#Life Day Exchange

[alegendoftomorrow]

The Gift

Summery: Fives and the 501's civilian medic are friends and possibly more if they weren't in the middle of a war. After another long day with far too much pain for the both of them, Fives finds a way to bring a little holiday magic to your lives, even in the middle of a war zone.

Characters: Arc Trooper Fives x Fem!Reader (no use of y/n)

Words: 2,947 Words

Warning: Injury (very minor), brief peril and canon typical violence, mentions of loss, grief, war, injuries, slights angst. Mostly teasing, slightly suggestive (just hinting at it).

A/N: This is my entry for the incredible Life Day exchange hosted by @cloneficgiftexchange . Thank you so much for always hosting such fun events that push me to get out of my comfort zone and write again. This piece is for the awesome @arliganzey I really hope you like this fun little adventure I went on. It was my first time writing for Fives and I hope I captured his essence for you :)

“You know we cannot keep meeting like this.”

You freeze halfway to reaching into your rapidly emptying medic bag. Groaning through hard pressed lips as you spin in your chair to see a very cocky smile pulled up on a very familiar face.

“People are bound to start talking.”

“Fives,” you groaned. Pinching the bridge of your nose and counting to…. well, five before you risk looking back up at the arc trooper leaning against the doorway. Suspiciously standing off his right ankle.

You already know there’s going to be a story. There’s always a story with Fives. Before you knew any better you used to think he was getting hurt just to come and see you. Now the war has dragged on for longer than you were prepared for, and you’ve buried far more men than it feels like you ever save. Seen more planets and systems torn apart than you ever thought possible. Things like crushes and love seem like silly things reserved for storybooks rather than your day-to-day life.

Doesn’t mean it isn’t fun to flirt back with the man who walks through your door almost once a day with some injury or another. Battle related or not.

“What is it this time? Echo dare you to jump off the bridge or did Jesse kick your butt sparring again?” You asked. Standing from your desk and walking over to an exam table. Raising a brow when Fives doesn’t move from the doorway.

“Can’t I just come say hi to my favorite medic without there being an injury?” He asked. In a tone that almost sounded innocent, and perhaps a little hurt that you’d suggested such a thing.

You flashed him another eye roll and crossed your arms. “You can but, Kix isn’t here right now.”

Fives actually snorted at that. Dropping his arms to his side and doing his best not to limp on what was clearly an injured ankle. “Kix is not my favorite medic.”

“Mhm why’s that?” You asked. Already moving down to undo the plastoid armor he wore over his boots when he hoped up on the table. Ignoring the warmth that spread over you when you looked back to see Fives grinning down at you with his hands tucked behind his head.

“Because he doesn’t look half as pretty as you do,” he said with a smirk. “And he’s not as nice to me as you are.”

Now it was your turn to snort at him, Maker he is insufferable, you thought. And the best part of every day, another part of your mind added rather unhelpfully. You went back to examining his ankle before you said something ridiculous. Taking off his sock and hissing through your teeth at the purple bruise already spreading around his scarred ankle.

“Maker what happened here?!” You asked. Looking up at Fives again with genuine worry this time.

He waved a hand dismissively and puffed his chest up a bit in a way you’d come to learn meant he was hiding pain and quite proud of something he definitely shouldn’t be proud of.

“I came here with a blaster bolt to the knee a few rotations ago. How is this worse?”

You started at him blankly for a minute. Simply blinking up at him and hoping your silence made something click in that incredible thick head of his.

It did not.

“You were shot in an active war zone running to give Captain Rex cover. I honestly expected worse than that. However, we have been flying for three days with no enemy contact. So, you shouldn’t have gotten so much as a cough up here; yet here you are sitting here with a twisted ankle. So, I ask again. How did you get this?”

The smile slipped a little from Fives’s face as he actually looked a little…. embarrassed? Was that something he was capable of feeling? You watched as he bit down on his lip and fidgeted slightly with his shoulders seeming to try and buy time.

“Really, it’s not important. I was…. doing something for someone else and my foot slipped okay? It’s not a big deal,” he said. Very adamantly not making eye contact with you.

You rolled your eyes and threw your hands up in surrender with a sigh. “Fine don’t tell me. I hope this someone was worth it.”

“She is,” Fives said. There was a sincerity in his voice that caught you by surprise. Giving you pause and making your breath catch as he looked at you with something that was almost soft. Something you didn’t dare name floated between the shades of honey and earthen brown of his eyes.

“Right. Well…...good.” You stumbled out. Moving away from the table and back to your medical closet to get some bacta and a wrap for his ankle. Trying hard not to meet his eyes again. The ones you can feel boring a hole through the back of your head as you set his ankle.

He doesn’t even flinch once while you work on it. Even though you’re certain this must hurt, he just sits there and stares back at you while your hands make quick work of their task.

“Alright, that should hold for now. Do you want to do the song and dance where I tell you to stay off it and then you tell me something about being a hero of the Republic who can’t take breaks and must soldier on for the good of the galaxy?” You asked. Crossing your arms over your chest and raising a brow at him.

Fives grind like an idiot again and laughs. Maker that sound… You wish you could bottle it up and keep it with you when he went away again. Listen to it on repeat when the nights pressed in to darkly.

“That’s a terrible impression of me,” Fives laughed. Snapping you out of your thoughts.

“I thought it was very accurate,” you snip back. Your tone bears no bite though.

Fives smirks wider like a loth cat that’s gotten into the cream. Swinging his legs gracefully back over the bed and gripping the edge in a way that makes his biceps flex under his blacks. Not that you’re looking. He leans in a little closer and it takes all of your willpower not to lean in towards him too.

“What’s your excuse then Doc?” He asked lowly.

You tilted your head and furrowed your brows. “My excuse for what?”

“For not resting,” he said. “You said it yourself, I’m a hero of the Republic, but you….”

He trailed off and reached a hand up to tuck back a curl that had come loose from the updo you had it in. Your breath catching in your throat as you swallowed tightly under his touch. Rough fingers brushing so softly over your skin you wanted to melt.

“You need to rest too. The whole ship would fall apart without you.”

You might have laughed if he wasn’t looking at you so seriously. Like he meant every word of it. It made something warm and fuzzy creep up into your chest. Something that felt dangerous and far, far too real.

“I’ll rest when you do,” you bargained.

Fives shook his head. “No, I cannot allow that. I know exactly what that means. You’ll come in here and pretend to lay down then get right back to do work.”

“I could say the same for you,” you shot back. “So how do you suggest either of us rest then?”

The smirk that crawled up his face as he flicked his tongue out to lick his bottom lip almost made your knees wobble.

“Well, it seems we have no choice but to rest together,” he said. Like it was the most obvious answer in the world.

Your mouth fell open as you gaped at him. “What?”

“That way I can make sure you can’t get up to do work, and you can make sure I don’t walk on my ankle.”

Your mind reeled for a moment still all the possibilities that scenario presented before you recovered yourself enough to smirk back. Leaning back on your heels and staring back eye level with the arc trooper with a glint of playfulness in your gaze.

“You know if you wanted to sleep with me, you could have just asked.”

Fives looked taken aback for a moment. He recovered much too quickly though and leaned forward a little more. His breath ghosting over your cheeks as you stood your ground in front of him. Heart racing while his eyes moved over your face, taking in the details like he was trying to memorize you.

“If I asked now, would you say yes?” He asked.

“I—” whatever you were about to say was cut off by the loud screaming of alarms that startled the both of you apart and jerked you out of moment of peace.

“That’s the attack sirens,” Fives warned. Jumping off the bed and hoping towards the door as he pulled his boot back on.

“We can’t be under attack,” he replied. Rushing to the com link in the wall and punching in the code to Captain Rex’s channel. “We haven’t seen any vessels since we left— “

A sudden explosion sounded distantly and the whole ship lurched to the side. Your hands gripping into the handles on the wall to steady yourself while cabinets and shelves clicked locked, so their contents didn’t go everywhere.

“Apparently the separatists don’t know that,” Fives grumbled from the doorway. Looking down the hall both ways once before turning back to you with a brilliant smile that felt far too out of place for this moment. “Don’t worry I’ll handle this; you just sit here and look pretty and we’ll finish this conversation when I get back.”

He winked and then was gone. Running as fast as his weak ankle would allow. You wanted to protest every word he’d just said. Wanted to run after him, yell at him to be careful, maybe smack him for being so cavalier with his words, but he was gone before you could even get his name past your lips.

Be careful Fives.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(Many Hours Later)~~~~~~~~~~~~

We were lucky this time,  that’s what Captain Rex kept saying.

The separatist vessel had only damaged the cargo holds on the lower levels before the captain and his men were able to destroy it. General Skywalker’s plan somehow once again working despite sounding ludicrous to you. You were lucky the casualties had been minimal, but the injuries were heavy. You would have to restock before your next engagement. As it was, you’d already patched supplies together for those less injured than others.

Leaning back against the hallway wall you slid all the way to the floor and pulled your knees to your chest. Leaning your head forward to rest there and forcing yourself to breathe deeply so you didn’t fall apart out here where anyone might see you.

Footsteps approached slowly from your left and you half hoped they’d keep walking. Let you wallow in peace and quiet, but the uneven footfalls stopped just in front of you and a voice cleared their throat above you.

“Hey…you alright?”

Fives.

Jerking your head up you blinked at him through your watery eyes. Staring at his grease smudged cheeks with parted lips. He was breathing heavier than normal and still standing off his foot as best he could. His blacks were stained with blood and smoke, but he looked mostly unharmed.

“You’re, okay?” You asked. Voice trembling.

Fives grinned. “I’m always alright. I’m a hero remember. Heroes can’t die.”

You rolled your eyes and made some kind of half sob half laugh sound. Wiping your eyes with the hell of her hand and sniffling a little.

“Hey, come on love no tears.” He crouched down and grinned softly. Reaching out and brushing the tear that dripped down your cheek gently. “It’s okay. We lived to fight another day, more of us than usual at that. That’s something, and more will live because of you. Yeah?”

Without thinking you leaned into his palm and nodded softly. Closing your eyes and focusing on his words. Clinging to them tightly.

“Besides, you’re in the presence of a hero who saved the day and is about to make yours better,” Fives added proudly.

You laughed at him and shook your head. Blinking your eyes open to stare at him again. The lights giving him a halo around his dark hair. Making his tattoo stand out a little sharper against his skin. “How exactly are you still this cocky after everything?”

“It’s who I am. Come on. Up you go.” He grabbed under your arms and pulled you to your feet.

“Mhm does that hero line ever actually work on anyone?” You asked following after him while he kept his arm wrapped securely around yours.

“I don’t know, I’ll let you know later.”

“You are unbelievable,” you groaned.

“That’s the running theory,” he replied proudly.

Following him down the halls of the ship, letting him lean on you a little more as his ankle began to ache worse, you let the pair of you fall into an easy silence. Even if you were a little nervous about where you were actually going, you didn’t have the energy to ask.

“Alright we’re here. Close your eyes and don’t open them until I say so,” Fives said. Stopping the pair of you in front of a plain dark door.

You looked at him with a raised brow. “Fives is this is an elaborate plan to scare me I’m warning you I—"

His laugh cut you off. Throwing his hands up in a surrendering motion as he shook his head. “I promise, I promise, we’ve both been scared enough for one day. Just cover your eyes. You’ll like it trust me.”

You hesitated only a moment longer before closing your eyes and covering them with your free hand. Feeling Fives take your other hand and weave his fingers together with yours, the door whooshed open, and a warm burst of air hit you as he tugged you forward. Your feet following after him without hesitation. You trusted him, even if he drove you crazy.

“Alright, open your eyes,” he whispered from behind you.

Slowly you lowered your hand and opened your eyes. Gasping at the scene spread out before you.

“Fives….”

Strings of lights blinked in multicolored drops that had been hung around wide windows that showed off the thousands of twinkling stars blinking like spilled jewels across the ebony sky. Looking around the rest of the room there was a small table sat in the middle of the window. The two chairs were tied with bright red ribbons and a small box sat in the middle wrapped with blue paper. Soft holiday music played from some kind of hidden speakers and there was holographic snow drifting down the walls.

“I don’t…. I don’t understand,” you said. Spinning around to face Fives who looked a little sheepish with his hand lifting up to rub at the back of his neck.

“You do so much for everyone here. Keeping us alive and healthy. You care, really care, where most people just…. don’t. I remember you telling Echo your favorite holiday when you were a kid was Life Day but that you hadn’t gotten to celebrate it for a very long time. I had the guys help me research it, so I knew what it was and then I set this up for you,” he explained. Shrugging a shoulder like this wasn’t the most amazing thing anyone had ever done for you. Like all the hours and credits, he must have spent to make this little bit of joy come true wasn’t the most incredible gift ever.

“I know it’s a few days early, but you looked like you needed this today. So, I um….” He trailed off and let his hand drop back to his side. “Do you like it?”

You can’t even bring yourself to answer. Forgetting how tired you are and how sore he probably is, you rush forward and launch yourself into his arms. Gripping him tightly as he stumbles back to catch you. Wrapping you up in a hug just as tight.

“I’ll take that as a yes then?” He teased. Lips brushing beside your ear.

“Yes!” You said into his neck. “I love it Fives. Thank you. This is… this is the best thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you.”

You feel him smile more than you see it. His arms flexing around you tighter. “You’re welcome love. Happy Life Day.”

“Happy Life Day Fives.”

Pulling away you smile up at him wider, tears brimming in your eyes for a whole different reason now as you reach a hand up to cup his cheek. His fingers curling around your wrist as he turns his head to kiss your palm lightly. Maybe love isn’t just for fairytales and storybooks. Maybe there is hope left in this war after all.

“Fives?” 

“Yeah?”

“Did you roll your ankle putting up the lights?”

He sighs dramatically and then bursts out laughing. Scooping you up into his arms and spinning you both around as best he can before setting you back down and kissing you chastely. The softest press of his lips to yours before he’s pulling away again and winking down at you.

“It was worth it to see you smile,” he said.

You shake your head at him one more time before rising to your toes to kiss him back just as softly.

“My hero.”

“You’re mine too love.”

[diviluscorner]

Summary: Last minute you're forced to host Christmas. Apparently, there's a service to help with such an issue.

A gift for the lovely @jetii as part of the Life Day ClonexReader Fic exchange hosted by the amazing @cloneficgiftexchange!

I could not stop laughing over the prompt "Need a Hand" and it being about Echo. This then developed.

Read on AO3

“Don’t worry, we got you help.”

Those fateful words spin round and round your head as you walk to the door. When your family emergency yesterday turned into you hosting Life Day tomorrow, panic set in. This month has been overwhelmingly busy, so much so you haven’t had time to decorate. Your house has sat depressingly sparse, not even a tree in the corner, and you swear the neighborhood has labeled you the bah humbug house because there isn’t even a hint of cheer out your door. It’s not your fault all the deadlines you had to make all fell late in the year—since your coworkers couldn’t be bothered by the fact you celebrate the holidays as well.

You would love nothing more than to have your house decorated and smelling of peaceful scents associated with pleasant and happy childhoods.

Instead, you’re in a panic hoping that the grocery delivery at your door will have all the correct ingredients since you don’t have time to go out yourself. You’re going to be lucky to get presents wrapped at this rate. Hand hovering over the panel, you cast a glance at the large pile of gifts you need to wrap and hope you’ll have time to finish those.

However, you haven’t started on tomorrow’s meal, you haven’t baked, cleaning is just beginning, you haven’t decorated…

Opening the door, you sigh in despair. “If you could just put those on—”

Eyes widen as you gaze at the Wookie standing on your porch.

No, not a Wookie.

A man dressed in a Wookie onesie with stunning brown eyes.

He clears his throat and glances at his… paw? “Rawr, rawr, rawr, rawr, or as we say in basic, heard you need a hand to help you with your plan. I’m Echo with Handy Can!”

Lips pursed to the right, you don’t know whether to be embarrassed that your family thought you needed this, laugh at the absurdity of the moment, or feel sorry for the man dressed as a Wookie. Leaning against your doorframe, you allow yourself a precious moment to take in what’s happening to you. “Well, I definitely don’t have a complete plan but since you’re here I could use a hand.”

Those stunning brown eyes focus on you, and he gives a sharp nod. “How can I be of assistance, Miss?”

“I need someone to get the holiday boxes out of storage, but… I’m worried your claws may scratch it all up.”

A hint of amusement dances in his gaze and you find yourself wondering what he looks like when he laughs.

Or even how you would make him laugh.

“I can assure you, these claws will not damage anything.”

Stepping back to let him in, you give a smirk. “That specified in your contract.”

“Sure is. Right below a promise not to chase the mailman.”

Oh, he has a sense of humor, you think and dread its effects on you. With everything this month has dumped on you, you don’t need some sweet talker to cause an even bigger problem in your life.

No.

You’ve been there before.

“Where can I find the holiday boxes?”

After directing him to the storage area next to the laundry room, you hurry to clean all the refreshers in the house. He definitely doesn’t need to work on those. You’ll give him little tasks to tidy up, and likely set him on decorating while you tackle the bigger issues.

Dread creeps back in your soul as you vacuum the house. You understand the small housefire emergency and why Life Day had to be moved, but perhaps one of your other relatives or friends could have offered to host. It isn’t a secret that you’re overworked and haven’t had a full night’s sleep in the past six weeks. You’ve been working over fifty hours a week with no reprieve.

Wiping sweat from your forehead, you find a pit in your stomach. It’s not that you hate hosting, you love hosting. You’d do it more often if work would allow for it. In all honesty, you’re not even upset with friends and family.

You just want to make sure everything is perfect for tomorrow.

It’s been a rough year for all, and if you can bring them even a few hours of joy it’ll make everything worth it. Well, maybe not the job, but at least others having a moment to breathe will bring a smile to your face and a lightness to your soul.

You’re halfway trapped in the hypersonic oven when the door chimes again. Tossing your gloves in the sink, you make your way to the door.

“Delivery.”

Sighing with relief, you direct him to the kitchen. “If you could just load the counter next to the conservator, I can handle it from there. Thanks.”

Another thing off your list.

With the arrival of food and supplies, there’s a gentle ease on your shoulders. There is still a lot to do but at least you’ll have food to feed all the hungry mouths tomorrow. They’ll be full and content and for a moment they won’t need to think about any problems.

They can enjoy Life Day as it’s meant to be celebrated.

“Having a party?”

Peeking out of the hypersonic oven, you look at the man dropping off your groceries. He’s got a charming face and there’s something alluring about the way he leans against your conservator. However, you want him out of your house.

“That time of year,” you respond and stand. Taking a few steps towards him, you hope to move him out your front door again. “I’m sure with how hectic everyone is you have a lot of deliveries.”

“I have a few minutes to spare.”

“Oh, I’m glad you have a few. I’d love a few extra minutes.”

“Maybe I could help,” he says casting a glance around the house. “Seems like a lot of work for one girl.”

Halfway to the door, you pause as you realize he’s not following you. “No. I’m good.”

He moves towards you, and you consider darting out of your own house. “I don’t have any deliveries, so it’s no trouble—"

“What do you think of wrapping lights around the garland, Mesh’la?”

Looking up to the balcony of the second floor, there’s a man dressed in a Wookie outfit holding garland and lights who you’d forgotten with all this cleaning. Smiling, you’re glad those observant brown eyes are focused on you. “That’s a perfect idea.”

When you turn back to the stranger, you see him hurrying down your walkway. Locking the door behind him, you jog up the steps.

“He gone?”

“Yes, thank you.” Relief settles over you as you clear the landing and see him tangled in lights.

“Good. It would have been a few seconds for me to figure a way out of this.”

You give a small chuckle as you help untangle him from the lights. “Looks like you’re the one who needs a hand.”

“In all fairness, I did have a plan,” he responds. “It… uh, just didn’t work out like I thought.”

Pulling the last bit of light string from his hood, you smile at him. “Seriously. Thank you. If you hadn’t been here…”

“Might be slowing your progress a bit, actually.”

“Not sure about that,” you respond and begin weaving the garland around the banister. “Seems as if you’re making this easier for me. I never would have thought of lights on the banister.”

“The white ones,” he replies and begins threading those delicately through the garland. “They’ll sparkle like newly fallen snow.”

Pausing at the end of the garland, you look up at the man in a Wookie onesie and admire the way those lights catch his jaw line while shimmering in his gaze. You probably shouldn’t entertain a thread of hope to see him laugh or perhaps have a cup of caf with him. However, he’s clearly not the shopper intruding on your peace earlier.

Ending the lights with your garland, he looks at you. “I already decorated the outside of the house while you were cleaning. I’d like your approval. See if I need to change anything.”

Heading outside, you stand on the sidewalk and gaze up at the lights lined perfectly across your eves. The railing across your porch is lined in red and white lights reminding you of a candy cane and the joy bubbling inside your chest spills onto your lips in a sweet smile.

“This is beautiful,” you whisper as frosty breath wreathes your face. “And you did this so quickly.”

“Hoped you might like it, Miss.”

Your brow wrinkles in the next moment as you clear your throat. Echo is only here to complete a job he’s been hired to do. You’re silly to think anything more could ever come of it. Unfortunately, the first decent man you’ve come across in what seems like eons wants nothing more than to get paid.

And with that, your bubble of hope bursts.

The rest of the afternoon is filled with polite chatter as gifts are wrapped and placed under a tree. There are some moments your heart thumps a little harder as you bump into each other in the kitchen. Your skin grows warm when he accidentally brushes your hand when he gives you baking utensils. All things you try hard to crush, but your heart seems deaf to the truth.

You will never forgive your family for this.

And you will never host another event.

Pausing your repetition of placing cookies on a cooling tray, you look up at him and try to discern what he just asked.

“Uh, is… Is this what a normal Life Day consists of?”

“My family gives gifts, bakes, eats, laughs, there will be a few arguments, but most will leave feeling joyful.”

“Sounds nice.”

“It can be.” Turning your attention back to the cookies, you work to be polite while your heart again flutters. “Families come in all varieties.”

As dusk lights pinks and greys through your windows, you whip up a quick stew in hopes of feeding the man in a Wookie outfit who’s assisted you all day. You’re not hungry at this point. Not when you wish this wasn’t a one-time deal.

Setting the stew before him, you scan your house to see, not just décor making it feel like a home, but a lightbulb in your kitchen that burnt out three weeks ago has been replaced. The handle on your holovision unit has been fixed. To top it all off, your hearth has been cleaned and now crackles with a warm little fire.

Your stupid heart patters at the thought, but your stomach drops through the floor.

Since purchasing this house, you’ve never had the benefit of an extra set of hands. Sure, your parents come over, but they can’t be here for every little thing. You’ve learned to replace toilets, sinks, and repair holes in walls. You’ve learned to fix pneumatic door locks, the conservator and the sonic dishwasher. You’ve learned how to live alone which means sometimes kitchen lights stay dark, handles hang, and—

“Are you going to eat?”

Looking at the man in the Wookie onesie, you see those stunning brown eyes tinged with worry.

“You’ve been working hard since this morning. Dinner might be good for you.”

…and sometimes you forget how to care for yourself.

You aren’t sure how you missed him ladle you a bowl or when he guided you to sit next to him, but he gives you a smile as he continues eating your stew.

“If we could’ve had food like this on the venators, none of my brothers would’ve been able to fight,” he says with a smile. “We’d have been eating all day and the Seppies would’ve won the war.”

“It’s not that good,” you deflect.

“If this is not good, I’d love to try your amazing.”

He’s just saying that, you think and pick at your meal.

“Somethin’ the matter, Miss?” He glances around your house. “I think we’ve marked nearly everything off your list.”

“You don’t need to be so kind,” you reply and put your spoon down. “I’m sure my family tipped you well.”

He blinks. “Uh… what?”

“My family would’ve paid you well, so no need for these niceties.” Grabbing your bowl, you dump it down the sink. “You can go now. Everything that’s going to get done is finished. Thank you.”

Picking up his bowl, he gives a cautious look.

“Leave it there,” you say as pleasantries fade. “I’m sure you can find your way out.”

And it’s nice to hear the door shut as you turn off the music.

｡.•°•.｡｡.•°•.｡

Giving the punch a stir, you’re surprised your parents are ten minutes late. While it’ll be an hour before everyone else begins to arrive, they are always determined to show up early to check on you. This year, there’s no reason to check on you. Not after yesterday.

When the doorbell rings, you draw a deep breath and let them in. They greet you with hugs and kisses like normal, but it’s your mother who gives you a long, hard look.

“What’s wrong?” she asks.

“Yesterday was tiring.”

“Well, if you hadn’t sent away the help we enlisted,” your father replies and there’s a sorrow in his eyes as if he knows you’re hurting inside. “We tried to help—”

“Sent away?” you question.

Your mother nods. “Yeah. He declined payment and said when he arrived you were already finished.”

“I was…” Without a second thought, you grab your coat from the closet. “I’ll be back.”

Rushing out the door, you’re not even certain where you’re headed but after a quick holonet search, you’ve got some idea. It doesn’t take you long to get into town though finding the tiny shop is a bit more difficult. Turning down an alley, you find the shabby door and enter.

The man, no longer in a Wookie onesie, stands behind the counter flipping through a holozine on gardening tools. He looks up only for those stunning, brown eyes to widen. “Uh… Did I mess something up?”

“Why didn’t you take the payment?”

“Payment?”

“You lied to my parents about all the work you did yesterday. Why? You earned every credit and probably more.”

He closes his holozine and turns towards the shelves behind the counter. “Consider it a Life Day treat.”

“My Life Day treat was not doing all that on my own.” And having you to do it with, you add silently. “How much do I owe you?”

“Nothing,” he states and takes out a datastick which he studies as if it’s the most fascinating thing in the galaxy.

“There has to be something—”

“Miss, we’re square. Your stew was enough, and as you said, I was only there trying to up my tip anyway.”

Reaching the counter, you place your hands on it and look at the man. There’s a gentle downward tilt to his lips that wasn’t there yesterday. You also notice a line of divots on each side of his head along with a mechanical hand that the Wookie onesie hid yesterday. When he mentioned his service in the war, you hadn’t thought to ask him much about it.

You hadn’t thought to ask him much for fear of having your heart rejected and shattered.

“Echo, why don’t you come try today’s cooking?” you suggest and prepare your stupid, fluttering heart to be torn to shreds.

Those stunning brown eyes glance your way. “I don’t want to impose.”

“Trust me. You wouldn’t be imposing.” You then give him a teasing smile. “After all, I have a plan to finish the roast, but I really could use a hand.” And you hear the most heartwarming laugh in response.

[kg-clark-inthedark]

My gift for @puddtoast for @dishonoredgiftexchange’s 2024 fugue feast. I went with the prompt of Aramis Stilton thinking about lost love in the wake of Luca’s downfall while listening to his last audiograph from Theodanis Abele, and then realizing he’ll be okay when a monarch butterfly lands on the audiograph player.

I’ve been head over heels for this emotional sucker punch of a prompt, so I hope I did it justice!! Also I’m delighted to have finally drawn Stilton for the first time. Thank you for providing such fun and detailed prompts to choose from! (Btw I didn’t know what symbolism you were hoping for - if any - when requesting a monarch, so I ran with what I grew up with, in terms of the whole “carrying souls of the dead” thing. Hope that works for you!)

[iamamythologicalcreature]

It's a Happy Pride Month for Snowbaz! (Happy Pride to everyone celebrating!)

*This post contains snowbaz art, closeups of Baz's hair and feet because why not, and a bonus sketch below the cut!

(*am I ridiculously proud of Baz's feet? Yes. I am. Thank you. >.>)

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!

Check below the cut for a sketchy look at Simon and Baz before they went over the rainbow!

[katabay]

some kind of. miscellaneous conversation sometime during ac3?? this was actually part of a much longer scene that went in a more serious direction than I originally planned once I started drawing it. I ended up starting over, but I couldnt bring myself to delete the pages I had already started (which is why the dialogue's a little janky bc I decided to redo it before I got to the lettering stage RIP) so I cleaned them up a bit to post :') get some sleep, desmond.

[radioroxx]

hey guys 🤲 spare nille thoughts? s’il vous plaît???

[lonewolflupe]

Lighting The Way To Your Heart (LDE24)

For @rinwritesfics as part of the @cloneficgiftexchange 🎄🎁

This is the first fic gift exchange I'm participating in, so I'm a tad nervous (for real, I am very nervous). I couldn't help adding some mistletoe to this Life Day story; hopefully it didn't become too much of a cliche, but I hope the loads of fluff make up for it. I'll stop rambling please go read now and enjoy! <3

Summary: After Omega provides a little nudge into the right direction, you and Echo find yourselves in an illuminating situation Rating: Teen and up (SFW) Tags: fluff, love confessions, friends to lovers, romance, kissing, Christmas/Life Day Words: 5.058 Pairing: TBB Echo x fem!reader Prompts: “I thought you were just being nice” / Friends to lovers, one’s oblivious (reader) and the other’s a denier (Echo) Read this one-shot here on AO3

“Alright, easy now,” Echo said patiently as Omega steered the Marauder to the surface. Concentration was written all over her face as she stared through the transparisteel viewport in front of them, her hands firmly on the ship’s controls. With a slight thud - less smooth than Tech would have liked, but Echo definitely noticed her progress -, she landed the ship on the ground. She sat completely still, holding her breath, as if the next challenge was awaiting.

Instead, Echo turned towards her with an affectionate smile on his face and a sparkle in his eyes, giving away how proud he was. “You’re getting better with each try,” he said with a warm voice, resulting in a deep exhale from Omega as she leaned back into the pilot’s chair and finally started relaxing. Echo couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight.

“You’re doing great, Omega,” he tried reassuring her, before pressing some buttons to shut off the engines and the controls. “I just hope Tech thinks the same. He said he’d teach me some of his moves if I mastered landing before Life Day,” Omega sighed, a worrisome expression on her face. Gently, Echo put his hand on her shoulder, turning her attention towards him. “You shouldn’t worry about it. In the pace you’re making progress, you’ll best Tech at his own moves in no time,” he comforted her, and he noticed how the enthusiasm returned to her bright eyes.

Omega jumped from her seat, jolting towards the boarding ramp to exit the ship, but Echo didn’t make any preparations to leave just yet. His mind wandered back to Omega’s words, lingering on a certain holiday she mentioned. “Speaking of Life Day..,” he started slowly, resulting in Omega skidding to a halt, “Do you think, er- She will like it if.. If we decorate the place?”

The girl’s shoe soles made a squeaking sound when she turned on her heels on the durasteel floor, skipping back to him. She appeared at his side with such energy that it startled him. “Are you kidding? She’ll love it!” she shot at Echo, a newfound enthusiasm radiating from her face. Echo huffed in a mixture of surprise and amusement, looking at the beaming face beside him. “Are you sure about that?”

Forgetting all about her eagerness to tell the others about her flight lesson, Omega climbed back into the pilot’s seat and turned it around to face Echo. She had never been more ready for this conversation. “She told me how much she likes Life Day. No wait, she doesn’t like it; she loves it. I think she would be disappointed if we didn’t decorate,” she shared with Echo with such speed, he wondered if she even took a breath in between sentences.

The flustered look on his face made Omega giggle as she rolled back in her seat. She had never seen Echo react like this before, and it made her suspicious. She needed to get to the bottom of this. “Why did you ask?” she informed casually, watching Echo closely so she wouldn’t miss the slightest change in his expression or demeanour.

He shifted in his seat, frowning his eyebrows; it took him just a moment too long to come up with a straight answer. “I thought, er- I wanted to know if we should decorate or not,” came his slightly uncertain answer. Omega leaned towards him, a smug smile briefly adorning her face before she continued. “Then why did you specifically ask if she would like it?”

The furrowing of his brows deepened, his eyes briefly twitching. “I-I just, er.. It’s because I.. Because I appreciate her,” he stammered, and to Omega, he couldn’t have been more obvious about the matter. She narrowed her eyes as she looked at Echo, her lips slowly sliding into an amused smirk. “Do you like her?” came her more direct question.

For a very brief moment, and she almost missed it, his eyes filled with panic, before he shot her a confused look; why would she ask such a thing? “Of course I like her. I like all of you. It takes something to stick around with the lot of you,” he grumbled softly, but he granted her a genuine smile anyway. But it wasn’t enough to satisfy Omega.

“Do you like-like her?” she continued, heeding little serious attention to his previous explanation. It made him scoff, accompanied by a wild gesture with his scomp. “What is that supposed to mean?” Omega rolled her eyes; could she be more obvious with her questioning? “Well, do you have feelings for her?” She leaned a bit further towards him, her body tense from anticipation. 

The brief moment of silence that followed was almost deafening. Echo stammered before he finally found the questionable words: “Feelings like..?” It made Omega grunt in frustration, throwing her head back before gesturing towards him. “Really, Echo? You’re never lost for words around her? She doesn’t make your head spin? Like your legs feel weak?” He looked at her with a straight face, not a glimpse of mockery on it, as he replied. “My legs are very strong, actually.”

Omega pressed her lips in a thin line to share how unamused she was. “I thought you might have had some more experience, but you’re as bad as the rest of them,” she spoke accusingly, and now it was Echo’s time to shoot her an unamused look in return. She ignored it in order to continue her interrogation. “So answer this: does she give you a warm feeling when she’s near, or when you think about her? What does she make you feel?”

Without uttering a word, Echo leaned his head back against the headrest, closed his eyes and pictured you. You had so much love and care to give, always ready to jump forward when anyone was in need of help. Ready to aid any physical needs, like wounds or damaged armour, but you were also there whenever someone needed some words of encouragement or affirmation. Your lively eyes, the little lights that danced in them whenever you looked at him. And your smile.. The mere thought of your affectionate smile made his stomach churn, but in a surprisingly comfortable way.

Slowly, Echo opened his eyelids, blinking them a few times to return to reality. “She gives me a strange sensation in my stomach,” he confessed softly, and he immediately felt how a warm feeling reached his cheeks. Omega shot forward in her chair instantly. “Butterflies!” she cried out, almost falling from the seat in her enthusiasm, “Those are butterflies!”

Echo could only huff in disagreement. “I’m pretty sure they’re not, Omega,” he said under his breath, but she heard him alright. “It’s a figure of speech, Echo. It means you’re in love!” she shot at him, grinning from ear to ear, whilst folding her arms to conclude the matter. But Echo was not ready to draw conclusions yet. “I am not,” he grunted softly, turning his head away from her in a failed attempt to hide the blush on his cheeks from her.

“You most definitely are,” she continued the bantering with a raised eyebrow, resulting in a deep sigh coming from Echo before he turned towards her again. “Omega, don’t be silly,” he said to her, but she wouldn’t have the derogatory words he was using. She pointed an accusing finger at him as she spoke her mind. “No, you’re being silly here. Don’t deny what’s right in front of you!” Her directness and seriousness startled him. “And what do you think I should do about it?” he sighed at last, finally giving in to her suspicions.

The smug expression returned to her face. “You’ve come to the right person. I have the perfect plan, and as a matter of fact, it involves Life Day decorating. So listen up..”

---

It had taken most part of the day to complete the on-planet supply run. Which was strange, because the members of Clone Force 99 were usually way more efficient. Wrecker would get distracted from time to time, but never before would he dawdle like he did today. He had stopped at nearly every stall or booth, pointing out to you what he liked, asking you what your favourite items were, even involving Hunter in the conversations. Tech would occasionally pause to interact with his datapad, which wasn’t a rare occurrence at all, but usually he was able to focus on it whilst walking. Even Hunter acted dubiously; where he’d normally make you all hurry and keep the group together, he seemed to have all the time in the galaxy today.

It was rather suspicious, but you didn’t let your mind linger on it. The lot of you had acquired everything you needed, which was most important, and were now heading back towards the Marauder, where Echo and Omega were waiting for you. You caught yourself feeling excited at the thought of returning to the ship. Maybe it had to do with earlier today, when you had been surprisingly disappointed when Echo had volunteered to stay behind with the ship; you always enjoyed your talks together in between missions, and supply runs seemed like the perfect opportunity for those. You tried staying behind with him, but Wrecker had been so stoked to explore the nearby town with you; you didn’t have the heart to let him down.

But now that you were nearing the ship, a strange feeling of anticipation filled your body, and you couldn’t hide the smile on your face when you finally laid eyes on the Marauder again. Hunter reported the group’s arrival over the internal comm channel, and it didn’t take long before Omega came jolting from the boarding ramp - wearing the biggest smile on her face. You laughed when she reached you, her enthusiasm being contagious in the best possible way.

“Omega, what is it?” you laughed affectionately at her, as she twirled around you. When she finally halted, she reached for your hand and took it in hers, slightly tugging it to make you follow her. “We have something to show you!” she shot out in excitement, whilst pulling you along in all her haste. You complied willingly, following her behind as you were overtaken by curiosity and wonder. “We?” you chuckled, trying to slow her down to a speed that was more common for a casual walk, but she wouldn’t let you. In her eyes, this was nothing like a casual walk.

“Yes, me and Echo!” she elaborated in all her enthusiasm, just when the both of you reached the Marauder’s boarding ramp. With anticipation radiating from her face and her big eyes filled with expectancy, she looked up at you when she finally let go of your hand. Curious and a little bit nervous, not knowing what to expect after all the excitement, you walked the ramp. You had assumed Omega was right behind you, but you hadn’t noticed how she had stopped following you. Grinning, she watched you reach the ship's entrance. And when you glanced inside the Marauder, you instantly forgot about everything else in the whole wide galaxy.

The interior of the ship was filled to the brim with lights. A wide variety of different kinds; big and small, from spare indicator lights to a dimmed multispectrum searchlight. Glowrods were giving off soothing gleams and from activated glitter-lits came iridescent glowing. There was white and slightly yellow lighting, but as your gaze slid over the premises, you started noticing an ocean of different colours. You didn't even know all those spare parts had been stuffed away onboard the Marauder.

Without realising, you had walked up to the centre of the ship, where you were surrounded by all the captivating lights. You extended your arm to touch one of the little lights, but when you did, you noticed how the lights formed a mosaic of colours on your skin and sleeve. In awe, you slowly waved your arm around, turning your hand and letting your fingers dance to see how the mosaic kept changing with every movement. You felt a surge of warmth wash through your body; the lights and colours made you feel cosy and secure. It made you feel at home. With a content hum, you spun around as your eyes wandered the illuminated scene again and again, until they landed on Echo.

Echo.

You had been so immersed in the magical spectacle, you had forgotten about anything else. Only now you noticed Omega hadn’t accompanied you aboard the Marauder, and only in this moment did you realise Echo had been inside all along. He must have seen your amazement, the wonder on your face as you beheld the scene unfold around you, your gentle movements when you danced with the lights.

And he had, and he was mesmerised by you. If his earlier conversation with Omega hadn’t convinced him, this moment had. Here you stood in front of him, more breathtaking than ever, showing your true self in a moment of pure beauty and innocence. He was grateful you hadn’t noticed him immediately, for otherwise you might not have blessed him with this sight. He quickly closed his mouth after his jaw had dropped, swallowing as he awaited your next move.

With eyes wide open, you blinked a few times as you watched him standing inside the cockpit, briefly averting his gaze from yours whilst awkwardly shifting on his feet. When you regained yourself, you wrapped your hand around the other and pressed them both against your chest to show your profound gratitude. “Echo, did you two.. Did you do this for me?” you asked him softly in disbelief, and despite it being a question, your voice was already full with excitement and appreciation.

Very slowly, you started to shuffle towards him, closing the gap between the two of you with every step you took. Echo mustered the courage to look you in the eyes again, and when he did, he noticed how all the little lights reflected in them, making your eyes dance - just the way you had done yourself, only moments ago. The sight made him feel like the air was being knocked from his lungs, resulting in a surge of incoherent words flowing from his lips. “Yes, we, er- We know h-how much you like Life Day, so I- we thought, you know..,” he managed to stammer all flustered, his eyes darting around nervously.

You nearly melted on the spot; you couldn't believe they had gone through all this trouble just for you. And now you understood the inefficiency of today's supply run; the others had been stalling, granting Echo and Omega all the time they needed to decorate the ship’s interior. “Echo, I.. I'm lost for words, actually,” you murmured with an amused huff from disbelief, allowing your eyes to slowly wander the ship’s interior again. You were still slowly walking towards Echo, unaware how his heartbeat rose with every step that made you get closer to him.

And when you finally reached him, you nearly bumped into him as you were still looking around in awe. You apologised, smiling up at him, and suddenly noticed how oddly he was behaving; he almost seemed nervous to be around you. You had never seen him like this before; he was usually so confident and fearless. This sensitive side of him was completely new to you.

As your gaze continued sliding upwards, you noticed a very specific plant dangling from the ship’s durasteel ceiling just above him. You couldn’t believe your eyes; were they playing a trick on you? “Wait, is that.. Is that a mistletoe?” you asked with a gasp of anticipation, the lights in your eyes starting to dance again as you locked eyes with Echo. He coughed softly, before starting to explain: “I-I think so. Omega said it wa-”

You didn’t give him the chance to finish his sentence. You lunged towards him, closing the last gap between the two of you, and placed your lips on his. You felt his breath shudder against your lips as you closed your eyes, indulging yourself in the moment. And Echo let you; those were the rules of the mistletoe, after all. It was supposed to be a quick, fun moment.

But a strange feeling erupted deep down in your belly, growing stronger as long as your lips were connected. It warmed your body, creating a smouldering sensation that was a mixture of nervousness and longing. A haze in your head made it hard to think clearly; was this taking longer than the usual mistletoe kiss? Were you supposed to withdraw by now?

Echo wasn’t retreating either. So instead, you took it up a notch. Slowly, and almost without thinking, your hands slipped over his shoulders behind his neck, pulling him closer towards you. His reaction made your heart rate rise; gently and with the utmost care, he wrapped his arms around your waist, softly pressing your body against his. The smouldering sensation evolved into something more fiery, like the way a spark ignited a fire. And so did the soft, sweet mistletoe kiss.

Burning with desire, you parted your lips, inviting him to do the same, to explore each other as you kept kissing eagerly, your soft lips brushing against his rougher ones. Tender, slow kisses growing into something more needy, something you didn’t know you had been longing for. His grasp around you tightened, but in the most delicate way; like he was holding the most precious thing in the galaxy. Careful, to hold it dear, to not let it fall apart.

Your breath caught in the back of your throat as soon as you realised what you were doing; mistletoes were supposed to be a fun, quick thing without any serious meaning, right? Nothing more. Then why did it make you feel this way? Why did it evoke so many pleasant emotions? And why didn’t you want this to stop? Wait, what was happening?

In a moment of panic, you abruptly pulled away from his grasp, taking a few hesitant, wavering steps back. You noticed the expression of shock on Echo's face, and it almost felt like disappointment; but you didn't take the time to think about it due to your own confused feelings. “I-I’m so sorry, I, er- I slightly overdid that,” you stammered, excusing yourself for your intrusive behaviour, looking around disorientated. Why was it suddenly so hot inside the ship? And why were your legs shaking?

With a newfound courage, Echo grabbed your shoulders in order to get you back into reality. His face was suddenly close again, but his soft features were calming you. You felt safe with him. “Breathe,” he said with his warm, reassuring voice, grounding you on the spot. You felt how your shoulders relaxed in an instant, how your legs regained themselves and how your breathing returned to a normal pace.

“Echo, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to-” you started explaining, but he cut you off whilst squeezing your shoulders and looking deep into your eyes. “Well, I did,” he interrupted you, and the sudden determination in his voice startled you. Your chest started heaving from rising anticipation. “What.. what do you mean?” you managed softly, whilst unknowingly getting closer to him again. As if he attracted you like a magnet. “Listen, I.. It’s when.. You make me..,” Echo stammered, searching for the right words. The right words to make you understand what you meant to him.

But he was a soldier; an ARC trooper, for karking out loud. He had been a skilled trooper of the GAR, completing missions with an unfound cunning and sketching battleplans to aid in the Republic’s success. He was never trained to express his feelings. But Omega’s earlier words echoed through his muddled mind, clearing a path for him. She had encouraged him to speak his mind, to describe what you made him feel. How he felt for you. Honesty was the pillar of any relationship, after all - being platonic or romantic. You’d both figure out where to go from here, as long as he was being honest with you.

“Echo, what’s wrong?” you whispered to him, your voice full with concern because he didn’t finish his sentence. It wasn’t like him to get flustered. He even looked like he was absent; a sense of deep thoughts clouding his eyes. His gaze shot back to you as soon as you addressed him, and for a moment, you thought you noticed a glimmer in his eyes. “I’m- Just- Please.. Please hear me out,” he stammered softly. He took a deep, shaky breath, closing his eyes for a moment before he looked straight at you again. The corners of your mouth curled in the slightest of smiles when you noticed the brightness in his eyes had returned.

He wet his lips before starting to explain himself, his eyes getting brighter with every confession he made. “You.. You give me a warm feeling. A feeling of.. Of belonging. A place where I feel at home. Like I matter in this galaxy; like I make a difference. You make me feel unique, like I’m one of a kind. You’re making me feel sharp during missions, when it matters, and when it doesn’t.. You make me feel appreciated anyway.”

His gaze slid away from yours for a very brief moment, still searching for words as he clearly wasn’t finished yet. And at last, he chuckled softly and found your eyes again. “I don't even mind the rain when you're around,” he whispered, and his lips slid into the most affectionate smile.

For a moment, all you could do was stare back into his bright, golden eyes, as they were shining with his love and affection for you. They were like gateways to his soul; opening up to you, pouring down his feelings upon you like water flowing from a waterfall. And in that very moment, you felt like you were floating, as he shared his most vulnerable and sensitive feelings with you.

Only when he gently touched your hand as it hung slightly shaking beside your body, you returned to reality. You let out the deep breath you were holding in, looking at him with watery eyes. “Echo, I.. I thought you were just being nice!” you managed at last, a shaky chuckle coming from your lips as you tried relaxing after all the build-up of emotions. He looked at you in all seriousness, but with eyes ever so kind. “I’d like to think I was being nice there,” he smiled at you, and with a genuine laugh, you landed a hand on top of his chest. “That’s way more than being nice, Echo,” you replied, your lips sliding into an amused smirk.

He took it as an invitation to gently place his hand on top of yours, as you still held it on his chest. He closed it off with his scomp, gently pressing your hand against his chest, as if he was trying to get you closer to his heart. You felt his heartbeat quickening before you realised yours was doing the same. His touch sent a sensational shudder through your own body, and searching for the right words to respond to his confession, you started to open your mouth. But his deep sigh made you swallow those words. “Kriff, I think my legs are feeling weak,” Echo said under his breath, his earlier conversation with Omega unknown to you.

“Do you.. Do you need to sit down?” you asked him softly, a sudden wave of concern washing over you. But he instantly eased you with a smile and a little tilt of his head. “Only if you’ll sit with me,” he said to you, his voice warm and welcoming, and you responded by tenderly placing your free hand on his cheek. “Of course. Anything for you,” you whispered at the same time, and you felt him exhale against the palm of your hand as he leaned into your touch.

He gently waved his arm around, gesturing towards the chairs in the cockpit to offer you a seat. You walked forwards, your hand sliding from his cheek to his shoulder, squeezing it for a moment as you passed him. He followed you right behind and only sat himself down after you had taken your seat. “This wasn't supposed to be about me,” he murmured to himself whilst briefly shaking his head. You managed to put a smile back on his face with your next words: “What if.. What if we make this about us?”

Very gently, you put your hand on his knee and leaned forward, looking at him with a serious look on your face. “Echo, did you mean all those words?” He sat upright instantly, straightening his spine in a way to show both his sincerity and integrity. “Of course I did. I would never lie to you,” he said with the determination you were used from him. Your lips slid into an affectionate smile and it softened his features instantly. “I, er- I’ve been a di’kut. I think I’ve had feelings for you for a while now, but I just.. I didn’t know what they meant. I didn’t know how to handle them. I’m just a simple soldier, you know,” he continued his confession, unable to resist your affection any longer.

Due to all the emotions, you hadn’t been able to speak your mind just yet. But now that you both had been able to catch your breaths, it was time to start sharing how you felt. “You’re not just a simple soldier, Echo. You're so much more. You're skilled and talented, you're caring and galant. You keep this squad sharp, and you're such an inspiration to them, to Omega. And to me. You are one of a kind, Echo.”

Now it was his time to look at you with blinking eyes, mouthing some silent words. Your face started to feel warm from his stare, and you shyly averted your gaze. But he caught you in the middle of your movement; your chin cupped in his hand, he gently guided your gaze back to his. “Does that.. Does that mean you, er- You feel the same about me?” he asked carefully, his eyes narrowing and an expectant frown covering his forehead.

His question was far from a surprise, but it still startled you. You were grateful to the Batch for picking you up and allowing you to stay, happy you could contribute on their missions. You felt comfortable with them; your newfound family, friends you could rely on. But you never considered your relationship with any of them to evolve into something more than that. “Obviously I care deeply about you, but I.. I never really thought.. Never considered..,” you stammered softly as you searched your feelings for the truth.

Echo’s touch around your chin weakened, and he let his hand slide away from your face. But before he could retract it completely, you caught his hand in yours mid air. You weren’t going to let him slip away from you. Not before you had been completely honest with him. He swallowed audibly, the muscles in his hand tensing due to his nerves. You squeezed it reassuringly, allowing his muddled mind to clear a bit, making him remember Omega’s earlier words, when she tried figuring out his own feelings. “So what.. What do you feel when I'm near or when you think about me?”

A warm smile adorned your face before you closed your eyes, ready to search for the answer to his question as you still held his hand. “I feel safe, mostly. Like I don't have to worry as long as you're around. There's this feeling of.. Comfort. Like I've known you for years. As if we fit together like.. Like puzzle pieces.” Your smile widened for a moment, your lips pushing your cheeks upwards. With your eyes still closed, you didn't notice the look of affection on Echo's face as he beheld your soft features. Carefully, you stretched your free hand towards his cheek, tenderly caressing his skin once you reached him. “You make me feel whole.”

And with those words, you opened your eyes again. When you looked at him, you noticed a slightly twitching frown on his face; like he was holding back tears. You had never seen him this vulnerable before, but simultaneously, he looked like he could conquer the whole Empire. He was strong. Fierce. Invincible. With your thumb, you wiped away what looked like a tear, and with a relieved sigh, he leaned into your touch as your hand still laid on his cheek.

Softly, he placed a kiss on the inside of your hand, before he looked right into your eyes, his golden eyes reflecting all the lights inside the ship. Like a golden nebula holding an array of stars. “Then would you please be mine?” he asked you with a longing and desire that made you shudder in your seat. “There’s nothing in the galaxy I’d rather want,” you replied softly, before sliding from your chair and moving towards him, where he lifted you upon his lap so the both of you could continue your passionate kissing.

The truth was finally out and the galaxy laid wide open in front of you.

…

Epilogue

Outside the Marauder, Omega was pacing back and forth, a troubled look clouding her eyes. With a grunt, she wasn’t shy about showing her impatience. “Ugh, it’s taking so long! Maybe.. Maybe I should go check, see if everything’s alright?”

Sitting near her, his back arched against a cargo crate, Hunter sheathed his vibro-knife before sitting upright. With a focussed frown covering his face, he turned his attention towards the ship. After a very brief moment, his features softened again. “Best if you wait a little longer. I’m sure they’re figuring things out just fine,” he eased Omega’s troubled mind, before returning to his thoughts.

An affectionate smile appeared on his face when he watched Omega find something else that required her attention, granting you and Echo some more precious time together. With the war fresh on his mind and the rise of the Empire raising only more questions and concerns, Hunter was glad at least some good had come from it all.

[jedipoodoo]

Kiss Me Babe, It's Christmastime (Captain Rex x Reader)

Happy Life Day @diviluscorner! I'm your Secret Santa for the @cloneficgiftexchange ! The prompts that you sent were all so cute, but the two I included here were my favorites

Notes: No warnings, Fluff, budding relationship, excessive use of mistletoe, smooches, Rex is clueless off the battlefield but he got the spirit.

"What are you doing down there?"

You beamed up at Rex as he appeared on the catwalk above you. "I found a tree!"

"A tree?" Rex blinked in disbelief, "So you wanted to pull it out of the garbage levels? I could get you a better tree from Alderaan if you wanted one."

"That's not the point!" You tugged at the branch again. The sapling was just young enough that, despite the almost-bare branches, it held firm beneath your grip.

Rex sighed loudly, so that you knew how fed up he was with your shenanigans. Regardless, he secured the grapple attachment to his blaster and lowered himself into the mountains of refuse, a far cry from Coruscaunt's typical civilization.

"Okay, I'll bite." with his gloves, Rex was a bit braver about clearing away the trash that pinned your beloved tree, "What's the point of saving this tree from the garbage, anyway?"

With the tree free at last, you held it up proudly for Rex to see. It was a scrawny little thing, no more than Rex had been when you first met. It still had a few roots poking out from the wooden base it had been nailed to, clearly grown to decorate a home in greenery for the typical life day celebrations.

"Do you know how rare it is for something besides mold to grow here on Coruscaunt? This thing is a living miracle!" As you held up the tree, a few brittle needles that functioned as its leaves fell off.

Rex smiled in spite of himself.

"How are you going to get it out of here?"

"With your grappling hook, duh." You took the blaster from him and aimed it at the catwalk, tree tucked under your arm. Your aim went wide, and the hook fell at your feet with a dull "thud".

Rex chuckled, shaking his head, "Allow me, mesh'la."

He slipped the the blaster from your grasp and an arm around your waist. You had a moment to brace your grip on the little sapling of a tree before your feet left the ground (or at least, the pile of rubbish that counted as ground). Watching the buildings whiz past felt like some scene out of one of those cheesy Life Day Holomark movies.

Though it couldn't have been more than just a second or two, you felt breathless, like you'd just flown halfway around the planet. Rex helped you onto the catwalk before climbing over it himself.

"So what was your plan if I didn't come along with my coveted grappling hook?" He teased.

"I would've figured something out," You shrugged.

Secretly, though, he was glad you hadn't. Rex was more than happy to be your hero in shiny plastoid if you needed it, so long as you wanted him to be.

Back at your apartment, out of the chill, and nursing piping hot mugs of hot chocolate, you started searching for anything that could pass as a life day decoration. You didn't usually have enough space or time to get decor, but sitting on your dresser was a beautiful red rock that Rex had brought you from Geonosis. You tied it up with a bit of string and proudly presented it to Rex before hanging it on one of the branches. It held for a moment, and then the sapling bent almost in half, weighed down by the decorative ornament.

"Oh," you said softly, sinking into the couch cushions, "I guess it was a little too heavy."

Rex looked at you, the crestfallen look on your face broke his heart, a stark contrast to the giddiness you'd displayed upon finding the tree.

How was he supposed to let that go unmended?

He stood up, briefly rifling through his pack of belongings stacked by your door. He finally brought over his rifle, and took the string from you. Propping his rifle against the window, he lifted the tree, tying it to the muzzle at several different points to help it stand.

"I guess it's not a bad tree at all, really," Rex said shyly, "Maybe it just needs a little love."

You beamed at him, the sight warming his chest like a hot drink.

Rex cleared his throat, "You know, I did find one more Life Day decoration that we could put to good use," he said, trying to sound smooth and suave the way Fives always could at 79's.

You raised one eyebrow, shuffling forward, and Rex pulled another plant out of his pocket.

You gasped, "Where did you find mistletoe?" You said, your voice devolving into giggles.

Rex shrugged, "Everyone had some at 79's last night, trying to get lucky, I guess."

You cocked your head to the side slyly, "Is this your way of asking me for a kiss?"

"No- well, yes, I mean, that is, only if you wanted to?" He sputtered nervously. Kark, how did Fives do this every time he ran into a natborn?

Rex blinked, and you were at his side, gently pressing a kiss to his cheek.

"I do want to," You told him.

Rex was too shocked to say anything, and you gently took the hand that was awkwardly holding out the sprig of mistletoe.

"However, I believe this works best when you're under the mistletoe."

You lifted the mistletoe, held in both your hands, so that it hung above your heads.

Rex knew if he didn't make a move he'd feel like an idiot about this forever. He tucked his arm around your waist, pulling you the inch closer that he needed to give you a proper kiss.

It was short and chaste, any more than that and Rex knew he would have melted into a puddle at your feet. Kissing you made his heart race and fireworks explode in his mind, along with the rush of a successful battle.

"Wow," He murmured.

"Wow is right," You gasped, hand still holding his. His arm was getting tired, but he was scared if he lowered it, you'd let go.

"You liked it?" He asked.

"What, you didn't?" A mischievous light flickered in your eyes.

"No, I did," His cheeks flushed, "I just wanted to make sure you liked it too."

He gulped, swallowing the nerves in his throat, "I may be an expert on the battlefield, sweetheart, but this is all new to me. I want to make sure I do everything right."

You laughed, tossing your head back. Rex loved the way you looked when you laughed. He might melt right then and there regardless of if you kissed him again or not.

"It's highly unlikely you'll get everything right, my dear captain," You lowered your shared hands, but before he could protest, you slung your arms around his shoulders.

"But you're not such a bad tree yourself. I think you just need a little love."

[feelingthedisaster]

i just know kayleigh day has some crazy lore hidden

[wizardofrozz]

TBB Hunter x Reader

Word Count: ~1.5k

Warnings: Just straight fluff 🥰

A/N: This is my gift for @isaidonyourknees for the Life Day gift exchange hosted by @cloneficgiftexchange 💙

I used the prompt "Midnight snack run" and I hope you enjoy it @isaidonyourknees!! 🤍🩵

The Marauder was quiet...well quiet if you ignored Wrecker’s muffled snoring a few feet away where he was lying face down on the floor. You turned your head, looking over the side of the bunk, smiling to yourself as you watched him before turning your attention to the body crammed into the bunk beside you. Hunter’s mouth was open, much softer snores filling the air, his bandana pulled down over his eyes. You envied the brothers and their ability to sleep just about anywhere, especially on nights like this one where sleep was just out of reach. Forcing your eyes closed, you tried to will yourself to sleep but what felt like only seconds passed before your eyes popped open again. 

You glanced at Hunter one last time before blowing out a long sigh. Moving quietly had become second nature around Hunter, especially during the time he managed to fall into a deep sleep. You were silent as you climbed down, Wrecker’s snoring covering up the soft hiss that whistled through your teeth when your feet met frigid durasteel. Your eyes dropped down to the bottom bunk, a small smile lifting the corner of your mouth as you pulled the blanket up over Echo’s shoulders. You knew he hated the cold. 

The ship was a mess but you’d spent long enough navigating it that tiptoeing around the items strewn across the floor took no thought. You absently glanced at the bunk again as you grabbed your boots, smiling softly when you noticed Hunter had rolled on his side, curling in on himself. The insoles were stiff from the cold, muffled slightly by the thick socks you grabbed. You double-checked that the small pouch of credits was still in the pocket of your coat before grabbing your gloves and heading for the ramp, glancing into the cockpit. 

Faint lights danced across the ceiling and you stifled a giggle when you caught a glimpse of the top of Tech’s head peaking out from the side of the chair. You rolled your eyes, knowing his neck would be sore in the morning but waking him wouldn’t do any good.

The ramp lowering was silent but you held your breath, anxiously watching the siblings you could see. Echo shivered at the rush of cold air but no one made any sudden movements. Snow crunched under your boots as you hurried out of the ship, shutting the ramp as quickly as possible. Once it sealed with a quiet hiss you let out a long breath and huddled down into your coat.

The snow glistened in the moonlight like thousands of little gems scattered across the ground. The rush of cold air wasn’t the only thing making your chest feel tight as you looked out over the pristine white blanket. You almost felt bad disrupting the beauty of it as you slowly started toward the path leading to the small town. 

It wasn’t Wrecker’s snoring that woke him; Hunter had learned to ignore his brother over the years. No, it was the absence of one specific sound. It was useless to open his eyes with the bandana covering them so Hunter blindly swiped his hand over the warm bedding. With a soft groan, he pushed the piece of fabric onto his forehead, blinking a few times to clear the fog from his eyes. Hunter couldn’t hear the unique pitter-patter of your heartbeat anywhere on the ship and his brows pulled together. 

Silently, Hunter slid off the bunk, searching for the civilian clothing he'd been wearing the day before. Without removing his blacks, he slid the thicker pants and thermal shirt on, unceremoniously shoving his feet into his boots. Hunter fixed his bandana before grabbing the heavy coat you had insisted each of them get and made for the ramp. Silence fell over the ship and Hunter strained to hear Omega’s even breathing; it helped calm his racing heart slightly. Tech’s breathing hitched when the ramp groaned quietly but it quickly evened out again. 

Your footprints were the first thing Hunter noticed, and he hopped off the side of the ramp, absently hitting the control panel. He followed the path you had taken only to freeze when he lifted his head. You were a few yards ahead of him, stopped under the bare trees lining the path that led toward the town, your head tilted back admiring the snow-covered branches. A small, admittedly relieved, smile lifted the corner of his mouth as he carefully moved closer. 

The crunch of snow under his boots made your heart skip and he stopped, biting back a smile when you spun around, looking ready for a fight; Hunter couldn’t deny that he was proud. 

“Hunter! You scared me half to death,” you scolded, resting a hand on your chest. The gentle yet icy breeze blew a few strands of your hand around your face and if you didn’t look ready to throw snow at him, he’d tell you how beautiful you looked. 

“Sorry, cyar’ika,” he chuckled, moving closer. “Could say the same about you.” Your expression shifted, a sheepish smile spreading across your face. 

“I couldn’t sleep,” you explained, wrapping your coat tighter around yourself. “Thought I’d see about a midnight snack. Care to join me?”

“‘Course,” Hunter replied with a smile and offered his arm. You looped your arm with his, beaming up at him and Hunter leaned over, kissing your temple.

Flurries drifted down from the trees overhead, dotting your hair and cheeks, bringing a smile to your face that nearly stole Hunter's breath. The silence was pleasant and before he knew it, the lights of the small town came into view, dotting the snow with splashes of color. 

The single all-night shop was pleasantly warm, making you sigh softly at the sudden temperature change. The young man behind the counter didn’t spare you a glance as you wandered through the store, Hunter on your heels. Your intrigued hum caught his attention and he looked over your shoulder, resting a hand on your side. The prepackaged fruit-filled pastry didn’t look like anything special but apparently, it has caught your attention. 

“Tech was telling me about the fruit native to this planet,” you explained, tapping the name before turning your head to look at him. “Do you wanna try one too?”

“I’ll try yours.” You rolled your eyes but there was a hint of a smile on your face. “Better get Wrecker and Omega one too.”

‘Well, of course,” you giggled, kissing his cheek. After another few minutes and a couple of other treats, you led Hunter back into the cold night air, already pulling one of the pastries out of the bag. He took the bag without prompting, watching you hesitantly take a bite of the fluffy dough. 

“Good I take it,” he commented when your brows lifted. 

“Here try,” you mumbled around a mouthful, holding the treat toward him. Hunter could smell the sweetness already but it was surprisingly subtle. The fruit filling was unusually tart and he hummed, finding that he actually didn’t mind it. 

“Not as sweet as I was expecting,” he said once he swallowed. The expression on your face was far too smug and Hunter rolled his eyes, hooking his arm around your shoulders, pulling you against his side. Your laughter was bright and carefree, a rarity for them recently and Hunter cherished it. 

“As I was saying earlier, Tech and I were talking about it earlier. Specifically how you’d probably like it, seeing that anything too sweet bothers you.”

“You’re sweet but I keep you around,” Hunter teases, kissing your forehead.

“Smooth, sarge,” you laughed, resting your head against his shoulder. 

“I thought so,” he mumbled, hiding his smile against your hair. 

The Marauder came into view suddenly and Hunter’s stiff fingers were grateful. Glancing down at you he concluded the cold was starting to get to you too and pulled you a little closer. 

“Think you can sleep now?”

“I hope so,” you huffed, shoving your hands under your arms. “But above all else, I want to get warm again.”

“You did this to yourself,” Hunter mumbled, smirking when you smacked his stomach, a quiet laugh bubbling past his lips. 

Tech hadn’t moved, not that Hunter had expected him to, and he herded you toward the bunks again, waiting for the hatch to close. You quickly hid the treats with your things, winking at him when he stepped out of the cockpit. Quickly shedding your extra layers you climbed back into bed as Hunter stripped to his blacks again. Echo shifted, the whites of his eyes standing out in the otherwise dark ship.

“Wha?” Echo mumbled, blinking up at Hunter. 

“Go back to bed,” Hunter whispered, reaching down to lightly rub Echo’s arm before climbing up to join you. You had your back against the wall, holding the blanket up for him. He barely got settled before you curled into his chest, pressing your ice-cold nose against his collarbone. 

“Sorry for waking you,” you mumbled, draping your arm over his waist. Hunter smiled, wrapping his arms around your shoulders, and pressing his lips against the top of your head. 

“Don’t be. I liked our little adventure,” he replied quietly, rubbing between your shoulders. 

“Love you,” you slurred, your breathing already slowing. Hunter kissed your hair, letting his eyes drift shut as he listened to the thump of your heartbeat. 

“Love you too, cyar’ika.” Sleep was precious to them...but in a galaxy filled with sorrow, it was the little adventures that made it worth living.

[starrylothcat]

Pairing: Echo x Reader

Summary: Echo knows you are alone on Life Day Eve and wants to spend the holiday with you.

Warnings: Light angst/meloncholy related to the holidays, kissing/making out, slight allusion to sexy times but not described and nothing explicit. Fluffy and happy ending. 🎄

WC: 2676

A/N: This is a gift for @cc--2224 as part of the Life Day Fic Exchange hosted by @cloneficgiftexchange !

I played with ideas from the prompt: Having no one to spend the holidays with and being invited out/over to spend it with [x clone].

❄️ Happy Holidays and I hope you enjoy @cc--2224 ! ❄️

The sun was setting, and delicate rays of light poured into the streets from residences up and down every street on Pabu.

Life Day lights began twinkling on above doors and around windows as the sun sunk beyond the horizon.

Laughter and melodic tunes floated in the air, along with mouth-watering aromas from holiday feasts being set out on tables for friends and family to enjoy.

Echo stood outside your small Pabu cafe, trying to steady his nerves. He was clutching a bottle of rare Tevraki whiskey in his hand, something he had been saving for some time.

Your neon “Open” sign was switched off and the cafe was dark, though a string of Life Day lights flickered above your storefront sign.

You lived in a small apartment in the back of the cafe, and Echo could see a dim light illuminating your living room window.

It was Life Day Eve, and Echo knew you were alone.

Echo had been frequenting your cafe for a while now, making a point to come in the early mornings when your delectable baked goods were fresh out of the nanowave oven.

The more he got to know you, sipping caf and sharing stories and smiles, the more he realized he was catching feelings.

It started small, at first. Little fleeting flutters of his heart when he entered your cafe, knowing you’d be behind the counter. His face warming when you’d laugh, a wonderful medolic laugh that made those flutters in his chest beat like a porg’s wings trying its damdest to fly.

When he was away on missions with Rex, he thought more and more of you, truly missing you and how he felt when he was in your presence.

He felt…safe. Comfortable. At ease. Emotions he hasn’t felt in a long, long time.

You were kind and generous to everyone who entered your cafe and went out of your way to help the people of Pabu. You often hand-delivered bespoke baked goods to new arrivals to make them feel at home.

Echo admired your kind heart, quiet strength, and warm demeanor. It took him time to fully realize what he was feeling, but let it happen. Echo had been thinking more and more of his future, especially now that he was in control of his destiny for the first time in his life.

He had much taken from him, his very soul used against his will. He was given a second chance, and he was not going to waste it.

So when Echo discovered you were spending the holiday by yourself, he knew he couldn’t let you be alone, not tonight.

You cared so much about Life Day, just the day before describing your fond memories of celebrating with your family as a child. You were a refugee like most Pabu residents, and you’ve been unable to see your family for many years due to the war.

Echo picked up the melancholy in your voice and how your body language changed when you spoke of your memories, a heavy weight anchoring you down knowing it was another Life Day without them.

Echo had his brothers and Omega. He was incredibly lucky to have a support structure, even after all he had been through.

The thought of you having no one to celebrate with didn’t sit right with him, so he decided to surprise you with a bottle of whiskey he purchased some time ago, a drink he used to share with Fives on this very holiday.

Echo found himself with a similar weight in his chest this cycle, thinking of Fives. Life Day was Five’s favorite holiday, and Echo had many memories of him and Fives savoring this drink on this nat-born holiday, cheering their brothers, and speaking of their hopes for the future.

Echo couldn’t think of anyone else he’d want to share this drink with tonight. Not even his own brothers. But you.

Now Echo stood in front of your door, hesitating for a moment, hoping he wasn’t coming on too strongly.

Echo never had time for relationships and was currently flying by the seat of his pants, but wasn’t dumb.

Echo has noticed how your expression softens when you look at him, or how your hand always brushes against his every time he hands you credits for his caf, touching his hand just long enough to be noticeable.

He was here as a friend, as much as he wanted to be more than friends. He wanted to kiss you, hold you, and let you know just how much you meant to him.

Echo wanted to respect your boundaries, though, and if you just wanted to be friends, he would continue to stand by your side as that and nothing more.

Echo took a breath and walked to the back of your cafe, up to your front door that was adorned with a Life Day wreath.

He tapped on your front door with his scomp.

It was now or never.

He waited a moment, hearing quiet music playing and some shuffling.

“Hello?” Your voice called from behind your door.

“It’s Echo.”

Your door clicked open, revealing your face, warm light spilling out, illuminating Echo who stood before you.

You were wearing your apron, the one you always adorned in the storefront, and Echo could immediately smell something sweet drifting from your kitchen.

“Echo!” Your face lit up. “What are you doing here?” You looked surprised, glancing at the whiskey in his hand.

“Thought you could use some company tonight.” Echo held it up, trying his best to act casual.

Your lips parted in a delicate oh, a blush warming your cheeks as you took in the man you are seriously crushing on standing in your doorway.

“Echo…you didn’t have to…I’m sure you have plans with your brothers…?”

Echo shook his head. “I want to be here, with you. You shouldn't have to spend the holiday alone.”

A genuine smile graced your features and Echo felt the tension in his shoulders dissipate.

You stepped to the side, gesturing inside. “Please, come in!

Echo stepped inside your small home. It was cozy, with a few dim lamps casting a pleasing glow throughout your living space. A Life Day tree was tucked in the corner of your living room and sparkling lights lined the ceiling, adding a magical feel to the space.

Your dining room table had racks of tooka-shaped cookies cooling, the culprit of the delicious smell.

“Sorry for the mess.” You walked to your kitchen, opening a cabinet to grab glasses. “I wasn’t expecting company…” You laughed, reaching with your tiptoes into the cupboard.

“No need to apologize. I’m the one intruding.” Echo stood near the table, placing the whiskey bottle down where there was space.

You walked back over to him, holding the glasses.

“No, not at all, Echo. I’m…really glad you’re here.”

You smiled your beautiful smile that Echo replayed endlessly in his head, making his heart do flips in his chest.

“Hope you like whiskey.” Echo said, “I used to drink this with my brother on Life Day. We’d save up credits for months to get a bottle.”

You scooted a rack of cookies out of the way, placing the glasses on the table.

“I’m honored you’re sharing it with me.” You untied your apron, draping it over a nearby chair.

“And yes, I do like whiskey, so you will have to share.” Your eyes held a mirthful glow, the Life Day lights hanging above mirrored in your irises.

Echo’s heart was thumping as he poured you each a glass of the amber liquid.

You gestured toward your couch. “Shall we?”

Echo sat next to you on your couch, sinking into the comfortable cushions as you settled near him. The couch was small, leaving little room between you.

You cradled your glass of whiskey, the lights from your tree reflecting off the crystaline glasses. A comfortable silence spreading between the two of you, only interrupted by the music playing from your radio.

Echo looked so handsome in the glow of your lights. His jaw was set, strong, and stubbled. His skin had gained some color back from the Pabu sun, and you could see his muscular shoulders tight against the civilian clothes he was wearing.

You have known Echo for some time now, ever since he and his brothers first came to the tropical planet. He stopped by your cafe every morning he could for caf and a spice cake. You learned some of his story before Pabu, but not all. You knew how he got his cybernetics, a story he told you early one morning in your shop.

Your heart broke for him but admired his resilience and ever-present strength. It’s one of the many reasons why you have fallen for him.

“Thank you, Echo.” Your eyes met his brown ones, butterflies coming to life in your stomach.

“I didn’t mean to give you my whole sob story yesterday…I usually keep myself busy on Life Day, as you can see.” You motioned behind you to all the cookies.

Echo shook his head. “Don’t apologize. The holiday can be hard on everyone, especially now. I’ve been thinking more of my brother, and it hurts knowing he can’t be here. You’re not alone in this.”

He lifted his glass of whiskey toward you.

“Cheers.” He said, clinking his glass against yours. “To friends and family.”

“Cheers.” You replied, “To friends and family.”

You both sipped the sweet alcohol, enjoying the warmth in your chest it provided as you swallowed.

“You and your brother had good taste.” You smiled behind your glass, taking another small sip, savoring the drink.

Echo chuckled.

“Glad you think so.”

You watched something flash across Echo’s eyes.

Echo had told you a little about Fives in passing, but not much.

“I’m sure he’d be happy that you are continuing your tradition.”

Echo nodded, a small, sentimental smile pulling at his lips.

“Yeah…he was a good man. One of the best I’ve ever known.”

“Tell me about him,” you started. “Only if you want, though.”

Echo knew Fives would be happy for him, and while he desperately wished he could be here, talking about him lifted the stone off his chest that had settled ever since he saw this whiskey.

He told you of the first time they bought this drink, and almost getting caught with it in their bunk when they were cadets.

The night went on, trading stories of the past, you talking of your family and Life Day traditions, and Echo speaking of his brothers, reminiscing on the trouble he and Fives used to get up to.

There was a newfound intimacy between the two of you, for once not just talking in your cafe. Echo had never felt closer to you than now, watching how your features glowed under the lights, talking of fond memories and the current goings on in Pabu.

You weren’t sure when it happened, but you ended up sitting close enough to Echo that your legs were almost touching.

Your conversation lulled, and Echo glanced at your chrono, seeing how late it was, well past midnight.

Time always went by so quickly with you. That peaceful serenity that he only felt with you had overtaken him, not wanting it to end.

“I didn’t mean to keep you this late.” He spoke softly. “I should go.”

Without thinking, your hand shot to his knee, feeling the hard metal underneath his clothing.

“You don’t have to go, not yet.” You said quickly.

You didn’t want him to leave. Your gaze met his, your hand still on his cybernetic knee.

Echo’s honeyed eyes swam with emotion, feeling your hand on his knee slide up toward his thigh, where his skin began.

Echo, spurred on by your touch and maybe a little bit of the whiskey, laid his hand atop yours. The gentleness of your hand contrasted with his larger, calloused palm.

Your eyes darted to where your hands met, and back to his.

Echo whispered your name so quietly you almost missed it over the thrumming of your own heart.

“Thank you for being here tonight.” You took a breath.

“I know we both have people we are missing right now…it’s usually a difficult time for me, but this is the happiest I’ve felt in a long time.”

Your voice was quiet too, enjoying the weight of his hand atop yours.

“You…mean a lot to me, Echo.”

Echo’s eyes widened slightly, heat rushing up his neck, hoping he was hearing you correctly.

“You mean a lot to me, too.” Echo’s hand lightly squeezed yours, your confessions hanging around you as excitement flooded your systems, realizing you both felt the same.

The air was suddenly thick, a magnetic pull tugging at both of you toward one another.

You were so close now, his nose brushing against yours as you both tentatively leaned in, your lips just centimeters away as you slowly closed the distance.

Finally, your lips touched, soft and chaste, his scomp lifting to gently trace down your arm as his lips captured yours.

Echo felt as if sparks were going off in his entire body, your lips sweeter than he imagined. He never wanted to let go of this moment.

It was pure bliss to kiss you, Echo’s mind solely focusing on you, how you felt, the way your breath hitched when he brought his hand to cup your face, gently caressing his thumb under your eye.

You pulled away, already missing his spicy musk and surprisingly plush lips.

“This is the happiest I’ve felt in a long time, too.” Echo traced his knuckle down your cheek. “And it’s because of you. It’s always because of you.”

You leaned in again, overwhelmed by emotion, wrapping your arms around his neck and bringing him into a more passionate and fervent kiss.

Everything that had been building between the two of you didn’t need to be spoken, the way your mouths danced and hands roamed one another’s bodies spoke for itself.

You sighed into his mouth as he shyly slid his tongue across your lower lip, politely asking for more.

His hand cradled the back of your head, entangling in your hair as your kiss deepened.

Emboldened, Echo broke the steamy kiss and traced his mouth down your jawline, placing hot kisses slowly down your neck.

The quiet whimpers that left your swollen lips ignited his body with passion, hoping he hadn’t fallen asleep on your couch and this was just a dream.

Echo lavished your skin, making his way back up to your lips for another profoundly devoted kiss.

When you both finally pulled away to catch your breaths, your lips were shiny with saliva, and your bodies flushed.

You couldn’t help but let out a small laugh as Echo held you against his strong body.

“Do you still want to go?” You asked.

Echo shook his head.

“I think you convinced me to stay.”

He brushed his lips against yours, slowly leaning you back on the couch, until you were laying down and he was above you.

You looked up at him through hooded eyelids as he took in your form beneath him, your soft body pliable against his.

“Can’t let you wake up alone on Life Day, either.” Echo’s voice was deliciously deeper than usual as he pressed an open-mouthed kiss right under your ear, causing you to shudder in delight.

Echo waited for your answer, not wanting to take things further than you wanted.

“No, you can’t.” You replied, pulling him down flush against you, your lips meeting again, your bodies entwining.

When you awoke the next morning in one another’s arms, for the first Life Day in a long time, you both felt indescribable happiness.

As you drifted off the night before, speaking softly to one another in the afterglow of your ignited feelings for one another, Echo was afraid when he woke up, that peace he felt only with you would be gone. Or that maybe you’d only wanted that one night with him, and nothing more.

The feeling was still there, even stronger than before. His fears dissipated when you left feather-light kisses across his chest, asking if he’d like to stay for breakfast and help decorate some of the cookies you had made last night.

Echo wholeheartedly agreed, inviting you to the dinner Hunter was hosting that evening with Omega and the rest of his brothers.

The heaviness that had settled over both of you leading up to the holiday had lifted away, replaced with glimmering elation and harmony that only you could give one another, knowing you would never have to be alone on Life Day ever again.

⋆｡˚❆˚ ⋆ Comments & Reblogs Appreciated! ⋆｡˚❆˚ ｡

Dividers by @saradika

[dystopicjumpsuit]

I Wish All Readers a Very Hunter Life Day

A/N: This is a gift for @captainpains for the @cloneficgiftexchange Life Day Exchange. Prompt (will be in BOLD RED): "I know I love you and all, but you are really making this really hard for me!"

Pairing: Hunter x Reader (Fem; has hair)

Rating: M (minors DNI)

Wordcount: 2K

Warnings and tags: a minor guilt trip; light Life Day angst with a happy ending; Hunter is in his fratboy era; SMUT; hair pulling; oral sex; rough sex; biting; marking; dirty talk; praise kink; glove kink; armor kink; protected PIV (Reader is on space birth control/STI protection); strong language; fluff

Summary: Hunter may be a bit of a Life Day Grinch, but that doesn’t stop him from distracting you when the war threatens to keep you from spending Life Day with your family.

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Hunter didn’t mean to eavesdrop. If anything, you dropped the eave on him. He stalked toward the Marauder, supplies in tow after a successful run to the open-air market on this Maker-forsaken backwater of a planet. As he approached the ship, his enhanced senses meant he couldn’t help overhearing your low, strained voice—or the fact that you were definitely crying.

“I wish I could be there, but there’s just no way,” you said.

“I just don’t want you to miss your nephew’s first Life Day, sweetie.” 

The woman’s voice was unfamiliar, and Hunter slowed down, analyzing the situation.

“I know, Mom…” you sniffled a little bit. “I love you, but you are making this really hard for me. It’s not like I asked to be deployed to an active war zone.”

Hunter stopped in his tracks, frowning. He knew Life Day was coming up, but to be honest, he hadn’t thought much about it. It had always seemed more like a holiday for nat-borns, though he knew some of the regs had started to join in the celebrations since the war had broken out and they’d begun to interact with beings from other cultures.

It all seemed a bit excessive, if he was honest. A whole festival, just to celebrate family? He spent all his time with his brothers. He didn’t need to binge-watch Holomark Life Day flicks and decorate a kriffin’ tree, too—no matter how many times Wrecker asked. 

But still. You were a nat-born, and for the first time, it occurred to him just how much of a strain it must be on you to be plunged into the chaos and peril of the battlefield without even having the comfort of your family close by. You’d never mentioned it, and he had never wondered why until now.

He walked up the ramp of the Marauder, stomping a little harder than necessary to give you ample warning that he was back, and he heard you hurriedly end the comm just before he entered the ship.

“Hey,” you said with a forced smile. “Supply run go okay?”

“Mm-hmm,” he grunted, dropping the crate and kicking off the lid.

“Where’s the rest of the squad?”

“Still out,” he replied, moving closer to you and raising his hand to your chin, tilting your face so he could inspect it. “You’ve been cryin’.”

Your eyes widened, and you pulled away. “No, I haven’t.”

He let you go, ignoring your blatant lie. “Wanna talk about it?”

“Nothing to talk about,” you replied, dumping out the crate and beginning to stash the supplies in a cabinet.

He watched you silently for a moment, then crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the wall, his gaze fixed on your face. “Wanna forget about it?”

You huffed an impatient laugh through your nose as you continued your work. “Why? Did you buy some kyrf while you were at the market?”

Hunter grimaced at your jab, remembering the particularly horrific after-effects of too many shots of kyrf liquor the last time the squad went to 79’s on shore leave. “That’s not exactly what I had in mind.”

“What, then?” You tossed the last of the supplies into the cabinet, then slammed the door and turned to him.

His dark eyes dropped to your lips. “I could distract you.”

You stared back at him in silence for a long beat. You couldn’t possibly have heard him right.

“What?” you asked blankly. 

He smirked—damn his stupid, handsome face—and leaned closer to you. You resisted the urge to swallow when he did, knowing he’d hear you. Instead, you put on your grumpiest expression and deflected like a champ.

“I’m not playing sabacc with you again,” you said with a scowl. “You cheat.”

“I just notice your tells. That's not cheating.”

“It is when you have enhanced senses,” you retorted.

“Not like I can turn ‘em off,” he pointed out. “For example, right now, you have a tell.”

You raised your eyebrows but didn’t respond. He reached out and trailed his fingertips up the inside of your wrist, leaning close enough to whisper in your ear.

“Your heart is racing, little one.”

You yanked your wrist away from him. “That’s not funny.”

“I’m not joking.” His gaze filled with an intense heat as he stared into your eyes. His face was close enough that you could feel the warmth radiating from his skin. “The others won’t be back for hours. It’s your call. Tell me to piss off, and I’ll go for a run and never touch you again. Or…”

Your heart hammered in your chest, and you just knew the cocky son of a tube could hear it. Your voice sounded embarrassingly breathless as you echoed, “Or…”

“... or, you could let me take your mind off things.”

You forced yourself to breathe at a normal pace—maybe even too normal; who karking knew? Hunter, that’s who, you thought bitterly. He probably has the whole damned squad’s breathing patterns memorized. You considered his offer, not that it was easy to make a rational decision when he was standing so close to you, smelling goddamned delicious and looking even better. 

Gods, his mouth is just. Right. There.

When you didn’t reply after a few moments, he asked, “I think we’ve been dancing around this long enough, don’t you?”

“Yeah,” you whispered. “I guess we have.”

Duraplast armor made a surprisingly good handle as you grabbed him and pulled him against yourself. Your lips crashed together. His hands cupped your face and his fingers tangled in your hair as teeth and tongues clashed, your bodies coming together in a desperate, frantic embrace. Your hands scrambled and roamed over his armor as you searched for access that you simply couldn’t find.

You growled with frustration, and Hunter laughed quietly as he kissed his way across your jaw and down your throat. “Why the hurry, pretty girl? We’ve got time.”

“You wouldn’t be saying that if you hadn’t gotten laid in as many months as me,” you muttered, fumbling at his crotchplate. “How the kriff does this thing work?!”

A telltale zipping sound alerted you to the fact that Hunter was having significantly more success in getting you out of your flightsuit. He tugged it down your shoulders and let it drop down your body, following its progress with his mouth. He reached your compression bra and yanked it off over your head. You had no idea where it landed as he flung it across the ship, but you hoped it wouldn’t be too hard to locate it later.

That’d be fun to explain to Crosshair, you thought with a slightly horrified shudder.

Any concerns you had about your missing undergarment fled your mind about half a second later. Hunter’s lips closed around your nipple, swirling his tongue as he squeezed and teased your other breast, the rough fabric of his glove providing a shockingly pleasurable abrasion. Your head fell backward to rest against the durasteel wall, a hoarse moan tearing from your throat.

Hunter responded immediately, scraping his teeth across your skin, then smoothing his warm tongue over the bite mark. You shivered at the sensation, and he dropped abruptly to his knees, gripping your ass in both hands as he pulled you hard against his face. His tongue slid into you as his lips pressed over your cunt.

“Oh, fuck,” he murmured. “You’re delicious. And wet, holy kriff. So, so wet—”

Your legs nearly gave out, and you clutched his head for balance.

“Goddamn,” he hissed as your fingers tangled in his hair. “Pull it harder.”

You complied, tugging his hair firmly, and his eyes drifted blissfully closed as he leaned close and breathed in your scent. He flicked his tongue over your clit and back into you again and again, alternating between kissing and licking and sucking on your sensitive skin until your legs trembled. Distantly, you heard a clatter of plastoid on durasteel, and then he stood, spinning you around and pushing you forward to lean against the wall of the ship as he gripped your hips and pressed his knee between your thighs, urging them apart.

“Implant?” he asked hoarsely.

“Y—yes,” you confirmed, forcing your brain to focus on the question.

You felt his cock nudge between your thighs, and then he thrust into you, barely giving you time to adjust. His cuisses were cold as they pressed against your thighs, hard against your soft skin, and his hand snaked around your body to cup your breast as he pulled you upright and backward onto his chest. He held you upright as he thrust into you, and with his other hand, he slid his fingers over your cunt, massaging your clit and pressing against your mound firmly. He was still wearing his gloves, and the fabric felt unbelievable on your skin.

“You like it rough, don’t you, pretty girl?” he growled in your ear. “You like it when I use that perfect little pussy, don’t you, sweet thing?”

“Yes,” you gasped, your breath punching out of your lungs as he thrust particularly hard into you. “Fuck, yes—”

He sank his teeth into your shoulder abruptly, and your words cut off in a scream. He began to work his fingertips in tight, rapid circles over your clit as he kissed over your sore, abused skin. That’s definitely leaving a mark, you thought distantly, as a rush of fresh arousal flooded you.

“That’s right,” he murmured smoothly. “Just like that, good girl. Sweet little doll, taking my cock so well. Gonna come for me?”

“Uh-huh,” you groaned, feeling all the muscles in your center begin to tense.

“Use your words, little one,” he whispered, his breath teasing your neck and ear as his teeth closed softly on your earlobe.

“I am—I’m—FUCK!” You cried out loudly as your orgasm tore through you, pleasure exploding from the base of your spine and bursting through your body.

“That’s it, love,” he said, speeding up his pace. “Feels so good—so fuckin’ perfect, such a good girl—where do you want it, darlin’?”

“Inside,” you gasped.

“You sure?” he asked, his hips stuttering slightly as his hand suddenly clenched harder around your breast.

“Yeah,” you whispered. “Fill me up.”

“Fu—ah, kriff!” he grunted, thrusting hard, and you felt heat flood your cunt as he spilled into you. 

He pressed his hot, open mouth against your neck, sucking hard on your skin as he groaned loudly, clutching you hard against his rigid armor in an almost painfully tight embrace. Slowly, he loosened his grip, reaching out to lean his forearm against the wall in front of you for support.

“You all right?” he panted, kissing your head gently.

“Yeah,” you replied. 

“Armor didn’t hurt?”

“No, it was actually kind of hot,” you replied. “I can’t lie, I was kind of hoping to see how far down your tattoo goes, though.”

He laughed quietly into your hair. “Who said we’re finished? I told you the squad wouldn’t be back for hours.”

Two weeks later, the Marauder lurched and dropped out of hyperspace. You glanced up from your datapad, curious.

“Are we back to Coruscant already? I thought we wouldn’t arrive until tomorrow.”

“We require an emergency stop for repairs,” Tech replied.

You looked out the viewport and gasped as you recognized a familiar sight. “Tech, this is my home planet!”

“That so?” A quiet, smoky voice sounded from close behind you. You turned to see Hunter leaning against the cockpit doorway, an inscrutable expression on his face.

“Unfortunately, it appears that every part supply shop in the system is closed to observe the final rotation of the Life Day celebration,” Tech said. 

“Shame,” Hunter remarked. “Guess we’ll have to stick around at least until tomorrow.”

You stared at Hunter, and then at Tech, and finally out the viewport at the swirling atmosphere of your homeworld.

“Don’t suppose you know anywhere worth visiting in this system,” Wrecker said with a twinkle in his good eye as he joined you in the cockpit.

Your eyes stung with unexpected tears that you ruthlessly blinked back as you turned to look at your squad, who watched you with varying degrees of interest. Your heart squeezed.

“Yeah,” you replied at last. “How would you boys like to meet my other family?”

---

Want more Hunter x Reader? Check out this fluffy, slightly sexy first kiss ficlet.

[lunarharp]

eh..random pokemon scribbles i found..I LOVE RIKA

[frauleiiin]

SWTOR Secret Santa 2023

As requested by many, there is the SWTOR Secret Santa for this year! The exchange will be hosted by me @frauleiiin.

The exchange is open to writers, artists and people who make edits!

The exchange works like a real life secret santa. You'll receive a prompt to draw/write/edit a piece for someone and you'll also receive a piece from someone else.

RULES

We'll stick to a Safe For Work (SFW) event to try to include as much people as we can. So no explicit sex or explicit nudity. The exchange is open to 16+.

No extreme gore, blood, violence. Action/fighting scenes are fine and minor blood is okay. If you have doubts refer to me.

If you can't finish your gift in time, please message me @frauleiiin as soon as you can so I can find you a replacement.

Be sure your tumblr can accept private messages from me so I can send you the prompts and check on your progress!

Fanfictions need to be a minimum of 600 words.

Illustrations need to be more elaborated than a sketch. So colored sketch, colored line art, black & white rendered sketch, etc. As long as it feels somehow finished, go for it.

This is an obvious rule but still, Star Wars: The Old Republic pieces ONLY.

SCHEDULE

Signs-ups are open NOW (December 10th)

Signs-up end December 15th at 2:00 PM UTC−5! [CLOSED]

You'll receive your Giftee and prompts on the 15th-16th.

Gifts are due January 1st-11th 20th January (Delayed)

SIGN-UPS

Here's the form to the exchange!

If I forgot anything or you have questions, please, do contact me! The tag this year is #swtor secret santa 2023. I'm really excited for this secret santa, I hope we all get to have a good time!

REBLOG AS MUCH AS YOU CAN, we only have 5 days for the entries this year so let's try to hook as much people we can!!

[aabluedragon]

Not Canto VII beating it into our heads how immortality and power is inherently miserable without the other fixings that would lead a mortal life to joy as soon as Jia Xichun brings up how the Elders are searching for the cure to mortality

[writersnook11]

I'd Wait Forever

Life Day Exchange 2024

@lonewolflupe @cloneficgiftexchange

Word Count: 5.5k+

Warnings: 18+ but no smut, no use of Y/N, SFW, grief, mentions of death and lack of closure, denial, angst, mentions of corruption, mentions of Order 66, emotional reunion, fluff, kisses, holiday activities, mentions of a tiny square box with a very specific purpose

Summary: After Fives’ death, you’re not sure what to do with yourself. Your last conversation with Fives left you confused, scared, and reeling with its implications. You learn to live with your grief, and when the Republic is replaced by the Empire, you decide to leave Coruscant. You move to the place you and Fives had intended to live after the war, choosing to face head on what could have been. Months later, an unexpected visitor arrives.

Disclaimer: I should note I’m not 100% sure of the amount of time that passed between Fives’ death (canonically) and Order 66. In writing this I took a creative liberty in saying it was several months, please forgive me if that’s wrong. But also, this is fanfiction, so *shrug*, anything goes sometimes. I think a timeline issue in this case is a minor thing, but I at least wanted to be upfront about my doubt. I also don't know if the GAR troops were paid, but in this case they were, albeit extremely minimally.

Gift Note: Happy Holidays! Lupe, I hope you like it! I went a bit crazy with the angst but I hope the fluff makes it worth it. I read your About Me and stuck a nugget or two in there for you specifically. It's not perfect by any means, I'd edit this for months if I could. Also, I'm not sure if you use Spotify, but during the writing process I made a mood playlist/soundtrack and I'd be glad to share it with you if you're interested! Anyway happy reading, let me know what you think! <3

AI Notice: My consent to any and all use of my work in training AI is expressly withdrawn. Do not use my work in training artificial intelligence.

It had taken a matter of weeks for your world to turn upside down.

You longed for those hushed whispers of comfort, his rumbled assurance that he’d be back before you knew it. You desperately craved his arms around your waist again, holding you close and hanging on like you’d never let go, both of you warm and safe. 

Part of you didn’t believe it. How could you? He called you only hours beforehand, a rushed warning of something you couldn’t quite understand. 

Be ready to leave the second I get home, all those plans we made to move? We’re doing it now—

Fives wait—

Listen to me, okay? There’s something big happening, I can’t explain it all yet, I don’t have much time—

Fives you’re scaring me, what are you talking about? What’s happening?

Don’t be afraid, sweetheart, I’ll be home soon and we’ll get far away from here, just like we said we would.

Yeah, but that was after the war— is it over? Will it be over soon? Is that what you’re saying? 

No— I— I can’t tell you or I’d be putting you in danger.

What? You better tell me what the hell is going on, right now.

I can’t—

Fives!

A beat of silence. 

Dammit… Listen, you can’t repeat this to anyone, and I mean anyone, okay? Not Rex, not Fox, not Commander Tano, no one. Not until I give you the all clear. Got it? 

Okay, I hear you… 

The Kaminoans put something in every clone. Every clone. And it can control us. It’s an implant in our brains. Tup’s malfunctioned, that’s why—

Control you? What? Fives I’m confused—

This goes deeper than I ever thought possible. I don’t know what to— Kriff. I have to go—

Fives be safe! I can’t—

I love you baby, see you soon.

You were beyond confused and scared, but Fives was one of the best troopers in the GAR and you knew better than to doubt him. You trusted him more than anyone in the galaxy. You did as he told, if not to comfort yourself then him. 

You were waiting in the living room of your tiny Coruscant apartment, bags packed by the couch, when the Guard knocked on your door.

How could you believe them? 

This wasn’t in the plan. 

His funeral wasn’t like any you’d ever attended. It was lumped in with hundreds of his brothers fallen in combat, more like a memorial than anything. You went through the motions numbly, half-heartedly acting the part of a grief-stricken loved one because you still couldn’t bring yourself to believe it. Something in the way Fives had told you about behavioral implants, the war being fabricated; you didn’t trust many people anymore, even clones. It didn’t help that no one could meet your eye; not Rex, not Kix or any of the 501st. Maybe they felt responsible somehow. Survivor’s guilt, perhaps. You simply couldn’t believe Fives was dead. 

Weeks went by. Everyone looked at you with such sympathy. Rex even called to check in or visited when he was able, however rare that turned out to be. 

When months went by and there was still no word from Fives, you started to believe them. Maybe he was truly gone. He wouldn’t leave you this long without at least a word of comfort, even an acknowledgment or letter.

You returned to work, pouring yourself into it, saving money and filling your days as best you could while you hoped and waited to be wrong. Sometimes you’d pass by clones on shore leave, laughing and making merry. You’d see glimpses of him in his brothers, hear him in their voices. Those days you couldn’t help but wonder if any of them had known him, if they’d had a chance to hear him out. You often thought about his last days, especially the few hours after he comm’d you. Was he afraid? Angry? How deep did this go? You wanted to ask Rex, General Skywalker, anyone and everyone who was near him in his final days. Before you had the chance to speak to them again, everything Fives said to you in that call coalesced. 

The fall of the Jedi Temple, eliminated by Republic clones, and the emergence the Empire. Headlines that shook you to the core. 

You knew good and well the Jedi would never turn against the Republic, Fives had told you too much about them. You also knew just as well that the clones would never turn their backs on the Jedi without a second thought. No creature in the galaxy could meet a more loyal band of brothers. Behavioral implants suddenly made a frightening amount of sense. 

You didn’t like what this implied about the Republic, what it had been under the surface all along. When the Chancellor seemingly declared himself Emperor, you knew where the galaxy would head. You’d read too much about such governments. All too soon, free thoughts even as simple as questioning a new policy would be deemed threats to democracy, threats to the Empire. Any and all of which would be punished, if not eliminated entirely. 

You thought back to your final call with Fives, how he’d said telling you those things would put you in danger. If his last words to you ended up a warning without him ever knowing truly what would transpire, you wanted to make sure it wasn’t in vain. It had to be worth something, even if that only meant your escape from a corrupt regime. 

The night of Emperor Palpatine’s inaugural address would be your last spent on Coruscant. 

The instinct to run away was a powerful one, one you had never felt so tangibly. You spent the larger part of the night packing and repacking your bags, trying to dwindle your life down to the bare necessities for starting over. When you finally slept, you tossed and turned, waking in the morning feeling like you’d have been better off not sleeping at all. 

With one bag over your shoulders and one in hand, you turned to give that dingy, budget apartment a last once over. At first, you looked to make sure you didn’t miss anything you wanted to take. You’d never be coming back, after all. But then you were watching Fives sneak up on you while you were making dinner, food flinging to the ceiling as you shrieked. Then you were falling all over him, giggles and exclamations of surprise filling the room. You watched how his hands fit perfectly on your hips, sliding up your waist to your back to envelope you in a tight hug, your kisses peppering his face. Your lips fell on his, humming contentedly and standing there together in bliss. Then dinner started burning and you had to practically tear his arms off to get to the stove, a wide grin never leaving his face. 

A tear slid down your cheek, one you brushed away with the palm of your free hand. You couldn’t bear the thought of a whole life without him. 

You pushed that memory to the back of your mind, turning on your heel and locking the door behind you. At the front office you turned in your key, bidding farewell to the only office manager you actually didn’t mind. She asked if there was anything she could do, but you shook your head and assured her there were just too many memories in that apartment now. She gave you a knowing nod and you told her about the rest of your belongings, that she could sell or donate or throw away the rest. She asked if she should leave it as is for a while, in case you changed your mind. You shook your head again. 

You’d never be coming back, after all. 

Clouds of dust billowed as you dropped your bags in the doorway, making you cough. Carefully, you made your way through the foyer into the living room, then into the kitchen, stepping over rotted floorboards and soft spots. You assessed needed repairs as you went, cringing as the list grew. 

It was worse than when you and Fives bought it. Granted, there were already numerous issues when you put down an offer. That was the main reason you were able to get it so ridiculously cheap. It wasn’t like they paid clones well. Now you’d just spend an arm and a leg repairing everything, and hopefully get it finished before winter. 

You ran a hand across the window over the kitchen sink, barely brushing enough dirt away to see the barn clearly. You stepped back and made your way to the mudroom, walking out back to take a look at the yard. Fenced in (if you could call what remained a fence), the barn stood several hundred units behind the house. It was weathered and worn by time and lack of tending, standing nearly twice the size of the main house. Its hayloft was in desperate need of new supports and the whole thing in need of new siding. 

You sighed, turning on your heel to head back inside. Crossing through the mudroom again, you looked to the stairs leading to the second floor. Sheets of wallpaper, fallen from upstairs, laid across the steps. As you climbed the stairs, you leaned over and crumpled up what was in your way, having to tear some the rest of the way from the wall. 

The second level was not in much better shape than the first. Of the two small bedrooms and one large, only about ten units of wallspace still held wallpaper. The refresher needed serious TLC to the plumbing, the sink running brown for the first ten minutes of waterflow. When it finally ran clear, it only ran cold. 

You pinched your lips together and let out an exasperated sigh. After retrieving your bags from the front door, you marched upstairs and began getting settled as best you could. At least you brought one of Fives’ old bedrolls.

You spent your first few weeks getting the most pressing repairs in the house finished. Plumbing, replacement floorboards on the ground floor, and leaks in the roof patched up just in time for the rainy season. You got your hands on some budget furniture to fill the emptiness, met with neighbors though they were a mile away, and familiarized yourself with the village even further down the road. As much as you could, you kept your days busy. 

Nights, however, were always lonely. That’s when the longing settled back in. Missing him, his company and warmth, the life in his smile that filled your soul with purpose. Laying alone in the bed meant for you two was more draining than you expected. You thought getting away from Coruscant would be more of a fresh start than this. You’d hoped your grief wouldn’t follow you this closely. 

You often found yourself just… angry. 

Who was responsible for taking away millions of clones’ free will? Who was responsible for taking away the future you and Fives had dreamt up? What political scumbag took away your goodbye? 

You established a routine. Breakfast, wash up, chores. Stop into town if needed. Lunch. Work on the house and the land. Wash up again, start on dinner. Sit on the porch with your meal, watch the sun go down, and go to bed. 

It wasn’t elaborate or set in stone. You’d alter any of it when needed, but you knew you needed consistency. You wanted it, even. Anything to take your mind off Fives and the Empire. 

Month by month, your old house tucked in the woods became more of a home. It wasn’t so empty, dusty, or broken anymore. No more leaks, peeling walls, or rough spots in the floors. Good, kind neighbors pitched in to help where they could, mainly with the heaviest lifting. The Apande’s down the road helped put in—forget just supports—an entire new hayloft. With things shaping up, you were able to find peace in many things you hadn’t been able to living on Coruscant. 

Each morning you could listen to the world around you waking up. Birds would start singing just as sunlight struck the treetops. Light filtered in through thin, floating curtains, shadows of branches and leaves dancing across your wall. In the summer you’d sit on the porch steps, counting fireflies and listening to crickets. When autumn came you reaped your first harvest in the garden, albeit small, and felt immense pride in what your hard work produced. When the first snow of the season fell you couldn’t help but stare at it in awe. You must have sat on the porch for an hour, watching flakes twirl around each other, hot mug in hand. 

Each of those peaceful moments were supposed to be spent with Fives. You often imagined him sitting next to you, wondering what he’d say or do, if he’d try to catch fireflies and how many he’d beat you by. You wondered if he’d experienced snow before, if he’d have the same light in his eyes that you did when he first saw it fall. Over time it became less of a bitter ache for what could have been, and more of a sweet gratitude for his memory, for having the ability to imagine him there at all. In turning that broken down house into a home, you could grieve and start to come to terms with the future you’d never have. But as time approached your first Life Day without Fives, it was like the whole grieving process restarted. 

You never had the chance to celebrate together. He was always deployed. You never complained, he was where he was needed, but you were always a little downcast. You’d rather him be home with you than at risk of being shot by some Separatist droid.

You delayed decorating longer than you ever had. By the time you went to town to get a tree, nearly the entire lot had been sold. You thought about trekking into the woods surrounding your home to find one, but they were almost guaranteed to be too tall or wide to fit through either door. So, you brought home the best one you were able to scrounge up out of the last pickings. It was a bit scrawny, with thin spots here and there, but it was soft and sturdy and could—without a doubt—fit through your door. 

You cried when you finally got it settled in the living room. He would’ve loved the smell. He would’ve gotten sap all over himself, cursing how it stuck to everything and was so hard to wash off, but loved it all the same. He would’ve loved the crackling of wood in the fireplace, how different it was from the hustle and bustle of traffic on Coruscant or blaster-fire in the field. You could see him thundering into the mudroom, arms full of logs for the fire, stomping as much snow off his boots as he could. He’d look up at you, nose red from the cold, and smile that smile that made your face flush, heart flutter, and stomach do backflips. 

You’d gotten good at building fires. The house didn’t have an electric heating system. Pipes of water ran through the floors, warmed by the furnace in the kitchen. You’d often come back from trips to the village and find it completely cold. You considered yourself lucky; one of your neighbors taught you to split wood. Most of the time he provided it himself, on account of his darling wife (who swore up and down she’d teach you to bake the spiced apple pie her grandchildren loved). All you had to do was carry it to the house from the barn. Granted, it was a trek through almost knee-high snow to get it, but you’d rather that than freezing. 

You still hadn’t decorated your tree by Life Day’s Eve. You didn’t have the heart to, so the boxes sat in a corner. You avoided walking through the living room altogether. The very thought of the tree got shoved to the back of your mind, having almost intentionally forgotten the whole reason you bought it in the first place. You could heal your Life Day heart another year. 

Instead, you filled your time helping your sweetheart neighbors in preparing for their guests. She asked for your help the week before, assuring you it’d be then that she’d teach you to make that blessed pie. You stood in the kitchen with her from dawn to dusk, measuring and mixing and getting covered in flour. By sunset, a full day’s meals and feast awaited the next morning’s oven. 

She thanked you profusely for your time and help, insisting you join them for Life Day festivities. You assured her that you were grateful for the invitation, but didn’t want to intrude on her family gathering. She persisted again, citing her fear that you two made too much food, and you relented to join them for dinner. She smiled gleefully, ushering you out the door. 

The walk home wasn’t quite as lonely as you expected. Sure, your shoulders were weighed down a good bit that Fives wouldn’t be there, but you felt a little lighter. 

Snow crunched beneath your feet. You shivered in a particularly cold gust of wind, hugging your coat tighter on yourself to shield against it. The house is going to be freezing. 

As you made the turn onto your drive, you immediately headed for the barn to get more wood for the furnace. Approaching the pile, you huffed a few breaths on your hands to warm them and heaved several logs into your arms. You followed the path back to the house and into the mudroom, dropping your haul to the floor before shaking snow from your coat and boots. 

You leaned over to untie your boot laces when it struck you.

The house was warm. 

You wrinkled your brow in confusion. Had you put that much wood in the furnace before you left? Surely not, you were gone all day, it’d still be burnt out. It should’ve been cold. 

Footsteps sounded from the living room, shooting a cold lightning bolt of fear down your spine. You fought the urge to freeze, flattening yourself against the wall adjacent to the living room door. Heart pounding, you peeked around the frame. The light was on. When you saw no one, you darted into the kitchen, careful to keep your footfall light. 

You went straight for the furnace, grabbing the firewood poker from its rack. Your knuckles whitened, poker gripped tightly against you. 

You rounded the corner of the dining room, holding your makeshift weapon in front of you. Still you saw no one. You frowned, wondering if you’d been mistaken. 

You stepped through the foyer, hands shaking with adrenaline. No footsteps and no shadows. 

Cautiously, you peeked around the corner to the living room. Still you saw no source of the footsteps you could’ve sworn you heard. 

A floorboard creaked behind you, sending your heart into your throat as you gasped and whipped around. 

Fives, wrapped in grungy blacks and holey socks, raised his hands in defense. 

The room spun and you faltered backward, your grip on the fire poker loosening as it clattered to the floor. You raised both hands to your head, gripping your own hair and trying to make sense of what you were seeing. 

He took a step toward you. “Hey,” he rasped. 

You held a hand out in a gesture to stop, falling to your knees. 

He stopped and stood his ground, fighting an overwhelming instinct to run to you and swaddle you in his arms. 

Countless tears slid down your cheeks, hands shaking for an entirely different reason this time. You pressed your palms into your eyes and rubbed them. Blinking hard, you looked back to him. “How? How are you here? Alive?” 

Fives took a tentative half-step toward you, kneeling down closer to your level. “It’s a long story,” he said softly. “I had to protect you from—” 

You launched yourself at him, knocking him to the floor as your arms swung around his middle. His arms were quick to wrap around you, hugging you close like he would soon wake up and you’d be long gone. 

Your body shook with sobs, forehead pressed into his chest and fists balling up in the back of his shirt. He held you, rubbing your back and planting gentle kisses atop your head, until your shaking stilled and breathing grew more even. 

Even after you calmed down, you stayed where you were, both of you relishing the familiarity of each other after so long. You tilted your head to look at him, still trying to wrap your mind around the fact that he was even alive. 

“I’m so sorry I’ve been gone so long. There’s so much to tell you,” Fives broke the silence quietly, meeting your gaze. 

You sighed, reaching up to hold his cheek in the palm of your hand. He leaned into your touch, cupping your hand in his. “You can start with how you’re alive,” you spoke, voice trembling. “I mourned you, Fives. I– I really thought I’d never see you again.” 

Fives brought his hand to your face, wiping away a fresh tear with his thumb. “I know, Rex kept me updated as best he could.” He averted his gaze, shifting into a thousand yard stare. 

A thousand more questions ran through your mind, but you said nothing, letting him find the words. 

After several beats passed, he inhaled and exhaled deeply. “I was trying to find anyone who would listen and believe me, but… well, that’s an even longer story. I was sure the Chancellor would listen, but I was wrong. He was part of it.” Fives paused again, a pained look passing across his face. “I got shot. And I was dead, for a bit, but Kix got me back. Rex thought it was best to keep it quiet, after everything.” 

Your breath hitched, fresh tears welling up. “Even from me?” 

Fives turned his head back to you, hand returning to your cheek. “I hated to, but it was the best option to protect you from the same people who wanted me dead. Anyone who knew what I knew was in danger.” He pressed his lips to your forehead. “Once I healed, I spent every waking moment making sure they wouldn’t come after you.”

Your lips trembled and you pressed your face back into his chest, another embrace swallowing you both. You flattened both hands to his back, breathing in his memory-laden smell. 

“After the Empire took over and things started settling down, I went back to the apartment,” Fives mumbled. “Shira never rented it back out, everything was how you left it.” 

You pulled away and sniffled. “Really?”

He nodded. “I guess she hoped you’d come back.” He shifted and reached behind him, fishing a folded slip of paper from his back pocket. “I wish I could thank her, I was able to grab this.” 

Fives held the paper out to you. You took it between two fingers and unfolded it, revealing a real, printed photo of you and the entire Domino squad, back when you and Fives had first gotten together. You had the holo-copy, but left the printed one behind for the sake of space and anonymity in your travels. 

You were rendered speechless, absently thumbing the edge of the photo. “I can’t… I can’t believe it.” 

Fives grinned. “Of all the things that happened today, the picture is what you can’t believe?” 

You chuckled and smacked his arm, a smile breaking across your face. 

Fives’ grin broadened.  

“Why come here now?” You asked, looking back up at him from the photo. “You said you went back when things started settling down. It’s been over 6 months, has it really been that chaotic?” 

Fives shook his head. “Things settled in pretty quickly, at least on Coruscant. Rex survived. I was able to meet with him, and we started helping our brothers that didn’t want to serve the Empire.” 

You hummed in response, turning back to the photo in your hands. He watched your eyes go from each member of the squad to the next, remembering them solemnly.

He whispered your name, drawing your attention back to him. Tears shone in his eyes. “I thought you left, really left.” His voice cracked, a drop sliding down his cheek. “I thought maybe you’d gone off to start a new life.” 

Your jaw fell slightly agape as you sat rooted to the spot, a bit astonished. You set the photo to the side and sat up, shuffling yourself to look him in the eyes.  “Fives, you are my life. If I had to spend the rest of my days alone, hoping and waiting for you to come back to me, I would.” It was your turn to wipe the tears from his cheeks. Your heart ached at the longsuffering now evident in his eyes. “It was always in the plan to live in this house together. I came here to escape the Empire and to try to heal, not move on from you altogether. I don’t think I could ever manage that.” 

Fives’ breath quivered. He cupped the nape of your neck in both hands, pulling you closer to rest his forehead against yours. Your eyes fluttered shut as you rested a palm on one of his hands. He tilted his head almost imperceptibly, breath mingling with yours. Your noses brushed against each other, lips tingling at the closeness. Slowly, tenderly, as if he was afraid of hurting you, he inched his lips closer until they met with yours. 

You had kissed him hundreds of times, but none of them came close to the warmth and relief and comfort that settled in your bones with that kiss. You were quick to lose your breath, pulling away gasping for air yet longing for another. 

Fives hovered inches away, catching his breath as you did. His eyes drifted open, gaze soft and dazed. 

You brought a hand to his chin, running a finger over his lower lip. “I’ve missed kissing you,” you sighed. 

He chuckled and grasped your hand, massaging your palm with his thumb. “You have no idea.” 

You both froze as an unmistakable rumble erupted from Fives. You burst into a fit of laughter, a sheepish grin tugging at Fives’ mouth. 

“Hungry?” You laughed, standing to your feet and offering out your hands for him. 

“As a rancor,” He confirmed, taking your hands and standing without tugging them. 

You spent the following couple hours cooking a quick meal together, including the pie your neighbor taught you, which filled the house with the warm scent of cinnamon. You paused occasionally for a kiss or a brief cry. The amount of joy and relief surging through your mind, body, and soul sometimes became overwhelming. Fives was dead, yet, there he stood. In your house that could now truly become a home. Your bed would no longer be half empty. Your table would be one plate fuller. All this, and you could hardly believe it was true. 

“Why is it naked?” 

Fives’ question jarred you from your thoughts. You looked to him, standing in the living room staring at the Life Day Tree. 

“Oh.” You stood from the table and moved to stand next to him. “Well, it didn’t feel right decorating it without you here.” You answered plainly. 

He turned his gaze to meet yours. “But we’d never decorated one together before, why not this one?”

You looked at your feet, slightly embarrassed at the scrawny condition of the tree, though Fives didn't question that. “Because we were supposed to do everything here together. I fought through everything else, but this… I don’t know— it just didn’t feel right.”

Fives grabbed ahold of your hand, giving it a squeeze. “Well I’m here now.” 

You smiled softly, giving his hand a return squeeze. “Yeah, you’re here now.” 

Fives turned in place, looking around the room. “I like what you’ve done with the place.” He released your hand and took a few paces. “Did you do all of it by yourself?”

You shook your head. “No, some neighbors helped, and a couple things were too far out of my scope so I hired help from in town.” You shuffled to the door frame, leaning against it. “It was a lot, but it was all I could do to keep from losing my mind.” 

Fives stopped and stood in place, looking at you with eyes so full of regret you wondered if he held an entire galaxy’s worth of guilt. 

You pushed yourself off the frame and crossed the room in large strides, wrapping your arms around him. “Don’t think like that,” you whispered, “You’re here now.” 

He sighed and draped his arms around you, accepting your reassurance. “How do you always know,” he relented. 

Fives jolted suddenly, interrupting the embrace to point at a box in the corner, something shiny glimmering between the edges of cardboard. “What’s that?”

You turned to look at what he was referring to and opened your mouth to answer, but Fives beat you to it, crossing the room and opening the lid. He looked back to you, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “Can we?” 

You sighed and tried to bite back a smile, ultimately failing. “Fives, it’s late, can we do it in the morning?” 

“Come on,” he droned playfully, “What’s the use of having it dressed up for one day?” 

Crossing your arms in mock indecision, you brought a hand to tap a finger on your chin. “But if we leave it up for a month, it’s the same, isn’t it?” 

Fives picked up a bundle of lights, unspooling it. “No,” he deadpanned. 

You scoffed out a laugh, marching over to join him. 

The remainder of the evening was spent dolling up your dinky little Life Day tree. You taught Fives how to put lights on without leaving dark spots, how to attach hooks to ornaments and space them out, and how to top it. By the time it was finished, you were so exhausted from the day you were starting to see double. 

You and Fives plopped yourselves down on the sofa, cheap as it was, and leaned back to admire your handiwork. 

“Not bad, for a Life Day Tree shiny,” you smirked lazily. 

Fives gasped, looking at you as if offended. “You take that back!” 

You raised your hands weakly in defense. “I said not bad!” 

He grinned and threw an arm around the back of the sofa. You scooted over to lean against him, resting your head on his shoulder. 

You both sat in silence for a while, a delicate kind of reverence settling over you. You both knew the magnitude of this Life Day in particular. You had each given each other a new meaning for the day. You, giving him a reason to fight on and live. And him, giving you a reason to celebrate life; the fact that he was still alive and with you, namely. 

Eventually, Fives opened his mouth to break the silence with a question, but froze when he glanced at you. You were passed clean out, mouth slightly ajar. Fives chuckled softly, enamored by the way the light of the tree danced across your skin. 

Carefully, he slid his arm behind your shoulders and the other below your knees. As he stood and scooped you in his arms, you stirred, mumbling that you could walk before promptly falling back asleep. 

Fives carried you through the living room, the mudroom, and upstairs to the bedroom, leaning to gently settle you on the bed. One by one, he unlaced and tugged your boots off, followed by your socks, then tucked you under the blankets. After placing a featherlight kiss to your head, he turned and headed back downstairs. 

Fives made sure the doors and windows were closed and locked, refilled the furnace, and made his way back to the foyer. He reached into his coat pocket, retrieved what he needed, and stepped back into the living room. 

He approached the Life Day Tree, pausing to absorb the beauty you added to his life, the joy you brought him in a single evening. After every separation you both endured during the war, then the worst separation of all, and you still loved him more than he felt worthy of. You were steadfast, funny, generous and kind, the most enchanting and incredible woman he’d ever met. And you chose him to love. Of all people in the galaxy, a soldier back from the dead.

More confident in his decision than ever, he crouched down and placed a small, square box under the tree. He leaned over to unplug the lights for the night and stepped back. 

Once back upstairs, he removed his hole-infested socks and climbed in bed next to you. He turned on his side, a quiet yet overwhelming contentment filling him as he refreshed his memory of every detail in your face. He itched to kiss you, to hold you close every hour of the night, but he dared not disturb your peace. 

Minutes ticked by and his eyes grew increasingly heavy. Fives fought sleep, afraid he might wake up and find the whole evening with you was a dream. Eventually he could fight it no longer, his eyes fluttering shut, falling into a more restful sleep than he’d had all year.

End Notes: Phew! That was a bit longer than I meant it to be! To be completely honest there was still a bit more I wanted to add, namely a few tidbits of Life Day itself, but I kinda love this ending and don't want to push it. I also ran out of steam lol. Not too shabby for my first Star Wars fic, I think. First fic since I was in high school, actually.

I hope you enjoyed, and Happy Life Day!

Dividers by @enchanthings and @strangergraphics