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eclec-tech · 3 days ago

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Brainstorming with you is always a party! 💜

You totally did Echo justice! The initial gruffness morphing into humor sounded just like him! You're going to have to write more Echo now because this story was just so lovely! 😉

Season's greetings! This is my Clone XReader Life Day Exchange gift for @orbitalmirror for the @cloneficgiftexchange run by @ghostofskywalker!!! ❤️💚❤️

Prompts: “So for this Life Day thing, what do people do?” || “I’m not exactly inclined to trust clones.”

Words: 4625

Warnings: None except flirtation and some innocent kisses

Ao3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/61331332

A/N: I've only written Echo as a supporting character so I hope I did him justice and hope you, @orbitalmirror, enjoy the fic! (Sorry it's a little angsty at first!) ❤️💚❤️ Shout out to @eclec-tech for the impromptu brainstorming session in which she allowed me to use her refugee/Pabu twist on my Wookiee Life Day celebration premise. And thank you to @cloneficgiftexchange for running it!

A Wonderful Life Day 🎄 (Echo X Reader)

Ever since the clone troopers' hideout on Teth was compromised by a CX assassin, Echo and his renegade clone brothers had been on the run from the Empire and trying to find a new base of operations.

The research facility on Tantiss and its head scientist were no longer a threat, but that didn't mean the Empire wouldn't be. Echo, Rex, Gregor, Howzer, and the other surviving clones that joined their band of brothers still had a lot of work to do. There were more clone troopers out there who needed their help and no time to stop and smell the roses.

Not only were clones in need of help, but many regular folks. While Rex searched for a new base location, Echo continued to run missions on his ship, Remora. When picking up two clones who were deserting the Empire, he got more than he bargained for when the they insisted on bringing along a Wookiee family of seven members, a Twi'lek female, and two humans, one male, and one female: you.

You had been very iffy about taking refuge with the two clone troopers whom you had only met several weeks ago. A Wookiee family had already taken refuge with you in your home after the crime of blowing up an Imperial credit exchange was pinned on them. You figured it to be an inside job so the true culprits could line their pockets and so the Empire could get some of the non-humans 'off world.'

You were friends and worked with the matriarch of the family, Verbecca. Since you had grown a bond with the Wookiees and saw first hand what the Empire was up to, you felt the need to leave, too. You didn't mind leaving. The farther away you could get from the Empire, the better. You didn't just want, but needed to see Verbecca and her family to safety.

You were not so sure the clones, Kent and Leviathan, or Levi for short, or their contact were trustworthy, however. They were as guarded as you when you talked to them to make sure everything would go according to plan, but overall they did seem willing to help.

You boarded the ship with a satchel containing a few changes of clothes, a memory stick with photos and documents, your life savings, and some other odds and ends mementos. You didn't mind having your life packed into one bag that you could carry with you. There were many others who were not so lucky to have even that.

The other refugees all took seats in the main hold while you sat in a corner by yourself near the cockpit to see if you could get a peak at where you were heading. You were trying to have faith that the clones would hold to their promise and be ready for anything if they didn't. After all, you had seven Wookiees on your side and you were familiar with the old saying about how they were strong enough to pull an arm out of its socket.

The pilot of the ship, who introduced himself as Echo, was a clone trooper unlike any you had ever seen before. He had an implant that wrapped around his bald head and covered his ears and an interesting set of armor in rich autumn colors that juxtaposed against his pale skin yet somehow matched his serious demeanor. He stood in the doorway between the cockpit and the hold after the ship jumped to hyperspace.

"Excuse me, Echo. Where are we going?" you ventured to ask.

Leaning against the door jam, he folded his arms, one which you only now noticed had a prosthetic scomp attachment on the end. You wondered if he had a run-in with a Wookiee...

"Somewhere safe," he said in a very deep and confident voice.

You could not help but be suspicious though as it was a somewhat purposely vague answer. "That hardly sounds comforting."

"I'm afraid you're just going to have to trust me."

"I'm not exactly inclined to trust clones." You didn't mean it to come out so bluntly, but your recent experience with the Empire wasn't in their favor.

"And I'm not exactly inclined to trust anyone but my brothers," he countered with a little bit of a stern and defensive stance.

On one hand you had seen the clone troopers basically transform overnight, from regular stationed soldiers under the Republic to the strict occupational forces of the Empire. The citizens they were once supposed to protect, were now subjected to a loss of freedoms, forced to have chain codes and curfews.

On the other hand, you remembered them once being honorable and chivalrous, and you knew how much the clone troopers suffered throughout the Clone Wars. Certainly Echo seemed to have suffered some sort of injury to have so many bionic implants and a prosthetic. You also heard hearsay about how they had been treated after. There was no helping the leaden feeling in your belly for being insensitive, especially to someone who so far did seem to be trying to help you and a cabin full of beings he never met before.

The thing that bothered you the most though was the change in his expression from just casual and conversational to really feeling offended. His grayish, hazel-brown eyes pierced through your sarcastic slip. Eyes that you knew had seen quite a bit more than yours, even though yours opened for the first time long before his.

Or maybe your eyes were just opening now as you suddenly truly saw the clone, no, man, for who he was. His chiseled features were paled by the rigors and misfortunes of war, but somehow that struck you even more. There was a story or two there and you wanted to know more about this mysterious trooper.

You could not apologize enough for your indiscretion. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to insinuate that you were untrustworthy. I- I-we,” you stammered and then sighed. “We've been through so much. But I do appreciate everything you've done. Truly."

Echo relaxed some. Maybe he was a little harsh, maybe it was the duress of what happened on Teth, Tantiss, and the galaxy in general. Always on the run since he was born and even when he was stuck in one place, in stasis, it was hardly restful. "It's all right. To be honest, clones aren't any different from anyone else. I've had my fair share of run-ins with certain untrustworthy clones, and a mess hall fight or two."

You appreciated his forgiving candor. "Mess hall fights? We called them food fights back in school. Hard to imagine you getting mixed up in one, let alone two,” you said with a little more levity trying to make him forget your earlier snarky attitude.

"Well, sometimes loyalty means more than not getting in trouble." Now it was Echo's turn to fondly remember all of his brothers and the shenanigans they had that Echo tried to stop but always somehow got stuck right in the thick of. A nostalgic smile spread across his lips.

"So, you do smile," you remarked to him. It was nice to see. Up to now, he seemed all business.

"Once in a while.” He huffed a laugh. “I try not to make a habit of it. People might get the wrong idea.”

That was a puzzling statement and you wondered what he meant by it. There actually was a little disappointment in your demeanor as it seemed maybe the wrong idea was you entertaining the thought that he could like you, even as just a friend. But more and more as you gazed up at him, you couldn't help wondering if you could be more than that which was absurd considering you had just met him and never took any interest in any other clone that had been stationed on your homeworld.

The Wookiees vocalizing in conversation and whimpering caught your attention away from those spiraling thoughts.

Echo sighed as he observed the seven Wookiees he had not expected to be picking up. "Kind of wish Tech or Hunter were here."

"Well, looks like there's plenty of tech on the ship.” Your eyes wandered around to all of the blinking lights and machinery. “And I think the Wookiees had their fair share of run-ins with hunters."

“That sounds like something Tech would say,” Echo chuckled again. Or even Wrecker, but Echo kept that to himself so as not to confuse you more. "Tech and Hunter are my brothers,” Echo clarified. “Clones."

"Oooohhhh.... Of course. Oops." You laughed nervously.

Echo found himself enjoying talking to you, and to be honest, looking at you, so he gave a more detailed answer to prolong the conversation. "Tech has a translator on his helmet. And Hunter, well, he understands Shyriiwook. Just don't ask him to speak it." He face contorted into a comical grimace which you found endearing.

You laughed. "I'll keep that in mind. Non-Wookiees attempting their language is certainly very entertaining. Don't ask me how I know.” You winked playfully. “I don't speak it, but I do understand them,” you said with a gesture of your head towards your Wookiee friends. "They hope they can celebrate Life Day wherever they're going." When Echo stared at you with a quizzical silence, you added, "It's a holiday.”

Echo nodded. "So, for this Life Day thing, what do they do?”

“They celebrate family, joy, and harmony. On Kashyyyk, they traveled to the World Tree which was decorated with glowing blue orbs and there is also a big feast and other festivities and traditions based on tribal affiliation."

"Oh, that one. Yeah, I've heard about it. Well, we can't take them to Kashyyyk. The Empire is active there, as well as Trandoshan hunters, speaking of those. It's not safe.”

"Maybe we can help them celebrate wherever it is you're taking us," you said as more of a personal, out loud brainstorming rather than a suggestion to Echo, but he seemed to have taken it to heart.

"Hmm,” Echo hummed thoughtfully. He didn't know why he had taken such an interest in you or the Wookiees' plight, but he had an idea. “Maybe. I'll comm ahead to our destination. They might be able to help."

You smiled and Echo couldn't help but feel a little relief that maybe you trusted him more than when the conversation began, and furthermore, he didn't know why it mattered so much to him, but he headed back to the cockpit a little lighter in his step.

When you arrived at your destination, you were surprised to see that you were on an island paradise surrounded by beautiful waters sparkling with sunshine. A swirly tower sat atop a huge labyrinth of smaller structures that consisted of homes and shops. There was rugged, yet beautiful architecture and pretty flowers everywhere. It looked like the vacation posters you would see in the city tram stations to destinations that you could never afford to go to, or have anyone to go with. No wonder Echo wanted to keep it on the down low.

A stray thought entered your mind, maybe Echo could walk on the beach with you...

You and the other passengers walked down the ramp and were greeted officially by the Mayor of the island, Shep Hazard. He welcomed you all with a handshake as well as his daughter, Lyana, and a woman with purple hair, Phee Genoa. Phee walked off with one of Echo's brothers who stood out for the goggles he wore. They escorted Kent and Levi to perform some surgical procedure from what you overheard.

“Will they be okay? I heard the word surgery,” you asked Echo with concern. It didn't play very well into your trouble with trust.

“Yeah,” he sighed with a hint of relief. “Yeah. They'll be fine.”

You were still concerned, but couldn't ask any more questions because a little, blonde girl ran and gave Echo a big hug then whispered something near his ear. Echo nodded at you with the subtlest hint of smile and you knew that the secret she was telling him had something to do with a Life Day celebration. Since there were smiles and cheerful expressions among the island's other greeters, you figured it was good news and your distrust was once again unwarranted. You nodded and smiled with understanding and appreciation before being whisked off to your new lodgings along with the Wookiees who you were happy to find out would be your neighbors!

As the early afternoon passed, you found yourself thinking a lot of Echo, wondering if you would see him again, or if he would be off on another refugee pick-up. But even so, he would come back eventually. But you would also probably be spending all that time thinking about him as you did today. There was just something about him.

When the sun was about to set, the little girl who had hugged Echo earlier came knocking on your door with Lyana.

“Hello. I'm Omega!” she said excitedly. “We're here to collect you for the celebration!”

“Come on!” they exclaimed in unison, skipping backward and encouraging you with a beckoning arm gesture.

Lyana clapped her hands with enthusiasm. “It's time to celebrate! Follow us!”

As they went about gathering the rest of the refugees, both old and new, you ran in to Kent and Levi, now with bandages on their heads. “Are you guys okay?” you asked them.

“Never been better,” Kent replied with a broad smile. “How's the Wook family doing?”

“They're great. They have a hovel right next to mine and they're relieved to be safe. I couldn't be happier for them.” You stopped and faced them. “I also couldn't be happier for you. I just wanted to apologize about any doubt I had.”

“We understand,” Levi said. “We had our own doubts about Echo to be honest. But sometimes you have to trust your gut.”

Your heart fluttered a little, almost as it was a sign telling you to do the same. “Yeah. That is very good advice,” hoping your smile didn't give away your friendly aspirations toward Echo.

“Come on!” Omega and Lyana continued to wrangle everyone up long and windy steps to the courtyard atop the island after they had gotten all of the new refugees. The Wookiee children roared with just as much excitement.

Many of Pabu's citizens were already gathered around the great Weeping Maya tree in the center of the courtyard decorated with lights and seashells painted blue to emulate the traditional glowing orbs. Wearing what red clothing they could find, a shirt here, a scarf there, they did their best to emulate the red robes of the holiday on Kashyyyk,

Gryrrrwarcca, the patriarch of the Wookiee family, stood before the tree with Verbecca, their three children, his brother in law, and an old family friend. He and Verbecca began a ceremonial speech that few understood, but listened intently nonetheless.

One of those not understanding was Echo who when you turned your head to the right, was magically standing next to you. You gasped in surprise even though you were happy to see him, especially after wondering if you would. “You're here!?” you said with a bit of a questioning inflection mixed with excitement.

“Yeah. I figured you would be the best person to stand next to since you can translate,” he said a little sheepishly with his hand rubbing the back of his neck.

You translate what Gryrrrwarcca just vocalized: "He said: 'Oh great tree, we thank thee for your joyous blessings.'”

Verbecca spoke next. You translated again. “She said: 'For the life of every plant and creature, big and small, living in harmony.'"

Now all of the Wookiees and some in the crowd chanted as one.

"'We all are family.'"

Gryrrrwarcca held his arms up in a welcoming gesture and roared a pleading prayer. Verbecca growled and roared a hopeful wish.

“He said: 'May the balance of life return' and she said: 'Happy Life Day to all, thank you for your generosity and hospitality.'”

"I couldn't have said it better myself," Shep followed with a closing speech. "We are all family, and we are grateful to welcome you to our island and hope you, and all refugees, flourish in this sanctuary. Happy Life Day!" Shep now mimicked Gryrrrwarcca's outstretched arm pose to be rewarded with a big hug that lifted him off the ground from the Wookiee patriarch. Cheers from the gathered crowd followed. Your eyes teared up because it was a lovely feeling to be part of an inclusive and compassionate society. You only wished more galactic citizens could live like this and that there was more you could do to help them.

When you looked up at Echo to smile at him because he helped make this possible, you couldn't tell if your eyes, blurry from your own tears, were tricking you or not. But it looked like his eyes which looked at you so sternly on the ship, were now looking at you with equal emotion for the beautiful ceremony you both had just witnessed.

The feast was grand. You got to meet Echo's family. Tech was the name of the one with goggles and apparently he and Phee had something going on. (Maybe there was hope for you yet.) The other one whose name you heard before, Hunter, would not oblige you with a sample of his Shyriiwook, sadly. Wrecker was the largest clone you had ever seen and had a heart to match; he hit it off very well with the Wookiees. And there was one more, Crosshair, who didn't say too much unless sarcasm was involved, which you low key appreciated.

After that you got pulled away to the festivities. Some young clone cadets handed out blue snowcones meant to represent the blue Life Day orbs. Gryrrrwarcca's children enjoyed those most and you translated that they politely requested seconds which they slurped up gratefully and insisted on being a new Life Day tradition. There was a band that sang some old Life Day carols. There were some games and competitions which involved sports balls painted blue and even some dancing.

You saw Echo talking to another woman. She was very attractive and you couldn't help feeling a little pang of jealousy.

After she walked away, you meandered casually over to him. "Who's that?" You asked trying to be as uninterested as possible.

"Emerie?" Echo asked completely aloof that it was out of a curiosity spurned by the ever slightest amount of jealousy. "She's a doctor. A science doctor. Doctor Emerie Carr."

"How do you know her? Is she a refugee like me?" Once again you tried to sound as disinterested as possible, but you had a feeling that you were failing at that.

Echo wasn't as bad as Tech, but he knew his brothers would waste no time teasing him for not always being exactly aware of when he was being flirted with. Who could blame him? He knew he was very by the books to use an old turn of phrase. His cadet mates didn't tease him about reading the GAR regulation manual for nothing. But your interest in Dr. Carr coupled with questions about any relationship he might have with her finally tipped him off.

"She's a clone, like me. That makes her my sister, I guess." Echo paid attention to your facial features as you reacted and just as he suspected, there was a sense of relief in your eyes and the relaxation of the muscles around your mouth even betraying your own emotional caution when a subtle smile got past your defenses.

"I didn't know there were female clones," you remarked with genuine curiosity.

Echo huffed a laugh. "Neither did we. Omega is our sister, too." He couldn't help but smile at you, he wanted to put you at ease, to let you know you could trust him, especially after what you said when you first met. Considering that you seemed to single him out for conversation, he had a feeling you did.

He continued. "Emerie helps us find more of our brothers and rescue them from the Empire."

Your mind did a brief calculation of all the times you tried to help others, like Verbecca and her family, checking in on your elder neighbors on your homeworld, even volunteering for various causes. You were no doctor like Emerie, but you knew you were capable and skilled in other areas that might be useful. And you wanted to repay the kindness you had been shown, especially by Echo. "Is there any way I can help?"

Echo had not expected you to offer, especially after just arriving to a safe haven that was also picturesque and peaceful. It was pleasant surprise though, because to be honest, they needed all the help they could get. Plus, he'd get to have more conversations with you. And see you as well. There was no denying he was attracted to you, and it wasn't like any attraction he ever felt before. Without sounding too eager, he finally replied, "I'm sure we can find a way. You've already done so much for Grrocca."

You could not stifle a giggle.

Echo furrowed his forehead. "What? What's so funny?"

"Gryrrrwarcca."

"That's what i said. Grrrreerocca."

With your hand covering your mouth, even though there was no way to hide it, you laughed again. "Close enough.” You smiled cheerfully, but soon became serious. “But that was you and the great people of Pabu here. Not me. I only translated."

"Not only translated. You took them in, protected them, escorted them offworld to make sure the Empire didn't get 'em, leaving behind your life on your homeworld. That's more than you think." Echo could not help but admire your selflessness. He knew all too well what it was like to lose one's home.

Compliments were not something you took very well, and much to your chagrin, it was probably showing in your sheepish expression and body language. You nervously glanced down at the water in the distance. "I just like to help people." You shrugged your shoulders then looked back at Echo. "And I'd like to help you. Any way I can."

"Just like I always say, we can use all the help we can get." Echo watched as your gaze went back out to the ocean. "You keep looking out to the ocean. You're not thinking of going for a swim are you? Apparently there's some pretty big fish out there. With even bigger teeth."

"I think I had enough fish at the feast." You smirked sarcastically. "I did think about taking a walk on the beach though," you said hoping Echo would get the hint that you wanted him to go, too.

Echo knew what you were asking and he replied in the same subtle manner. "There's a lot of winding walkways and alleys, like a maze. I wouldn't want you to get lost." He started walking. "Come on."

Echo was right, there were a lot of walkways and steps that had no particular pattern that you wouldn't be able to decipher without giving it much thought. Finally, you reached the sand at the base of the huge island. The sound of the waves lapping at the shore was music to your ears. "This is the first time I've ever seen an ocean," you softly announce as you stare in wonder at the surf and sky of orange, pinks, and blues.

"Really?" Echo was taken aback by that confession. He had been too so many different worlds. Sometimes he forgot some people never left their planet let alone their home town.

"Landlocked. Not even a lake nearby." You don't know if it was the Life Day brew you drank, the emotions of the day turning out so perfect after worrying so much, of leaving your homeworld behind and seeing an ocean for the first time, or simply being in close proximity to someone you felt a real connection with, but you were overwhelmed with gratitude. “Thank you for rescuing us and setting up Life Day for my friends.” Before you knew it you were on your tip toes to give Echo a kiss on the cheek. You gasped after doing it, knowing that you had made yet another indiscretion. “Oh, I'm sorry, that was a little forward, I just am so grateful for your help, and it's just so lovely here, and you're so lovely, and I just wanted to thank you.” You winced smacked your forehead at your gushing and rambling.

Echo meanwhile was quite amused by your explaining away of the little peck on his cheek. If he was being honest, he wouldn't mind if it were more than that. After a little chuckle at your expense which was only fair after you laughed at his rather poor Wookie name pronunciation, he placed a hand on your shoulder. “It was my pleasure to help them, and you.” He then took your hand and brought it to his lips, giving it a little peck as you did to his cheek, but he had a hard time letting go of your hand and instead held on to it. “You sure you want to leave behind the safety of this place. This view?”

You couldn't deny, the transition from sunset to twilight sky over the water, the sound of the ocean waves, the balmy breeze, and smell of flowers, and salty sea air were enticing. But you needed to trust your gut, and your heart. “I can think of a much nicer view than this.” You gestured with a flick of your hand towards the sea and then gazed up into those steely eyes, which seemed to soften the more you peered into them.

Echo brushed your hair from your face, admiring the features that made you, you. None so spectacular as your eyes that seemed to see what made him, him. The more he stared into your eyes, the more he understood the simple wish behind them. He tipped his head down, continuing to read your expression, relieved to understand that you welcomed his own forwardness, but he dare not forego being a gentleman. "May I?"

You were sure your eyes were twinkling as much as the stars appearing one by one in the sky as you let Echo know that you welcomed his affection and trusted him implicitly. "Yes." You smiled.

Echo leaned down and gave you a soft kiss on the cheek as you did to him, but let his lips linger a little longer than yours had. It was the first time in a long time that he felt like he didn't have to rush or worry about anything. "It's just that it's so lovely here, and you're so lovely."

It was a lovely moment, but you couldn't help a small laugh. "It sounds like you're echo-ing what I said earlier." You smirked with a raised eyebrow, even though you knew it was sincere and not teasing. You just trusted he actually meant it, because you knew he was one of the most trustworthy and honest men you'd ever met.

"Why do you think my name is Echo?" he quipped with a playful shrug of his shoulders.

Your smile was probably big and goofy, but you didn't care. You squeezed his hand which was still holding yours affectionately. "You know, I think it's fitting to celebrate Life Day here. It's like we all get a second chance at life. And other things," you said coyly.

"And other things," Echo smiled, something he found himself doing more since meeting you. "Couldn't have said it better myself. Happy Life Day."

"Happy Life Day, Echo."

#LDE24 #echo x reader #echo tbb #life day

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ivystoryweaver · 30 days ago

Text

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

This has been in my drafts for a year, enjoy that

Poe Dameron Masterlist | Main Masterlist

Summary: You expected your best friend to be as optimistic about Life Day as he is about everything else. But he's different this year. (This is set after the events of The Last Jedi if you're interested in the timeline)

Pairing: Poe Dameron x gn!reader

Word Count: 3.1k

Content: Poe is a sad/tipsy/handsy puppy, angst, inebriation, drinking, kissing, misunderstandings, discussions of death, probably inaccurate Life Day nonsense, friends to lovers, pining, this boy's trauma deserves some attention ok

Poe wasn't at breakfast.

He missed your morning run together.

Life Day spirit was in the air and General Organa had released as much personnel as could be managed, particularly those who celebrated.

Maybe Poe headed back to Yavin 4 without mentioning anything?

Your best friend usually told you everything, so if he left without saying goodbye...

"Have you seen Poe?" You asked a few dozen people throughout the day, even going so far as to find General Organa, pleading with her to tell you if he was off on a solo mission, or a secret one.

She assured you she had ordered no such mission.

So where was he?

Deciding to head back to your room to change for the festivities, you tried to shake off the anxiety prickling your skin. After a quick trip to the fresher, you put on your best outfit - which was basically the only thing you owned that wasn't Resistance-issued attire.

Upon checking Poe's room one final time, you reluctantly made your way to the mess hall, which, for the people remaining at the Resistance base, would serve as a dance floor.

Colorful strings of lights illuminated the dimly lit room, mismatchedbulbs from droids and ships and even various lanterns. Trinkets special to Resistance members were strung up here and there - good luck charms and souvenirs from missions - anything that would reflect and sparkle and shine.

As if holiday magic itself was guiding you, the sparkle of a familiar gold necklace glinted, catching your eye. All the sudden, there he was, sitting in a corner, surrounded by people, slurring his way through a story of battle glory.

Shit, he was already tipsy? Not good.

His dark brown eyes brightened as they landed on you.

"There you are," he laughed out, reaching out for you, suddenly ignoring the others vying for his attention. "I was just talking about you, come here."

Despite the fact that he was nestled in a corner booth, he insisted you shimmy your way to sit down beside him.

"Poe, it's okay, there's no room. I can just - "

"Nooo, 'sokay," he waved his hand dismissively before reaching up to pull on your sleeve. "Sit with me, right here. Been waiting for you."

Poe was so damn stubborn when he'd been drinking...which is how you ended up smooshed up against his side, halfway on his lap.

"You smell so good," he murmured, burying his nose behind your ear as his arm slid around your waist.

Nudging him with your shoulder, you couldn't help but smile. "How much have you had to drink? It's early."

The corner of his mouth curled knowingly as he touched his forehead to yours. "Started early. You weren't here to stop me."

Your face heated up at how flirty he seemed this evening. "What are you talking about? I've been looking for you everywhere."

"Not everywhere or you would have found me here," he shrugged, pushing his half empty drink toward you. "Gotta catch up."

"Uh, no thank you," you giggled, trying to find a comfortable sitting position that didn't land you all the way in Poe's lap. On second thought, maybe if you finished Poe's drink, you could keep an eye on what else he chose to imbibe for the rest of the evening.

"Actually, give me that." You downed it in a couple gulps, to Poe's great amusement and a whoop from your table mates.

"Okay, okay, you have to play the game too," a fellow pilot informed you, nodding to a cheap looking bottle of something or other in the middle of the table. "Truth or dare?"

You glared over at Poe. "Truth or dare? How old are we?"

"Four-hundred thirty-seven," an alien pilot opposite you teased. "Haven't played Truth or Dare since I was around two-hundred."

"Exactly," you decided to let a couple of centuries make your point.

"Come onnn, play with us," Poe breathed on your ear, goosing your ribs, which sent your backside jerking against his thigh as you shrieked in surprise. You nearly lost your balance, but Poe wrapped his arms around your torso to steady you.

"Truth or dare?" You were asked again.

With a groan, you decided on truth.

"You've hooked up with Commander Dameron," she declared. Everyone at the table leaned in, ready for your answer. You should have known.

"No, I haven't. That's the truth."

"Commander?" She challenged, fact-checking your statement with Poe.

"Don't ask me, it's not my turn," he mysteriously shrugged, which elicited some 'oooh's' and made you groan.

The game continued until it was Poe's turn. He choose truth and was posed the same question as you. His answer confirmed yours - no hookups between you. That fact didn’t stop his thumb from languidly tracing circles on your stomach as he held onto you.

On your next turn, you tried to avoid another probing question by choosing dare.

"Kiss Commander Dameron," the older alien pilot challenged. You felt a chuckle rumble in his chest.

"Fine," you shrugged, turning your head to peck him on the cheek. A chorus of 'boo's' went up, but you silenced them, letting them know they didn't specify where or how you had to kiss Poe.

So, naturally, when it was Poe's turn, he chose dare, and was dared to kiss you. On the mouth.

"Okay, time for bed," you decided, attempting to climb out of your crowded seat and off Poe's thigh, which you were certain had fallen asleep by now underneath your weight.

"Aw, don't go," Poe complained, keeping a loose hold on your wrist, but not holding you back, in case you really wanted to leave. "It won't be Life Day without you. Promise I won't kiss you."

Your eyes met his and you swore you saw a flicker of sadness dance across them. "Okay, I'll stay, but no more Truth or Dare." Hitching your thumb at your table mates you whispered, "They're ganging up on us."

"Then let's go dance," Poe proposed, releasing your wrist and clambering out of the booth and onto the dance floor. Just to make you laugh, he did a silly twirl and struck a pose before offering his hand. “Shall we?”

"Wow, you are so drunk," you cackled taking his hand and following him willingly.

You made it to the middle of the makeshift dance floor, and he pulled your hand to his chest, slipping his other arm around your waist as you began to sway to the music.

Smiling at him sweetly, you released his hand, pushing your fingers up over the exposed skin of his chest, revealed by one too many buttons unfastened. Not that you were complaining. Up your fingers traced, toying with the chain nestled there, over the smooth column of his neck. His throat bobbed under your touch.

Looping your arms around his neck, you tugged your bottom lip between your teeth, swaying back and forth with a silly, dramatic flare, which earned a chuckle from Poe. His hands found your hips and squeezed, dragging you closer until your chest pressed against his and his forehead dropped to yours.

"What is going on with you?" You murmured, heart fluttering in your chest as you attempted to keep your wits about you.

"Nothing, just...really glad you're here. Missed you today," he whispered, alcohol tinged breath ghosting your lips.

"Could've fooled me. I couldn't find you anywhere, Poe. I thought you went back home for Life Day without even telling me."

"Without you? No," he shook his head as if trying to clear the cobwebs. "Not without you. Without telling you, I mean."

“But I couldn’t find you,” you insisted, resisting the urge to toy with the curls at the base of his neck. It felt good to be close to him - to have his attention. But he wasn't in his right mind and you couldn't take advantage of your friendship. "I thought maybe you were avoiding me. I was worried."

His gaze dropped, jaw clenching as your swaying eased to a stop. "I'm sorry."

In a group, drinking and telling stories, he could keep up a festive facade but you saw right through him.

"Hey," you softly redirected his gaze back to yours. "It's Life Day. You love Life Day. Right? The tree and the lights?"

"Yeah," he whispered, eyes flickering down to your lips. "I just...I'm not feeling so festive this year."

Stepping back, you ran your palms down his arms and took his hands. "Wanna get out of here? Let's get some air. We can look at the tree."

He nodded, following your lead out into the night, gripping your hand as if you might evaporate right before his eyes if he let go.

You walked quietly for several moments, cheeks burning as a few passersby noticed you holding hands with the Commander, prompting you to finally release your hold. Without the tether, Poe’s walking slowed, turning into a listless stumble, which was how you realized he might not be in any shape to take a stroll through the woods.

Perhaps he was better off tucked into a booth, surrounded by people. The fact that you misread the situation and his needs brought a wave of trepidation and regret. You stopped walking and turned to him, pressing your palms against his chest.

It took his mind a second to catch up, so you guided him around the side of the closest building - closed for the holiday. Steadying him up against the wall, with hands on his chest once more, you apologized. “I should take you back to your room.”

Gripping your elbows, he stared at you so intently it made your knees go weak. As your body swayed into his, he wrapped his arms around you, gathering you close. Mistaking it for a hug, albeit an intimate one, you turned your head to lay it on his chest, but his mouth met yours, capturing your lips in kiss.

All the air rushed out of you as he tasted you, spreading his hand over the curve of your back and pressing and pulling you into him harder. The heat of his tongue and the solid warmth of his body consumed you utterly and you found yourself kissing him back with fervor.

The sound of voices and a clattering bottle nearby jolted you out of...whatever this was, sending you stumbling back, dazed. You felt as drunk as Poe apparently was, but from him alone rather than the half drink you’d downed.

Poe, mistaking your withdrawal as rejection, reached for your arms, murmuring, "No, no, I'm sorry, don't go."

Noticing his obvious distress, you allowed his touch, gripping his biceps through his leather jacket. "It's okay. I'm here," you breathlessly gasped, mind reeling and heart pounding. "Let me take you back."

"I don't want you to go," he whimpered, grip on your forearms tightening. "Don't be mad. I don't want...I can't - "

"Hey," you soothed, touching his cheek to direct his bleary gaze to yours. "I won't leave you. Not ever."

This seemed to appease him and he followed your lead back to his room. Your instincts seemed to somehow be way off with him tonight, and you regretted tearing him away from the fun he seemed to be enjoying before you interrupted.

Maybe it was you. Perhaps that's why he'd avoided you all day. Hot tears burned your eyes as you guided him to lie down on his bed. As he pleaded with you not to go, again, you hushed him, swearing you wouldn't.

You worked his boots off his feet before helping him sit up to remove his jacket. Climbing into bed, you wrapped your arms around him, guiding him to lie down on your lap. His distress calmed almost instantly as he murmured, "thank you" a few times, burying his nose in your tummy.

"Love you so much," he whispered so faintly, you convinced yourself he must have said something else.

Raking your fingers through his slightly damp curls, you shushed him a few times, realizing you'd never seen him like this. Tipsy? Yes. Drunk? Maybe once or twice. Handsy? Always. But broken? Not like this.

He fell asleep in minutes and only then, did you let tears escape your eyes. Before long, you felt your eyes grow heavy, so you worked your way down onto the bed, hoping not to wake Poe.

Somehow, exhaustion mingled with the pounding in your heart - from worry, from sharing Poe's bed, from the flavor of alcohol on your lips from his kiss. And from the words he uttered - things he probably wouldn't even remember.

Sleep finally came, granting you both reprieve.

The next morning, you awoke while there was barely light in the sky. Since Poe was still asleep, you decided to freshen up a bit and get him some toast and something hot to drink. You crept out of his room and back again as quietly as you could manage.

Upon your return, you were surprised to find him sitting on the edge of the bed, elbows digging into his knees and head in his hands. Dark curls tumbled over his fingers, obscuring his handsome face from you. His shoulders slumped defeatedly.

"Hey there," you softly greeted, presenting the tray of bland food and hot tea to him like an offering. "How are you feeling?"

"Like an asshole," he lamented, voice muffled by his hands.

"Well, I'm used to that," you attempted lightly. "But you had a lot to drink last night. What was that about?"

Raking his fingers down his face, he managed to face you then, eyes bloodshot and lips parched. It was kind of endearing to see him not looking completely perfect for once.

"First of all, tell me how pissed you are. I can take it." He visibly withdrew, waiting for your verdict on how he behaved last night.

"I'm not pissed," you assured him, "just really worried. Why don't you eat something and then we can talk?"

After Poe choked down some toast, you decided to swing by your room and change while he visited the fresher. You promised to return, and when you did, he was waiting for you with open arms.

Folding you close, he breathed on your ear how sorry he was, over and over, while you pressed your nose to the clean scent of his damp neck, exposed by the clean, thin shirt he wore.

Easing back, you reached to toy with the wet curls flipping out behind his ear. "What are you sorry for?"

"Where do I begin?" He scoffed, his gaze dropping. "I ruined your Life Day. I ignored you all day. Kissed you."

"So...you're sorry for kissing me," you clarified, your stomach dropping.

"Yes. No." He shook his head, confused. "I didn't want to be alone." He winced, regretting the words as they left his mouth.

Your jaw clenched as you struggled to maintain your composure. "So you're sorry for kissing me? Or you're sorry that you kissed me while you were drunk, just so you wouldn't be alone?"

Pacing away, one hand landed on his hip while the other tore through his hair. "That's not what I meant. I...I was trying to forget everything and just drink and have fun, but not with you."

Shit. Wrong wording. Again.

"So, that's why you avoided me all day." It wasn't a question. The realization of it stole your breath from your lungs and you sank down on the bed as tears burned your eyes.

"No, baby. No." Poe was quick to kneel down before you, reaching desperately for your hands. "This is...shit, this is coming out all wrong." Seeing tears pool in your beautiful, shining eyes seared his insides with guilt and shame - his companions ever since the events leading up to the Battle of Crait.

"Tell me what's going on," you whispered. "What did I do?"

"Nothing," he insisted, bringing your fingers to his lips and kissing them urgently.

"Too many people have died," he finally confessed, his head bowed and his voice a broken whisper. "It was supposed to be Life Day, but there's only death. We lost over half the fleet."

"I know."

"So many families couldn't celebrate Life Day. Too many." His eyes met yours, wet with fresh tears. "And how many of them are dead because of me?"

"Poe, we all know what we're signing up for when we join. We're all ready to give our lives, you know that. You can't possibly take the blame for what the First Order has done to us."

"There's blame enough for me to share, believe me," he insisted. "And I just couldn't hang anything on the tree yesterday and celebrate life. Not with over half of us gone."

Eyeing him sympathetically, you squeezed his hands. "Life Day isn't only about being alive. Death is a part of life. Life Day is also about remembering the dead. And part of living is grieving the dead, and sometimes feeling a little guilty that you're still here."

“But I don’t, though,” he admitted. “I’m glad I’m here, and more than that, I’m glad you’re here. You, most of all. You're the one person I don't wanna...that I can't..."

"Come here," you coaxed. Poe joined you on the bed but never let go of your hands. "You're my one person too, you know. The person I look for after every mission. The one person I need to be okay.

"It scared me so much yesterday when I couldn't find you," you went on.

"I'm so sorry," he repeated, rubbing his thumbs over your knuckles. "Please don't hate me for yesterday. It's been a long time since I had that much to drink. I know it's no excuse for what I did."

"So you don't remember, then...what you said?" You should have known Poe would only kiss you and utter heartfelt confessions when he was wasted.

Releasing your hand, he titled your chin up to meet his gaze. "I know what I said. I do love you. Always have." A nervous, breathless laugh escaped his perfect lips. "But I understand, you know, if you don't - "

You silenced him, pressing your mouth to his for a tender kiss. "Believe me. I do."

The sadness lingering behind his eyes started to seep away, replaced by a flicker of hope. "Is there any way we could re-do yesterday?" He proposed, tracing the shape of your jaw. "I only have one meeting today."

"That sounds perfect," you agreed, leaning into his touch.

Hand in hand, you visited the Life Day tree, said the prayers, remembered those lost. Then you had something to drink with friends - just one though, before dancing and laughing all evening.

When he kissed you this time, he meant to do it, and everyone saw it. And when you walked back to his room, he asked you to stay. And you did. Every night.

1000 Follower/Holiday Celebration Masterlist

Poe Dameron Masterlist | Main Masterlist

#poe dameron #poe dameron x reader #life day #star wars #poevember

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lonewolflupe · 5 days ago

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DAY 25 | Life Day with Torrent Company for everyone <3 Advent Calendar and some ramblings below the cut (:

MERRY LIFE DAY / CHRISTMAS!

Dear Tumblr clone community,

Wishing you all a very merry Life Day / Christmas; seasonal greetings from Torrent Company (and me!) to ALL of you! And if you don’t celebrate, I wish you’re just having some nice days to rest, be with whomever you’d like to be, and do whatever you want to do! <3

This one’s for all my mutuals, followers and interactors!

I appreciate all of you and I wish I could have made every single one of you a personal piece of art for my Advent Event! I can’t express how much your support has meant to me the past few months. I entered the Tumblr-stage when I wanted to see all the lovely TBB art and theories when the final season was being aired. It took me a while to find my courage to start interacting, but I got encouraged to start writing fanfiction and drawing clone art. I even got myself a drawing screen and I’ve been more excited about drawing than I’ve ever been before in my life!

So to all of you: thank you so much for all your support. Every reblog, comment, like, mention; it encourages me to keep drawing and writing, but it also makes me feel so welcome here! I can’t wait to see what 2025 will bring (creatively wise)!

Happy Holidays!

Love, Lupe

This is the last piece of my Advent Event; I’ll probably get the masterpost out tomorrow. Although this is the final piece of the event, I will probably do a few more pieces in this style/layout. That’s because there are a few people I wish I could have fit into the calendar, but 24 days were most definitely not enough to appreciate all of you! (Also I started interacting with some of you after I had already planned out the calendar..) So stay tuned for some bonus pieces! <3

day 24 | ↓ Advent Event info | Advent Event Masterlist

#life day #merry christmas #tcw fives #tcw echo #tcw jesse #tcw kix #tcw hardcase #tcw tup #tcw dogma #torrent company #advent calendar #lonewolflupe #lonewolflupe draws #lonewolflupe's advent event

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faretheeoscar · 6 days ago

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Happy Life Day 🎄

Buy me a coffee! • Linktree • Commisions Open!

This trend I kept seeing on Twitter and on IG pushed me to do it with my guy Poe 🙈

Hope y’all have a wonderful time in the holidays! I promise to get back soon to read all the wonderful things you’ve tagged me in and messaged me!

#poe dameron #bb8 #starwars #finn star wars #stormpilot #poe dameron star wars #poe dameron fanart #digitalart #sketch #life day #my art

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dingoat · 21 days ago

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Little Life Day gift for @storyknitter <3 thank you always for your support!

#swtor #swtor oc #mirialan #akk dog #life day #other people's ocs #reesie #icy the akk dog #dingoat does art

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tlmtwelve · 9 days ago

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Banner by @lonewolflupe

@galactic-gift-gathering : Gift for @nerdyduckrants

Prompt: Life Day/Christmas

(Wrecker's just trying to help! 😁)

#great galactic gift gathering #star wars #tbb hunter #tbb wrecker #Life Day #Christmas #tree #gift #the great galactic gift gathering #cute #digital art #sw art #the bad batch #december 2024 #ornaments #tbb lula #Hunter's hands are so tiny for some reason oops

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leapingbadger · 7 days ago

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The Final Gift

Summary: The Batch celebrate their first Life Day since settling on Pabu. Omega is surprised by a gift from her brothers.

The common room was warm with the glow of Pabu’s nightly light display. It was their first Life Day Celebration since they had settled on Pabu and Hunter had insisted that Echo join them. It was rare for Omega and all her four brothers to be together for an extended period of time, these days. Echo’s mission took him to far flung planets and his visit had become brief over the last few months.

The tree in the corner of the room, brought by Echo from a distant, snow-covered mood, was strung with golden lights, offering a cozy warmth that was sometimes lacking in their sparsely decorated home. As it was their first Life Day tree, they hadn’t been sure how to decorate it. Omega had gathered blossoms from the weeping maya tree and tucked the pink flowers sporadically in between the green branches.

Wrecker had concocted a recipe similar to her favorite, Mantell Mix. They had sat on the floor at the base of the tree for hours, carefully stringing the purple and pink pieces to wrap around the branches. Of course, some of the mix found its way into their stomachs, but that was just payment for all the hard work, Omega thought with a smile.

She heard low murmurs outside as her brothers cleaned up from the feast Wrecker had cooked for them. Even Echo, who was the fussiest eater Omega had ever met, had devoured the fish, fruit, vegetables and desserts that had covered the table.

Omega sighed as she relaxed into the soft couch, scratching Batcher on the back of the head as she slept, her long pink tongue lolling out of the side of her mouth.

She smiled down at the soft ragdoll Hunter had awkwardly handed her that morning. She had wavy, yellow yarn hair, brown button eyes and a thread mouth turned up into a wide smile.

“I saw it at the market…thought you’d…made me think of… I hope you like it.” He said with a smile, handing the doll over.

“I love her! Thank you, Hunter.” she had said, throwing her arms around his shoulders, his long hair tickling the side of her face.

“You’re welcome, Kid.” He replied, his hands closing tightly around her back.

Hunter was more relaxed these days than she had ever seen him. The almost permanent crease at the bridge of his nose had all but disappeared since they had settled here. His days were restful, with early morning walks to lower Pabu, swims in the crystalline water and afternoon chats with Shep and Phee.

A painting from Crosshair sat on the table in front of her, a beautiful landscape of a cliff edge and gold and scarlet sunset. He had gotten so good over the last few months and Omega already knew exactly where she would hang it in her room.

He complained about it, stubbornly telling them that painting was a means to an end, a way to fully integrate his new hand into daily use, but as always, he couldn’t fool her. Crosshair thrived on art. He was the squad’s resident tattoo artist during the war and his talent hadn’t subsided since his retirement.

He had waited until the rest of the squad were out of the room before giving it to her, rolled up and tied with a red bow that looked suspiciously like one of Hunter’s bandanas.

“Here,” he said, “big sister,” he said a grin.

Omega had unfurled it reverently and gasped as she took in the beautiful swirls of color. She recognized the spot in the painting immediately. It was where she and Crosshair would meditate, overlooking Pabu’s beautiful ocean.

“I’ve never seen anything so beautiful,” she said in a soft voice.

Crosshair had chuckled, “I highly doubt that. But I’m glad you like it.”

“Thank you, Crosshair.” she said, hugging him around his chest. He gave her a quick squeeze, two quick taps on the back and smiled down at her.

“My pleasure.”

Omega yawned and rubbed her eyes. She would have gone to bed by now if it wouldn’t have disturbed Batcher. She yawned again and noticed her brother’s voices get louder and they came in from outside.

“We wondered where you were,” Hunter said, coming to sit next to her on her left side.

The rest of her brothers filtered in. Echo moved the new crossbow he’d given her off the chair in the corner and sat with a sigh. Crosshair stood in the corner, leaning on the wall and Wrecker sat at the foot of the Life Day Tree, surreptitiously picking Mantell Mix off the string.

“Figured I’d give you some time to catch up.” She said, fingers entwined in her doll’s wool hair.

“Or you didn’t want to listen to the debate of which blaster is better,” Wrecker said with a laugh.

Omega shrugged, “Maybe a little.”

Her brothers laughed. Omega was convinced it was perhaps the best sound in the whole galaxy.

“How was your first Life Day?” Hunter asked, bumping her shoulder playfully and adjusting the green, woven bandana she had given him earlier.

“It was amazing. I wish we didn’t have to wait another year for the next one.” She said.

“That’s what makes it special.” Wrecker said, his voice muffled with Mantell mix.

“Well, if it makes it better, we have one final gift for you.” Hunter said with a nod to Echo whose hand was tucked behind him.

Echo heaved himself out of the chair and leaned over to Omega, his hand outstretched with a strange, lumpy shaped present.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“Something from all of us,” Echo said with a quick look to Hunter, Crosshair and Wrecker.

Omega took it happily, ripping off the paper to reveal a small, grey datapad. There were nicks out of the side of it and a deep scratch on the screen. She turned it over, revealing a skull emblem with a lightning bolt behind it.

“It was Tech’s,” Hunter said unnecessarily. “One of the older ones from our early missions. He kept them all when he upgraded to a new one, but we needed Echo to help recover some of the content.”

Omega looked around the room. Each of her brothers was smiling at her, but the smiles had an underlying bittersweetness to them. Crosshair was avoiding eye contact and Wrecker swiftly wiped away a tear from his cheek.

“You’re giving this to me? Don’t you want it?” she rasped out, her throat feeling tight.

Hunter put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer to him. “We got a lot more time with Tech than you did. We wanted you to know him the way we did, and this is your chance. Echo managed to recover his old research, recordings, and voice notes.”

“You’ll probably hear all of us on those,” Crosshair interjected.

Tears swam in Omega’s eyes. She hurriedly wiped them away as her fingers turned on the datapad and the blue screen sprang to life. She scrolled through the files, selecting one at random.

“While not entirely surprising given the climate and seasons of the planet, this rodent-like creature seems to be able change its appearance depending on temperature and light. It is quite fascinating and does not appear in any current records. It is possible it is a new discovery entirely…”

“Maybe they’ll name it after you, Tech,” Crosshair’s distant, snide voice called. Laughter erupted in the background.

“With it’s tendency towards aggression, Brother, I think it more likely it will be named after you.”

The background roared with laughter again.

Omega shut off the recording and looked around the room. Hunter, Echo and Crosshair grinned while Crosshair looked a little sheepish.

Batcher woke with a bark as Omega sprang to her feet, throwing her arms around each of her brothers in turn. She clutched the datapad to her chest.

“This is….this is…” she looked down at the datapad, running her hand over the device her lost brother had treasured. “This is the best gift I could ever hope for.”

Raucous laughter filled the common room as Omega and her brothers listened to recording after recording. Tech’s distinct voice seemed to fill the space, making it feel like he was there with them.

One by one they fell asleep, Wrecker curled up with Batcher under the tree, Echo, limp in the reclining chair, the bolts in his head shining under the glow of the tree light. Crosshair’s head flopped on his chest as he snored lightly, leaning against the wall of the common room.

Omega woke with a start and found herself leaning against Hunter, his hands aimlessly tracing through her hair.

“Ready for bed?” he asked with a low chuckle.

She nodded, sitting up and letting him scoop her in his arms. He laid her gently in her bed, pulling the covers up to her chin.

“Night, Kid,” he said before slowly moving towards the door.

“Hunter?” she asked, pulling her new doll close to her chest.

“Hmm?”

“Do you think Tech would have liked living on Pabu?” she asked.

Hunter smiled and crossed back over to her, “I think he would have loved it.” he said, putting the datapad on the bedside table, next to Tech’s cracked goggles. “But he’s always with us, Kid. With you.”

Omega smiled sleepily.

Hunter hesitated before leaning over and kissing her gently on her hair. “Goodnight, Omega.”

“Goodnight.” She yawned before sleep took her away on an adventure, with all of her brothers.

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eclec-tech · 22 hours ago

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Wrecker is so amazing here--accidentally uncovering the problem and then very purposely fixing it! And I LOOOOVE that after all that, they got to cuddle up together under a blanket and feed each other Life Day cookies!

Day 8 - Wrecker and Chori

What happens when the holiday season brings feelings of self-doubt and anxiety? Chori’s sisters can sometimes be unkind, leaving her feeling uncertain. Will Wrecker step up and bring some light into the situation?

Warning: NSFW content ahead/trigger warning for body positivity/ mild fat-phobia from Chori’s sister

(Link to Ao3 HERE if you prefer that format!)

youtube

EVENT MASTERLIST

(Thank you again to my AWESOME friend and creative partner @legacygirlingreen for making this event possible! She is the beautiful mind behind ALL the writing, design layout, post editing and song selections!)

💚Tag List💚

@legacygirlingreen @thora-sniper @thecoffeelorian @neyswxrld @somewhere-on-kamino @clonethirstingisreal @royallykt @morerandombullshit @burningfieldof-clover @tbnrpotato @keantha @returnofthepineapple @justanotherdikutsimp @antisocial-mariposa @techs-stitches @resistantecho @kimiheartblade @dezgate @sunshinesdaydream

#wrecker tbb #oc chori #life day #bad batch au #beautiful art #beautiful story #💚

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masterjedilenawrites · 16 days ago

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Here's To Many More

Clone x Reader Life Day Exchange 2024

Echo x reader | 1.9k words

Content: themes of angst - such as having a difficult year and feeling alone, references to past anxiety attacks, hand scars and tremors, comments about life & death, an almost-kiss, themes of hope and joy at the end

Prompts Used:

"Breathe. Hi, we found you, just breathe for me, okay?"

"Hey there, take it easy. Your body went through a lot."

generally healing after physical & emotional trauma

Note: Hiya @writersnook11, nice to meet you! Holiday angst - what a fun challenge. I ran with a vibe from a Christmas song that's been hitting me in the feels this season - sort of has a melancholy-turned-hopeful tone to it. I linked it at the end but it's not a requirement to listen, just thought I'd pay credit to my inspiration.

Leaves fluttered and rustled against the pavement as your speeder, contributing to the symphony with its own soft hum, drove over them. The suns setting earlier meant an otherwise bustling neighborhood now lay quiet and peaceful in the dark, adorned in their twinkling holiday lights and warmed by their fireplaces and gathered loved ones.

You drove through the rustling and the twinkling, noticing every detail with an odd, sort of detached calmness. You'd been down these lanes countless times in your life, but it was like it was the first time you were truly seeing everything. All the colors and textures and temperatures. So many homes, full of so many people, living so many lives. There was a whole world out here, outside of your head.

Eventually your own home came into sight. You pulled up next to the first bit of empty curb, just one house away, and killed the engine. The hum of the speeder died down, leaving you in still, quiet air. Cold air. You flexed your gloved fingers, grateful you'd been able to scrounge up a pair for the trip, though your poor, frozen nose hadn't been so lucky. You cupped your hands around your face and took a few open-mouthed breaths to generate some heat. It didn't quite do the trick, so you dropped your hands back down into your lap with a sigh. Of course, you could just run inside and get warmed up soon enough. But that would require energy, urgency, things you'd been in short supply of most of the year. So instead, you lingered. Took your time. Paid attention to the sensations of the world around you and not on exhausting thoughts like running.

Something was tickling your face. You ran a finger across your cheek and pulled it back to inspect the tiny flecks of snow now caught on your glove. You wanted to feel them fully so you gingerly took off both of your gloves, finger by finger, until the skin of your hands was exposed. Hands that looked nothing like your own. You knew they were yours, they moved like yours, they felt like yours, but they didn't look like yours. They were scarred and calloused, palms barely able to flatten out as you held them up in hopes of catching more snow. As predicted, your right one immediately started shaking, unable to hold the position without triggering its tremors. You quickly closed your fist and held it to your chest with your other hand.

It's okay, it's okay. You squinted your eyes shut, trying to keep your breathing steady and not to let your mind wander in all the usual dark places. It's okay. Just breathe.

Just breathe...

Your own inner voice started to shift into the voice of another. A firm, steady voice you had been reaching out to in your memory more often these days.

Breathe. Hi, we found you, just breathe for me, okay?

You cracked your eyes open, half expecting to see his face just as you had in that closet. Panicking. Overwhelmed. Unable to catch your breath until he'd grasped your shoulders and coaxed you into calming down. When you'd opened your eyes and met his, so full of care and understanding, it hadn't mattered that half the party was crowded behind him, staring and whispering nervously. All you had been concerned with was following his gentle instructions, trusting that he'd lead you to safety.

Opening your eyes this time, you of course were met with the darkness of the night, broken up only by the tiny flakes of snow drifting in it. You were still clutching your hand to your chest, but that little well of anxiety that had threatened to rise up had been quelled. You were breathing just fine.

You were fine.

Alone, but fine.

A soft crunching of leaves grabbed your attention. You peered down the sidewalk and saw someone approaching. It could have been worrisome, a mysterious dark figure headed your way you at night. Except you could clearly see one of the limbs ended not in a hand, but a scomp link. There were very few people it could be, and only one given the context.

"Ah, I was hoping it was you! Saw some head-beams, thought I'd come out and see if anyone needed help."

"Hey, Echo." You hadn't known his name when he'd found you hiding in your friend's closet all those months ago, and now you knew him as a friend, too. Perhaps not as close as the ones you'd known since childhood, but he was a good one all the same.

You briefly considered jumping out of your seat and meeting him on the sidewalk, slipping an arm through his and guiding him back inside where it was likely so much warmer and merrier. That's what old you would have done. Before... well, before you became the present you. The one that struggled to think quickly enough to make decisions and just wanted to get through one day without feeling like dead weight.

Thankfully Echo didn't skip a beat. He walked right up to your speeder, opened the passenger door, and slid into the seat next to you.

"You alright?" he asked with a half-smile. But he didn't wait for an answer, knowing you hated the question. "It's been a while since I've seen you. You're looking a lot better."

You couldn't help but return a small smile of your own. You knew he wouldn't lie to you. It felt good to hear you didn't look like such a mess anymore.

"I'm feeling better," you responded.

"Oh?"

"Not great," you quickly caveated. "But better. Fine. I feel fine."

Echo nodded. "I'm really glad to hear that. And I'm really glad you're here. We weren't sure you'd make it."

You were pretty sure you knew what he meant but decided to take the opportunity to indulge in some dark humor.

"What? That I wouldn't come tonight? Or that I wouldn't be alive for another Life Day?"

Rather than smack you upside the head for such a comment, like all of your other friends surely would, Echo merely leveled a look back at you that made you smirk in amusement.

"You know very well I was referring to your annoying habit of canceling plans at the last minute. How many times now have you said you'd be home soon?"

You merely rolled your eyes, refraining from comment. You knew that he knew that you had your reasons for being away for so long. He was only teasing.

Echo reached over and set one of his hands on top of yours. "That said, you did worry me a few times. So yes, I'm really glad you're here. In both senses of the word."

His smile made you feel warm, and the way he was looking at you lit a small but happy fire within your chest. Perhaps that's why you didn't notice how cold your fingers had gotten in the night air without gloves. Though with his hand over your own, Echo could certainly tell.

"And on that note, let's get you inside. Everyone else will be excited to see you, too."

Echo scrambled out as you slowly got your own door open. You shoved your gloves into your coat before they could fall off of your lap as you stood.

"Here, let me," you could hear Echo calling as he hurried around to your side of the speeder. Ever the gentleman. Unfortunately, in his haste, his foot caught on something, maybe a branch or a crack in the pavement, and he went stumbling forward. You were already on both your feet and quickly reached out to help steady him, bracing your arms underneath his.

"Hey there, take it easy. Your body went through a lot this year, too," you smirked a bit as you both caught your breaths from the unexpected activity.

Echo chuckled. He was embarrassed, you could tell by the bright pink flush to his cheeks, but your comment seemed to lighten the mood. That, and the fact you were now standing very close together, still holding each other up. Echo blinked down at you, awkward and confused at first, and then relaxing as his gaze stayed in yours. That quiet stillness of the night you'd been thinking about earlier made its way back. Only now you weren't so alone in it.

Just when a sudden, pleasant thought entered your mind, that maybe he would kiss you, Echo cleared his throat and shifted back. He withdrew his scomp quickly while his good hand softly dragged along your arm as it fell away. A line of goosebumps surged in its wake, causing you to shiver, and unfortunately reminding Echo why he had rushed over here in the first place.

"Time to go inside," he nodded matter-of-factly. And you found you couldn't argue. It was getting pretty cold. So you fell into step beside him as you finally walked the final steps back home.

A wave of warmth and light and laughter hit you as the front door opened. Somewhere between the group hugs and the smell of baked goods, you'd forgotten why you'd been so anxious to come back here all those times. All of your loved ones were here, every single one. Seeing their faces, hearing their voices, was now filling a part of you you hadn't realized had been so empty for so long. The thought would have delighted you had you had the energy for such a strong emotion. So instead you settled for serenity. A calmer, quieter version of happiness. And though you weren't matching everyone else's liveliness, you still found yourself able to keep up with their conversations. You helped where you could, being mindful of your limits but never dwelling on them. And you even joined in on singing an impromptu carol.

Echo stayed close by you throughout the evening. You weren't sure what had happened, or almost happened, between you earlier, and you suspected he was still thinking about it too as you caught him gazing the same way at you several times. You'd be here for a few more nights, as would he, so you were sure there'd be other opportunities to figure things out. Tonight was for catching up and keeping warm and finally putting some of your deepest troubles to bed.

Oh it had been such a long, long year. You'd been tested in ways you never knew possible, each seemingly worse than the last. Your heart often sat heavy within you and several times you'd wondered if you could keep going.

And then... you did.

You pushed through one trial and into the next tribulation, again and again, and eventually you made your way here. To this very spot where you suddenly, finally, felt good. Your body had been through it, but you weren't broken beyond repair. You'd experienced far more than your fair share of grief, but you hadn't lost everything. You weren't thriving, but you also weren't hanging by a thread. You had hope. For the first time in a long time, you were allowing yourself to look ahead.

And toward the end of the night, when you'd all gathered around the fireplace and were holding mugs aloft in a toast to the season, you had your chance to declare your intentions for the future.

"Happy Life Day!" everyone cheered together.

"Happy Life Day," Echo whispered next to you.

You smiled up at him and clinked your mug against his.

"And here's to many more."

Song Inspo: Merry Christmas, Here's to Many More - Relient K

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winniethewife · 16 days ago

Text

Tech the halls! (Tech x F!Reader)

A/N: This is for the 2024 Clone xReader Life Day Exchange, I got : @apocalyp-tech-a! I hope you love this fluffy Life day fic and I hope you have an excellent holiday season!

Words: 1713

It was the day before life day, Omega had been curious about the holiday for most of the week, asking their new addition to the team anything and everything about it. She had been more than willing to tell the girl whatever she wanted to know, and promised that she would help her and her brothers get ‘into the spirit’, whatever that meant. They had spent the day making and hanging up decorations around the ship, with help from a very enthusiastic Wrecker. As the day had started to wind down and the team had settled into a state of relaxation, Wrecker dozing off in his bunk, Hunter futzing with his kit, Echo reading through some reports, Tech sitting in the cockpit tinkering with something or another.

“Please! I want to hear it!” Omega was pleading with her to tell the story she had mentioned before. She laughed and nodded.

“Alright! Alright. So it goes…Twas the night before life day and all through the ship not a creature was stirring not even a scrap rat.” She started to speak as she sat in one of the few seats in the Marauder. Tech glanced over at them from the cockpit with a look of mild concern.

“There better not be any scrap rats on the ship. I don’t want to deal with them.” Tech said with a distasteful tone in his voice. She laughed and shook her head at him.

“It’s a poem silly! Haven’t you heard of it?” She asked with a giggle and a bright smile. Tech looked thoughtful for a moment, his hand reaching for his chin as he contemplated.

“No, I don’t think I have, I have read all the data-files on Life day and I don’t remember mention of scrap rats.” Tech said with his typical matter of fact way of stating everything. She shook her head and laughed.

“The scrap-rats aren’t a part of life day they’re just a small creature that could be scuttling about.” She tried to explain, Tech had a habit of taking things rather literally, sometimes you just had to read between the lines for him. Tech tilted his head and looked at her contemplating her words.

“But why a scrap-rat? Why not a whomprat or a Scurrier or a-” Tech started to list off other rodents. She interrupted him.

“I don’t think the type of rodent matters is just about the-” She started but was also interrupted by a very enthusiastic Omega.

“We should throw a life day party!” She shouted jumping up enthusiastically distracting the both of them. She smiles and nods at the girl’s enthusiasm.

“I think we could manage to pull something small together for the holiday! This will be fun!” She laughed, Omega started talking a mile a minute with ideas jumping around with excitement. As Omega ran off to go tell Hunter and Echo and Anyone who would listen, Tech wandered over to stand next to her.

“So how do you plan to pull off a party on such short notice?” Tech asked with intrigue, she leans back in her chair and looked up at him with a smile.

“Maybe I’ll just use a little holiday magic.” She smirked up at Tech who shook his head.

“I don’t know what you have planned, but I wouldn’t put it past you. You seem to be able to make the impossible happen around here. Its…surprising” Tech spoke with a hint of admiration, it was hard to tell sometimes. After all this time she still had a hard time reading Tech, but that didn’t change how she felt, and that would be impossible to talk about.

“Thanks Tech… you willing to help me with some of the holiday magic?”

After Omega had gone to bed they got to work, Tech helped her set up the practically ancient light system that she had found at the market. It was practically non-functional and it only had half of the instructions, but they had convinced themselves that they could in fact fix it.

“So wait…what does this button do?” She asked as she held up the makeshift remote that Tech had fashioned from an old deactivated detonator and some wire he had laying around. Tech looked up to see which button she was talking about.

“It should turn on the lights...which should be possible…Now.” Tech said as he returns his focus to the contraption in front of him adjusting the settings one last time before gesturing for her to give it a try. She pressed the button and the device lit up, which in turn lit up all the strung lights that they had hung that were attached to the device. She smiles brightly and even Tech seemed pleased with the result, but before either of them could say anything about their accomplishment the device made an odd noise then suddenly all the lights glow brighter than before, then with a series of electric pops, snaps, and fizzes all the lights blew out, and shortly after the entire ships power went out.

“Dank Farrik.” She sighed in the darkness. There was a shuffling sound, then a clang and a muttered curse word as someone hit their head on something. Before anyone could do anything else Tech stood up and grabbed her by the shoulder.

“We should go look at the power core.” He practically pulled her out of the ship, she wasn’t sure whose wrath he was trying to avoid, Either Echo or Hunter for sure, but the sooner they could fix the situation the less likely they were to get in trouble with the team for it. As the two of them stumble down the ramp to go look at the ship Tech’s hand holds hers tightly for a moment, something she wouldn’t have thought twice about in most situations but, right then it felt warm and intentional. When they reaches the access panel, He hands her a flashlight to help him see what might be the issue. Tech quickly take it off and takes a look around the marauders internals with a curious look on his face.

“See anything?” She asked as she held the light aloft.

“It looks like we blew a fuse, that little contraption you found blew the circuit its on...it should be an easy fix, just needs a lighter load of power is all, and a new transistor.” He immediately got to work on fixing the issue.

“Oh…well that’s good.” She said, unable to hide an amount of disappointment from her voice. This surprised Tech, why would she be disappointed about the fact this was easily fixable? Wouldn’t that be a good thing? He tried to focus on the task at hand as he asked.

“Why do you sound upset by this?” He tried his best to sound interested in the answer but not too interested. She had to figure out an appropriate answer…and quickly.

“I um…I wanted to spend more time with you, alone?” she said this like a question, like she wasn’t sure if that was the right answer, was she asking him why she felt this way.

“You do? Why would you want to do that?” he asked his focus on the ship but his curious nature shown bright in the moment. She silently cursed herself, she just had to say something.

“Because…I like spending time with you.” She said like it was simple. It was not.

“We could just as easily spend time together when this is done.” He replied simply

“Yes…But…No you’re right.” She stumbled over her words, not really sure how to explain her meaning, to him or to herself. Just then he flipped the right switch and the ships lights came back on, illuminating the night. He turns to her.

“Hopefully they’ll stay on this time, I rerouted some of the power supply to the secondary power core so hopefully when you turn on the contraption for Omega in the morning it should stay on, assuming it works.” He explained, seeming awfully pleased with himself as she looked surprised at him.

“Wait, you…you really did that? Just for the surprise for Omega?” She asked her eyes glittering with unexpected appreciation.

“Well, I wouldn’t want to disappoint her…It is Life day after all.” Tech said with a shrug, but she could see the hint of a smile pulling at the corner of his lips.

“She’ll be so happy! Thank you Tech.” She smiles brightly at him, her excitement was so very…attractive. Tech wasn’t sure how to feel about this realization, but he wanted to see her smile like that more. He turned to close the access panel again.

“I’m sure Omega will be very surprised.” Tech said as he passed by her. “Oh and…By the way. I like spending time alone with you too.” She felt those words coursing through her, becoming most prevalent in the heat in her cheeks.

When the morning came Omega was very excited by the stringed lights and the contraption they were hooked up to. The batch gathered around as Tech hit the button on the repurposed detonator and the lights came to life, Omega began to bounce on the balls on her feet as she looked around the room in awe. The others congratulated her and Tech on a job well done. As the festivities started she pulled tech aside for a second.

“Thank you for helping me with this it really made the whole thing…special. y’know for Omega.” She spoke softly as to not draw attention to their conversation from the festivities.

“Of course, I…I wanted to make this life day special…for Omega.” He replied, with a hint of something left unsaid. They stood close together as they watched Omega and the others sat around the light display. Omega’s voice reaches her ears as she said.

“I wonder what this button does.” She turned about to stop Omega, but was stopped by Tech, his hand on her shoulder pulling her closer.

“Watch.” He whispered as he looked over her shoulder. When Omega pressed the button a soft mechanical noise filled the room, followed by the sound of a song playing from a music box. Everyone looked at the machine in wonder, Tech smiles and spoke softly in her ear.

“Happy Life day Mesh’la.”

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