the ball; and you promptly make it to your father for the first dance of the night, who gives you a little smile to reasure you and soothe your nerves. You gratefully smile back at him and prepare yourself for the first note of the violin.

All too short, the first dance finishes; and almost inmediately, the first brave gentleman of the night ask for your father's permision to substitute him for the next one. Your father nods and leaves you in his hands. You smile –a bit nervous still– at him before placing your hand on his arm and concentrating in the next set of steps. You don't personally know this gentleman; he's not unpolite, though he barely whispers a word to you either, and soon he is forgotten on the line of faces of good sirs you dance with through the night.

More or less at half of the songs list, Pre Vizla asks for a spot on your dance card; and you happily indulge him in one. You notice a few glances and whispers around you when the two of you make your way to the center of the room; but you make your best to ignore them and focus on the man in front of you. Vizla is impecably dressed. You can tell he has asked for Mandalor's best seamstresses for the way the fabric of his suit shines with the inflection of the light, and how well it fits him inch by inch. There's not a single wrinkle were it shouldn't be.

He's a good dance partner; he doesn't stumble, doesn't hesitate, and directs you over the floor efortlessly. He makes small chat with you afterwards, complimenting the emerald that hangs from your neck and the intricacy of your updo; and you can't help but feel flattered and excited about possible prospects with him. You know mother and father must be feeling satisfied and proud somewhere in the room, looking at the two of you.

After a brief uncomfortable incident in the following dances, you hear your name being called by someone standing behind you. Hera's eyes widen in shock in front of you; and you turn towards the voice with curiosity and intrigue upon your best friend's reaction. You can't help but gasp quietly as well, eyes widening too in honest surprise. In front of you is none other than captain Rex Fett; more handsome than ever with his light hair and amber eyes contrasting with the dark blue jacket of his formal attire.

"Lady Everhart" he calls you again, nodding politely in greeting, studying your reaction quietly. "Would you happen to have a spot on your dance card for me?"

It takes you a few seconds to react; and even then, you answer without thinking on how your sentence could be misinterpreted. You open your dance card and chuckle.

"I'm afraid I can't write your name in here anymore, sir Fett".

He's quick to mask his dissapointment; though you can see the hurt through his gaze. His eyes are so expressive; even if his face stays in polite understanding.

"I see. Well, I don't want to steal your time..."

You frown in confusion. Hera points at your dance card urgently at the Captain's back; and you suddenly remember your half blurted answer to Rex's invite.

"Oh!" Your cheeks redden upon your own embarassment. "Please forgive me, I forgot to give you the context for my denial. My dance card... Just happened to be monopolised by one gentleman in particular, who decided to take the pencil from my hands and write his own name in every single one of the dances left..."

You let him have a look at it and the man's expresion softens in understanding at sir Maul's –a very unpleasent, narcissist individual– messy caligraphy scribbled on every single spot on your dance card. You quickly show him a bright, enthusiastic smile.

"But even if I couldn't write your name down, it would be my pleasure to save the last dance for you" you accept, and the Captain nods, giving you a small smile before retiring to patiently wait for his moment.

As the night comes to an end, you feel more and more exhausted, energy slowly being drained; your feet hurt and you feel like you can barely breathe properly at this point of the ball. Some of the other debutants have left already, their dances completed; but there is only one more song you have reserved for someone, and so your eyes scan the salon to find him.

Captain Rex is chatting with Ashoka, her husband –another soldier for the Mandalorian army, you believe–, and one of his younger brothers –Jesse–. She catches your eye first; joy quickly brightening her features while she greets you all the way through the other side of the room. You smile right back at her with the same emotion bubbling inside of you.

The interaction pulls Rex's attention back to you; his eyes fixed on yours now, questioning. You nod to indicate you're ready for him and he closes the conversation with his family before making his way towards you. Your heart accelerates inside your chest. Your nerves had died out through the night until now; but you somehow hold a special kind of respect and admiration –and perhaps attraction as well– towards sir Fett, and you feel them return to you at full force. For how social you are and how you've been confidently behaving throughout the night, you now feel a bit shy. You're also aware that he doesn't usually actively participate in this kind of events; and the knowledge that he has decided to step in for you, that he might be interested in you in that way...

Rex seems to notice this, for he gently directs you to a less-centered spot for the both of you to comfortably dance along the rest; quickly trying to put you at ease by speaking of Ashoka -a common ground- and asking about your friend. The small chat is enough to help you keep your own nerves at bay in order to enjoy this last dance and not make a fool out of yourself.

And oh, how you enjoy it... There's something about Rex. Where with others -even with Vizla- you've felt evaluated, almost as if they were looking or at least paying attention -waiting- for an error on your part –both in the dancing and in your general behaviour or conversation–, the Captain makes you feel comfortable; almost normal. He doesn't glance around the room. His eyes don't flicker to the top of your breasts under the excuse of admiring your jewelry or dress. They stay focused on yours; such an undivided attention making you feel flustered and warm at the same time. He's a perfect gentleman; and when the dance finishes and you talk some more with him, it feels like he's really listening, and not politely waiting for you to end your phrase before redirecting the conversation to something more of his interest.

A few minutes later, your mother smiles at you and makes a small subtle gesture with her head towards the door; and you know it's time to go back home. Rex nods in agreement; his amber eyes momentarily glancing upwards towards your hair.

"Lady Everhart, before we take our different ways, I wanted to compliment your..." he momentarily hesitates, or perhaps gets lost in his words, and you try to finish the rest of the sentence for him with a kind smile on your face.

"Let me guess... You admire the complexity of my updo? Or the elegance of my tiara?" you smile knowingly.

It's what most of the gentlemen have commented about; along with your necklace and dress. Mother had really helped you to pick the best choice.

To your surprise, Rex shakes his head, focusing on your face again.

"They're beautiful, of course... But that wasn't my first thought of the night upon seing you" he answers politely, then almost quietly whispers, warmth in his eyes. "I wanted to compliment the beauty you are yourself. You look lovely today, if I may say".

"Oh" your cheeks are on fire after his answer, and you swear you almost feel the butterflies moving inside of you. "That's so considerate of you to say. Thank you, sir Fett. If I may... You... You look lovely as well".

Your eyes take sudden interest in the floor in front of your feet; and the captain chuckles quietly, thanking you for your kind words as well before taking your hand in his and giving your dorso a kiss in a heartfelt goodbye.

"I shall let you return to your family, my lady. Perhaps we could see each other soon in a less crowded setting".

You see the way he's calmly observing your reaction now; trying to figure out wether you'd be truly interested in that or if you agreeing to dance with him has been nothing more than kind politeness.

Not knowing exactly what to say, you give him a shy nod and hope he can read it all in your face.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

PART 5. RIVALING SUITORS

The next couple of days are nothing but hectic to the Everhart family. Your worries of not having made a good impresion in the royal ball are inmediately washed away when letters and gifts start to arrive to your estate at your name. Your mother is almost as excited as you; while your father just observes the situation with a mix of pride and melancholy. You know it's difficult for him to get used to the fact that you're not a small girl anymore; that you may get married soon and leave their home. You try not to dwell on that fact either; even if you're excited about all of this, it scares you too. Thankfully, you still have a sociably acceptable couple of months before taking any permanent decision.

Pre Vizla gifts you a delicate piece of jewelry each time you both meet. First it's an amethyst bracelet; then a new set of diamond earings -this ones in a perfect rounded shape-, and finally a tiara of small, beautiful emeralds that he points would match perfectly with the one you wore in a necklace for the royal ball. You thank each one of them with a smile and honest gratefulness; and when others are gently led down either in person or by letter, Pre Vizla stays on the top part of your favorite suitors. He's consistent in his interest.

You had been initially somewhat dissapointed to find out Captain Rex hadn't been along the ones who had sent you a gift; thinking he might have changed of opinion and he was no longer interested in pursuing you in a romantic way. But a week and a half after your presentation in society, your father tells you Sir Fett has reached out to him via correspondence and that he has set up a date for the two of you to pass some time together -with your maid as a carbine, of course-. The hope that you had pushed down inside your chest reignites ten times stronger; and when the day arrives and he greets you with a purple flower arragement you know well, your heart melts.

"I wish I would have known your favorites so I could get them for you" he says, voice and eyes warm and honest. "But if I recall correctly you were fond of Limoniums and daisies as well".

It moves you; the fact that he hasn't chosen any random flowers or the most pricey or classical ones, but an arrangement he knew would mean something to you instead. It moves you; the fact that he remembers -or has bothered to learn- even the names of the flowers as well.

You show him a smile so wide and bright it hurts the side of your cheeks.

"My favorite ones are pink lilies" you tell him softly. "But this is an excellent choice as well. Thank you, sir Fett".

Rex nods and the rest of the afternoon flies by. You find yourself completely engrosed with him.

The next few weeks your mind and heart are pulled into two different directions. Pre Vizla and Rex Fett hold your complete attention now; and your days pass meeting with one and the other, trying to find out who you like best and who would be a better match for you. You have trouble deciding. Both gentleman are excellent suitors; and each of them have their own qualities. Your heart is more partial towards Rex; while your mind tells you Vizla is best. You start to feel stressed. You don't want to regret what probably is the most important decision in your life; but even your parents are shooting you that "you have to chose sooner or later" look now.

Perhaps noticing your rollercoaster of emotions, Pre invites you to a picnic in his family estate. You are thankfull for the change of scenery; you've always liked nature and spending time under the sun -though your mother has always reminded you to protect your skin from it since you can remember, pointing out that developing different tan spots wasn't very lady-like -. You talk with sir Vizla for an hour -listening attentively- before he suggests a small boat trip. Mandalore has several lakes; and the Vizla family had built their mansion centuries ago right besides one of them. You nod and follow his directions excitedly; the only chance you get to be near the water is when Mandal'or Kryze organises a summer evening for all society to attend to -as the palace is built next to the biggest lake of Mandalore as well-, and that won't be until a week's time.

Pre pilots the small boat perfectly; rowing efortlessly to take the boat further into the lake -not too far away either- before leaving both paddles inside and re-starting the conversation. Your attention is split between the view and him until the wind pushes a dandelion in front of you. You smile and innocently try to catch it, enthraced; not noticing how the boat tilts to one side dangerously with the suden shift of your weight. Vizla has barely had the time to shout out a warning before the boat is completely tilted over and you're both plumeting into the water.

You gasp and resurface with a cough; a mix of surprise, understanding, and embarassment showing in your face.

"I'm so sorry!" you inmediately say, fighting against the weight of your now heavy dress to keep your head afloat while Pre quickly takes hold of the boat and miraculously manages to scramble back inside of it.

He mutters under his breath, soaked, and carefully tugs you back to safety.

"Didn't you realised what was going to happen?" is the first thing he says that you can actually hear. "What were you doing anyways?"

You play with your own fingers in uncomfortable guilt. Pre's face is set on a deep frown –lips pursed–, and experimenting obvious irritation and anger.

"I was trying to catch a dandelion" you whisper quietly, shivering now that the wind plus your wet clothes are really making the cold noticed. "It's supposed to bring you good luck for a whole year".

Vizla scoffs and tries to re-arrange his expensive and very wet attire into place. He lowers the paddles back into the water and asks you to sit back down –carefully– again.

"We should get back inside and warm up if we don't want to catch a cold" he states, starting to row again, voice cold and condescendent. "Next time think better of what your actions may cause before ruining a day for such childish reasons".

You nod in silence, lowering your head. Your eyes remain focused on your own hands for the rest of the trip. You feel horrible; though you don't want to cause a scene on top of everything, so you swallow every emotion down until you're safely tucked that night in bed. The next day, you receive a letter from Pre where he apologises for reacting so harshly in spite of the wrong of your actions. He sends flowers with it this time –red roses–; and it makes you feel marginally better.

You fear for the situation repeating itself. Just one week later, as usual, Mandal'or invites all nobel families to an evening by the lake, and several boats are available for those who want to take them for a stroll with their companions. The weather is warm and sunny, and everyone seems to be in good spirits for the ocasion. You have only been talking with Hera for a few minutes when the Fett family joins you; and shortly after, Rex asks you if you'd want to spend some time together in one of the boats. The unpleasant ending of your last date with Pre Vizla quickly crosses your mind; but you don't find it in yourself to say no to those warm amber eyes, so you accept.

Rex steps into the boat first, politely extending a hand towards you to help you jump inside. You give him a cautious smile and take him on his offer. He carefully tugs you towards him; and soon you're sitting down in front of him, boat slowly moving towards the center of the lake. Other couples around you share the same idea. Everyone seems to be having fun.

The accident with Vizla never leaves your mind. Suddenly, you find yourself asking and thinking on how would the captain react. Would he get angry as well? Roll his eyes in exasperation? Perhaps clench his jaw and reign in his condescendant words? Or call you out loud on it? It's all you can think about; and you feel the absolute need to know this. Mother had told you years ago that marriage wasn't all attraction and butterflies; that small fights and disagreements were common too, part of a married couple's life. When you had once asked her if she was happy wtih father, she had replied with words you'd never forget; "Yes, my flower. Your father and I may not hold the most ardent love for each other; but we take care of the other's well-being. We find common ground in our arguments; we try not to take each others small mistakes too seriously. If you want to be happy one day, my little flower... Chose the one that knows how to laugh at inconsequent things and let them slip away instead of quietly punish you for them". You hadn't quite understood those words then; but you think you do now, and you feel the unstopable urge to know this about Rex.

You make the same error; knowing perfectly well it will end with the two of you falling into the lake. This time you're expecting it and you surface faster, quickly taking a deep gulp of air in and blinking the drops of water away from your eyelids; eyes holding the Captain's confused, worried ones.

"Are you okay?" He asks inmediately, one hand taking hold of the edge of the boat before gently helping you to reach over as well. "What happened there?"

"Sorry" you whisper guiltily, cheeks heating up in embarassment even if this was your plan all along. "I... Wanted to catch a dandelion. It's supposed to bring you luck for a year".

Rex blinks in surprise. Then, he chuckles quietly and shakes his head; drops of water flying everywhere from the movement of his short hair. You study his reaction in silence; almost waiting expectantly.

"I'm sorry" you tell him again, glancing away in convincing acting. "I know it's childish".

A hand softly tilts your chin upwards; and Rex's warm voice soothes you instantly.

"Accidents happen. It's okay".

He's gentle and understanding from the way he talks and looks at you to how he carefully helps you back into the boat and tries to distract you from the incident. He even offers you the jacket of his suit so you can shield yourself from the cold with it. His reaction is so drastically different from Vizla's... Suddenly, you have everything clear. You don't want your husband to be someone you feel pressured to look and be perfect with; someone that makes you feel like you're under the magnifying glass, that you need to make an effort to be with them. Someone who doesn't really like to listen to your interests but expects you to pay full attention to his. Who is polite but cold. Who would criticise you at every mistake, demanding you to be better, instead of showing you understanding and support. You don't want a Pre Vizla; you want a Rex Fett.

After comforting a worried mother and father and a few more conversations with acquaintances and friends, the sun hides between the mountains, and it is time for everyone to say their goodbyes. You wait for your carriage in line in front of the Fett's; and you can't help but surreptitiously graze yours and the captain's hands together, shyly glancing back at him. His bright eyes are already set on yours. His hand twitches, and his fingers carefully and softly caress your skin; the slow gesture much more intimate and nerve-wracking with such an intense uninterrupted stare. Those eyes tell you secrets you had somehow been oblivious to until now. You know he truly cares about you; he'll treat you well.

After what feels like endless -and at the same time, too short- seconds, your fingers find reluctant distance. Before hoping up onto your family's carriage, you shoot a sweet hopefull smile towards sir Fett.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

PART 6. A YES

Two days later, your mother finally voices your parents concern. You're both in one of the small salons of the house; she's inmersed in a book while you draw and paint. The sun gives a soft warm glow to the room. Sparrows chirp outside. It's one of those slow, peacefull summer mornings; not a rush in sight.

An hour or two in, your mother abandons her reading, placing the book down on the small desk in front of her and turning towards you with a pensive expresion on her face. You sense the importance of what she's about to ask, and you set your pencil down, pausing your sketch.

"Honey..." she starts, voice patient and soft. "Have you decided yet?"

It sends your mind in a whirlwind. You have; but you're afraid of your parents answer, of what they'd think about it. What if they're dissapointed? What if they don't accept it? What if... What if they marry you to another anyways? The thought of being forced to live the rest of your days with another man sends goosebumps all over your skin. You know yourself. You're stubborn. Once you take a decision, it's almost impossible to make you sway; but you know that your thoughts won't matter if it came to that. Your father has the last say.

"I know who you'd like me to pick..." you answer quietly, nervously wringling your fingers together.

Your mother shows you an understanding little smile.

"But you like Sir Fett" she guesses.

Your heart is sent to a frenzy.

"Yes" you admit in barely a whisper, though it's a self-assured one.

Your mother sighs and takes your hand in hers; squeezing softly.

"My flower... The Vizla family shares a similar status to ours, and you'll never lack any luxury with them. Pre is also closer to you in age. Yes, I have to say he is who your father and I were picturing you with. But if you think you won't miss this things and your heart calls you to Captain Rex... Then you should listen to it. The small age gap might make some uncomfortable, but it's certainly not scandalous, and the Fetts are still very much respected here. Lord knows that that family has done more for Mandalore than the rest of us combined..." she gives you a tender smile and squeezes your hand a second time. "Do not fret, my flower. If Sir Fett is the one you'd like to marry, your father and I will support you on your decision".

Tears spring into your eyes; and you can't help but hug her tightly to yourself like you did when you were a child.

"Oh, mother... I will forever be gratefull to have such wonderful parents" you tell her sincerily.

She chuckles and gently presses your foreheads together in a Keldabe.

"Shall we then invite sir Vizla one last time, before we organize a dinner with the Fett's a few days after that?" she suggests, caressing your hair.

You nod excitedly.

Letting down Pre Vizla goes easier than you'd initially thought. You were a bit afraid of him reacting too strongly and somehow criticise you for your decision, tell you you'd regret it; he doesn't. Perhaps he had realised you weren't what he was looking for either. He takes the notice well, and is surprisingly neutral throughout all of your conversation with him. Not that it would change anything by this point; but it confirms you you're making the right choice. He doesn't seem to care wether he's with you or not; you'd rather be with someone who did.

It makes you feel so relieved. When your parents invite the Fett's over for dinner a few days later, and you see Rex for the first time since privately taking your decision, you're so happy it almost feels like you're shining. Your smile is radiant throughout the whole dinner. You're chattier and bubblier than usual; and you can't stop glancing at him. He's so handsome, with his light blonde hair deliciously contrasting with his bronze skin, the warmth and intensity of his amber eyes, his strong nose and jawline, the shape of his body in those elegant blue clothes... Rex catches you quietly admiring him, and he tilts his head to one side curiously. You blush inmediately, and that gives him the answer to what you were really thinking. He smirks in a satisfied, seductive way you haven't seen in him before. The sight sends warmth and desire through your veins.

"Honey, why don't you take our dear Captain to visit the gardens?" your mother asks after dinner has finished and you've all moved to the salon. "Ashoka, dear, will you go with them? We'd like to have a word in private with Commander Cody here".

Your pulse quickens. You know your parents will take this moment alone with the head of the Fett family to discuss wedding arrangements.

Both you and Ashoka nod at her suggestion; and the three of you walk towards the gardens, Rex and you falling into a comfortable conversation while Ashoka follows you a few steps behind. Rex offers his arm to you; and you give him a little smile while you place your hand around his bicep. He asks you about the flowers around you and you lose yourself in your knowledge about them, explaining their origins and properties and pointing at your favorites here and there.

"Pink lilies" he remembers, pausing in front of them and examining the colorful flowers with a fond smile on his face. "I should have guessed you'd have your favorites here as well".

He bends down to further study them; and you can't keep it to yourself any longer.

"Captain..." you breathe out delicately, instantly calling his attention. "I... I..."

He patiently waits for you to finish, eyes holding a mix of curiosity and hope that makes your heart clench. This is it. This is your future husband and you... You can't be happier about it. He's so gentle, so considerate, so kind; attentive, confident, and oh, so handsome...

You muse up your courage and finish the sentence for him.

"I ended Sir Vizla's advances a few days ago. I'd like to accept your proposition of marriage, if it still stands".

Surprise is what his face shows first; then, it quickly morphs into happiness and tenderness. His eyes hold more warmth than ever before when he releases a pleased sigh.

"Oh, mesh'la... Of course it does. It would be an honour to be able to call you my wife".

The way he looks at you makes your heart burn. Your cheeks heat up while he closes the distance between the two of you; your eyes sparkling with eagerness when he slowly and very gently cups your face between his hands.

"May I kiss you?" He whispers quietly, eyes flickering down towards your lips.

You melt at this; your hands carefully making their way towards his shoulders.

"Please" you quickly accept, tilting your face up for him.

He caresses your cheeks with his thumbs softly before he slowly closes the distance and presses his lips against yours; a small, delicate first kiss. You sigh in delight and your body relaxes onto his; one of his strong arms reaching down to hold you against him while the other hand tugs you closer to deepen the kiss. It's unhurried and gentle, but passionate at the same time; it makes your nerves tingle and your desire to grow as seconds pass. He kisses the way he is; soft but firm, considerate but demanding. You forget your own name, your mind emptying at the attention of his lips.

When you're both forced to stop to breathe, Rex smiles and rests his forehead on yours, pushing gently. An involuntary smile makes its way to your face as you answer him fondly.

A sudden enthusiastic voice breaks the delicate silence of the night.

"Alright, can I hug you both now?" Ashoka almost jumps in excitement, coming to a stop besides you. "This is the best news, I'm so happy for you!"

Rex grins and you chuckle happily. You pull Ashoka into a welcoming hug; Rex observing with a fond smile.

Ashoka replicates Rex's euphoric grin.

"Oh, I can't wait to see our brother's reaction!" She chirps, almost bouncing excitedly.

You laugh and tilt your face up to look at Rex again. He gives you a tender smile before affectionately kissing your hair.

"They've been hearing me moping around talking about you since we started courting" he tells you quietly, chuckling. "I think they deserve to know".

You take the courage -and liberty- to tenderly caress his left cheek with your fingertips. To your surprise, a faint blush spreads through the captain's cheeks. It brings a soft smile to your face.

"I like your family" you admit to him, watching the positive impact your comment has on him. "You can tell them as soon as we get back, if you want".

When you return to your family house, a nod and a grin is all it takes for everyone to start celebrating and giving the both of you their best wishes and congratulations. You tightly hug your mother and father first. Then, you're swiped in a Fett hug; first by Fives -definitively the most loud and openly enthusiastic one- and Echo -who is more quiet but equally happy about it-, then Kix, Howzer and Gregor -Commander Wolffe had stayed back at home with the rest of the younger Fetts-. They're all so welcoming and truly happy for his brother and you, that you can't help but think you'd be the luckiest woman in the world if at some point in your life you'd be able to have your own family half the affectionate than his.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

PART 7. UNION

Your wedding looks and feels like a dream. It's a big celebration; society would talk about it for weeks, and your parent's don't skimp on expenses and don't dissapoint the high expectations everyone has on one of the richest families on Mandalore. Even Mandal'or Kryze is present with his shiny beskar'gam; the greatest honour one could only hope for, really.

When the golden doors opens and your father guides you to the royal armorer that will officiate the wedding, you discover that your soon-to-be-husband is also wearing his. Rex's armour is the 501st legion's blue; bucket clipped onto the belt that holds his kama. A rush of pride spreads through you at seeing him all soldiered up like this. Mandalore has always given great importance to akaan'ade -army- and aliit -family-; and you're about to form a new clan with him.

The hall that holds the wedding is nothing short of magnificent; flowers decorating every corner and cristal chandeliers demanding attention here and there. Half of nobility is here; as well as all of Rex's brothers and sisters, and other more distant relatives. Hera stands with his too soon-to-be-husband -a coruscanti named Kanan Jarrus who had quickly swiped out any other possible competition for your friend- behind your parents. And yet, even with all of this, your sole attention is focused uniquely on Rex.

His amber eyes are almost shining in the light of the salon. His posture is firm and self-assured; though he relaxes slightly upon seing you entering the room, a tender smile inmediately drawing in his handsome face. Your eyes never leave each others until you're both standing in front of the armorer and he starts the ceremony.

You're only a tiny bit nervous when you recite the mandalorian vows in front of everyone. You're confident on your decision; your heart atuned with Rex's. Hearing him saying those vows warms your insides; and when you turn to look at each other again, afterwards, you feel like you can't keep all your emotions at bay. Your eyes crystallize, but you don't let the tears fall down your face. Rex gently cups your cheeks in his rough hands and join your foreheads in a delicate, heartfelt Keldabe kiss. The public starts clapping -and there's some whistling and cheering probably coming from Fives, if you had to guess-; and soon you find yourself in the middle of a hundread of congratulations and small repetitive chatts here and there.

You progressively grow more impatient and nervous the longer the celebration extends. Finally, some hours later, it is time for the newlyweds to head to their new residence; and mother and father both say their goodbyes for now while Rex helps you step into the carriage that would take both of you to your new home -a gift from your parents, one of the Everhart's properties-. You had once been there before; when you were smaller, a child, on one summer vacation. You remember the house -and the landscape around it- being beautiful, and not too far away from the rest of the town by horse.

Neither Rex nor you can keep your hands to yourself in the short trip there. He asks to kiss you as soon as you're both sitting down on the carriage, away from others gossips and gazes; and you inmediately grant his wishes, nodding and surrendering to his lips. It starts slow and soft; but when he moves his peppering kisses from your face down to the curve of your neck, a small pleased sound of yours sets him on fire. He goes back to your lips, kissing you with more passion and impatience this time; and you cling to his shoulders with your fingertips, tilting your face upwards for him to take and take. He has you reduced to a whimpering, hot mess in just a matter of minutes. When his hands temptatively graze the sides of your breasts, you can't help but arch and whine over his lips. Rex groans and presses his forehead against yours, panting out of breath.

"Sorry, mesh'la" he whispers, voice lower than usual. "I know this is not exactly apropriate, and I probably should learn to be more patient... But Manda, cyar'ika, you're such a pretty sight I can barely contain myself".

You blush and close your eyes, breathing in and trying to calm your speeding heart in this Keldabe. You give him a smile.

"It's okay, ner riduur. I understand".

Rex groans again and squeezes his hands over your hips.

"Stop tempting me like that" he mumbles staring at your lips.

You chuckle quietly.

"I'm not!" you happily laugh.

Rex steals a quick kiss. He nuzzles his nose with yours affectionately.

"Totally are".

You laugh and kiss him again. You'll soon become addicted to it.

That first night you're a mess of excitement, nerves and worry. Of course, you've never been intimate before; and the thought of not looking good or doing something wrong scares you. Rex notices this as soon as you start playing with your own hands upon entering your new bedroom; and gently soothes your worries. He softly tells you there's nothing you could really do wrong in your bed; that he just wants to share his affection with you, to touch you, hold you, make you feel good, and that he doesn't expect anything other than you enjoying yourself. The fact that he tells you, in his wedding night, that you don't even have to have sex with him yet if you're not comfortable and that perhaps you'd feel safer once you'd shared some nights or weeks just innocently sleeping with each other melts your heart and makes it easier to push through your initial discomfort and give yourself to him.

You're almost constantly burning in half embarassment half shyness throughout the first half of it. You're relieved to see that the rush Rex seemed to have back in the carriage has dissolved now; he's patient and gentle, telling you what to do and what to expect, and the way he encourages you and talks you through everything is one of the most unexpected sexiest things you have ever heard.

He undresses you slowly, caressing the naked skin that shows with reverent fingertips; shivers running up and down your legs and spine. He kneels down on the floor to help you step out of your heels. You brace yourself on one of his shoulders; and he gently, sensually kisses your thighs and knees. He looks up at you while he does it, and it makes you weak.

You make a soft sound with your throat; and Rex smiles. He stands back up again and tugs your chin between his thumb and index for a long kiss. Now just in your white underware, you shiver involuntarily; pressing your body against his without even noticing what you're doing or asking. He sighs and softly redirects you towards the bed til you're sitting on it.

In front of you, the handsome captain opens the seals of his armour and plate by plate stacks it on the floor besides him. His movements are slow and confident, while his expresion vulnerable at the same time; and you watch him, enthraced. He tugs the long sleeved black shirt of his blacks over his head; and your eyes freely roam through each muscle and scar revealed,devoring the sight in front of you. Your core burns.

"Rex..." you call him, almost in a begging tone.

He breathes heavily and takes a few steps towards you until he's standing right in front of you; his legs caging yours -pressed together impatiently-.

"Yes, mesh'la?" he asks you patiently, gently, and you squirm right where you are.

"I... I..." you want to tell him everything. Want to let him now how beautiful he is, how much you want him, need him. How he's making you feel. How happy you are of now being his. How excited you are of your new future together. You want to tell him this and more, and yet, you can only try to convein it together in a heartfelt, teary "More".

Rex smiles fondly, one hand coming up to caress your cheek.

"Let's get this off of you, cyare" he whispers, and soon you're completely naked in front of him. "Lay down and open your legs for me, darling".

You blush and comply in silence; breathing heavy and eyes locked on Rex.

They inevitably close when he hops onto the bed as well, knees on the space between your legs, and his mouth latches onto your neck, sucking gently at the skin; shifting to a new spot after a few seconds to not leave too many marks on your neck. Then, his mouth trails a wet path towards your breasts; and you whimper while he plays with them, both with his hands and his lips, moaning and arching towards him when he carefully closes his teeth around a nipple. You tug at his short hair and push your body against his.

"I have you" he whispers, his kisses trailing down your sternum and stomach towards your hips. He caresses your sides with his fingertips. "I'm going to kiss you here, okay?" he says, one hand grazing the inside of your thighs and swipping against your growing wetness carefully. You whine and squirm below him. Rex pecks your hip bone. "It will probably feel good, but do tell me if you want to stop or don't really like it".

"O-okay" you stutter, and Rex then pushes your knees further apart, getting comfortable between your legs before he's kissing you there, where the fire grows and burns, and you tense momentarily before you're transforming into a puddle next. "O-Oh... Oh, Rex..."

It does feel great. His wet tongue slides between your folds, caressing you gently, coming up to tease your nub from time to time. He's slow and cautious at first; amber eyes looking up at you and checking your reactions attentively. Once he sees you're really enjoying yourself, and your hips start to squirm impatiently under his attention, he groans and closes his eyes, working his tongue over and inside of you and relishing in your moans and taste.

"R-rex" you call him, feeling a wave of pleasure slowly growing inside of you.

He hums and slowly pushes a finger inside of you; just holding it there while you whimper and clench around it. It's only a finger, but it already feels so good, so much. Your inner walls hug him involuntarily again, and he groans thinking on how that would feel on him.

"I... I'm..." you try to tell him barely a few seconds after that, your mind too lost in pleasure to find the way to word it.

Rex kisses you one last time before he's slowly pumping his finger in and out of you, golden eyes searching you. Understanding, fondness, and desire are mixed in his gaze.

"I know, cyar'ika. Just let go for me" he encourages you, mantaining eye contact while he opens his mouth again, sticks his tongue out, and gently and firmly strokes your nub around with it.

"Rex!" you moan his name, your hand flying to his hair while the other closes around the bedsheets, your pleasure exploding in a million of nerves and colours. You squeeze your eyes shut while you throw your head backwards, core clenching around his finger, orgasm spreading through your body.

Rex smiles proudly, lapping your aftershocks and then kissing your pelvic bone affectionately. His cock is throbing inside of his pants; and he can't help himself and push it down against the matress, trying to find some relief.

"Shh, just like that" he pecks you a few more times, left hand caressing your hip. "You're beautiful. I've got you, cyare".

You relax against the bed; and Rex pulls his finger out of you, carefully moving upwards until he's laying down on top of you, slotted between your legs. Your cheeks redenned upon feeling his bulge pressed against you; but your core tightens again, and you bite your lip with a new wave of want and desire rushing through your veins.

"You okay?" he asks you softly, caressing your cheek and searching for the truth with his amber eyes.

You smile at him.

"Yes" you answer honestly, pecking his nose before confessing in a whisper. "I've never felt that good before, not even when I've... When I've tried finding pleasure myself".

Rex's smile can only be defined as a radiant satisfied grin.

"Well, I'll be happy to make you feel good whenever you want, mesh'la" he answers, and you both chuckle quietly.

You kiss him again.

"Rex, I..." you're shy, and you don't know how long it will take for you to share your more or less dirty thoughts freely with him.

Fortunately for you, he guesses them quickly.

"You want more, cyar'ika?" he asks, gently moving his hips on top of yours and giving you both some very welcomed friction. "Want to try taking me inside of you?"

You squeeze your eyes shut and nod. Rex kisses your forehead and stands up on the floor, getting rid of his pants and underware. You watch -half hungrily, half scared- at the way his cock bobs.

"Will it hurt much?" you ask hesitantly.

You've heard so many different things about sex you no longer know what to believe in.

Rex smiles at your innocent question. His hand slowly comes down to stroke his lenght twice.

"It's different for everyone, or so I've been told... Usually it can hurt or at least be a bit uncomfortable at first, yes. But not too much; not if the man knows to wait and cares about the woman's well-being. And I care about you, mesh'la" he soothes you, looking at you fondly. "I'll move very slow until i'm seathed inside of you. And if you need to stop at any point and just breathe and get used to it for a bit, you'll tell me and I'll wait. Okay?"

You let out a small breath of relief.

"Okay" you agree, gratitude and affection swimming inside of you at his consideration and words. "Thank you, Rex".

He pecks your lips and then re-acomodates your body under him; pushing your knees wider to the sides and bending them so he has better access to your entrance. He taps his weeping hardness against you a few times and slides his length over you, hand cupping the side of your face, giving you time to get used to the movement and both of you being this intimate. The friction of his cock feels delicious over your slippery folds; and you tilt your hips towards him, asking for more impatiently. Rex smiles and nods; one hand dissapearing between your bodies to position his hardness right over your entrance; the very tip grazing your hole.

"I'm going to start pushing inside" he warns you, voice calm, and eyes locked on your face. "Tell me if you want to stop, mesh'la"

You nod eagerly. You've never had sex before and yet you feel like you'll die if you don't get to have him inside of you in the next few minutes. You want him that much.

His cock pierces you; and you can't help but clench tightly arround him, eyes falling shut with a pained whimper. It feels so big; it feels so full, so much.

Your whole body has tensed; and even if you don't say anything, Rex stops pushing in, and kisses your cheek.

"Okay?" He asks, waiting patiently. His forearms are braced on either side of your head, holding his weight.

It's only when he stops when you notice how strong you're sinking your nails into his shoulders; and you instantly stop clinging to Rex, guiltily.

"Sorry" you whisper with shattering breaths, overwhelmed. "So..."

Rex smiles softly.

"You can do that if it helps you cope with this new feelings better" he gently pushes his forehead against yours. "I don't mind".

You sigh and your hands make their way back to the back of his shoulders; this time with your fingers splayed over his warm skin.

It's only a matter of time before you've grown used to it; and the short scare resulting from the pain and the novelty of the situation receeds. Rex finishes slowly pushing all the way in; and the next minute is passed between kisses and caresses. Then, Rex starts to rock his hips gently; your mouth hanging open in a mix between confusion and pleasure and just the tiniest bit of pain. His patience pays off; soon even that dissapears, and you're left feeling nothing but overwhelming joy.

"Please" you moan, tigthening your hold on him.

Rex groans and snaps his hips against yours. You whine and ask for more of those.

"Don't want to hurt you" he mumbles, half lost in pleasure and desire, half concerned.

You pant bellow him.

"Please Rex" you beg him, half lidded eyes swimming in ecstasy. "Give me more please, I'm okay..."

Rex squeezes his eyes shut and moans, giving up on his self control and speeding up his movements, tugging your hips to his and pounding inside of you so deep and raw it turns your voice into a constant whimper-whine-moan-silent open mouth cadence.

You lose all concept about time and outside reality while Rex fucks you like this. His cock sliding inside of you feels incredible, and so does the friction of his pubic bone over your nub; bringing you closer and closer to a second orgasm. Rex pants over your lips, ocasionally stealing and demanding a kiss or two, hands alternating between giving him better suport over you or moving to caress your body and face or squeeze and hold your breasts. You arch and present all of yourself for him to take. And he does it expertly; hips strongly snapping against yours and pushing you into a mind-blowing orgasm that has you clenching your walls tightly around him.

"F-fuck!" He curses for the first time, and watching him lose his composture with you is one of the greatest gifts. His breathing grows heavier, and his movements sloppier. "So close, so close, so close" he chants, brow furrowing, and you kiss him passionately while recovering from your own rush of pleasure.

"Let go, ner riduur, finish with me" you whisper to him, cheeks on fire but wanting to help him find his culmination as well.

Rex whimpers; then groans, tenses, and cums. You feel his warm seed inside of you; the knowledge making you clench and squirm. He sighs and drops his now relaxed body slowly on top of yours; breathless. With his eyes closed and a happy satisfied hum, he nuzles his face against your neck.

"Forgive me for not finishing outside" he mumbles after some seconds of peaceful comfortable silence. "We haven't even discussed children before".

You chuckle and caress his spine with your fingertips. Rex nuzzles closer, almost like a puppy. He's so affectionate after this.

"It would be nice to have a few months to adapt to our new joined life before starting to try" you admit. "But if I happen to get pregnant before that it wouldn't be a big deal. I'm very fond of you already, and I know our children would want for nothing. And I want to have a big family".

"Like mine?" He asks, resurfacing from your neck and leaving his face inches from yours now.

You laugh quietly.

"Mm. Well, I think you're a bit too many for my taste" you smile, and before the hope is able to melt away from his eyes you add "But I think we could stop at half".

Rex grins. His softening length is still seathed inside of you, and you can't help but think on how this feels even more intimate than the whole ordeal. Somehow, your perception of the captain has changed as well; you feel closer to him now, he feels more familiar to you. You notice he looks younger right now; and even more attractive in his disheveled state.

"Six is a good number" Rex agrees, kissing your shoulder affectionately. "I'd be worried if you'd have to go into labor more times anyways".

You remember the fate of his mother; and you hug him tightly.

"I won't leave you" you can't help but whisper to him.

Rex sighs and kisses you softly before staring into your eyes. It feels nice, being skin to skin.

"I think I could be very happy with you" he confesses, the moment turning vulnerable and delicate. "I'm enthraced with you already; and I think I might be half in love with you too".

You blink your tears away.

"Don't get me emotional now, sir Fett" you say in good humour, then leaving jokes aside and caressing his cheeks fondly. "I think I might be as well, Rex".

Your lips join again, and a fullfilling sensation of peace melts each of your muscles into a puddle of relaxation and happiness. Rex finally slips out; but he doesn't move away or grow any colder towards you, carefully finding a place to lay comfortably in bed besides your body instead and affectionately tugging you closer.

You go to sleep feeling safe and happy; and the next morning, when you wake up before him and watch Rex sleep peacefully and naked in front of you, with the sunlight giving a warm glow to his beautiful brown skin, you can't help but caress him and think with a smile on your face that you definitly made the right choice. You softly kiss his lips; and he sighs contently before squeezing your body closer to his, humming affectionately.

"Good morning, riduur" he greets you, eyes still closed and voice full of sleep.

You lay down with him and relax again.

"Morning, mesh'la".

You find your courage easier today; and you're rewarded by the small shy smile on his still tired face.

If last night and this morning are any indication of how the rest of your married life with Rex Fett would go, then you're sure you'd be the luckiest woman in the world. But even when it isn't –for a long marriage rarely doesn't face problems and disagreements– you're happy knowing that your riduur is someone who you can talk and work with; instead of against.

THE END.

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Taraaa! PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU'VE THOUGHT! This one took so long... And seing others reaction really helps me feel motivated to keep publishing. Likes and reblogs are very much appreciated too!

With this work we have the third prompt completed for the 100 followers celebration –you can read the others in the masterlist below–. 7 left!

I'll be writing the PORNSTAR AU with HUNTER next, and so many more, so stay tuned!

Let me know if you'd like to be tagged in anything. Remember you can find this set of stories under the tag "100blueprompt" or "100blueceleb" !!

Xx,

Blue.

Main masterlist (so many other sw stories) here:

[oceansssblue]

100 CELEBRATION – PROMPT 5. SUPERPOWERS&FANTASY AU.

PAIRING: FIVES/OFC

WARNINGS: Robbery, famine/hunger, poverty, orphans, wounds, attempted rape on an minor (first part if you want to skip the scene, further up there's only a fleeting mention of it). Starts angsty, then it switches to a bit of action and semi-fluff. Hopefull ending. 💔💖

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

(THEN...)

Li wasn't named by her mother; but by a thirteen year old girl that decided to step in and act as such. It wasn't completely unheard of; adopting another person meant one more mouth to feed, but also a remidy for heartbreaking loneliness. Loneliness is a dangerous thing; it slowly eats your mind and soul from the inside out until you're just a carcass of who you had once been.

Li owes everything to that thirteen year old girl. Now she's thirteen herself, and her adoptive mother twenty-six; she finally is old enough to be able to help her and repay all that she has done for her. Li never calls her mum and she never refers to her as a daughter; but they quietly act as such, and after so many years together, the affection they hold for each other is undeniable. Honest love and loyalty is rarely found in the lower levels of Coruscant, where the artificial light barely makes an appearance and the scum of the galaxy crawls into the night.

Li tries to do anything on her hand to bring food to the table. She had managed to get hired as a cleaner for a junk food bar ten levels above from home two years ago; and though she always ends up feeling exhausted at the end of her turn, being able to bring Saisa some credits makes her feel better about it. It's not much. There are still days where the two are forced to go to the old matress they share as a bed with their stomachs empty and rumbling from hunger, winters with just one layer of clothing that leaves them trembling and easily subjectible to illness; but they make do with what they have, and that's that.

Thirteen year old Li drags her exhausted self through Coruscant's dark streets. Some call the capital the city of lights, the city that never sleeps; but that's because they haven't been down here, where she lives. It's almost eerily silent, the air charged and humid, figures dissapearing into the dark. Years ago, when Li was smaller, she often felt scared going out on her own; now that fear has morphed into wariness. The Corries might keep things in order in the medium and upper levels; but down here no one's particularly safe.

Li's in a dangerous age. Most people don't enjoy picking on children that can't really understand what's happening around them or defend themselves; so eight year old Li hadn't had to cope with much more than a few insults and jokes back then. She's just stepping into her teenage years now, though; and Saisa often reminds her of that fact with a concerned warning or two. Li knows she worries about her; but it's not like they can change their situations. Saisa has her own job to attend to, and can't walk the way with her; and they need both their salaries –if you can call them that– to survive.

Suddenly, a door opens on one side of the street, and Li barely has the chance to glance at the sound before she's being slammed against the wall on the opposite side. The rocks dig painfully into her back, and her breathing is knocked out of her for a second; the person in front of her reacting with a dry laugh.

"Well, well, well. Look' what we have here" the man's breath reeks of alcohol and stale, and she has to make an effort to not gag in front of him. "Has no one told ya' little girls shouldn't be on their own down'ere?"

Li doesn't even know what to say. Her mind is working a hundred miles per hour, trying to find the best solution and pondering how not to anger him. She hears an extra two pair of steps and looks behind him; there are three of them now, and only one her. Fear grips every muscle and bone on her body. She tries to hold it in.

"I was just on my way home" she finally answers, voice slightly trembling, but firm enough. "You can take the credits and I'll be gone".

The man laughs. Li's hair moves in front of her face. He searches her pockets until he finds the credits –one whole month worth of them–; then throws them to the other two men who are silently watching the interaction between them.

"Well, that's a tempting offer" he grins, stepping closer until they are literally pressed together. Li tries not to flinch. The stranger drags his eyes down her body in a lascivious way. His dilated pupils focuses back on hers with a dark, mocking smile. "But I think there's more than one tempting offer here".

His dry hand cups the side of her face; his body ondulating forward against hers, and this time Li visibly shakes. The man chuckles lowly and tilts his head.

"Come on now, no need to be scared. I'm not even planning on hurting you, I promiss I'll be gentle if you behave" he pushes her chin up sharply, making space for his chapped lips to press against her neck. He drags his mouth up to hers, speaking over it and bringing tears to Li's eyes. "I just haven't had a fuck in years. Just need a warm body to clench around my cock. Are you gonna' do that for me, mm? Gonna' be a sweetheart and give me some relief?"

The man forces his lips on hers, and Li focuses on not vomiting, squeezing his eyes shut tightly and tensing like a cord while she let's the man's tongue have his way with her. She fakes a small moan of a whimper and when he steps back to check at her in surprised satisfaction, Li shows him a scared, but shy flustered wobbly smile.

"O-okay. Just-Just don't hurt me, please" she pleads, following his offer for now, her mind screaming it's the safest bet, and the stranger grins.

"Sure thing, sweets" he steps back and leaves some space between them, standing next to the other two men and crossing his arms expectantly in front of his chest. He arches an eyebrow. "Go on, then. Don't be shy. Take your clothes off and gives us a little show".

Li nods, terrified. Her heart is going so fast she fears it'll jump out of her chest; her hands trembling constantly while her fingers grasp her only jacket and slowly starts pulling it of. The man who started this smiles widely, encouragingly, while the other two glance at each other in silent comunication. Li mentally prepares herself. She carefully throws her jacket at them in what could be interpreted as a seductive movement; and then, the next second, she's running away, her legs taking her as fast as they can to escape.

She hears insults and echoing steps behind her, but she doesn't waste time turning around, and she keeps running, and running, and running. Her pulse is pounding in her throat, her tears blurrs her vision, and she feels close to passing out from the mix of terror and adrenaline; but she knows this is her only chance at getting away, so she forces all of that down and keeps running. In the mean time, one same sentence repeats itself over and over on her head;

"I wanna' go home. I want to go home. I want to go home. Home, home, home, home..."

Her body starts to feel lighter. Her skin tingles from her toes to the top of her head, and she vaguely worries if she's going to pass out. Un-noticed by her, a soft purple glow intensifies as seconds pass around her body; and then, suddenly, the scenery switches violently and changes in a nauseating swirl.

Li rams into the wall of her and Saisa's bedroom. The twenty six year old woman incorporates with a shocked gasp.

"Li?" She's quickly kneeling at her side, caressing her hair and trying to make sense of what had just happened, blinking in confusion, and the thirteen year old girl breaks down.

"Mum" she sobs, calling her as such for the first time in a decade and throwing herself on her arms.

Saisa's got a million of questions in her head; but she puts them on hold, and hugs the teenager to herself. She gives a kiss to her hair.

"Sh..." she soothes her, heart clenching in worry. "I'm here".

Li sniffs and burrows her face against her shoulder. Her body still shakes. Her mind doesn't even start questioning herself; she's just so relieved she's safe...

"I lost the jacket" she mumbles against Saisa, exhaustion tugging at every muscle and bone "and one month's pay".

The woman caresses her back and answers in a calm voice.

"That's okay. Winter is coming to an end anyway, and we've got a tiny bit saved".

Li mumbles something else she can't quite hear. Saisa continues to hold her in silence. The next time she checks on her, the teenager has already surrendered to sleep. Saisa carefully pulls her onto their bed and lays behind her. She stays awake for some minutes before succumbing to tiredness as well.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

(NOW...)

The ARC is paying rapt attention to Captain Rex's debrief. The new mision doesn't involve the 501st as a whole, it's not a battle they're being sent to this time; but a special op for just Torrent Company, requested by the Chancellor himself. It happens from time to time; when initially insignificant things start to spiral out of control and someone needs to push it to a stop.

The civilian in question has a long list of crimes; too long to still be roaming free through Coruscant. The trooper's eyes scans through it; vandalism, burglary, breaking into private property, violation of parole, and even a first and second-degree murder sprinkled in between. He frowns. The woman is twenty years old; a bit young to have done all that, to have that much rage and hate inside of her. What could have driven her to do this? Is there a specific reason, an explanation, or is she plainly evil?

The ARC waits patiently while Captain Rex pinpoints the strategy for the subject's capture. He can read de confusion amongst his fellow troopers; though that civ' definitely should be put behind bars, this is not exactly their competence. Have the Corries been unable to capture her? And if so, how?

Rex taps on his datapad and shows them a video on the big screen; quickly answering their silent question.

"And here's the reason why we have to step in, boys" he gestures to the moving image with a jerk of his chin. "She's a Blink".

There's a collective groan at that. The usually silent troopers start muttering under their breath to each other, watching how the woman in the video is surrounded by a purple glow and vanishes from thin air in front of a Corrie's visual in a blink of an eye. "Blinks", as people call them, are a nightmare to catch. Depending on their self-taught training, they can teleport to any place in the world; in the galaxy. And their galaxy is big enough. He suposes he should be thankful that there's only one or two Blinks per each million habitants. Contrary to most other abbilities, it's not a hereditary trait.

The ARC trooper shares a knowing glance with his brother Echo. They already know this is going to be a long complicated mision. Blasted universe with it's unhinged powers...

That night, Fives dreams are cold and full of snow.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

His teeth are rattling against each other inside of his bucket. He's fucking freezing even with his termo-blacks on and his white and blue armour standing as a second barrier against the cold. They had managed to track the Blink to Ioth thanks to Jesse; his brother has the ability to find people with his mind in a way that reminds him too much of a Jedi using the Force. Kaminoans had experimented on decades of generations of clones to create them with useful abilities: all funded by the Republic in an attempt to keep the increasingly dangerous galaxy under control. When a normal civilian suddenly develops the power to set fire to a whole building with just a flicker of a hand, normal everyday troopers aren't enough.

Not all citizens posses powers, thanks the Maker; it's still a minority, but a minority in a galaxy of millions is significant. In the same way, not everyone in the GAR does; though Torrent Company is an elite squad where they all have one ability or another, put together to face the most complicated of situations. Fives has premonitory dreams, glimpses of possible futures –usually at random, though he can concentrate in specifics sometimes–; Echo can interact with and control every single piece of machinery around them. Captain Rex can influence and manipulate minds to a certain degree; Kix makes cells regenerate –wether it's on himself or another being–, which inmediately directed him to medic training. Hardcase makes things explode –like Wrecker from the Bad Batch, he'd heard–, Dogma conjures shields, and Tup, the most recent rookie, can inflict pain –which he had decided to represent by the small tattoo of a tear in his right undereye–. It's a good mix.

Unfortunately, Fives knows it's not going to be enough. He's seen this place on his dreams; has watched the woman escaping them in dozens of possible futures. There's ony one of them where they manage to get her –which is why they have to try, no matter how small the probability is–; but realistically, the ARC knows they won't succeed in Ioth.

They don't. Torrent manages to surprise her alright –Jesse's ability crutial to track her through the snow–; but as soon as she recognises the threat, she opens fire with an almost entertained smile. Dogma brings up a shield upon them inmediately –the kind ones that droideka's have but amplified in size–; and Rex doesn't wait a second on trying to subdue her.

"Stand down and turn yourself in" he orders her in that kind of special low, dark voice, an abbility almost no-one is able to resist.

To everyone's surprise, the young woman smirks.

"Mm. I don't think I will, trooper. You'll have to find a way to forgive me".

She doesn't flee inmediately, though she could, and instead humours them with a small chuckle, an amused arched eyebrow, and an explanation.

"Surprised, huh? I'll let you onto a little secret; most mental powers don't have an effect on me" she mockingly whispers to them. "You'd have a better chance with physical ones, if you have some of that".

As an answer, Tup quickly extends his hand forward, and quietly turns up the pain receptors inside of her. Her knees bend with a whimpered, muffled scream.

Rex makes a subtle sign and they all inmediately move towards her; but even twitching in pain, with her jaw clenched and eyes tightly shut closed, she vanishes in a blink of purple.

The captain sighs and turns to Jesse. He answers without needing to be asked; concentrating for a few minutes while the rest of them give him some quiet to work in.

"Parla" he finally states, and Rex nods firmly.

At least it's not a far jump from where they are.

The captain gives a few last orders around.

"Echo, bring the ship here. I'm kriffing tired of this cold. And Tup" he stares at the young trooper, who already looks nervously guilty. "Wait for a signal next time. She's cocky; our best chance to get her is to indulge her in a chat, not spooke her like that".

"Yes, sir. Sorry, sir" Tup inmediately answers, Heavy coming closer to pat his shoulder comfortingly.

That night, Fives dreams shows him glimpses of a woman named Saisa.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Fives has folders and folders of information of his dreams on his datapad. He has had so many visions and possible futures –some becoming a reality, some not– it's only sensible to do so; keep everything more or less organised and saved in case he doesn't remember it quite well and needs to go back and check on them. He dreams of that same woman, Saisa, again and again on the following weeks; while Torrent jumps from Ioth to Parla, from Parla to Naboo, and then to Alderaan, Corellia, Hoth, and back to Parla.

It takes him a while, but with each dream, he begins to see a connection. This woman is vitally important to the Blink –he just knows by the way they interact together in his dreams–; and if there might be someone in the galaxy the fugitive would be itching to visit from time to time, it's definitively her. Fives just needs to figure out where exactly this Saisa lives and they'll be able to set a trap instead of following this girl through the whole kriffing galaxy.

He meditates; just like the Jedi taught him to. He can redirect his visions better this way; and he focuses on just one thing, Saisa. Ironically, it's not the woman in question the one that appears on his dream; but the one they are trying to catch, the Blink herself.

<< "Who's Saisa?" a quiet, peaceful version of Fives ask, eyes trained on the young female in front of him.

She glances back at him with intrigue; wariness but trust at the same time.

"Why' you wanna' know that?"

Soft rays of light make a halo around her shape, almost like the purple glow that hugs her body every time she teleports, and Fives' dream version can't help but think of how beautiful she is.

"I... I've seen us taking her in. Helping her escape of the hands of the Empire" Fives pauses, evaluating her reaction. "She must be important to you, because you cried in this vision upong getting her back to safety. You both did. So, who is she?"

Li smiles nostalgically; in a way that tugs at Fives' heart. She steps closer to him.

"Remember... Remember the things I told you about my past?" She asks, fingers playing with each other nervously. Fives knows this is delicate. He nods in silence, stepping closer too, ready to listen to this bit of her story, of herself. Usually, she's not one to share much. "Saisa is the woman who took care of me when I was abandoned at birth. She gave me her food when she didn't have anything to eat herself, protected me, put me back together after I... After I..."

She struggles, and Fives lays a comforting hand on her shoulder, caresses the skin there. She takes a deep breath and continues; and Fives must have already been told of this, because he's not surprised, but calm and understanding instead.

"After I was almost raped" she manages to continue. "She was basically my mother, the closest person I've ever had. I lost contact with her after she left Coruscant... But I love her, wherever she is. She is important, Fives".

He nods, and tucks the woman into his arms. Li closes her eyes with a sigh. >>

Wrenching himself back from his vision, Fives pants. His mind works a million thoughts per second. He was right; Saisa is an important person to the Blink, sort of an adoptive mother. And she must live in Coruscant still. But... There's more to unfold. There's a difficult past to Li's story and... He's not quite sure how, yet; but he might be an important person to the Blink in the future as well.

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The Corries make the dirty work for them. They ask around through Coruscant, and are redirected to the medium levels; and it's only a matter of time and investigation from there. They find a thirty four year old Saisa that matches with Fives' stories; and Torrent Company travels back home, ready to set the trap in.

They plan everything out. A Blink is still a Blink, and even if they'd manage to catch her by surprise at Saisa's home, like in Ioth, there's really no tell if they'd be fast enough to put her in cuffs before she vanishes to somewhere else. So they make Saisa do it. Rex uses his compulsion on her; orders her to act normal if Li pops in the apartment to visit her and wait until she is distracted to seal the power-blocking cuffs around her wrists. Saisa's eyes only show a sliver of pannick and fear for one second before her emotions are soothed out in forced compliance. At the Captain's orders, she goes back to her day almost like a robot, undisturbed; and Rex and the two ARCs twins find a good spot to hide in the apartment while the rest of Torrent takes post around the building. Now it's just a matter of time and patience.

It takes four days for the Blink to appear. She acts normal, but Fives can tell she's wary; eyes glancing to the sides and around her from time to time while she chats with Saisa. The ARC can now read that same affection he had seen in his dreams; in the way Li closes her eyes shut and sags in the older woman's hug, releasing a deep, tired sigh. There's an audible magnetic click; and the Blink tears herself of Saisa, trying to tug her wrists free in a quick succesion of confusion, understanding, shock, hurt and betrayal.

"Saisa?" Is the only thing she says, a quiet whisper.

Captain Rex gives a signal, and Fives and Echo make an entrance, pointing their blasters at her firmly. She quickly turns towards them, stunned, and Captain Rex smirks.

"Don't blame her. Turns out compulsion does work alright with her".

Rage flickers through her face.

"You piece of shit!" She snarls, trying to bring a fist towards him, shaking in place when she quickly realises she's unable to.

She tries to teleport, then; her feet remaining stuck to the kitchen floor.

"It's over. You're going to prison, Miss" Rex goes to stand behind her, pushing her outside of the apartment firmly, Echo at his side while Fives walks after them.

He's silent while they take her to the Corries. He's silent while she's quickly found guilty in a trial; while the boys in red push her into a cell. He doesn't tell anyone about her, not even Echo; about dreams of pink fields and golden sunsets, a small house by the lake, a heartfelt keldabe kiss and the way his heart clench when he calls her mesh'la and cyare in a voice he has never used with someone else.

Fives doesn't know how can their story change so much from now to then. But there's a hundred posibilities of a future like that, and just two that differ in a complete oposite direction; and he knows what that means.

Maybe he'd be able to have it all, with just a bit of luck. Echo, Li, his brothers and a small house by the lake everyone would be welcomed in. Aliit, love, and a kid with a smirk that looks just like his.

THE END.

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Yooooo whatcha thinkkk?!?! Let me know! I think that came out great in a bittersweet kinda way!

So that's our second story published for the 10 fics of the 100blueceleb!! 8 more to go. Next one will be the Historic!Period AU with our dear Captain Rex! Like a bridgerton kinda thing, I've already planned it all and will be jumping to write it asap. It's gonna be so much fun!

Remember you can find the masterlist for this set of stories in my "sw masterlist" > "followers celebration" // or with the tag "100blueprompt".

See you around!

Xx,

Blue.

Back to main masterlist here:

[oceansssblue]

Heya! Ty all for participating. This are the results for the pairings of 100blueceleb prompts!

- Prompt 5. Superpowers/fantasy AU = FIVES

- Prompt 6. Historic Period AU = REX

- Prompt 7. Sex worker/pornstar AU = HUNTER

- Prompt 8. Pirates AU = HUNTER

- Prompt 15. Arranged marriage/fake dating = CROSSHAIR

- Prompt 17. Prince&servant AU = REX

Unfortunately we have two draws!

- Prompt 9. Mermaid AU > between Tech/Echo/Kix/Howzer. VOTE HERE

- Prompt 14. Telepathy > between Hunter/Tech. Can't ad a second survay here, so please just write 14. Hunter or 14. Tech in either this post comment's or in my request box.

You only have ONE DAY to participate! Reblog apreciated.

(And don't worry, I will re-open my requests once I'm done writing these so you'll be able to ask wtv then if you got dissapointed haha)

Xx,

Blue.