#etched on a panel in the cockpit

[sepulchretide]

"Why must we wage war? Why must we be violent?" You ask The Beast That is King, and it responds,

THIS IS THE WAY OF KINGS.

"But why," you ask again. "Is there no other option?" The King That is Beast responds,

I AM CROWNED BECAUSE YOU CHOSE ME. I AM STRENGTH BECAUSE YOU MADE ME A WEAPON; CONQUEROR, MONSTER, SAVIOR.

"Can there be no peace?" You ask one last time. The Machine That Is responds,

SI VIS PACEM, PARA BELLUM, MY HAND, MY MIND, MY HEART, MY LIBERATOR.

[simplyundeniable98]

I need you now *Bradley Bradshaw*

Pairing - Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female!reader

Warnings - angst angst angst, arguing, explicit language, Reader has a hard time expressing her emotions, yearning, smutttttttt, mdni or so help me, makeup sex ofc, breeding kink 😏, Bradley LOVES his wife, lots of petnames, brief mention of pregnancy (rooster is so dad sue me), talk of death, mentions of the uranium mission, this timeline isn’t the most accurate, prob some incorrect navy talk, also bradley’s a captain in this instead of a lieutenant commander because captain just rolls off the tongue a little better yk.

Word Count - 5.2k

-This is LOOSELY based around the song "I need you now" by Lady Antebellum.

First Rooster fic, kinda nervous.

Mornings in the Bradshaw house when he was home were your favorite part of the day. Nothing beat waking up next to Bradley clinging to you like a koala. All six foot and then some clinging to every inch of skin that was left uncovered.

Usually, you were woken up to kisses being pressed to every surface he could reach. Your body was his canvas and he vowed to not let any of it stay untouched. The course hairs of his mustache raking across your soft skin rousing you from your slumber. Sleepy smiles and tender touches shared in the intimate moments of the morning before having to begrudgingly start the days activities.

This morning had been different. Bradley had gotten a call in the early spouts of the morning for an emergency briefing that had him rushing out of bed and onto base with nothing other then a note that read

"Be back later, love you sweetheart"- Roo

The bed was cold. That was the first thing you noticed as you blinked awake. Your human heater was nowhere to be found and tender kisses had yet to be given.

The note on the counter had etched a frown on your face the moment you picked it up. Bradley had gotten back from a three month deployment only four weeks ago and you missed him. God you missed him.

Although he had been home for four weeks your time with him still felt limited. He was so busy now that he had jumped rank and started as an instructor back at Top Gun. The added stress of making sure his pilots were safe in the air as well as himself had taken a toll on your husband.

Bradley loved you. You knew that. The picture of the two of you at your wedding had stayed put in the cockpit of his plane. The now frayed edges of the picture from being stashed in his helmet, clutched in nervous palms, and pinned to the instrument panel of his cockpit were a constant reminder that he had you to come home to.

You were his life. You were his sun. The force of gravity pulling him towards you had never faltered. His love for you ran deep in his bones and had since the first day he saw you.

But he is only human. And as expected, he makes mistakes. He forgets to kiss you before he leaves in a hurry. He forgets to do the sink of dishes that you had asked him to do two days ago. He is passionate and feels so much all at once. His determination and dedication to his career is a quality you love about Bradley. His commitment to the Navy was one of the things that drew you to him in the first place.

"Bradley you just got back, tell me you are joking" You say exasperated as you throw your head back.

Bradley had been ordered an emergency deployment for tomorrow morning. It was non-negotiable. Uncle Sam doesnt like to wait and you knew that. It didnt make things easier of course.

"Im sorry honey. Its an important mission and Warlock doesnt trust anyone else to do it." His voice was quiet yet so loud in the silence of your living room.

You could feel the tears start to burn your eyelids. The deep ache in your chest that always manifested when he had to leave like this. You just got him back.

"I never get to see you anymore Roo. I feel like im living on borrowed time." Your voice was starting to raise an octave. The emotions you were feeling were quickly transpiring into anger despite feeling the exact opposite.

" Im alone!" You threw your hand up in the air " I know its your career and I love you for how passionate you are about your career but this is ridiculous." You were yelling now.

Bradley shook his head and raised his palms to cover his eyes.

"Baby please not tonight." He sounded stressed. This was the last thing he wanted the night before he left. He was set to be gone for 3 weeks.

"Then when Bradley? Because its getting old. Im tired of having to love you from afar." You were crying now. A steady stream of tears now running down your face that set alarms off in Bradleys head. You were crying because of him. His girl.

"Sweetheart its three weeks, its not that big of a deal" He closed in on you grabbing your face between two calloused palms. The rough pads of his thumbs carelessly wiping away calculated tears in their path.

You scoffed and step out of his hold shrugging him off. You ignored the pang in your chest as his face dropped slightly.

"Babe seriously calm down" He was starting to get frustrated now. When he got the news earlier today he had expected the night to go a completely different direction.

He wanted to press you into the sheets and draw out those pretty noises he loves. He wanted to show you how much he loved you. Give you a proper goodbye before he was out on boat in the middle of the pacific.

"Calm down? Dont tell me to calm down Bradley. I cant do this" You were overreacting now. You could feel it. You were in too deep. The worry you felt in your chest had blossomed into something ugly and it was too late to back down now.

"Cant do what? This is ridiculous honey can we please just go to bed." His voice was raised now. The temper the two of you had shared was rearing its ugly head as you teeter on saying things you know you both dont mean.

"I need time Bradley." and that was the truth. You needed time to understand the emotions that were rushing through your body. You had finally got him back. Your Bradley. And now he was being shipped off again except this was another dangerous mission.The close call from the uranium mission had planted something ugly deep inside you. There was a chance you weren’t getting him back this time.Your Bradley. Just the thought had the blood rushing to your skull and your vision going blurry.

He was the love of your life. Losing him was out of the question. You had gotten so lucky when he came back in one piece on that F-14. How could you ever live peacefully knowing that the luck may not find him again?

"Time? You need time? I hate to break it to you but thats all your about to have." Bradley winced as soon as it left his mouth. He didnt mean to sound so mean. He knows exactly whats going on in that pretty little head of yours.

He knows you. His girl. He knows that the anger you’re feeling comes from a place of love and worry for him. Knowing it however doesn't ease the irritation thats starting to pool at the base of his spine.

You let out a sound thats halfway a laugh and halfway a sob as you tread towards your shared bedroom. How did the night end like this? How did you manage to let your emotions take over and ruin the last night you will have together in a month.

Bradley followed behind you as he leaned against the doorframe to watch you slam open his drawers in a haste. You may be mad at him but hes still your husband that you love endlessly, you had always helped him pack and nothing would change tonight.

He would give you your space. If thats what you needed then thats what youll get. If you asked Bradley to jump he would ask how high. Thats just how he was.

The two of you silently worked your way through the bedroom getting together everything he would need in his three weeks away. You were too stubborn to back down and Bradley knew you well enough to know to let you work it out on your own.

You had always been supportive of his career. There was never a moment where you thought that your husband being a naval aviator was anything less then a blessing. You were only human. You have human emotions and worries. It just so happens that you have a hard time regulating those emotions into words. Even though you hadnt comprehended it yet, this argument truly did stem from a place of love.

Bradley was your bestfriend. Being away from him on its own set your heart on fire and the added anxiety of knowing he could be in danger set your emotions into overdrive.

The two of you still had not said a word as you mindlessly got ready for bed and slipped under the covers. He said nothing as he pulled you to his chest and buried his face into your hair.

You said nothing as the tears you had been holding back finally fell as he handled you with so much tenderness. He was always so gentle with you. Even after you blew up on him about something you know he cannot help.

You fell in love with an aviator pilot. Deployments were part of the contract. In the six years that you had been with Bradley he had been deployed seven times. You were by no means a stranger to the game. It just felt different now. He had barely come back last time.

He pressed tender kisses to the top of your hair as you drifted off in his arms. Careful whispers of apologies and praise spoken into the silence of your shared bedroom because he would never understand what it would be like to be in your shoes. It would crush him if he knew you were in danger and away for weeks at a time.

Bradley had given you everything. He had given you every ounce of love he could possibly manage. He had given you every ounce of his attention that wasnt directed towards his career. But more importantly Bradley had given you grace. You were human. And it was times like these that he had learned to love the flaws you carried.

The hurt and fear that transpired into anger tonight was only an indication that you loved him. Your clipped words and hushed tears were only an indication that you worried for him. So yes, he would give you time. He would give you all the time in the world if that what you needed. His girl.

Bradley had slipped out that morning with a kiss on your head goodbye and a whisper of an I love you before he headed to the docks. Leaving was the last thing he wanted to do. He wanted to turn around and crawl back into bed and kiss your worries away. His heart was heavy as he stood on the deck watching the boat pull farther away from the dock.

-

The days without Bradley home seemed to be even harder this go around. Maybe it was the fact that he had little to no service this time or maybe it was the disruption you had caused before you left.

You hadnt been able to call him. There wasnt much service in the middle of the ocean anyways but Bradley had been working almost every second that he was there.

Rooster was worked to the bone. When it wasn’t one thing it was another. Every second he was in the air his mind was on you. Every close call the only thing he saw was your face. Every time his fist slammed down on the red button to his left he heard your sweet voice telling him you loved him. He couldn’t wait until he could hear it again.

The photobook weighed heavy in your hands as you sat down on your bed. This had become routine now. Looking at photos and memories helped ease the ache of him not being home.

You smiled to yourself after turning the first page. It was a picture of you and Bradley not long after you had met. He had just finished his second year at topgun and the two of you were at another aviators new year’s eve party.

The pictured had captured you leaning your head back as Bradley held the shooter of tequila between his teeth to pour into your open mouth. His hand cradled the back of your head supporting you from falling.

You turned the page again and this time the picture was much sweeter. You sat perched on Roosters lap as he sat on the piano bench at the Hard Deck. The veins in his neck were prominent as he sang and your head was tilted back in a laugh.

You sucked in a deep breath closing the book. You turned to look at the clock that resided on Bradleys bedside table. A quarter after one. It was rounding about evening time for Rooster right now as you debated calling him. There was a chance he was too busy to answer. You wanted to hear his voice so bad. You chewed your thumbnail as you stared at the phone laying in front of you.

You huffed and reached for it unable to fight it any longer. You hastily pressed his contact and nervously brought the phone to your ear.

Every ring of the phone felt like a stab in the chest. What if he didnt want to talk to you? What if he finally decided that he had had enough?

"Hey sweetheart" His gravely voice rang through your speaker effectively causing all of your worries to cease.

"Bradley" You gasped in relief. Relief that he was okay. That he wanted to talk to you.

"Baby" He cooed. You could feel the adoration through the phone. You could cry.

"I need you Roo. Im all alone and I need you now" You were crying now. Rushed gasps of breath and choked sobs that you fought to keep down.

"Take a deep breath honey. I know, I know." Bradley fought to keep the hurt from showing through his voice but it was nearly impossible when you sound so desperate for him.

"Im so sorry Bradley. I was so mean. I didnt-" You fought for a breath as you try to calm yourself.

"I didnt mean it. I was just so worried about you and I miss you so much all the time." You cry to him. Hearing his voice opened the floodgates and this next week until he came home couldnt come faster.

"I know baby. Its okay, I know." He cleared his throat pushing back tears that were fighting to surface. "I love you. I love everything that comes with you. Im not mad honey, I miss you" He reassured you. Just like he always did. Your Bradley.

"Tell me about your week honey" He spoke softly. Bradley always had a way of making everything better. All of your worries and doubts simply melted away at the hands of your husband.

-

The west coast sun had done nothing to ease your nerves as it blared down onto the smooth stretch of concrete that held hundreds of families and spouses eagerly waiting for their loved one to return.

He was coming home today. After three weeks of waiting, today was the day. Realistically you knew that this deployment was one of the easier ones. You and Rooster had been separated for six months at a time, so what’s three weeks?

The pale blue sundress you were wearing (with the knowledge that it was Bradley’s favorite of course) helped to ease the feeling of being suffocated in the California heat. Your insides were practically buzzing. You couldn’t wait to get ahold of him. The past week was spent with limited phone calls and promises whispered into the other end of the phone.

The sound of clapping startled you out of your thoughts as you looked towards the water from inside the car. The carrier was barely in view as it inched toward the dock

At the sight of the carrier, you put Bradley’s bronco in park, locked it up and made your way closer. After all this time, Rooster always knew how to find you through the crowd.

It took awhile to find him in the sea of flight suits and reuniting families but when you did he was unmistakable. His long legs carried him quicker and he reached you in about 4 strides.

Wasting no time you threw yourself at him. His bag dropped to the ground to catch you and he didn’t even budge from the force of your weight. He inhaled a sharp breath now that he finally had you back in his arms.

Bradley had missed you. The argument the two of you left on weighed heavy on his mind. Countless nights spent on his navy issued mattress worried about you. What if you didn’t want to be with him anymore? What if the time away made you realize you deserve more?

You turned your head to press kisses against his warm cheek. Bradley was sunkissed before but after being against the pacific for weeks he was especially tan.

“I missed you so much” and you did. More than he could imagine.

Bradley could barely keep his hands off you as you walked to the bronco. They were everywhere he could reach. You were far from complaining though, you could barely keep your hands from lingering as well.

Rooster pressed a kiss to your lips before opening the passenger door for you before getting into the drivers seat himself.

He hummed and tapped the steering wheel before settling in with his hand on your thigh.

The ten minute drive to yours and Bradleys shared condo had never felt farther as his hand drug up and down your exposed thigh. Your skin felt like it was on fire as you drug your fingertips up and down his forearm that was reached out towards you.

Energy was buzzing through the both of you. Unsaid words and hushed promises were transpiring into so much more. The tension between the two of you was thick enough to cut with a knife.

Bradley said nothing as he pulled onto the street you lived on. He missed this. His neighbors tire swing hanging from the oak that hes pretty sure has been there since before he was born. Your throughly decorated porch covered in flowers and the porch swing he made you two summer's ago.

"Cmere" He mumbled after the car was in park. In seconds his strong hands were grabbing and pulling you onto his lap. His hands were on you immedietly. Both of them coming to rest on top of your thighs.

You immedietly feel at home on his lap. That peice of you that felt missing had found home when you wrap your arms around his shoulders to bring the two of you impossibly closer.

His lips were on yours in an instant and immediately you felt like you could breathe again. His kiss was gentle and unforgiving all at the same time. It was almost difficult to keep up.

Noticing your reaction he couldn’t help but smirk into the kiss. He always knew exactly how to play his cards. Every spot and trick to make you putty in his hands. He grabbed at your thighs and pulled you towards him.

The rough bulge of his flight suit was rubbing you oh so deliciously and if he wasn’t careful the two of you were going to get a public indecency charge here soon if you didn’t move from the driveway.

Reluctantly, you pulled away. Still cautious of the steering wheel pressing against your spine you climbed off of him. The last thing you needed was to honk the horn and alert the neighbors of yours and Bradley’s less then decent escapades.

-

Fuck. You missed him.

He pushed you onto the bed, crawling on all fours as he hovered over your body with that wide grin you love so much plastered to his face.

His lips began trailing down your abdomen sending chills running up and down your spine with every breathy kiss, every drag of his mustache against your skin. With a skillful hand, he reached behind you to untie the bow that sat in the middle of your back, sitting up as he pulled it off of you. He hooked two fingers into the crotch of your underwear, shoving them out of the way as he ducked his head between your thighs. Feather-light kisses dotted your inner thighs before his mouth finally found you. He flattened his tongue against your slit, running it up your folds slowly as he savoured everything he’d missed out on for the last three and a half weeks.

“God, I missed you so much honey. Fuck”

His fingers spread your folds apart, giving him better access to your clit. The tip of his tongue traced shapes along it, the tip of his nose pressing into your puffy cunt, swollen from how badly you’d been wanting him. He mumbled something against your skin, his lips vibrating against your clit as he pressed another kiss to you.

For the next few minutes, the only sounds that could be heard in the room were your loud moans and the lewd sounds coming from between your legs. Bradley’s tongue was now prodding against your entrance, teasing you relentlessly. You found it hard to breathe as cry after cry left you. Slowly, your high began building. When two of your husband’s thick fingers pushed inside your weeping cunt, your back arched so hard off the bed, Bradley had to pause to make sure you were okay. He cooed at you pressing a kiss to your thigh before returning to the task at hand. The smirk on his face told you that his sympathy was anything but.

Bradley was relentless. His thick fingers stretched you open deliciously, making a scissoring motion as he licked around your greedy hole. Crying out, your heels dug further into Bradley’s back and you pulled hard at the brown curls that resided on the top of his head. You were pulling so hard you could have swore it was hurting him. Instead, he groaned and began slurping harder. Within seconds, you were gushing around his fingers. Your ears were ringing and you could feel your heartbeat everywhere.

He kissed the skin of your stomach as he slowly fucked you through your high, breathy praises leaving his lips as he stared up at you. “Good girl,” he murmured, placing an open mouthed kiss to your ribcage before hovering back over you. “So pretty honey”.

You moan against his mouth when he kisses you hard, his mustache pricking the skin above your upper lip in the best way. “Bradley, please,” you beg against his lips. “Please, fuck me. I need it. I miss you.”

The groan he let out shot straight to your core as pulls away to unzip his flight suit. He practically throws it to the floor along with the rest of his clothes before he’s back on top of you pressing in between your spread thighs, his mouth is pressing open mouthed kisses all over your collarbones and shoulders leaving goosebumps in his wake. “I need it, too,” he confessed, settling in between your legs and pushing his tip to slide against your swollen clit. “I need you all the time. Think about you every second i’m gone baby”

Your lips were puffy as his met them in a searing kiss before slipping inside you with a sharp thrust. Moaning against his mouth, you wrap your legs tightly around him digging your heels into the base of his spine and grip either side of his ribcage to pull him impossible closer to you.

He wasn’t in a rush, wasn’t fucking you quick and hard like you usually liked it. He was taking his time,pushing into you with such passion it left you breathless, aching for more but feeling overwhelmed all at the same time. He was loving on you in all the ways he could have been , should have been the last three weeks. Hell, in the last four months. He had taken this for granted.

Your velvety walls noisily suck him in deeper with each deep thrust he gives you, your previous orgasm providing him with all he needed to fuck into you hard and slow. The noises the two of you had come together to make were border lining pornographic.

Bradley’s eyes make their way downwards so he can watch the way your pussy sucked in his cock every time his hips met yours. “Fuck, look at you,” he said, more to himself than to you. “Taking me so well baby, aren’t you?”

“I love you. Fuck Bradley I love you” You finally manage to gasp out. Bradley fucked you good every time but you were damn near speechless as you rocked into you. He wasn’t just fucking you this time. No he was making love to you. He was showing you just how much he loves you with every piston of his hips into yours. Every glide of his cock against your greedy walls was a promise.

You whimpered underneath him, whimpered as you forced yourself to hold back for him. You knew you were close already. It was dancing around the borders of your perception, melting in your blood, burning in your gut, and you could feel it, had been feeling it.

"God, pretty girl, you're so tight. Missed you so much." Bradley was babbling now as he pressed his swollen lips to yours.

"Missed you too, Bradley. So much", you moaned against his lips, breathless and desperate for him. "Want to be good for you. So good."

"God, baby, you are", he groaned. "So good for me. Perfect. My girl."

“Bradley god-“ you gasped out. White was starting to flood your vision with each slow drag of his cock against your velvety walls. His cock grazed past that spongy part of you and he knew he found what he was looking for when you gasped and clenched down on him.

“I’m so close don’t stop” You whined high and breathy. There it was. Those pretty noises Bradley loved so much.

“Yeah? Me too baby.” He finished his sentence with another sharp thrust. “Gonna fill you up hmm?”

His pace never faltered “Gonna get you pregnant. Give you a baby to keep you company while i’m away. Is that what you want pretty girl?”

“Yes. God yes.” His words making you tip over the edge. You felt like you were on fire as a breathless pleasepleaseplease tumbled out of your gasping lips.

Bradley’s hips stuttered as you clenched down on him. Your pussy was gripping him like a vice. He was a vision with his head thrown back and mouth hung open in a guttural groan.

“Fuck” He rasped as he painted your insides keeping himself in the deepest part of you.

You winced as he slowly pulled out, not letting any of it go to waste. He was serious about his promise. There was nothing he wanted more than seeing you carry his baby. Bradley pressed chaste kisses along your neck before reaching your lips and pressing one there.

The slow drag of his tongue along yours had you whimpering before he got up to fetch a towel leaving you absolutely spent and tangled in the sheets.

He was gentle as he carefully wiped you down before pressing a kiss to the spot above your pubic bone. He quickly got comfortable and pulled you close tangling your legs together.

“I love you” He hummed into your hair pressing kisses to the top of your head. You smiled and pressed yourself closer to him.

“I love you Bradley” You replied before putting distance between the two of you to look him in the eyes.

“I’m sorry about the way I acted” You truly were. Your emotions got the best of you and instead of talking about it, you took it out on him. Your Bradley. He was the last person you should worry about not understanding. He always treated you with so much respect. So much tenderness.

“I think I just got overwhelmed. Usually it doesn’t bother me but this time with your deployments so close together and after what had happened to you…I didn’t know how to react” Your voice was quiet as you finally let him in. It’s what you should have done a long time ago.

“Honey, why didn’t you tell me?” Bradley questioned. You were his girl. You were supposed to be able to tell him anything.

“I didn’t want you to be worried.” You glanced up at him shyly with a small smile on your face. “You’ve just got so much going on at work and the last thing I want is for you to think I don’t support you. Because I do. I really do” You place a kiss to his lips.

“I love that you are so passionate about your job and i trust your abilities as a pilot to come home to me. It’s just that sometimes I get worried you won’t come home from something that you can’t control.” There were tears streaming down your face now that Bradley was steadily wiping away.

“After that uranium mission, it’s just been different ya know?” You sniffled as Bradley nodded along.

“It made it so much more real. The thought of you not coming home…” You paused squeezing your eyes shut and inhaling sharply.

“Baby…” Bradley cooed. He propped himself up on his elbow to look down at you and brought his hand up to cup your cheek.

“I can’t promise you I’m gonna come home every time” He wiped away the tears that fell at his words.

“But I can promise you I’m gonna fight like hell to come back to you every time.” He pressed a kiss to your lips.

“I can promise you that every time i’m in the air, I’m thinking of you.” You let out another choked sob at his confession and he silenced you with another kiss.

“I need you to tell me when you feel like this baby. So i can be there for you. I don’t know what it’s like to be you honey but I can sure as hell do my best to make it better.” God he was perfect. You truly believed Bradley Bradshaw was sent down from the angels himself. You silently thanked Carol in Heaven for her god sent parenting.

“I love you.” You finally spoke after some time. You pressed a kiss to the scar on his shoulder, and another one to the scar that went across his neck, making your way up to the one that adorned his cheek, and finally one to his kiss swollen lips.

“So you’re tryna knock me up huh?” You questioned with a laugh lightening the mood. You felt Bradley twitch against your thigh as he groaned and pressed his face in your neck.

“Yeah but i’m not sure this one stuck, I think I need to try again.” You giggled as he rolled on top of you making it hard to breathe as you support his weight.

“I think you’re right Captain, let’s try again for good measures”

[assortedvillainvault]

I'd love a Blitzwing drabble with a human!reader! Anything that strikes your imagination!

You and me both anon! Hope you enjoy!

Blitzwing x Reader Drabble - Tickles

It is not, generally speaking, advised to distract your pilot.

Blitzwing’s cockpit is comfy. The weather is clear, your schedules wide open. A rare moment of genuine calm in the hectic lives of mechanical invader and his hapless organic sweetspark.

You fidget, eyeing the control panel. His buttons are so shiny. It makes your fingers itchy.

“Schatzy? Vhat are you- AHAHAHAHAH STOP IT-!!”

Blitz pitches violently to the side as you gently brush your fingernails around the edges of the buttons, giggling even as you're thrown around in the cockpit and he pulls into a shaky spin.

“Don’t you dare – don’t you DA-” Ok well with that squeal of an order how could you possibly stop? Your fingers dance over the buttons and levers as they light up like a disco rave, Blitz’s plating trembling as his flight path becomes reminiscent of an etch-a-sketch, laughing maniacally.

“Nooooooo, nein nein vait, VAIT-” Icy’s panic cuts though as he lurches – you’re thrown against the glass as he pitches from the air, shifting to tank mode with a scream. Vertigo punches you in the stomach as you both freefall. “VE TOLD YOU NOT TO FRAGGING DO THAT!!”

Yeah. No regrets for this distraction at all.

[alltheirdamn]

A Bounty for Reward (Mando x f!reader)

CHAPTER 8

Summary: The truth fucking hurts. Warnings: heavy mentions of past sexual assault, unprotected piv sex, mando talks you through it, soft!mando, a smattering of angst Word Count: 6k A/N: This is a heavier chapter, so pls be advised with the warnings. Also, if you care, Gibson Girl by Ethel Cain is angel girls song ://

After hours of restless sleep, you found yourself in front of the carbonite chamber, cursing at the freezer valve as it hung loose on the pipe. Putting in a new valve shouldn’t be this hard, but it proved to be the opposite. No matter how many times you had twisted it with the wrench, it still wouldn’t budge, the pipe stripping away with each twist. Fuck, you were beyond agitated. Usually little tasks like this wouldn’t get you so worked up, but having no solution was starting to seriously ruin your mood.

And after last night, Mando had decided to hole away in the cockpit to work on the nav panel again.

He hadn’t brought up the incident in the cockpit; instead, he left it behind and focused on the present. You were grateful for it. Spending the long hours of the night wrapped up in his scent and warmth was enough of an escape from those memories that continued to poison your mind. He was patient enough to wait for you to talk to him, but you weren’t sure what to say. 

I was a slave.

I was raped.

My body doesn’t feel like mine anymore.

How could you form and speak those words out loud without completely crumbling? Acknowledging the past meant it was real, and you spent years hoping it was all just a nightmare you’d wake up from. The more distractions you had, the easier it was to try and forget. Kesi had ruined every good part of yourself, and for Mando to say you were an angel was beyond comprehension. If only he knew of the things you had endured. You were a broken mess with sharp edges. Anger was the only emotion keeping you together; it fueled the pain inside of you, feeding into it like a stray animal scouring for food. That pain hungered for rage, hungered for a taste of defiance. 

Anger was better than vulnerability.

But it was unfair to Mando for what you were doing. He had given you parts of himself that he’d held so close, yet you couldn’t even do the same. You were a hypocrite and so undeserving. The thought of running had floated through your mind during the night, even as he held you to his body. Leaving him behind would kill you, but would it be for the best? He’d be safer without you around, and you’d be void of all chances of attachment. Growing close meant caring about something—about someone—and you couldn’t fathom the thought of losing that again. 

With your thoughts running rampant and your patience wearing thin, you threw the tools to the ground and sulked up the ladder to find Mando. He didn’t acknowledge you as you threw yourself into the chair beside him, nor did he acknowledge the scowl etched onto your face. Your hands were covered with grease, and you reeked of smoke. You were beyond frustrated. 

“How am I supposed to fix the valve if I can’t strip the old you from the pipe?” You grumbled, folding your arms over your chest.

Mando gave a small grunt in response, a pair of pliers in his hands as he worked through the wiring. 

“Well?” You grumbled.

“Have you considered breaking the old valve to get it off?” Mando offered.

“And risk puncturing the pipe? Sure, if you want the entire Crest to go up in flames.”

“It won’t go up in flames,” he said. “Try snapping the metal with a compressor. It should only break the valve, not the pipe.”

“I thought about that already, Mando. It won’t work. Plus, your compressor isn’t big enough to grip onto the metal.”

Mando set the pliers down, turning his chair to face you completely. His helmet ran over your body, most likely making a mental note of the frustration painting over every inch of your body. You were supposed to be good at fixing things, but right now, you felt useless.

“We can go back into the village and get a new one,” he suggested. “Something bigger if it means you can get it fixed. How long till the function stops working on the chamber?”

You exhaled, rubbing the skin between your brows to relieve the oncoming headache. “A few days, maybe.”

“That shop should have something to help. We can go.”

You shook your head, nodding towards the nav panel. It still needed so much work till it was functioning again; you couldn’t pull Mando away.

“I’ll go. It’s safe here, and I know where the shop is.”

Mando hesitated with a response, no doubt weighing the risks of you going alone. You knew where to go, and you knew to remain hidden in plain sight; you had done that for months before getting caught. 

“Take your hood, and wear the comlink,” he instructed. “If you’re not back in thirty minutes, I’ll find you.”

I’ll find you.

It almost left his lips like a threat, an invitation for consequence if you didn’t obey. Your core warmed at the sound of it the more you tossed the words over in your head. Now was no time to be greedy for his cock, or another round of hate sex like yesterday. Even though you really, really, fucking loved it. Pushing his buttons was becoming one of your best skills, and the more you did it, the more you got out of him. He was less broody and quiet when you angered him, and it felt nice knowing he was real under all that beskar and gruffness. 

“I’ll be good, I promise,” you said, giving him a playful smile.

“Behave,” he warned, leaning towards you. 

You gave him a long eye roll, pushing off the chair and darting down the ladder before he could catch you. 

The village was quiet earlier in the morning, the sunlight still peeking through the endless expanse of trees beyond the huts and shops. There weren’t any kids running about either, and you wondered if they were all tucked away, still sleeping. Drawing up your hood, you ventured further into the little market square, heading toward the shop you had gone into yesterday. Though it was early, the door was open, and you spotted the man and woman talking behind the counter. In your presence, they both turned with welcoming smiles.

“You’re back!” The woman exclaimed, rounding the counter to greet you. “Was the valve we chose not correct?”

“I haven’t managed to test it yet. The old one is crusted onto the pipe pretty hard, and I’m looking for a compressor to strip it off,” you explained.

The man joined his wife, nodding along as you explained the issue. He ushered you to the wall of tools towards the eastern wall of the shop, pointing at a row of compressors.

“We have a few different options, depending on the valve size. I assume the one you purchased yesterday is the same as the old one?”

“Yes,” you smiled.

He grabbed one of the compressors off the wall and handed it to you to inspect. It was about an inch larger than Mando's, which would work perfectly. 

“I’ll take it,” you decided, following him to the counter.

You gave him a few credits in exchange for the compressor, and all the way, he continued talking.

“Did you need help stripping the old valve? I’m more than happy to help!”

“No, I’m okay. I used to work in a junkyard, so I’m pretty handy,” you chuckled. 

He gave you a wide-eyed look, clearly impressed that you knew your way around mechanics. It was refreshing to feel seen by someone and know your knowledge was reciprocated.

“A young girl like you with that skill is impressive,” he noted.

“I can thank my parents for that,” you shrugged.

“I’m sure they are very proud of you.”

And there it was… the dagger right to your chest. You hoped whenever they were, you were making them proud. You failed them in life, but maybe in death, they could see you were trying. You were trying so fucking hard.

You couldn’t form words to express your thanks to him, so you pocketed the compressor and left without another glance back. 

The village had started to slowly wake up as you wandered out of the shop, a few families roaming through the market for breakfast and other essentials. You pulled the hood tighter over your eyes, hoping to escape back to the Crest without any attention. You didn’t need any eyes on you when you were working so hard to stay hidden. Even if Mando claimed this planet was safe, that fear of being caught continued to nag you. 

You were nearly back to the Crest when a young girl bummed into you, a basket full of fruits on her arm.

“I’m so sorry!” She cried, curling her tiny fist around the handle. 

“It’s okay,” you assured her, steering past her body.

“Winta!” you heard a voice call out. “You need to be more careful!”

The mother came into view, running towards the girl—Winta—with an apologetic expression. But you recognized that face, and it chilled your blood. Omera. The woman you had seen talking to Mando yesterday, the woman responsible for all the broken pieces inside of him that he laid out before you. Maker, you hoped your stare was enough to slice through her heart. The scowl on your face was enough to stop her in her tracks, her expression growing confused as you continued to stare.

“I’m sorry about my daughter,” she began, hugging Winta close to her front. “She’s always in her own little world.”

You gave her a stiff nod, not trusting your words as they formed venom on your tongue. 

“I haven’t seen you before,” she went on. “Are you traveling through?”

“Something like that,” you bit out. 

“If you come back later in the day, we have a full market,” she offered. “It’s—.”

“Got it. Thanks.”

Her welcoming smile slid into a frown, and you noted how simple her features were. She wasn’t memorable, looks-wise, but her kindness was lethal, and you could understand how easily Mando fell into her trap. 

“I’m just being hospitable,” she sighed. “We love newcomers here.”

“Look, Omera,” her name off your tongue sent her eyes wide. “I really don’t give a fuck about your hospitality, so please, keep to yourself and leave me alone.”

She bent down to Winta, smoothing over her hair and giving her a quick kiss on the forehead. “Why don’t you find your friends?” She whispered to her.

Once Winta was far enough away, Omera looked at you with narrow eyes. You shifted your weight to match hers, your hand flexing around the compressor.

“You’re here with Mando.”

“I am,” you frowned. “Is that an issue with you?”

“I have no ill wishes about Mando. I hope you treat him kinder than you’ve treated me.”

Fuck. Her. 

You stepped forward, your lips curled up, ready to shoot venomous words in her face. How dare she say that? She doesn’t know Mando anymore; she doesn’t get the privilege of knowing him. Fuck her for weaponizing the past. 

“Omera,” came a deep, modulated voice.

You whipped your head around to see Mando walking over, his steps quiet and deadly. He did say he’d find you, and look what you fucking got yourself into. 

“Have I done something wrong?” She batted her eyelashes at Mando, blissfully dismissive of you beside him. 

“C’mon,” he said your name. “Let’s go.”

“Mando,” Omera pleaded. 

He held up a firm hand, taking your arm with the other to pull you away. But Omera stood strong against you both, waiting to give a litany of bullshit, no doubt. 

“I’m only trying to be kind,” she sighed. “To both of you.”

“We don’t need your kindness,” you snapped. 

Mando tugged on your arm harder, trying to steer you away. You were enraged for Mando, enraged that a woman this simple could have such an effect on him—and worse, on you. Omera held her hands in protest, surrendering to you and your anger. 

“We’re leaving,” Mando said firmly to you and Omera. 

“I wish you would stay. I have so much to explain,” Omera’s lower lip trembled. 

“There’s nothing to explain,” you interjected. “You had your chance once upon a time, and now that time is up. Enjoy your little life with your daughter, and forget us.”

Mando said your name in a clipped tone, and though you knew you had probably overstepped, your anger was slowly growing out of control. You needed to leave before you truly dug yourself a hole. This wasn’t your battle, but it wasn’t Mando’s either. She wasn’t worth a fight. 

“I’m ready to go,” you grumbled, escaping Mando’s hold and striding back toward the Crest. 

You didn’t have to look back to know Mando was following; you felt his presence tracking yours. You were constantly caught in his trap. Always the hunted, never the hunter. You didn’t understand why the entire ordeal with Omera had you so pissed off; maybe it was the fact she was the sole reason Mando wouldn’t get attached to another person. Maybe you were just angry because she had the life you wished you had. A home. A family. Things you lost and would never have again. 

Once you stepped back into the hull, you went straight for the carbonite chamber, hoping to busy yourself with fixing it rather than facing the problem. The thing was, Mando wouldn’t let you get away that easy. If you were learning anything with him, it was that you both shared the same fucking stubbornness. 

You twisted on the new compressor to the valve, twisting it to the left until you finally felt the metal snap under the pressure. Letting the metal fall to the ground, you worked on removing the remaining rubber binding to expose the pipe. As your fingers worked at the rubber, you felt the weight of Mando press against your back. You went ridged, choosing to ignore him. His hand brushed the hair from your neck, and his helmet dipped to your ear. 

“Don’t ignore me,” he whispered. “Not now.”

Saying nothing, you continued to clean the pipe for the new valve, shivering as his touch trailed over your shoulder and down your bicep. He made it so hard to stay upset, especially when you craved his touch like a starved woman. 

“I hate her,” you muttered. “And she has everything I will never have.”

Mando grabbed your shoulders, spinning you around to pin you under his silent gaze. You felt like shrinking away, curling into a ball, and rotting away in the darkest corner of the galaxy. The urge to come clean was on the tip of your tongue, nearly impossible to swallow. His helmet tilted to the side, and your grasp on self-reservation was thinning out the longer he stared. If he could be honest with you, you could do the same in return. 

The thought of it made your skin crawl. You had never spoken aloud about what you had endured under Kesi and weren’t sure when you’d truly be ready. But maybe you could start slow…

“She has a home,” you whispered. “A family.”

“You’ll have that one day, angel,” Mando reassured. “I’m trying so hard to give that to you.”

You shook your head, your eyes falling to the floor. He didn’t understand that no matter how hard he tried to give you this freedom you yearned for, you still wouldn’t be able to be free of everything that hurt you. No matter how hard you worked for that future, how much danger you put yourself and Mando in for it, it would never amount to the life you could only see others living. 

“You don’t understand, Mando.”

His hand came up to cup your chin, guiding your eyes back to him. The current of the past was dragging you under, but you clung to him as you battled against the waves. This was it; this was coming clean. 

“Help me understand. Please, angel.”

You drew your bottom lip between your teeth, hoping to stop its trembling as you tried to sort through the endless thoughts rushing to the front of your mind. Reaching out for his hands, you led him to the empty crates by the ladder, urging him to sit with you. Once you came clean, everything would change. He wouldn’t look at you the same, wouldn’t fuck you the same, wouldn’t speak to you the same. You’d destroy everything with the words you were about to say, solidifying that you were forever broken. There was no fixing these pieces inside of you. No ounce of freedom would strip away the past and the damage it had done to you. Mando couldn’t save you from it; Maker knows you’ve tried so hard to do it yourself.

“I know you’re going to try and treat me differently,” you sighed. “Please, don’t. I’m not fragile, or at least not as much as I used to be.”

Mando nodded, his elbows resting on his knees as he leaned forward toward you. You inhaled a shaky breath, holding it until your lungs refused to squeeze any longer. 

“I can’t have a family,” you started. “Only a week after Kesi took me, he had me sterilized. He barely gave me any sort of sedative during it. I—I felt everything, Mando. All of it.”

He could hardly say your name as you paused to collect your thoughts. He reached to hold your hands, wrapping them between his, keeping you grounded. 

“He said it was… better for business,” you winced. 

Mando cursed under his breath, and you knew if you could see his face, you’d find his eyes filled with an impossible rage. You couldn’t blame him; that same rage fueled a fire inside of you, constantly thrashing its flames against your ribcage. 

“He took me to some outer rim planet after that. I don’t even remember where it was, honestly. He usually kept me in a dark room, tied up and waiting. I wasn’t in ‘the business’ the first few months, but he still used me. Sometimes, it was just him…other times, he brought his associates. I was heavily drugged in the beginning, and part of me is grateful for it. I remember a lot less now. 

“But once he decided it was time to have me start working, they wanted to keep me sharp and off of spice. I couldn’t be ‘good’ if I were incapacitated. I need you to understand I wasn’t his associate, Mando. I was his slave. I was a part of the payment during trades. He transported me all over the outer and inner rim, leaving me in shitty inns and random hotels. No one was kind to me.” You paused. “Not like you, Mando. Maker, no one has touched me the way you do.”

“Give me their names—all of them. And I’ll kill every single one. No one will ever fucking touch you again, angel. Only me,” Mando growled. 

���It doesn’t matter now.”

You batted away tears that fell on your cheeks, knowing they would flood to the surface and crumble your composure. You had done so well up until then. You managed to get it all out without faltering, but now Mando was being sweet, stirring up many conflicting feelings. He couldn’t get attached to you—you wouldn’t let him. You were tainted, and so broken beyond repair. He deserved someone perfect and pure and secure. He deserved someone who could give a family and a place to call home. You had nothing and no one. 

You were nothing.

The longer you stayed, the more you’d hurt him. All he needed to do was kill Kesi, and then you’d be gone. You’d be a comet passing through his sky and disappearing into the darkness. He needed to forget you after all was said and done. You needed to forget him, no matter how hard it was becoming. He was running through your veins, injecting you with all these promises of a future full of safety and comfortable silence. 

You needed to run. Run far and fast before he sank his teeth into your soul and sucked you dry. 

Attachment would destroy you both. 

“I swear I will keep you safe,” Mando drew you closer, pressing his helmet against your forehead. “You’re mine to protect.”

Words wouldn’t surface to your tongue, your protests and cries lodged in your throat. You wanted to scream and tell him he needed to let go. You wanted to beg him to keep you. You had no fucking clue what you wanted and what you needed. Because you needed to leave, and you wanted to stay. 

You pulled away from him, the cool touch of his helmet lingering on your skin as you stood and turned away. 

“I—I need to finish fixing the valve,” you muttered. “And you should work on the nav so we can get out of here.”

Mando tugged on your wrist, twisting you to look at him. How many more tears could you cry in one day? You’d already given him the worst parts of yourself, and your instinct said to shrink away. Deflect and hide. That’s what you were good at. 

“Thank you for telling me,” he said. 

“Yeah,” you exhaled.

“I’m going to make him suffer,” he vowed.

“I know.”

He loosened his grip on you, letting you walk away and back to your project on the valve. You blocked out the sounds around you, and soon enough, you were alone in the hull and drowning in your thoughts.

**

Murdering Kesi wasn’t enough now. Mando needed, no craved, to tear that man apart from the inside out. He wanted to cut every one of his fingers off, each one that ever touched her. Mando wanted to gouge his eyes out so he’d never get to see her again. He wanted to skin him and watch him bleed all over the fucking floor.

He deserved a place worse than hell.

Mando could hardly focus on the nav panel; the wires lost between his fingers as he grappled with her words. Maker, she was so much stronger than he could have ever imagined. No wonder why she had asked him to kill her back on Tatooine. Knowing she would have rather been dead than go back…it said enough. And she was right; she wasn’t fragile. She was a fucking survivor, and now he wanted to protect her from the entire galaxy. 

Clearing his mind, Mando worked for another several hours until the wiring was finally untwisted and functioning again. Even with it done, Mando kept to himself for a bit longer, staring out into the clearing before him, seeing the village's lights smolder over the coming dusk. Years ago, he would have loved watching the sunset and sunrise here, having a simple life, and having a family, but he had experienced so much in the time that had passed that he never considered it anymore. He loved the silent life he had built— the hunts, the isolation, the distance. But the past few weeks with her made him doubt he could return to that life. 

Everything had a deadline, though; soon enough, he’d have to return to the silence. He’d have to say goodbye.

After a while, Mando went down into the cargo hold, seeing her now curled into bed hidden under the blankets. He made his way to the carbonite chamber, inspecting her work. She was fucking good. Everything was attached and functioning back at its original capacity, and the flashing lights on the quarries were just another reminder of his deadlines. He promised Karga he’d be back by the end of the week with more bounties, but with the mission to Oba Diah soon, Mando wasn’t sure how quickly they’d return to Nevarro. 

Looking back at her, he noted the calm rise and fall of her shoulders under the weight of the blanket. He didn’t want to wake her, so Mando slipped inside the refresher, letting the door slide close with a soft hiss. Standing inside, he removed his helmet, turning it towards himself. His thumbs traced over the tinted visor, wondering what she saw in her mind every time she looked at him. He was granted the gift of seeing her face every day, seeing her expressions change with each wave of emotion. He had studied her and began to learn her familiar movements: the outline of a vein on her neck when she was angered, the shake in her fingers when she was scared.

He wondered to himself, in the solitary of the refresher, if she had done the same. Had she analyzed the movements he made when she was in his company, the way he kept his hand near his blaster in case anyone looked at her in the wrong way? Did she notice how he tilted his head each time she argued, as if he were trying to understand the thoughts inside her mind? 

Looking at himself, Mando traced the outline of his face in the clouded mirror: the scruff of his beard–bare patches lining his jaw— the tired lines scattering his skin, the hollowness of his eyes. Ever since he was a foundling, a lingering sense of loneliness burrowed itself with him, a loneliness he thought would be filled by his allegiance to the Creed. He had found sanctity in his Clan, the loyalty within himself filling the hole that was left after his parents had been killed. Yet, it was a temporary solution that would not be filled by numerous bounties or forged beskar covering his skin. 

She shared that same loss as him, the same grief of losing a family. Yet, she didn’t wear armor to protect herself or swear allegiance to a Creed to survive. She was strong, stronger than he was. She had shown him the rawest parts of herself, telling him the pain of her past and trusting him with her secrets and body. Even if listening to her talk about it killed him, he knew he had been granted a chance to prove himself further. His only job was to kill Kesi, nothing more. After Omera, Mando swore to be loyal to nothing but his Creed, to stand firm in his beliefs, and never let himself grow close to another. But the attachment he felt for her had grown too strong, the loneliness inside of himself shrinking with each passing day he spent beside her. Everything he stood for and sacrificed was threatened by the chance to be loved again. 

Mando left the refresher, covering his face again, the burden of emotions weighing heavy on his shoulders. With her still tucked away, he opened the ramp and decided to relieve the pressure in his chest with fresh air. He didn’t go far, just a few feet from the Crest. The moon was traveling up to its peak in the sky, the light of it reflecting off the beskar that clung to Mando’s body. He felt so heavy, so trapped under the armor he wore. He wanted to shed every piece of it off for the first time and be a man, not a Mandalorian.

“Mando?” Her voice was soft against the evening breeze.

He turned to see her standing at the edge of the ramp; the sleepshirt was askew on her body, leaving her collarbones glistening in the moonlight. Maker, she was so beautiful. 

“Please, stay on the ship.” Saying her name was like a prayer falling on deaf ears, and knowing her stubbornness, she wasn’t leaving without an answer—one he very well didn’t know how to give without falling apart.

“You’re doing it,” she said. “Treating me differently.”

With a heavy sigh, Mando stared up at the sky, counting each planet in view before responding. 

“I’m not,” he said.

He cursed himself for not saying more. But ‘more’ would end everything: his Creed, his promise, his solitude. Mando wasn’t sure he had the strength to say more than those two words; she was unraveling him from the inside out. 

She shifted her weight, eyes aglow in the moonlight as it crested above the sky. There it was again, that look of concern. Mando knew the less he said, the more it would hurt her. She had given him so much of herself after battling it for weeks. He wouldn’t treat her differently, but he made no excuse for how her words had torn him apart.

She closed the gap between them, her hands fisting the cowl around his neck. Mando’s arms wrapped around her waist, drawing her in despite the voice inside his head screaming at him to stop. He wanted her close to him; he wanted it only to be his hands touching her. She stared at him, and he swore she could see his eyes behind the visor.

“I’m not fragile.”

“I know you aren’t. I’m just angry.”

“You don’t have to be angry for me. I have enough anger to last a lifetime.”

“Angel, all I feel is anger.”

“Feel something else,” she begged. 

“I’m afraid,” Mando choked. 

Her brows furrowed together, creating that familiar crease. He lifted a hand to her face, soothing the lines with his thumb. Her eyes fluttered shut at his touch, the moment between them stretching on forever. 

“What’re you afraid of?” She asked, opening her eyes again. 

“Everything.”

She curled her fists tighter around the fabric that hugged his neck, anchoring him to the present. His mind was rushing through all the possibilities of what could happen if she stayed or didn’t leave after all was said and done. A loud, modulated exhale left Mando as he cupped her face. She leaned into it, and he reveled in knowing his touch was enough to comfort her. 

“I’m afraid, too,” she said. 

He had no idea what she was afraid of, nor did he have the right words to console her. They stayed like that for a while, holding each other as the stars moved above them. He couldn’t help but feel like everything was slowly ending, that he would lose her. She was sand beneath his feet, rolling away with the wind, and no matter how hard he tried to keep her, she would vanish. He always knew she would, but he was so fucking afraid to face that day. 

“Take me back to the ship,” she whispered. “Help me forget it all.”

**

By the time Mando had you spread out on the bed, the ramp had barely closed behind you. You were breathless and arching into his touch as he slid his hands down your body. He had shed his gloves at some point, and you shivered as his fingers traced the curves of your body. It wasn’t fast this time, not like your usual hookups together. He was memorizing your skin, outlining the cuts scattered over your torso and thighs. He didn’t ask what they were or where you got them, but the truth seemed to keep spilling.

“I wasn’t allowed to say ‘no,’” you exhaled, your breath shaky.  

Mando’s hands stilled on your body, his helmet slowly lifting to look at you. 

“You can tell me no, angel. Any time you want, and I promise I’ll stop.”

“I don’t know how to say no to you, Mando.”

He groaned, his fingers working at the supple flesh of your upper thighs. You let out a whine as his fingers trailed between them, slipping under your shorts and dipping into your wet folds. He rubbed circles against your throbbing clit, humming softly when you cried out as the pleasure spiked in your stomach. 

“Like that, angel?” His voice was low and husky. 

You couldn’t do anything more than nod, grinding against his fingers to release the pressure building inside you. Mando slid a finger inside you, working it in and out at a dangerously slow speed. Adding another finger, your breath hitched as he curled them, your cunt pulsating with each movement. You were on the edge of release, fingers tearing into the blanket under your body as he talked you through it. Your orgasm hit you hard, your ears ringing from either your screams or the growl that left his chest. 

“Good girl. So good for me.”

He pulled his fingers from you, lifting the glistening digits to your lips as your tongue darted out to taste. You hadn’t thought it before, but maker, you wished it was his tongue licking off your release. You wanted to know what unadulterated desire looked on his face as you came. Mando unzipped his suit and lined up against you, breaking you away from those fleeting dreams. Even dripping wet, the stretch of his cock came with a sting as he thrust into you. His pace was slow and sensual, one hand at the curve of your waist, the other carding through your hair. Rolling your hips, he pushed deeper, a trail of curses leaving your lips. 

“Look at you,” he crooned, moving his hips against yours. “Look at how fucking good you take me.”

His words dripped onto you like honey, covering your body in sticky sweetness until all you could feel, hear, and see was him. You cupped one of your breasts, rolling your nipple between your fingers to flood your body with pleasure. You were ignited from head to toe, your nerves dancing in ecstasy as he thrust in and out of you in a smooth rhythm. 

“Mando,” you whimpered.

“Take what you need, angel. Use me until you cum.”

You rolled your hips with each of his strokes, your body succumbing to pure bliss. Mando kept his pace, rocking into you with fervor, crying out as he trailed his hand to the apex of your cunt, applying pressure on your throbbing clit. You were teetering on the edge, your eyes rolling back as that pressure crescendoed until you couldn’t hold it any longer. With a quick snap of his hips, your orgasm washed over you, the quickening sound of your pulse flooding your ears. Your body went limp against the bed; muscles wound too tightly from cumming twice in a row. You didn’t know if your body could handle anymore, but Mando was unrelenting and picked up the pace. 

“One more for me,” he begged. “Give me one more.”

“I—can’t!” you cried out. 

Your inner thighs were slick from your release, and you arched against his touch as he caged you between his arms. At this angle, his cock was hitting your core at a ruthless speed, his hips snapping against yours with each thrust. You were entirely at his mercy, letting him chase his own release as you lay in pure bliss. Your body was strung out and buzzing with the orgasms he already pulled for you, and yet, you were desperate to give him more. 

You couldn’t stop giving him more. 

“Fuck, angel,” he grunted. “I—”

His words electrified you, pleasure rolling down your spine as you tightened around his cock. A choked gasp lodged itself in his throat, his body tensing up as he filled you with his cum. Slumping against you, Mando nestled himself into the crook of your neck, the cool touch of his beskar forcing a ripple of goosebumps over your skin. Your hands reached up to squeeze his biceps, kneading at the muscles under his suit. He let out a loud moan, his weight pressing further into you. You’d let him stay with you tonight, soaking in the moments of his body pressed against yours. He had made you forget it all, even for a brief moment, but as the fog in your mind cleared, you realized how content that made you feel. And that terrified you. You had to make a plan to run and hope he wouldn’t catch you. 

You had to leave.

[nahoney22]

Hi there! I got an idea! Being a bad Batcher’s first kiss is too cute, but what about being their first boob touch 😂 Would their s/o offer it? Accidentally?

Oops, My Bad***

All Bad Batch Boys X F!Reader

warnings: Gonna put it as NSFW as it is suggestive in some parts. Fluff. Some established relationships, some embarrassing moments and of course, some accidental booby touching.

authors note: Exactly as the request asks 🤩 I didn’t know what to title this as ‘first boob touch’ seemed asdfghjkl idk enjoy lol

Echo

Doing repairs with Echo surprisingly passed a lot of time. Maybe it was because he got straight to it rather than nattered away like a certain someone. Or, it could because the two of you had been harbouring secret feelings for another and time in each other’s company flew by.

He’s sat by one of the control panels, making sure the circuits were all up and running and although you didn’t know much about repairs, you wanted to help! So, you sat next to him and passed him each tool as quickly as you could.

He thought it was quite amusing, testing you to see how quick your reflexes are.

For the time being you were very good at passing him the right tools, maybe slipping on one or two but it was enough to show that you had been paying attention. But when he asked for a small screwdriver, one with a tricky name you panicked. To you, all of them looked for the same!

Just as he had been doing, he had been reaching behind and clasping for the tool instantly but what should’ve been a hard and cold metal, was replaced by something quite squishy and not at all what he asked for.

“Eep!” You squeaked at the sudden touch against your left breast and Echo is quick to turn to you, yanking his hand away with wide eyes.

“I’m so sorry! It was an accident.”

The poor clone looked mortified but after the initial surprise vanished, you giggle softly and shake your head dismissively. “It’s fine, Echo. It was bound to happen some time.”

“Well, if you are fine- wait? Bound to happen?” His cheeks heat up and so do yours quickly at the realisation as to what you just blurted out.

“Here’s the tool you were after.” You swiftly changed topic, handing him one of the little screwdrivers and not even checking to see if it’s the right one as you quickly scurry out of the cockpit. How very embarrassing.

Hunter

“Stare any longer, Sarge?”

The Clones eyes almost burst out of his head as he realised he had been shamelessly staring at your chest for the best part of minutes now but it was kind of hard not to.

The pair of you decided to go for a nice walk close to the ship, something you both found yourselves doing as your relationship started to blossom. It was early days at the minute and maybe shared one or two kisses to the lips as you both didn’t want to rush in too quickly. Ironically, you both didn’t mind rushing to find shelter from a sudden onslaught of heavy rain.

In the process of your mad dash, your shirt became very damp and due to its flimsy material, a little bit too transparent for your liking. But Hunter very much liked it.

“Kriff, uh sorry Cyare.” He clears his throat and instead of just turning his head, he turns his full body away from you which makes you laugh.

“Darling it’s okay, we’re together so I don’t mind.” You place a hand to his shoulder, sending a warmth through his own slightly drenched body. He’s hesitant, but he turns back to you and keeps his eyes staring only at your face but, you’re smirking.

“If you want,” you say quietly, taking a step closer to him, “you can look again.”

“Really?” He breathes out, a small almost childish grin etching onto his handsome features.

You nod your head. “You can even touch them.”

Now he was not one to ever refuse an order and so slowly - almost treating them like they were glass - places both hands over your sopping shirt. Your fast heartbeat is thumping against the palms of his hands, sending his mind whirling. he’s so lucky you’re both alone because it isn’t long until he’s leaning in and placing gentle kisses to your lips and cheek. He always said your eyes were your best feature but your breasts were becoming a close contender.

Tech

Although you and Tech were not dating, flirting with him was one of your favourite activities. Sometimes, he would clock on and blush furiously at your straight to the point flirtations but sometimes it just goes way over his head.

Medical examinations were not uncommon on the Marauder and although Tech will only be checking vitals, you can’t help but get yourself flustered at the thought of Tech playing Medic.

When it is your turn, everything is going fine and the two of you are making small talk. He clears his throat a moment after and asks if he can raise your shirt so he can attach a small monitor to your chest to regulate your heartbeat. “Tech if you wanted me, all you had to do was ask?” You teased playfully and he let out a strained kind of groan at your flirting.

“This is merely for medical purposes.” He reiterates, trying hard not to make eye contact with you as you lift your shirt. He also tries to avoid looking at the bra that covers your breasts that seemed a little bit bigger than he had thought.

You roll your eyes on him, deciding not to let him suffer as you awkwardly stand there and wait for it to be done and when it is, he reaches to detach the device but in doing so quickly grabs at your breast instead.

You still. And so does he. You’re both wide-eyed, staring at one another as he makes no indication of moving his hand away. He notices that they’re soft, even with the bra in the way. His breath comes rigid and it takes all the power in you to not laugh in his face at his doe-eyed reaction.

“I wasn’t aware this was a full examination either Tech.” You finally decide to break the tension and it seemed to snap him back to reality as he hurriedly puts everything away, including letting go of your breast. You lower your shirt and gave Tech a soft smile of a reassurance when he said nothing and looked your way with an apologetic look.

“Am I free to go?”

“Yes. Everything is in order, your vitals are soft- fine! They look fine, perfect infact.” You gush a little at his fumble of words, clearly having tits on the brain. When he leaves, he can not help but think about what just happened whilst flexing his fingers that tingle at the thought of you.

Crosshair

When this snarky man touched your boobs for the first time you swore you saw a piece of his hard exterior crumble.

It was you who had offered if he wanted to have a feel since you two had been dating a while now and wanted to take it to the next level.

So as you’re getting dressed into your nightwear (something you used to do in the refresher as you were a little shy at first), you turn to face him as he’s sat on the bunk, already checking you out with a small smirk but you gave him a daring glance.

Your hands reach around your back and u clasp your bra and that smirk is soon wiped off his face as you teasingly and slowly take it off revealing yourself to him.

His heart was pounding and eyes wide with hidden lust. “They’re quite something.” He comments, trying to sound as smooth as he could but swore his voice cracked in the process.

You smile softly and cross the threshold to stand in front of him, nodding towards your breasts and then at him.

His jaw went slack for a moment, pleasantly surprised and tried to suppress a small smirk. After all, he was a little nervous admittedly incase he somehow hurts you.

He scoots to the edge of the bunk, letting his hands and trained eyes roam up the sides of your hips before planting each hand comfortably on either breast. He stiffens but soon relaxes upon seeing your calm and welcoming reaction to his touch. “Perfect.” He says softly, a little dazed to be touching something as incredible as these.

Seeing how soft he was about touching just your chest made you a little excited to see how he will be ‘in the bedroom’. Would he be putty in your hands like this or will you be able to unleash another side of him?

He gets a little bit too eager and leans in to place a kiss upon your right bosom but you laugh and place your hand to his face, pushing back on it with enough force not to hurt him but to make him recoil back against the bed. “Easy there Sniper, I said you can touch… not taste.”

Wrecker

“Look out!”

A shout captures your attention as you spin to see Wrecker hurdling right at you, followed by an army of large reptilian like creatures. From what you knew, they were harmless individually but being chased by a herd of them was not in todays briefing at all.

You’re about to dive out of the way but before you could, Wrecker trips over an upturned root in the ground and is sent flying in your direction. Preparing yourself for a heavy and rather larger impact, Wrecker somehow manages to grab you in a way where you’re flipped on top of him as his back takes the heavy fall to the ground.

You gasp aloud at the impact and then brave yourself for the small creatures to clamber over the top of you but instead, they ran straight past both of your feet and through the trees until they vanished from sight.

“Well that was anticlimactic.” You say with a short laugh, looking back down at your so-called ‘rescuer’ and only just managed to grasp that you were laying on top of him, inches away from your face.

He’s laughing but you remain unsure if he had noticed the close proximity between the pair of you so you play it off cooly. You begin to sit up but you freeze as you suddenly feel a pair of hands over your boobs. Eyes wide, you look down at the large hands that had practically enveloped each breast and then to the eyes of the large Clone who didn’t seem to know what the problem was.

“Uh, what is it?” He asks a little worried by your look and as you did a repetitive head nod between breasts and hands his eyes widen comically.

His hands recoil back quickly and he is rubbing the back of his neck as he sits up but you’re too frozen in shock to even move away from the lap you were now sitting on. “I’m sorry, I don’t know how-.”

“I think I must’ve fallen on them-.”

“Yeah maybe! Cushion the blow almost because they’re soft and all…” he trails off, feeling more painfully awkward the more he speaks.

There’s heat upon your cheeks and you look down bashfully. “You think they’re soft?” Your tone is quiet, a little soft, and Wrecker is more confused than before. Were you teasing him? Flirting? Genuinely interested? He had liked you for a while and sincerely hoped this hadn’t messed anything up if anything was to ever arise anyway.

“S-Sure!” He stutters rather sweetly with a sheepish grin. “I’ve never touch one or them or any before so.” Again, he rubs the back of his neck but is liking this closeness between you both quite significantly.

Heart racing fast, you finally managed to stand back to your feet although your legs wobbled just slightly. “We should get back to ship.” You smile up at him, no sense of awkwardness from you and as you walk away, he watches you a little breath-taken.

Maybe, if he had the gall, he would ask if he can touch them again sometime.

Masterlist

tags: @nunanuggets @andyoufollowyourheart @littlefeatherr @kaitou2417 @eyecandyeoz @captxin-rex @cwarssimp @jesseeka @ashotofspotchka @oohyesplease @megafrost4 @adriiibell @theroguesully @equalityforcats s @rexandechosandwich @mustluvecho @the-good-shittt @inagalaxywickedfahaway y @misogirl828 @ladykatakuri @jambolska-grozdova @chxpsi @alexandrisonfire @arctrooper69 @padawancat97 @rain-on-kamino @either-madness-or-brilliance @discofern @by-the-primes @torchbearerkyle @tech-aficionado @grizabellasolo @therealnekomari @a-c-lee @autumnleaves1991-blog @tech-depression-inventory @mylifeinthetardisforever @fiveshelmet @brynhildrmimi @greaser-wolf @lucyysthings @agenteliix @photogirl894 @cosmic-persephone @imalovernotahater @rintheemolion

[allgearlit]

Hello ! I wonder if you're new on tumblr. If yes then i'd like to welcome you and i just read your work with starscream and it was super adorable and also heart warming😭❤️

If it's okay i'd like to request a small drabble with g1 Starscream and female human reader first contact au where a fem reader was taking a walk and suddenly finds abandonet jet and decides to take a look and then i'll leave the rest to you <3

OR something a bit more dark with also g1 Starscream and fem human reader where reader is being an unwilling captive and he decides to explore her organic nature ( could be a little non-con/nsfw-ish if that's okay if not then i comepletely understand <3)

You can pick between those two any you like more <3 thanks a lot for reading ans i hope you'll get a warm welcome🥰❤️

Hello! Thank you so much for the ask - I'm not new to tumblr per-say, I started as an art blog and decided to pivot to writing since that's more of my passion anyhow. Though I appreciate the welcome! <3

I love both ideas - I hope you won't mind if I maybe make the latter at a later date (with credit to you for the idea). The first one though; that screams (heh) mini series. I love the BumbleBee movie so much and fantasize about Charlie's scenario with other bots, so I'll make this into it's own little drabble series. I hope that's acceptable! ☆

G1!Starscream x Fem!Human!Reader: The Starscream Movie AU Pt1

I couldn’t tell you the time if I tried. I needed peace, freedom from my thoughts. A walk late in the night was my best solution. Anyone could tell you I haven’t been feeling my best recently, though to pin-point the problem would be an anxiety riddled mess in of itself. I walked down by the nearby lake that always looked so much bigger at night. Perhaps it was the contrast between it’s glistening blue water to the velvety black sky, or the way the stars hit the rippling water, creating a galaxy effect. Regardless, it was one of my few favourite spots in the area.

There was a bench that was almost always vacant, near the centre of the lake, just where the bend dipped over the shore in a gentle fashion. As I approached, something else caught my attention. A ship, or jet? I couldn’t quite tell in the light. It looked like something straight out of the military. I took in a sharp breath as the curiosity bubbled in my throat. I wanted to inspect the craft, anxiety and logic going out the window as I approached. It was a slender build, likely only able to house one person at best. The thought of there potentially being a body in the cockpit made me shudder, but I knew I had to check.

Reaching over with my shaking hand, I rubbed over the golden paneling, to my good fortune, it was empty. However, this lead to a new line of questioning, where had it come from?

I continue inspecting the craft, my hand gliding over the metal nonchalantly as I analyze it like an artifact. Something else catches my eye, a purple symbol - almost like a horned creature. Instinctively, my fingers glide over the etching, mesmerized by its rich colouring and definition. Whatever it meant was unfamiliar to me.

After my thorough inspection of the exterior, a little click and hissing noise arises from the cockpit, opening the sealed space. It was as if I was being invited into whatever this machine was, and I couldn’t help my temptations to peek. Climbing up onto the jet, I shuffled into its cockpit, as quickly as it had opened for me, it slammed shut.

An involuntary yelp escapes my lips as I hear the lock click into place, it was as if the jet was alive. Pressing my palms onto the panel, I whimper as I try to get it to open. A sudden noise fills the air, it sounded like robotic laughter. The noise startled me, and promptly caused me to land flat on my bum in the seat.

“Who’s there?”

Despite attempting to sound confident, my voice comes out as a weak whimper, panicked and unsure. The robotic laughter stops, and a voice comes out instead.

“Stuck on this wretched planet for less than half a cycle, and already an inhabitant has decided to be stupid enough to touch me.”

The voice was snivelly, snarky, and cybernetic. The kind that makes one a pinch uneasy. It filled the air almost too evenly, as if the words were coming from the jet itself. In my moment of logic, I begin trying once more to push the panel up, when the voice mocked me once more.

“Don’t bother, I’m keeping you in here so we can have a little chat.”

Defeated, I let my frame sink into the rather uncomfortable seat. Frustration bubbles within me as I look around the tiny space.

“Alright, let’s talk.” I speak up, my voice hoarse with that anxiety. “What are you?”

A light on the console shines as he prepares to speak, though nothing is obvious or makes any sense to me. Perhaps I was too oblivious to notice it at first.

“The name is Starscream, second in command of the Decepticons. Though, I don’t think your puny little flesh-bag brain can handle all of this info, I’m a Cybertronian.”

Every word that Starscream speaks makes me doubt him, as if the word  Decepticon wasn’t already suspicious enough.

“So, you’re a race of alien jets?”

This prompts a grunt, and I swear if he had eyes they’d be rolling.

“No fleshie. We’re robots who can change our forms. This jet you’re in is my alt-form.”

Before I can even ask, I’m suddenly shuffled inside the cockpit as it literally changes shape with me inside. I roll around like a towel in the washer, when suddenly it finishes with me in the palm of a massive robot's hand. Starscream looks down at me with piercing red orbs. He has a smirk on his face as he looks at me, before proceeding to tousle me in his hand.

“You’re cuter than I thought, I might just keep you.” His voice is the same snarky tone as  before, though now it’s clear that he is far more comfortable with me. I feel my face grow pink at the prospect of becoming his - human pet? I’m not sure what he’d make me, but regardless, I try to refute.

“Now wait a second -”

However, He places his thumb over my lips to promptly silence me, walking to where who knows where until he stands still and look down at me.

“...Where is your home fleshie?”

[echo-circuit]

TW blood and death

My version of Orions death from shockwaves perspective

The battlefield was drenched in fire and blood, the stench of burning metal and flesh heavy in the air. Shockwave's mech tore across the shattered landscape, its once-gleaming armor streaked with blackened soot and jagged tears. The HUD screamed warnings of critical damage, but he ignored it. His heart was pounding, his breaths coming in ragged gasps.

"Orion! Answer me!" he roared over the comms, his voice raw and cracked with panic. Static. Just static.

When his eyes locked onto the mangled wreck of Orion's mech lying in the craters ahead, a cold, paralyzing dread filled him. The blue and red machine was barely recognizable, its chassis ripped open, the cockpit exposed like a brutal autopsy. Blood pooled beneath it, staining the ground a dark crimson.

Shockwave barely registered the alarms blaring in his own mech as he forced it to kneel beside the ruin. He tore free of the cockpit, his feet hitting the ground hard as he scrambled toward Orion's broken mech.

"Hold on!" he shouted, his voice cracking. His hands, trembling and bloodied, clawed at the twisted metal that encased his partner.

metal that encased his partner. Sparks flew as he ripped away jagged panels, slicing his palms in the process. He didn't care. He didn't even feel the pain.

And when shockwave finally uncovered Orion, he wished he hadn't.

Orion was slumped forward, his body broken and crushed beneath the crumpled remains of the cockpit. Blood seeped from his mouth and nose, pooling in the hollow of his neck. His chest heaved shallowly, each breath a battle against the agony etched across his paling face.

"No, no, no!" Shockwave fell to his knees, reaching for him. "Orion, stay with me. Don't you dare die on me. I'm going to get you out of here! Just hold on!"

Orion's eyes fluttered open, glassy and unfocused. "Shock..." His voice was barely a whisper, blood bubbling at the corner of his mouth.

"You're going to be fine," Shockwave said, his tone frantic, almost manic. He pressed his hands against the worst of the wounds, trying to stop the bleeding, but there was so much. Too much. "I'll fix this. I'll save you. Just-stay with me. Please!"

He tore strips from his uniform to make crude bandages, tying them around Orion's chest and neck, his hands slick with blood. The warm, sticky wetness coated his fingers, making them slip as he worked. He cursed himself for not being faster, for not being stronger.

Orion coughed weakly, a spray of blood flecking Shockwave's face. "You... can't save me. You know that."

"Shut up!" Shockwave barked, his voice shaking. Tears streamed down his face, cutting through the grime on his cheeks. "Don't you dare say that. I'll save you. I swear it. I'll fix this, Orion. I'll-" His voice broke, and he choked on a sob.

Orion's hand, trembling and slick with blood, reached up and cupped Shockwave's cheek. "You... always worried to much," he murmured, his voice so faint it was almost lost beneath the crackle of distant explosions.

Shockwave shook his head violently, clutching Orion's hand to his face. "Don't you dare leave me! You're all I have! I can't do this without you!"

Orion's lips twitched, the faint ghost of a smile. "You're stronger than you think... Shockwave."

"No!" Shockwave screamed, his voice raw and breaking. He leaned over Orion, his body wracked with sobs as he pred his forehead to his partner's. "Don't leave me, please. I need you. I'll fix this. I'll save you. Just give me time!"

But as Orion's chest rose one last time and stilled, Shockwave knew. The light in Orion's eyes faded, leaving them dull and lifeless. His hand slipped from Shockwave's grasp, falling limply to his side.

Shockwave let out a cry, a sound of pure anguish and desperation that echoed across the battlefield. He clutched Orion's lifeless body to his chest, rocking him back and forth as if he could force his soul to stay.

"No!! ORION!!" Shockwave's cries was guttural, raw, tearing from his throat as he pulled Orion's lifeless body into his arms. His shoulders shook with sobs, his head bowing as he clung to his partner. "I promise," he whispered, his tears falling freely now. "I promise I'll save you..."

The battlefield grew silent in his ears, the roar of war fading into nothingness. All that remained was the crushing weight of loss and the echo of Orion's voice in his mind, urging him to remember. To keep going.

But in that moment, all Shockwave could feel was the hollow void where his partner-his friend-had been.

For @keferon who's AU worms have eaten my BRAIN 🧠

[thegreatwicked]

After the Storm

After the Storm

Summary: An emergency crash landing on an isolated island on an alien planet leaves Hux, and a rebel spy stranded and trying to reach an emergency beacon before the local flora and fauna kill them. Hux/OFC.  

Is it really fanfiction without a sex pollen story? No! Of course not! You’re not here for intense character development or an intricate plot! This is a slightly unconventional sex pollen story so enjoy because we all know you’re here for smut and I will supply so here it is! Don’t ask me what Hux and a rebel spy are doing on a shuttle, I don’t know and I don’t care I’m just here for smut. He just is. If Disney doesn’t have to justify their shitty fanfiction then neither do I. If you’ve ever seen Six Days Seven Nights that’s what I’m loosely basing this off of. This is a fun little sexy story that exists in the world of the story I am currently writing that explains my OC, Sola Vex a little better. If you’d like to read it, it's called Armitage and it’ll be on my profile and my Tumblr, keep an eye out for it as I will be posting it very soon, it’s a long one!

This was supposed to be a one shot, I swear. Now its a two shot.

Final note; Quick note on my OC; Sola Vex, I’m not great at describing voices or personalities so if you’re looking for the feel of this character I’m going for a Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen in terms of voice and personality.

“We’re going down!”

The small Taylander hurtled through the turbulent sky with such ferocity that it more closely resembled a falling star rather than something capable of flight. Battling against the raging electrical storm that crackled with bolts of lightning, Hux's hands clenched tightly around the controls as he fought to maintain course. His panicked gaze fixed on the flickering instrument panels before him. Red flashing lights indicated systems were failing and the shuttle was going down. The hull trembled and the metal groaned and strained under the onslaught of the tempest, buffeted by fierce winds that threatened to send them into a fatal nosedive. As lightning arched across the sky, illuminating the cockpit, Hux's face was etched with determination and a hint of fear, as was his passenger. Sola’s normally cool cerulean eyes were colored with terror as she gripped the armrests of her seat. His sharp eyes darted between the faltering control panel and the glimpses of land below, trying to find where they could make an emergency landing. Warning alarms blared through the cockpit, their shrill cries filling the air as the emergency lights continued to flicker, casting an ominous glow. The storm's relentless assault eased somewhat as their steep descent approached, and the shuttle jolted violently, causing Hux to brace himself against the shaking controls.

With each passing moment, the shuttle's descent grew more erratic, unsecured contents were tossed around and made for small and hazardous projectiles. Hux's heart pounded in his chest, his mind raced, desperately searching through the torrential rain and haze, he spotted small masses of land below, it would be a close call.

He grit his teeth through the sharp and sudden throbbing on his temple indicating one of those projectiles had struck him. The shuttle's battered frame continued to protest under the strain, but Hux refused to surrender, his knuckles turning white with the strain. He didn’t survive two attempted executions, just to die in a damned shuttle crash.

With adrenaline coursing through his veins and utilizing every ounce of strength he could muster, he maneuvered the shuttle towards the closest landmass. His skilled piloting barely keeping them from plummeting into the churning sea below. There was a split second of silence before impact and the shuttle collided with the ground in a violent crash, sending tremors throughout the vessel. The sound of metal twisting and shearing off as impact crushed the shuttle and tossed it like a toy. The force of collision rattled Hux against his seat, leaving him dazed and battered.

Safety harnesses were the only thing that kept the occupants from flying across the cockpit and splattering into wet sacks of meat. The screeching sound of the engines whining and being ripped apart eventually faded as the shuttle came to a slow stop.

He and Sola remained strapped securely in their seats, very much alive although bloody and injured. Initially, blurry vision struggled to bring the present into a painful focus, everything was bathed in red and orange lights as sensors and alarms sounded multiple failures. With the wind knocked out of him he fought against the harness, sputtering and coughing. The tang of blood accompanied by pain radiating through every muscle all the way to his bones. 

The emergency release for the harness was jammed and wouldn’t give way, but the survival knife stashed in his boot easily cut through the thick straps. The cooling trickle of blood dripping down the side of his face informed him that the projectile that had struck him earlier broke skin, aside from the throbbing pain in his head he didn’t feel that much due to shock. But shock would eventually wear off, then everything would hurt. Disoriented, Hux struggled to regain his bearings. The cockpit was filled with the acrid scent of smoke and burnt plastic, the silence that followed the chaos was interrupted only by the pattering of rain against the damaged hull. He felt ice in his blood as he looked over at Sola, unconscious in her seat, head lolled forward like an unresponsive doll, the impact of the crash having taken its toll.

He staggered towards Sola, his hand reached out to check her pulse. Relief washed over him as he felt the faint throb beneath his fingers, assuring him that she still clung to life. Her harness too was jammed and unable to disengage. Carefully, he cut the harness, and gathered her up in his arms. He headed to the back of the shuttle where he deposited her onto the floor. Flashes of his academy training surged through his mind. He wasn’t a medic but he did receive basic training, he struggled to remember the Primary Survey. A quick glance around saw there was no immediate danger, no fire, no free electric currents, just a damaged and somewhat quiet shuttle.

"Sola," He called to her but she was unresponsive, his voice gradually grew louder and more urgent “Sola, come on, open your eyes.” Tilting her head back so her airway was clear and that faint flicker of a pulse brought him some relief and had grown a little stronger. After an excruciatingly long moment, Sola's eyes slowly opened, her vision hazy at best, as her surroundings gradually came into focus. She saw Hux's face hovering above hers.

Confusion clouded her mind, and her voice came out in a weak whisper. "... Are we dead?"

Hux's gaze softened as he met her bewildered eyes, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "No, Sola, we're not dead," he reassured her, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and a hint of amusement. He looked her over, turning her head from side to side checking for any signs of injury or severe bleeding and was relieved to see only superficial injuries.

“What happened?”

“We crashed. We’re alive. That’s the extent of my knowledge.” He answered as Sola attempted to sit up, testing her body's response and sharp ache shot through her, causing her to grimace. Hux knelt beside her, his voice giving away the depth of his concern. “Slowly.” He chided as he helped her to her feet, he pulled her up placing one of her arms around his neck and one of his arms around her waist, her steps were uneven and a bit off center. "Come on, we have to assess our situation," he said, his voice filled with a sense of urgency. 

She nodded, her expression serious yet determined. He steadied himself as he rose and walked with Sola to the shuttle hatch. It groaned and resisted Hux’s attempts to force it to open, but after a moment and some strong shouldering it gave way and the two made it outside. 

The beach was rocky with gray sand and the smell of sulfur permeated the air, which suggested a volcanic presence. A path of destruction along the beach was what remained of their landing and the shuttle looked truly awful. Broken pieces of their once airborne shuttle littered the beach, leaving both in awe of their survival. 

"Nice landing," she remarked, a touch of irony in her voice. 

Rain was falling but it wasn’t the violent maelstrom they had crashed in. Looking upwards they could see the sky was cloudy and dark, and rumbles of thunder echoed for miles. The darkness was occasionally lit up by blue flashes of lightning every few seconds, leaving no room for doubt their landing had been nothing short of a miracle.

Sola glanced around, raindrops cascading down her face, and furrowed her brow. "Any idea where we are?" 

Hux shook his head, rainwater running through his hair. "I don't have an exact location, but it doesn't seem to be a grave. And for now, that's good enough," he admitted with a note of optimism lacing his words. 

Hux’s optimism could best be summed up as a ‘Well, we didn’t die’ type. They carefully surveyed the wreckage of the shuttle, their expressions growing grim as they realized the extent of the damage. As if sensing their hope a spray of sparks flew from the destroyed engines, and the chances of repairing the vessel seemed slim to none.

“Kriff.” 

Hux didn’t need a damage report to tell him what they both knew and that the only way their shuttle would ever fly again was if it was melted down into a new one.

“I’m no engineer, but I’d say it's not supposed to do that.” Sola’s brand of dry sarcasm was one of the things that made her one of the few people whose company he actively enjoyed.

Hux carded a hand through his hair, frustration evident on his face. "It's beyond repair," he stated, his voice tinged with disappointment, although he liked her sarcasm, he rarely responded to it. "We won't be flying out of here anytime soon."

Sola’s face contorted as the strong smell emanated from the island. “What's that smell? Smells like sulfur.”

Hux released his grip on Sola, now stable enough to stand on her own, picking up a handful of sand, smelling it quickly, “That's because it is sulfur, this island must be volcanically active.”

Sola nodded, her gaze sweeping over the scattered debris that marked their turbulent crash landing. The air hung heavy around them, thick with humidity that clung to their clothes and skin. The sound of crashing waves reverberated through the stormy seas offshore, amplifying the sense of isolation on the rocky beach.

"Well, this is... nice," Sola remarked. In the face of adversity, there was always room for dry humor in a humorless situation. 

Hux's eyes scanned the dense jungle that loomed nearby, its vibrant green foliage seemingly untouched by the crash. He looked at the small hikable mountains in the distance, their plateau’s not tall enough that it would be a difficult ascent. "Those mountains over there," he added, "They might offer a vantage point for us to survey the area and plan our next move." They exchanged a glance of uncertainty and resilience. "Come on, let's get back under cover," he said as they retreated back to the shuttle. They walked side by side in silence. Both lost in thought about how this was supposed to be a simple mission, but something always went wrong. As they reached the shuttle, Hux assessed the damage one more time, he said with a sigh. "We'll have to find another way off this rock."

"Any idea on that?" She hoped Hux had a plan because she didn’t. Their circumstances most certainly fell within his wheel well of expertise. Sola was a spy, and a survivor, inside an urban environment she could make her way, but she didn’t know the first thing about what to do in a situation like this. She hoped Hux’s military training afforded him more clarity. 

Her questions didn’t bother him, at least she didn’t ask dumb ones and if she did, she dressed them in the appropriate amount of sarcasm. "For now, we need to collect as much data as we can.” Hux and Sola sat inside the damaged shuttle, surrounded by scattered components and remnants of the wreck. “I’m going to try and triangulate our position, see if you can access the holonet. If not, use the bioscanner and see what we can learn about the local flora and fauna, we need to know what we’re up against.” Sola nodded and the two set to work, each focused on their respective tasks.

Hux rummaged through the cargo, salvaging whatever equipment and instruments he could find. With a determined expression, he tinkered with the broken communication console, trying to establish a connection, even a faint one. His hands moved swiftly and with purpose despite cracked and bleeding knuckles, but frustration flickered across his face as his attempts yielded no significant results.

Meanwhile, Sola sat before the computer's mainframe, her eyes intently scanning the data displayed on the damaged screen. She too hadn’t seen much success being unable to reach the wider holonet but she had been able to link up the bioscanner and access the topographical information stored in the system from before the shuttle was hit by the electrical storm. Her brows furrowed as she read about the flora and fauna, noting the dangers and unique properties of the island's plant life.

The silence between them was punctuated only by the soft clinks and hums of their makeshift work and the soft sound of rain against the hull. 

"Oh, this just gets better and better," Sola deadpanned, her voice heavy, yet detached breaking the silence that had enveloped them; frustration evident in the way she ran a hand through her auburn hair, tugging at the strands. "You go first." 

Hux took a deep breath before relaying the information. "The navigation and communication systems are shot, but I managed to piece together our last pinpointed location," he explained. "I have a rough guess on our current position, seems we’re on a volcanic archipelago but we may be in luck.”

“How so?”

“From what I can tell, there are a dozen small islands within a thousand kilometers but only one has what we need.” Sola waited for the grand reveal, “If I'm right, this island has a weather station atop one of the mountains used to track electrical storms like the one we passed through.”

“Is there a com system?”

“Possibly but doubtful, weather stations are typically for remote monitoring only. However, if it's there we can shut down the station, technicians would usually arrive to repair it but we can probably hijack the signal beacon and attune it to the rebel frequency codes getting a message to the right people and that's our exit strategy.” Hux paused and rubbed his face, “I assume you are familiar with the Rebellion's distress frequency codes?” Sola nodded, reaching into her pocket and producing a data stick. She handed it to Hux and he nodded. He concluded his show and tell, "Your turn," She let out a small fake chuckle. "I'm not going to like this, am I?" he asked, a slight nervousness creeping into his voice.

Sola shook her head, her expression amusingly macabre. "No, definitely not," punctuated with a nervous laugh. "This island is 'interesting'," 

Hux raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued as he leaned back against the wall waiting for less than desirable news, he was sure.. "Define interesting.”

"Oh, kriff, oh kriff, we're both gonna die?".

Hux's expression shifted, surprise and worry crossing his features. "What do you mean?" he asked, a sense of urgency creeping into his voice.

"There is no wildlife of any kind anywhere on this island," she explained, her tone grave. "No predators, no insect life, nothing. Because the plant life has completely taken over, dominating the ecosystem. And you were right, this island is volcanic, but there's no indication of any recent activity.” She pulled up a holographic display of the archipelago and pointed out where an ancient volcano collapsed in on itself.

Hux's eyes widened. "So, you're saying the absence of any wildlife is because of the plant life?" 

Sola nodded solemnly. "Exactly. These plants seem to have evolved in a way that eliminates any potential threats to their dominance. It's a delicate balance, but we're completely alone out here.” Silence fell between them as they absorbed the gravity of Sola's findings. The absence of any signs of life, combined with the dangerous nature of the plant life, adding another layer of uncertainty and danger to their already precarious situation. "And, it gets worse," Sola said, her voice filled with resignation befitting their situation.

Hux's brow furrows, his patience wearing thin. "How could it possibly get worse?" 

Sola took a deep breath, bracing herself to share the unsettling truth. "The defenses of the plant life.”

Hux's eyes widened. "The plant life has defenses? What kind of defenses?" 

Sola continued, her voice measured. "Some of these plants have evolved intricate mechanisms to protect themselves. But the biggest concerns are:'' She held out a finger for each item she listed off “The I Vino Posy, a plant that shoots poisonous barbs, capable of incapacitating or even killing any creature that comes too close, it’s triggered by sudden motion. The Pal Vents Fury, a carnivorous plant, catches prey with their barbed whips, triggered by motion. And lastly, and this one is my favorite,” her tone dripping in sarcasm. “The Pax Reaver, it’s a bloom that emits bursts of pheromone dust, heightening the victim's two basic needs: aggression and sexual apetency. Also triggered by motion."

"What?" Hux responded, blinking several times, his voice thick with disbelief. He rubbed his face and leaned his head against the shuttle wall, weariness evident in his voice. "Are you saying there is plant life on this miserable pile of rocks that can poison us, devour us, or reduce us to mindless beasts susceptible to our most basic urges?" His tone was flat, as if he couldn’t quite fathom the extent of the dangers they faced.

"That's putting it mildly." A holographic display cycled through the three plants, simulating their defenses.

Hux let out a frustrated sigh. His expression matched his dry tone as he summed up their predicament. "Well, it seems like the universe has a twisted sense of humor," he remarked, his voice devoid of any hopeful undertones. "Our shuttle is wrecked, the island is filled with deadly plants, and we're stranded in the middle of nowhere with no way to communicate. That is brilliant."

"Yeah, it would be funny if it was happening to someone else."

"Who needs a luxurious vacation when you can crash-land on an island of peril and have deadly vegetation as your company?" Hux paused, tossing a tool across the shuttle it clanked loudly. Then posed a question he wasn’t sure how to phrase without sounding like he was deeply interested in the answer, “What are the symptoms of the Pax Reaver?”

Sola paused and looked over to him with an incredulous look before answering him, “I can’t really describe in any way other than deeply graphic.” Hux nodded, “There isn’t a lot of information regarding the symptoms as most of its victims don’t survive the ordeal.” Hux shot her a look of morbid curiosity. “Some specimens have been collected, reengineered, purified, and made into potent aphrodisiacs but those are purified samples, their effects can last eight to ten hours. It sounds like a case of “fuck until you die” because you fall prey to other predators. And that's only if you don’t have an aggressive reaction, though I think that one's pretty self-explanatory.”

Hux blinked rapidly, his mind moving to what was probably the same conclusion that Sola’s had come to, which was that it would probably be the best fuck of your life but most certainly the last. 

“What about the I Vino Posy? What are the effects?”

Sola checked her information, “Looks like some can be poisonous ranging from paralytics, to hemoglobin coagulants, to nerve damage.” Hux nodded.

“And the Pal Vents Fury?” Sola blew out a breath.

“It has barb covered whips that drag prey to its maw, barbs dig into the skin and pull the prey in, where it is slowly digested by powerful acids that paralyze it and they are very slowly liquified.”

“Sounds about as pleasant as a sarlacc pit.”

“Yeah, only greener.”

“Wait, if there’s no wildlife on the island, how are plants like those capable of surviving?”

“It looks like once all wildlife was extinct everything evolved to get nutrition from the volcanic properties of the island, and they just exist in a sort of stasis. But if something nearby triggers the environment, they wake up. And it would seem that they wake up hungry, which I can relate to.”

They exchanged a glance, their observations on their circumstances serving as a coping mechanism, a way to face the harsh reality with a touch of humor. They may be surrounded by danger, but their matter-of-fact approach kept their spirits from plummeting.

"So," Sola said, her voice dry, "I suppose our itinerary now includes dodging poisonous plants, outsmarting nature's defenses, and somehow finding a way off this island.”

"Brilliant," he quips, embracing the absurdity of their situation. 

"Seems like we've stumbled upon the botanical version of a nightmare." Hux shook his head, a headache already coming on. 

He took a moment to assess their options, his gaze shifting between the unforgiving landscape beyond the shuttle and Sola's expectant eyes. Even if she didn't say it, he knew very well she was relying on him and as a military leader, Hux knew the importance of keeping morale up in dire straits. He rubbed his temples, trying to make sense of their grim reality. "Let's see," he began, counting on his fingers as he spoke. "Rest here tonight, salvage whatever supplies we can from the shuttle, head for the beacon tomorrow, shut it down to prevent any further mishaps, and then wait for rescue."

Sola's voice cut through the air, laden with cynicism. “You make it sound so easy.”

“That sounded easy?”

“This is all assuming that we’re even on the right island. We could get to the top of that mountain and if there’s no beacon there, then what?”

Hux gave a half-hearted shrug, his expression tinged with uncertainty. “I don’t know.” Those were Armitage Hux’s least favorite words. Yet in his time with the rebellion he found himself more and more comfortable with saying them as he wasn’t in any sort of leadership role so no one cared about his opinion. "At least there aren’t any sarlacc pits here," he paused. “Are there any sarlacc pits here?”

Sola shook her head, “I don’t think the ecosystem could support them.” 

“Does anything grow here? Anything that we could eat?”

“Nothing I plan on sticking in my mouth.”

As night descended upon them, they rummaged through the limited supplies, gathering what they could to make the night more bearable, their surroundings dimly lit by the faint glow of emergency lights. Sola's eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope as she discovered two bio-stabilizer masks among the emergency gear.

"Finally, a little luck," Hux remarked, a hint of relief in his voice. They secured the masks, knowing that they would provide protection against the hazardous spores that fill the island's air.

With the meager provisions in hand, they settled onto the hard, uncomfortable floor, their bodies weary and eager for rest. Both beginning to feel the aches and pains from their ordeal now settling in. The rations  tasted like they were out of date by about ten years and provided little comfort, but they consumed them nonetheless, fueled by the knowledge that sustenance would be instrumental for their survival. 

As exhaustion began to drift over them, Sola kicked off her boots and laid down on the makeshift sleeping pad with an emergency blanket, her head tucked against her folded arms. The sound of rain pattering on the hull made for a soothing backdrop to relax her and the dim light from the flickering emergency panel cast gentle shadows. As she began to relax she felt the warmth of Hux’s presence nearby, she opened her eyes and was a bit surprised to see him as he settled down beside her on his back. His proximity was unexpected yet strangely comforting, within arms reach. The lines of fatigue etched on his face softened in the muted light.

He seemed to sense her questioning gaze without even opening his eyes, his voice a low murmur “What?”

Sola was caught off guard by his awareness, “I didn’t take you for a cuddler.”

“Don’t be childish. I don’t bite… often.” 

Hey brows shot up in surprise and intrigue at the implication. “Yeah, but do you stab?”

He chuckled softly, his eyes closing again. “Stabbing is reserved for people I don’t like,” He replied, his voice tinged with humor. “Biting on the other hand, is saved for entirely different occasions and under vastly different circumstances.”

The air held an electric charge, their playful banter carrying a subtle undercurrent of attraction leaving her a bit excited and apprehensive. She was at a loss for words, Hux still keenly aware of her lingering stare softly advised albeit playfully “Go to sleep, Sola. We have a long day ahead.”

“Aye sir.” She retorted her tone carrying a hint of flirtation. Unable to resist, Hux cracked an eye open to see her eyes were now closed and a smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he drifted off, Conversation faded, replaced by the rhythmic sounds of their shallow breaths. 

In the four months they had been a part of each other's lives, he gained a healthy amount of respect for the way she navigated through the challenges they faced without dwelling on the past. Most of the Rebels hated Hux but Sola didn’t mind him.  She enjoyed pointing out how the rebellion would never have succeeded had it not been for his intelligence. She had never expected to find common ground with a former member of the New Order, but their circumstances had brought them together.. His dry humor and matter-of-fact view on things offered a reprieve from the hopelessness of their situation. She’d often been told that she should look on the positive side of things, to which she would respond ‘Let me know when you find it.’ Despite some of his less than charming attributes and their rocky start, she’d grown somewhat fond of the ginger former general. 

Likewise, Hux found her no-nonsense attitude and unvarnished honesty cut through the complexities of their predicament. It also didn’t hurt that she was one of the few people who didn’t legitimately want him dead, there were far worse people to be stuck on a dangerous island with.

---

As dawn broke and the light filtered through the portholes of the shuttle, they cast a gentle glow on Hux and Sola, who had unknowingly gravitated closer to each other during their slumber. Hux woke first, sleepiness falling away gradually as the world around him came into focus. He blinked in surprise as he realized the proximity between them, practically nestled into one another's arms. The warmth radiating from Sola's body and the gentle rise and fall of her breath was oddly enjoyable to watch.

'Well, this is unexpected' 

Hux mused, his mind playing catch-up with the situation. He contemplated whether to move away, to create a more appropriate distance, but something in him resisted the idea. He watched as Sola, still lost in the realm between sleep and wakefulness, unconsciously inched closer to him, seeking his warmth.

A soft smile tugged at the corners of Hux's lips, and he wondered if Sola was even aware of her instinctive movements. Sola's limbs stretched out lazily as she finally woke, her fingers brushed against Hux's side in the process. Her eyes fluttered open, momentarily startled by their closeness but she made no move to retract or distance herself. There was a sense of acceptance as if the physical closeness between them was simply a natural extension of their connection. 

'Huh, he has bedhead.'

Hux met Sola's surprised gaze. Neither of them mentioned the sudden closeness, as if it was an unspoken agreement. They shared a brief, subtle smile before Hux finally spoke, his voice slightly laced with playful intrigue.

“Sleep well?” 

Sola's lips curved into a small smile at the normalcy he tried to interject, she glanced at their closeness, she replied, her tone casual and warm. “No complaints.”

He gave her an acknowledging nod, perhaps in agreement that he too had no complaints as to his sleep. 

“We should get going. We have a lot of ground to cover.” 

As they slowly rose, their bodies protesting, her weariness still evident, she clenched her jaw feeling the discomfort in her body before an indiscernible sound escaped her lips, reminding her of the aches and pains that came from their harrowing journey.

“You alright?” 

"I’m as nimble and spry as a jungle cat," she mumbled dryly, masking her unease with nonchalance.

Hux scoffed and rubbed at his neck, turning it slowly, resulting in several loud cracks and an accompanying deep groan of satisfaction. They braced themselves for the challenges that lay ahead. He knew they had to reach the monitoring station, send out the distress signal, and hold on to hope that someone would come to their rescue. The weight of their survival rested on his shoulders, and he drew upon his military training to break down the steps needed to achieve their objective. 

'Focus, Hux. Step by step,' he reminded himself.

They gathered their supplies, dividing them into two packs. Sleeping sacks, a medical kit, rations, water canteens, a torch, a blaster, two survival knives and the vital data stick containing the rebellion's distress codes.

Their bio stabilizer masks were the final piece, their eyes met briefly, and in that fleeting moment, unspoken understanding passed between them. They shared a connection forged through shared danger and vulnerability. Sola's eyes held a flicker of admiration for Hux's strength and resourcefulness, while Hux saw in Sola a fierce determination and resilience. Stepping outside the shuttle, they were instantly met with the oppressive heat and humidity of the jungle. The air was thick and suffocating like a wet blanket, making breathing laborious, and sweat began to bead on their foreheads. The discomfort intensified, serving as a reminder of the harsh reality they faced. 

As they stepped onto the rocky black sand beach, the scorching sun beat down upon them. The coarse grains of sand crunched beneath their boots as they made their way forward sinking slightly, their movements cautious and deliberate. The bio stabilizer masks covering their faces distorted their voices slightly, the sound muffled and mechanical.

They quickly left the shoreline behind, entering the dense jungle that lay ahead. Towering trees stretched towards the sky, their thick foliage creating a natural canopy that shielded them from the sun's direct rays. The air became even more stifling, filled with the earthy scent of damp vegetation and the overwhelming sound of nothing. Hux tried not to focus on the unnatural

silence, in a setting like this was usually an indication of a predator nearby, but then again, wasn’t there? 

Moving through the jungle required precision and care, stepping cautiously to avoid producing too much noise or any unnecessary distrubances. Every step had to be calculated, avoiding treacherous roots and hidden obstacles that lay hidden beneath the thick layer of moss and leaves. Hux took the lead, his eyes scanning the surroundings, searching for signs of danger. The bio stabilizer mask displayed a constant readout of the temperature, reminding them that it was a sweltering 30 degrees Celsius. Beads of sweat dripped down their faces, mingling with the moisture collected on their masks.

The jungle seemed alive, its flora teeming with vibrant colors and intricate designs. But amidst the beauty, danger lurked. Hux and Sola had to remain vigilant, for hidden among the lush greenery were plants with dangerous defenses. The masks provided some protection, filtering the air and warning them of any potential hazardous particles in their surroundings.

Their communication was hindered by the masks, their voices distorted and distant. They relied on subtle gestures and hand signals to convey their intentions and navigate the perilous terrain. Each movement was deliberate, every decision weighed against the risks and dangers that surrounded them.

The humidity clung to their bodies, their clothes stuck to their skin, the fabric heavy and uncomfortable. The jungle challenged them at every turn, testing their endurance and resilience. 

Anticipation hung thick in the air, and there was the sense of being watched by unseen eyes. As they moved on, Hux and Sola emerged from the dense undergrowth into a small clearing as though all play life within it bowed to a superior form, the sudden openness allowed a sliver of sunlight to filter through the thick foliage. Sola's hand shot out to grab Hux's arm as her keen eyes caught sight of a peculiar plant standing tall just inside of the clearing. Its large, tropical leaves unfurled like a crown, showcasing a mesmerizing array of vibrant colors that seemed to beckon them closer.

Their gazes fixed upon its stunning blossom. The petals, resembling delicate lilies, faced upwards, reaching for the sparse sunlight that managed to penetrate the dense canopy above. 

Sola retrieved a small data pad from her pack, her nimble fingers swiftly confirming the plant's identity. The screen displayed information about the pax reaver. They watched the plant in silence, observing its beauty with both fascination and trepidation.

Curiosity stirred within Hux, and he reached down to pick up a small rock, his movements cautious. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the rock near the plant, then instinctively ducked down, seeking shelter behind a fern, placing an arm about Sola instinctively. The plant responded immediately, triggered by the disturbance, and a cascade of brightly colored spores erupted from its blossoms, descending slowly like ethereal red snowflakes.

They watched in awe, the captivating dance of the spores weaving an enchanting display against the backdrop of the jungle. It was a breathtaking sight, a moment of beauty amidst the lurking danger that the pax reaver represented.

"It's almost beautiful," Sola murmured, her voice barely audible beneath the filters of her mask. Acknowledging the plant's allure while recognizing the peril that lay beneath its alluring facade.

Hux nodded in agreement, his eyes locked on the delicate spores drifting through the air. It was a reminder of the delicate balance between beauty and danger that existed in this untamed realm. They knew they had to tread carefully, for even amidst the splendor of the jungle, unseen threats lurked, ready to ensnare the unwary.

They silently retreated from the clearing, leaving behind the mesmerizing spectacle of the pax reaver. Their journey continued, fueled by a newfound respect for the hidden perils that lay in wait.

The monotonous trek continued as they navigated through the jungle, with little variation in the landscape.

Sola broke the monotony first, her voice muffled by the mask. "You know, Hux, I've had better hiking trips. I must say, the lack of scenic views and lack of wildlife is a bit disappointing."

"Oh, I apologize for not providing you with a five-star tropical paradise. I'll make sure to leave a scathing review for this island." He smirked as Sola chuckled at his joke. He didn’t make anyone else laugh, just Sola.

Their banter served as a temporary distraction from the physical and mental exhaustion they both felt. Step after step, they pushed forward. By Hux’s best guess, they had a day and a half to two days journey to make, but with the added burden of having to move and cause as little disruption to the environment as possible he realized that it could take as many as three to four days.

It was dusk when they located a water source, Hux motioned for them to stop, signaling the end of their journey for the day. They went about setting up camp, their movements efficient and practiced. With the emergency shelter tent secured, they sought refuge inside, their tired bodies yearning for rest. Taking off their bio stabilizer masks, they released deep breaths of relief, savoring the fresh air that filled their lungs.

Hux sat down on the ground, a tired yet content expression on his face as he relished the feeling of freedom from the confining equipment. As Sola joined him, he couldn't help but notice the slight amusement in her eyes, feeling the weight of the day slowly dissipating as she sat on the tent's floor, wiping the sweat off her brow with the back of her hand

“And here I thought my days of hiking and roughing it in extreme temperatures were a thing of the past." Hux mused as he rubbed his face. Sola smirked, casting a playful glance in his direction. “Something funny?”

“It's hard to imagine you 'roughing it,' You seem to enjoy the niceties of the high life."

Hux's tone took on a facetious note and he rolled his eyes as he responded, "Hate to shatter the illusion, but I wasn't always a dashing general who basked in the lap of luxury. There was a time when I slogged through the mud, endured the relentless rain, and the scorching heat, just like any other cadet."

Sola's eyes danced with curiosity, her interest piqued. "Really?” 

Hux didn’t talk about himself, ever, his smirk faded, replaced by a more solemn expression. 

"Believe it or not, Sola, I earned my keep. I did indeed rough it for many years. Contrary to what most people think, my rise in the ranks had nothing to do with my father's influence. In fact, he did little more than hinder me and provide me with possibly even more setbacks for his amusement. I fought my way to the top."

Sola detected the bitterness in his voice, “So, father of the year?” Hux responded with a resounding ‘Ha!’ and he fell silent once more. She decided to change the subject slightly, wanting to keep the conversation light-hearted. "So, 'Cadet' Hux? What was he like?".

Hux blew out a breath, his voice tinged with frustration and what sounded like remorse. "He was a damned fool. Weak, scrawny, naive, and quite a bit shorter. As thin as a slip of paper and just as useless" There was a harshness in his own words in how he spoke about himself like they weren’t his own thoughts but someone else’s words that had been ingrained into him. 

"Yeah, but I bet he was pretty cute."

'Did she just call me cute? What is she playing at?'

Hux raised an eyebrow and a flicker of surprise flashed across Hux's face before he swiftly regained his composure. A hint of amusement broke through his facade, and he felt a mix of nostalgia. Hux leaned back slightly, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he met Sola's gaze.

"Well, I must say, your taste in men is truly abhorrent," 

She could tell Hux held a low opinion of himself, she’d seen that type of insecurity a thousand times. It was one of the oldest defense mechanisms in the book, fortunately Sola wasn’t one to be easily deterred.

“Well, you grew up,” She cast a lingering and appreciative glance over his lean and muscular frame. “you filled out.”

Deep down, however, his mind churned with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The familiarity they had developed, the shared experiences, and now this playful banter—they all created a magnetic pull, an undeniable connection that defied the dangerous circumstances they found themselves in. 

Hux's eyes lingered on Sola, taking in her alluring presence, the way she carried herself with confidence. He found himself drawn to her, not just for her physical beauty but also for the strength and loyalty she embodied. Though he had been raised to believe that vulnerability was a weakness, in this moment, he found a strange comfort in letting his guard down, even if just a little.

'What are you doing here, Hux? This isn't the time or the place for such distractions...'

Despite the compliment, which he was grateful for, his demeanor suggested he was growing weary of the subject, so she dropped it. Sola pulled her hair loose from the ponytail she’d worn it in all day and groaned in relief as her hair tumbled down around her shoulders, and her fingers raked over her scalp providing much needed relief. A stillness fell over the two of them as she sat down to eat their rations, their tired bodies seeking respite and food. Sola opened a small pack, retrieving the compacted food and water pouches. She passed one to Hux and kept one for herself, their hands briefly brushing in the exchange. 

The aroma of dehydrated provisions wafted through the air, and while they were lacking the appetizing quality of a freshly cooked meal, they served their purpose nonetheless. Sola was right about one thing, Hux indeed missed the nicer luxuries he had enjoyed, particularly the food. Even the food at the academy wasn’t this bland, but he’d most certainly eaten worse.

Hux's gaze wandered toward the entrance of the tent, where glimpses of the fading daylight illuminated the surrounding foliage in a muted green glow. He turned his attention back to Sola, a weariness etched across his features. Sola took a sip from her water pouch, quenching her parched throat before breaking the silence. 

"How far do you think we've gone today?"

Hux paused for a moment, mentally retracing their arduous journey through the dense jungle. "Maybe around ten kilometers," he replied, his tone measured. "But we could still have between fifteen and twenty more to go, depending on what type of terrain awaits us."

Sola nodded, a faint sigh escaping her lips. The weight of the remaining distance hung in the air, a reminder of the arduous path that lay ahead.

“We’ll make it, Sola.” Hux reassured her. She wasn’t really prepared for the comforting reassurance, but glad to know Hux had faith in them.

They ate in silence for a while, the simple act of nourishment grounding them amidst the uncertainty of their surroundings. The mild tasting food filled their empty stomachs, providing a small measure of energy to replenish their weary bodies.

As they finished their rations, Sola leaned forward, her head in her hands rubbing at the junction where her neck met her shoulder, grimacing as she massaged the spot. The dim light filtered through the fabric, casting soft shadows across their worn-out forms. 

“You alright?” 

Sola nodded. The crash had taken its toll on both of them, leaving aches and pains as souvenirs of their ordeal. Sola let out a tired sigh. The physical strain was beginning to wear on her, and the desire for some relief was evident in her eyes.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I just need a shower hot enough to seep into my bones.”

Hux furrowed his brow, genuine curiosity adorning his features, he leaned back on his elbows. "That's always puzzled me, Sola. Why do you women prefer scalding hot showers when cooler ones are so much more refreshing?"

Sola shook her head, a playful chuckle escaped her lips and she looked at him with sympathy as though she were about to explain something to an idiot. "Hux, you're allowed to have an opinion on many things, but the ideal temperature for a shower is not one of them. Your preference, cyar’ika, is simply wrong."

'Allowed my opinions but wrong…? Wait. What did she call me?'

The words resonated within Hux's mind, stirring a mix of amusement and curiosity. Sola's straightforwardness was refreshing. Then there was the way she called him "cyar'ika," a Mandalorian endearment reserved for lovers, added a layer of intrigue and flirtation to their exchange.

He observed her body language, noticing the slight tilt of her head, the playful glint in her eyes, and the way her lips curved into a teasing smile. There was a sense of confidence and ease in her posture, as though she reveled in their banter. Hux found himself captivated by her presence, eager to engage further in their playful verbal sparring.

"Hmm… So I’m mistaken, am I? Please, enlighten me, do women enjoy that sort of pain?"

"Hux, women are made of pain," she said, her voice laced with humor amid a deadpan expression. "It's in our very nature. Fact is most women exist at a baseline on a seven and a half on a ten scale most of the time, all thanks to our basic human anatomy. And there really isn’t much we can do about it but since it's not socially acceptable to bite the head off of one's mate when we're finished with them, we stand in the fire and watch you squirm."

Hux was clearly taken aback by her response; he had perhaps been expecting a much simpler explanation.  His mouth slightly agape as he searched for words but he ultimately found none. He decided no response was an acceptable one.

'Women are insane…'

“We should get some rest,” Hux finally said, changing the subject.

The fatigue of their journey weighed heavily on them and the promise of a few hours of sleep was a welcome thought. The anticipation of another challenging day loomed before them, making the respite of sleep that much more alluring. 

"Yeah, sleep," she conceded, her voice barely above a whisper. "In a bed. With blankets. And pillows. And central air.” Hux chuckled, knowing exactly what she was talking about and agreeing wholeheartedly, she yawned as she placed their sleeping sacks down on the hard ground. The shuttle had been less than desirable but the hard ground, less so. While falling asleep might not be hard, finding any peace and rest would prove to be another issue entirely. Due to the heat, they forewent sleeping inside the bags and instead on top of them, opting for the additional padded layer of comfort.

“No such luck here, darling. Afraid you’ll just have to rough it with me.” 

Sola smirked at the slightly sarcastic endearment and his playful implication. Sleeping on hard ground wasn’t his preference but he’d learned to sleep anywhere and he had. Still, a pillow did sound nice. The exhaustion of their bodies, combined with the serenity of the moment, started to lull them into a state of wearied tranquility. 

With a sense of familiarity, Hux took up space next to Sola, his presence providing a comforting warmth. Sola, less thrown off by his proximity this time, didn't hesitate to make herself comfortable. In the dim light filtering through the dense canopy, Hux glanced towards Sola, his gaze filled with a playful spark. He couldn't resist injecting a touch of humor into the quietude of the night. 

“You’re not going to bite my head off, are you?” He asked, taking note of how she didn’t shy away or comment on how closely they found themselves once more. 

“I reserve biting for entirely different occasions and under vastly different circumstances.” Sola's response carried a sense of familiarity, her tone laced with amusement. She echoed his sentiment from the previous night. The exchange held an air of light-hearted banter, a comfortable rapport that had developed between them.

“I usually like a little more romance than that anyway.” 

His desire to have the last word left him the victor this time. Sola's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the unexpected sentiment. She remained silent for a moment, her expression softening. Hux? A romantic? Sola tried to picture it but she was sure his idea of romance was either unconventional or old fashioned. 

The floor of the jungle and the lining of the tent made things less comfortable than the sleeping mat they’d shared in the shuttle. In favor of traveling as lightly as possible, they had been left behind. Sola shifted, trying to find a satisfying position but unable to. Her restless movements punctuated by soft grumbles of dissatisfaction. Sensing her discomfort, Hux decided to take matters into his own hands in a bit of a gamble. 

He wrapped his arm around Sola's waist, pulling her closer until her head rested against his chest. The sudden movement took Sola by surprise, their bodies molding together in an unexpected embrace. 

Hux couldn't help but comment on their makeshift arrangement, “Pillows are in short supply, this will have to do," Sola responded to his comment by playfully poking him in the side like you might poke a pillow, eliciting a gruff noise from Hux. "This is the thanks I get for being a gentleman." Her amusement reverberated against his chest. She nuzzled closer, finding solace in their intimate connection, and released a contented sigh. 

"It'll do," she murmured, hearing the steady rhythm of Hux’s breathing. It was not a luxurious pillow or a cozy blanket, but it was an improvement.

Hux's thoughts swirled with satisfaction. The impulsive act of pulling Sola closer had been a spontaneous decision, driven by a desire to offer her some measure of comfort. As her body nestled against his, he couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and contentment wash over him.

As they lay intertwined Sola's posture softened, her head nestled against Hux's chest. Hux, in turn, held her securely, his arm proving a sense of protection and comfort, he didn’t realize he would enjoy supplying.

The eerie silence amplified the sense of danger that lingered in the air. The absence of sound ushered them into an uneasy sleep, their dreams haunted by the mysteries and dangers of the island that surrounded them. As sleep gently beckoned, their breathing fell into sync, their shared warmth and whispered words lulling them into a peaceful slumber. 

---

The weight of the day's events and their brief discussion on Hux’s youth permeated his subconscious. He was carried back to the haunting memories of his youth. In the ethereal realm of slumber, the Academy materialized before him, its halls echoing with the ghosts of his past. The flickering lights cast eerie shadows, mirroring the fear that had gripped his young heart.

Within the confines of his dream, Hux traversed the corridors of the Academy, reliving the desperate longing for his mother that had consumed him when it was all new and terrifying to him. He recalled the relentless inquiries, his voice filled with a desperate hope that had eventually been crushed by his father's fabricated tale of her demise. The loneliness that had settled upon him like a suffocating weight, intensifying the ache of abandonment that had become his constant companion.

His dreams shifted, revealing the harsh reality he had faced as a cadet. The memories resurfaced, like buried scars torn open anew. The taunts and jeers echoed in his ears, the beatings and humiliations replayed before his eyes. The cruelty of his superiors and fellow cadets had been intended to forge him into an unyielding force, a leader unburdened by weakness or sentiment. His father's constant disapproval and the hardships inflicted upon him resonated deeply.

Yet, the yearning for friendship and camaraderie had lingered in his young heart, a flicker of hope amid the desolation. He had yearned for a connection, an alliance with his peers that would bring solace to his tormented soul. But it was a desire that always seemed out of reach, slipping through his fingers like sand. Instead, he had learned to embrace the solitary path of a calculated and cruel leader, one who valued fear and respect over the fleeting notion of companionship, leaving him hardened and embittered. The warmth of human connection had been replaced by the detached and meticulous demeanor necessary to command the First Order.

Nightmarish tendrils seeped further into his subconscious, distorting the landscape of his dreamscape. He became a mere observer, witnessing the transformation of the innocent boy he once was into the ruthless leader he had become. The weight of countless lives lost haunted his every step, a chilling testament to the path he had chosen. The accolades from his father, tainted with the stain of violence, felt like a bitter betrayal of his own humanity.

With a jolt, Hux awakened, his body drenched in a cold sweat. The remnants of the dream clung to him like a suffocating fog, his heart pounding in his chest and he struggled to remember where he was and what was happening. The weight of a body holding him in place pulled him back firmly into the present. 

'Just a dream. It was just a dream.'

He cast a weary glance at Sola, still deeply asleep beside him, her arm draped over his chest, clinging to him, her head nestled into the crook of his arm. The sight of her sleeping brought a sense of tranquility amidst the storm of his thoughts. How much had changed in the last six months, he pondered, and how much he had changed as well. The man he used to be seemed like a distant stranger, someone unrecognizable to the person he saw in the mirror now. The man he used to be, shrouded in bitterness and isolation, had never fathomed the possibility of someone like Sola entering his life. Yet, here she was.

As if sensing his gaze, she stretched in her sleep, her arms instinctively wrapping around him. It was a simple, unconscious act that spoke volumes to the closeness they had developed during their time together. His mind began to wander, recalling the moments they had shared—the playful banter, the teasing exchanges, the flickers of something more beneath the surface. It had been a delicate dance, a connection that grew stronger with each passing day. And amidst his inner contemplation, a sound reached his ears—a soft murmur escaping Sola's lips.

“Hux”

His breath hitched as he recognized his name, whispered in her sleep. He froze, his gaze fixated on her serene expression, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension swirling within him. Embarking on a gamble, Hux replied in a hushed tone, barely audible in the stillness of the night, 

"Sola?" His voice barely above a whisper, afraid to disrupt the tranquility, his heart skipped a beat as she murmured his name again, a bit more clearly this time, accompanied by something that caught him completely by surprise, a plea for him to ‘stay with me’. The vulnerability in her voice touched him, igniting a desire to offer her comfort and stability. “Not going anywhere.” His voice was laced with genuine sincerity. 

Allowing himself to indulge in a fleeting fantasy, Hux tightened his grip, his hands shifting lower across the curve of her hips. He held her with a mixture of affection and longing, envisioning a reality where Sola was truly his. He froze momentarily when Sola shifted in his arms tilting her head up, nuzzling into his neck, her breath tickling his skin.

He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from Sola's face. A tender smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he realized that their connection was not merely a figment of his imagination or a product of wishful thinking. 

As Hux held Sola close, his imagination danced with the possibilities of a different reality. In this fleeting fantasy, they were not stranded on a treacherous island but instead nestled in a place of safety and solace. He allowed himself to caress the contours of her back, his fingers tracing delicate patterns against her skin as if they were entwined in a lover's embrace. The intoxicating scent of her hair filled his senses, intensifying the illusion of the moment. For a brief instant, he let himself believe that this was his life, that he had found the companionship he had yearned for.

"Vercopa pirusti," he whispered softly, the Mandalorian endearment slipping past his lips. 

As Hux lay there, enveloped in the warmth of Sola's presence, a tantalizing temptation whispered in his thoughts. Her lips were just within reach, a mere breath away. The idea of stealing a kiss flickered in his mind, a clandestine act that could easily be dismissed as a dream-induced accident should she stir awake. But in that pivotal moment, a sense of clarity washed over him. He was not his father, a man who had used manipulation and deceit to satisfy his own desires. Giving in to a stolen kiss would only cheapen the bond they were forming.

With a contented sigh, Hux allowed himself to surrender to the embrace of sleep. In the realm of dreams, where the boundaries of reality blurred, he found peace in the knowledge that the closeness he experienced with Sola transcended mere physicality. Hux nestled his cheek against Sola's temple, cherishing the precious intimacy they shared. As he settled back into a more comfortable position, he allowed himself to savor the warmth of Sola's presence.

---

For late sleepers like Sola, the morning would always come far too soon. As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the thin fabric of the tent, Hux and Sola stirred from their slumber, their bodies feeling surprisingly rejuvenated after a night of restful sleep. However, the manner in which Sola found herself greatly improved her mood. Once more they had woken up together, their bodies intertwined in a closeness that had developed organically throughout the night.

She observed their state with a mix of amusement and contentment. Her head nestled in the crook of his shoulder, and their legs intertwined as if they were two puzzle pieces fitting perfectly together. The weight of his hand on her hip, skimming the curve of her back, sent a shiver of warmth cascading through her. She couldn't deny the pleasure she derived from their physical connection, the sense of safety that emanated from Hux's touch. Her gaze traced the contours of his face, the disheveled mess of his hair that begged for her playful touch. There was a vulnerability in his slumber, a side of him that he rarely allowed others to witness. Sola found herself captivated by his peaceful visage, the lines of worry and determination temporarily eased.

Lost in her musings, Sola let her eyes linger on Hux, taking in the subtle rise and fall of his chest with each breath. She didn’t notice his eyes had opened and he was now staring at her as she stared at him.

As Sola's gaze lingered on Hux, lost in her thoughts, she failed to realize that his eyes had opened, his deep green orbs fixed upon her with a silent amusement. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips, the corners of his eyes crinkling ever so slightly. They shared a wordless understanding, a tacit agreement to silently disentangle themselves from their intimate embrace and begin preparing for the day ahead.

There was a subtle flirtation lingered between them, evident in the quick dance of glances and playful smiles they exchanged. Hux adjusted the straps on his pack, the movement causing his muscles to flex beneath his shirt. She discreetly adjusted the straps on her own pack, her fingers grazed against her collarbone.

Sola, engrossed in the straps of her pack, the weight of his attention made her pause, a flicker of curiosity lighting up her eyes. Sensing the unspoken question hanging in the air, she couldn't help but inquire:

"What?" Hux shook his head, a knowing smile playing on his lips, and offered no immediate response. Sola's curiosity piqued further as she probed, her voice laced with a mix of playfulness and intrigue, "Why are you looking at me like you know something?"

Inwardly, Hux couldn't help but think, 'I do know something.' 

The intimacy that had unfolded between them, held a depth he couldn't entirely fathom. But he chose to respond cryptically, his voice carrying a hint of mystery as he asked, "Did you sleep well?"

Sola's mind wandered back to her own dreams, a faint smile gracing her features as she delved into the memories. In a far-off tone, she replied, "Yeah, I did." Her voice held a trace of nostalgia, slightly biting her lower lip. Her voice carried a hint of fondness, as if she had experienced something truly delightful during her slumber. It was a response that left Hux wondering what visions had captivated her and whether he had played a part in them.

As Hux and Sola prepared to embark on their journey for the day, they reached for their masks. But as Hux's gloved fingers grazed the surface of his mask, his eyes caught sight of a small hairline crack in the O-ring, causing an instant surge of panic to course through him. A feeling of ice down his spine froze him in his tracks and his mind raced to find answers. When had it happened? How could he have missed it? And most importantly, would this compromise his mask's ability to filter the air?

The cold sensation gripped Hux, reminiscent of his childhood days when he found himself in trouble, a feeling all children know. Questions flooded his mind, each one more alarming than the last. Uncertainty settled upon him, visibly stiffening his posture as his thoughts raced through various "what if" scenarios, each one worse than the last.

Sola, ever perceptive, noticed the sudden change in Hux's demeanor. Concern etched into her features, she reached out and gently touched his arm. "Hux, what’s wrong?" 

He jumped, slightly startled, in turn startling her back. Shaking himself from the grip of panic, Hux managed to regain a semblance of composure. Hux wasn’t one to be startled. The man had eyes in the back of his head. 

He quickly rationalized that there was no purpose in alarming Sola with his unconfirmed fears at that moment. With a forced calmness, he replied, "I'm fine, just a sharp pain. Nothing to worry about." He wouldn’t blame her if she called him a liar. It was a weak lie at best and the look on her face suggested she didn’t buy it. 

For the briefest of moments he contemplated telling her the truth, he knew lying to her wasn’t wise as whatever was growing between them called for honesty and trust. But the thought of delaying their progress and sowing unnecessary fear made him hesitate. There was no other option but to press on, despite the compromised state of his mask. He knew the risks, understood the potential consequences. Though the panic still churned within him, Hux knew he needed to remain level-headed. He carefully placed the mask on his face, his confidence in its ability to filter oxygen significantly diminished by the sight of the crack. But he had to stay focused and composed, for his own sake and Sola's. 

As they stepped out of the tent, Hux couldn't shake the unease that lingered in the back of his mind. His decision was clear—he would maintain a slight distance from Sola, keeping a vigilant eye on himself for any signs of distress or ill effects. If he noticed anything amiss, he would quickly warn her and take appropriate action.

The morning had started out so nice, Sola couldn't help but wonder about the sudden shift in Hux's behavior. Her eyes betrayed her curiosity, but she chose to remain silent, allowing Hux his space. Maybe his dreams weren’t as nice as hers? The tension between them hovered in the air, mingling with the anticipation of reaching the summit. Hux, determined to forge ahead, kept his lips tightly sealed. Focused solely on their goal, knowing that the higher they ascended, the more sparse the foliage and potential dangers would become.

And so, with a veil of unease hanging over their journey, Hux and Sola pressed on, their steps measured and their senses attuned to the slightest anomaly. Each passing moment brought them closer to the mountain's peak. 

As Hux and Sola continued their ascent, the once vibrant atmosphere between them had been replaced by a lifeless silence. Sola's attempts to spark a conversation were met with curt replies and grunts from Hux, leaving her feeling unsettled. This wasn't the man from last night. Something had changed.

The distance between them was not only evident in their lack of words but in Hux's physical demeanor as well. Any gesture of support or assistance from him was abruptly withdrawn as soon as Sola found her footing. The warmth that had once radiated from him was replaced by an icy coldness, deliberate and calculated. Sola felt a growing frustration, unable to comprehend why Hux was behaving this way. 

The pace they maintained was faster than before, an intentional effort from Hux to push forward with urgency. Sola couldn't shake the feeling that he was deliberately keeping her at arm's length. When she questioned the hurry, Hux offered a brief and dismissive response, referencing the danger of the island and his unwillingness to waste time. It was as if he expected her to have forgotten the perils they faced. By the end of the day, Sola's irritation had grown significantly—not because of Hux's distance alone, but because she knew he was withholding something from her, and she couldn't fathom what or why. Their hike remained like that until they set up camp in further silence. 

As they settled down to eat, Hux kept his gaze lowered, avoiding any eye contact with Sola. The tension between them was palpable, and an unsettling thought crept into Sola's mind. Could it be possible that Hux had been playing her all along? That his intentions were far from genuine, and he saw this journey as an opportunity to cut her loose? The idea sent her heart racing, realizing the gravity of her situation had deepened immensely.

Sola, lacking combat skills and survival training, understood the stark contrast between her own abilities and Hux's expertise. He possessed the skills necessary to easily overpower or eliminate her if he so wished. With a racing mind, Sola turned away from Hux and retreated into her own thoughts, choosing to sleep as far away from him as possible. Distrust hung heavily in the air, a distressing end to their evening.

Hux couldn't ignore the consequences of his changed behavior. He knew he had caused a rift between them, and the realization left him with a heavy heart. The silence that enveloped them throughout the night was a testament to the mounting tension and the fracture in their once blossoming connection. As Hux settled in, he couldn't help but feel the weight of his actions, hoping that somehow they would find a way to bridge the gap and rediscover the trust that had once bound them together. 

Sleep eluded Hux that night, his guilt gnawing at him even in the absence of nightmares. Their strained relationship and the divide he had deliberately created kept him from finding rest. Reflecting on their conversation from the previous night and the warmth they shared, Hux couldn't help but feel remorse for intentionally causing this discord. However, he felt that he had valid reasons for his actions. Though there was a part of him that believed Sola would rather have known the truth. 

As his thoughts swirled, Hux realized that he hadn't experienced any adverse effects from the crack in his mask. They had passed through areas of the jungle where the Pax Reavers unleashed colorful spores, yet his mask had successfully filtered the air, providing him with a sigh of relief. In that moment, he sat up and he contemplated waking Sola and explaining his motivations, but the sight of her with her back turned to him gave him pause. It was worlds away from how they had slept before, wrapped in each other's arms, and it pained him to witness the change. He couldn't bring himself to disturb her sleep, opting instead to wait until morning to reveal his reasons, hoping that she would forgive him.

He drifted into a fitful sleep, hoping that come morning, Sola would awaken and, at the very least, give him a well-deserved slap. 

Part Two

---

Well, as I said this is a two-shot with all the tasteless capsaicin in the second part which I am fine-tuning! If you liked it then feel free to like, reblog, or leave me a tasty comment and let me know what you think! I have lots or stories in the works so comments and engagement help me focus on the more popular stories! Thanks for tuning in, see you in part two!

[buildmodelstuff]

A Step By Step Guide For WWII Model Plane Building

Building model planes is a fascinating hobby, especially when it involves recreating historical aircraft from World War II. In this blog post, I'll guide you through the process of WWII model plane building, from choosing the right kit to adding realistic details.

1. Choosing the Model Kit:

Start by selecting a model kit that suits your skill level and interests. Popular WWII aircraft include the Spitfire, Mustang, Zero, and Messerschmitt. Check the kit's scale and reviews to ensure it meets your expectations. There are many places you can go to purchase your kit. Many hobby websites like Hobbylinc, Mega Hobby or ebay will have plenty of options for you.

Before you make your purchase, you will want to check out some review websites to make sure you are getting the model and quality you expect.

2. Gathering Materials:

Before you begin your build, you will want to make sure to have the following materials on hand:

Model kit

Hobby knife and cutting mat

Plastic cement or glue

Sandpaper (various grits)

Paints and brushes - some models will come with paint and others will not. Be sure to read the packaging to see if you need to purchase it separately

Decals

Tweezers for handling small parts

Clear sealant (for a glossy finish)

3. Assembly:

The key to assembling a model is patience but some additional steps are laid out below:

Carefully follow the kit instructions, organizing parts before starting.

Use the hobby knife to remove parts from the sprues, and sand edges for a clean fit.

Dry-fit components before applying glue to ensure proper alignment.

Assemble major sections (wings, fuselage) and let them dry completely before moving on.

4. Painting:

Painting your model can be fun and is an important step to make your model more realistic:

Research historically accurate color schemes for your chosen aircraft. - Some models will contain the color codes you need to purchase.

Prime the model with a suitable primer to enhance paint adherence.

Paint small details first, working towards larger areas.

Use masking tape to create clean lines between different paint colors.

Apply decals following kit instructions.

5. Weathering and Detailing:

If you decide that your model needs to be more realistic, try some of the below techniques.

Add realistic wear and tear using weathering techniques (dry brushing, washes, and chipping).

Detail cockpit interiors with tiny instruments, seats, and control panels.

Consider adding aftermarket accessories like photo-etched parts for extra detail.

6. Final Assembly:

Once any extra details have been added, you will want to put together your new model:

Attach remaining components, such as landing gear, propellers, and antennas.

Double-check alignment and make any necessary adjustments.

Seal the model with a clear finish to protect the paint and decals.

7. Display and Photography:

Once your model is complete, you should show off your accomplishment:

Create a display base that complements the aircraft's historical context.

Experiment with lighting for dynamic photos, showcasing your model from different angles.

8. Community Engagement:

Lastly, you should feel free to share your model far and wide! This is an important way to build community.

Share the building experience through a blog post, documenting challenges and successes.

Include photos at various stages of the construction process.

Discuss historical aspects of the chosen aircraft and any interesting anecdotes related to its service.

Connect with fellow modelers on forums or social media platforms.

Share your blog post and seek feedback from the modeling community.

Building a WWII model plane is not just a hobby; it's a journey through history. Enjoy the process, learn from each build, and share your passion with others in the modeling community. Happy modeling!

[driverofbattlebus]

**Title: "The Battle Bus's Uncharted Odyssey"**

In the dimly lit cockpit of the Battle Bus, I, the enigmatic driver, stared at the control panel. Tonight was different. I had decided to take my passengers on an extraordinary journey, one that would etch unforgettable memories into their minds.

As the island loomed beneath us, I deftly maneuvered the massive vehicle, setting a course for the most remote and uncharted regions. The passengers, a mix of seasoned warriors and eager newcomers, watched with curiosity as we veered off the beaten path.

Our first destination was the Whispering Woods, a dense and mystical forest rarely visited by players. We descended slowly, the rustling leaves and eerie whispers of the forest greeting us. The passengers, armed to the teeth, cautiously stepped out. Yet, the woods seemed... tranquil.

As they explored, they discovered the ancient trees bore markings, symbols lost to time. Some even claimed to have heard faint whispers, as if the forest itself had stories to tell. A few players decided to build towering treehouses, forming an alliance high above the forest floor.

Our next stop was a hidden waterfall nestled within the towering cliffs of the Wailing Woods. Its beauty was breathtaking, the cascading water shimmering like liquid crystals. The passengers reveled in the tranquility, swimming and dancing by the falls, temporarily forgetting the impending storm.

Moving on, we ventured to a secluded beach along the western coast. Here, the passengers engaged in beach volleyball, built towering sandcastles, and even organized a fishing tournament. Laughter and camaraderie filled the air as players who were once foes became fast friends.

As the storm's warning sirens echoed, we reluctantly left the serene shores behind. But the sense of unity remained, a testament to the unique journey we were on.

Our final stop was the peak of the tallest mountain on the island, where we enjoyed an awe-inspiring view of the entire Fortnite landscape. It was a place of reflection, where players paused to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the island they fought on.

As we descended back into the chaos of the battleground, I knew I had given these adventurers something more than victory or defeat. I had shown them the hidden beauty of Fortnite, the moments of respite amidst the chaos. And as the Battle Bus continued its endless loop, I couldn't help but smile, knowing that there was always room for a different kind of adventure in this extraordinary world.

[kyberblade]

Like Home (Din x Reader) - Back To You Drabble

A/N: This is for Dincember 2022 days 10-14, Sweater, Frost, Tree, Warm, and Snowflake. It’s set in the Back To You universe, where? I have no idea…. (Is kinda a continuation of the first few.) This is just fluff and I love it.

I do not own Star Wars or it’s characters. Sadly. But I carry them in my heart. Does that count for something? My soul says yes.

Warnings: Tooth rotting fluff, Din is once again a warning in and of himself in this one. Maybe like one or two light swear words? (But I don’t think so?)

Word count: 2,960

Series Masterlist | Dincember 2022 Masterlist

Xxx

Din POV

Sitting at the controls, Din reached out and flicked a switch, turning to the kid when he let out a coo in his seat. “Someday, kid. I’ll teach you to fly someday.”

Hopping off his chair, the child ambled over to his father and began to try and scale his beskar.

Letting out a soft chuckle, Din reached down and picked him up, setting him gently in his lap. “Do you know what this button does?” He pointed to a flashing light on the console, looking down at the child with a tilt of his head.

Reaching forward eagerly, grunting softly, the kid tried to scramble over the board to get to his beloved ball on top of the lever.

Din sighed. “No. Of course you only want your ball. I don’t know what I was thinking.” Unscrewing it, he dropped it into the kid’s eager hands, letting out a soft huff when he looked up at him with a broad smile.

The doors to the cockpit hissed open behind him, and you walked in with confident steps, coming up to his side to stare down at him expectantly. Din looked up at your determined face before looking at what you held in your hands. Bundled up in a ball was his sweater, black and basic in design, you’d talked him into it at some marketplace a few stops back. 

He wore it once, slept in it for a night, then changed back into his beskar to go into town on the next planet they had landed on. When he came back, you were walking around the Crest like you owned it, his sweater much too big as it hung off your shoulders. Not noticing him, you reached up to adjust the neckline to sit properly, subtly lifting it up to your nose and taking a deep sniff. Flicking through the datapad, your back to him, he’d just watched as you moved throughout the space.

The way you moved, confident steps that had your weapons on your belt swaying slightly, the mudhorn etched on two of them proudly on display and catching the light just right, trying to reflect it back. 

Your eyes dancing over the screen in your hand before lifting to the wiring it said to fix, brows narrowing in concentration, tongue sticking out the side of your mouth as you worked.

Pulling up your sleeves as you delved deeper into the panel, the beskar of your vambraces poked out, reflecting the multicolor spread of the wiring. You reached up after a moment to rub your forehead, smearing a streak of grease near your right temple. Swiping at your cheek, another streak appeared, followed by a third near your left eye as you swiped at your hair in aggravation.

Grabbing a small flashlight from the toolbox on your left, you stuck it in your mouth needing both hands free, and turned back to the mess of wires with a sigh. As you leaned further into the panel, your top half disappeared in its depths, and you rolled onto the balls of your feet, going up on your tiptoes to try and reach something in the very back. One foot lifted off the ground and flexed back and forth as you began to mutter under your breath about the different wires and problems in front of you.

The child dropped down one rung of the ladder to the cockpit, swinging with one hand gripping the bar tightly as he let out a soft squeal. Turning to face the hatch, he saw Din on the ramp, his eyes lighting up, mouth opening to greet him, but he stopped when Din held up a hand, bringing one finger up to his helmet telling him to be quiet. Nodding sagely, the kid's eyes sparkled with mischief as he dropped the rest of the way down.

The child started over toward him, but Din motioned him over your way with a small jerk of his head. Slowing to a stop, the kid looked between the two of you, worrying his little silver ball in his grip before he stood a little taller, walking confidently toward you, babbling.

Startling inside the panel, you thumped along the low roof. “Ow,” came your muffled voice, garbled around the flashlight. Withdrawing carefully from the sea of wires, you turned toward the kid, looking down at him as you took the flashlight out of your mouth, keeping it in your grip as your hands went to your hips. “Hey, ad’ika. Need something?” Reaching up with your free hand, you lightly rubbed the back of your head as you grimaced. (“Little one.”)

Outstretching his arm to you, ball glinting in the sunlight from the opened hatch, he offered both the toy and garbled speech with a smile.

You returned the grin, lowering to your haunches in front of him. “Why, thank you. But you hang on to it for me, okay? I don’t want to lose it in that dark, dirty panel.”

Pulling the ball back close to his chest, he nodded at you, still smiling, before he turned and ambled off toward the bunk with happy coos.

Chuckling softly to yourself, you stood back to your full height, stretching back a little further with a hand on your lower back as you groaned softly. “Almost got it….” You turned back to the panel, put the flashlight back in your mouth, and dove back in.

Shaking his head, Din decided to make himself known, walking forward slowly to come stand on your left. “Mesh’la.”

Your body went stiff, and you froze before withdrawing quickly, a loud thump sounding again and a more emphatic, “Ow,” as you batted at the wires trying to swallow you back in. Finally out and standing in front of your Mandalorian, flashlight still in your mouth shining right in his face, you blinked a few times before you started in.

“Din-” Your eyes flicked down to the flashlight distorting your speech before withdrawing it, finally noticing Din’s hand raised to block the beam and mumbling a, “You deserve that. Scaring me like that. Rude.”

Clicking the light off, hands going to your hips, you glared at him. “Din, you can’t do that!”

He just tilted his head, visor angled down to look at your face. After a long moment of silence, he looked over at the panel. “What are you working on?”

With a sigh you turned toward the panel, beginning to list off the problems you’d found, showing him the diagnostics on the datapad.

He listened as you explained, nodding when appropriate, and reaching in to fiddle with a wire once or twice, giving them a tug for good measure. But really his mind was still on all the little things. 

The way you gestured while you spoke, your hands illustrating your mood with fast and sweeping movements. 

The way you tossed the flashlight into the toolbox before slipping the vambrace and glove off of your right arm, tucking it under your left as you stretched your wrist back and forth. Bringing it up to rub near your hairline, Din had to swallow his laughter when you smeared the grease smudge even further.

He decided as you put the glove and vambrace back on that he liked you in the sweater. In his sweater. And he found every excuse not to wear it after that.

Staring at the bundle in your hands for a moment, he brought his visor back up to your face. “Can I help you?”

“Wear this.” You thrusted it toward him, making him fumble it against his chest with one hand, the kid still resting against his other arm. “It doesn’t smell like you anymore.”

Lightly setting it back in your hands, he turned back to the controls with a soft chuckle. “I can’t, mesh’la. I can’t take off my beskar.”

You huffed, raising one eyebrow as you glared down at him. “Din, we’re flying. In space. You don’t need armor for the next hour and a half.”

Din kept his eyes forward, watching through the viewport as hyperspace streamed by. 

“Fine,” you mumbled when he didn’t respond. “You chose this, remember.”

Suddenly his world went black, his head lightly being moved side to side as you grumbled nonsense until light came pouring back through his visor. 

“What the-” Looking down, you had shoved the sweater over his helmet, so it rested around his neck like an extra large cowl. Exchanging a silent look, you arched your brow at him again before turning and going back down to the lower level of the ship. 

Once the doors had hissed shut behind you, he lifted his helmet up just enough to expose the lower half of his face, and buried it in the material as he took a deep breath.

He let out a contented sigh, smiling into the fabric.

It smelled like you.

Settling back into his seat, he watched the streaks of hyperspace through the transparisteel, and let his mind wander….

Xxx

Cresting over the top of the hill, he looked down into the small valley and smiled.

There sat the house, just like he left it. The yellow door, a winding stone path that lead to the threshold, a small garden off to the left, and the wide open field that sprawled behind it all. The large tree the kid liked to climb sat off in the middle of the field, a lone giant in a sea of grass. The only thing different was the pile of wood he had split before he left wasn’t as tall, smoke rising from the chimney. 

The windows were painted in frost halfway up the frames, warm light pouring out from inside giving it an orange glow. Looking up at the overcast sky, he saw the first few snowflakes of the season fall, just in time for his arrival. 

Walking down the path, he grinned when the door swung open, and the child stumbled toward him as fast as his little legs would carry him.

“Ad’ika, slow down,” your voice came from inside, laughter bubbling over as you continued. “I’m sure your buir is tired.” (“Father.”)

Scooping up the child, he looked through the open front door to find you standing in the kitchen, steam rising from whatever you were tending, the most delicious smell he swore he’d ever experienced filling the whole house. His sweater swallowed your figure, making him smile a bit broader. Years of wear showed on the hem, little patch jobs here and there showing the miles it had traveled, but you still wore it like it was the best thing you’d ever owned.

“Hey,” you called over your shoulder, grabbing a pinch of something off the counter and adding it to the pot. “I’m glad you're home. Sorry I couldn't come out with the kid, this recipe is really picky. If you don’t….”

He listened to you go on about the food, setting the kid down on a chair as he made his way over to you, slipping off his helmet and setting it on the table before he stood behind you and wrapped his arms around your waist. “Smells delicious.” Looking over your shoulder at the boiling pot, he tucked his face into the curve of your neck murmuring against your skin. “Where are the ade?” (“Children.”)

“Thanks,” you smiled, adding another handful to the pot. “At the tree. They decided they wanted to climb it in search of the perfect spot for a hideout,” you chuckled, leaning your head to the side so he had more room, scrunching your nose up when his huff of laughter tickled your neck. “You want some soup?”

Finally turning to look up at him, he looked down into your face for the first time since coming home. His stomach did a flip, unlike anything he’d experienced. Even flying the Crest never gave this sense of loss of gravity. 

He would never tire of looking at you without his visor. If he had fallen when the world was black and white, he was a complete goner now looking on at the galaxy unfiltered.

He was nowhere near the fireplace, but a comfortable warmth settled under his skin. Starting in his chest and radiating outwards, he felt it take over from his head to the soles of his feet. The tips of his fingers squeezed you a bit more tightly where he held you to him.

You rested your hands over his, tracing his bare knuckles with your thumbs, smiling softly up at him. “Welcome home.”

“It’s good to be home,” he hummed, leaning in closer with a grin as he heard children’s laughter drawing nearer, little footsteps hurrying back for dinner. 

Resting his forehead against yours, you both smiled at the other, only pulling away when the kid babbled at your feet, pulling on the frayed hem of the sweater to get your attention.

Xxx

Sitting up with a start, Din looked around the cockpit with bleary eyes behind his helmet. 

It had all been a dream….

Hyperspace still streaked past the Crest, a quick glance at the nav showing it wasn’t long until they got where they were going. 

Looking down when he felt a small tug, he found the kid pulling gently on the arm of the sweater still around his neck, his large eyes looking up at him curiously.

Relaxing back into his seat, his mind began to wander over the whole thing, wondering what it really meant.

He’d had a home. Somewhere he could put roots down and build upon. Something he could share and pass down someday, an experience he had never gotten. 

He’d removed his helmet. And hadn’t thought twice. He’d looked down at you with his own eyes, and it was like everything outside the little bubble of their home ceased to matter. For the first time since he had sworn the creed, it wasn’t hanging over his head, looming with its rules and guidelines that kept the rest of the galaxy at arms length. The world didn’t have to experience him through a buffer of beskar, it got to experience it with him.

There had been children, and not just his, but the both of yours. In the dream he had felt safe enough and stable enough. He realized now that came from a place of feeling strong enough with things right now. For the first time in his life, he felt…. At peace.

A lingering feeling from the dream clung to him like tendrils of a fog. He wanted to pass things on and share the world with a little soul like he never got to. 

Someday, Din. You’ll have all those things someday.

The doors to the cockpit hissed open, and you came jogging in. Standing to his left once again, your arms cradled your upper body as you shifted from side to side, teeth chattering. “Okay. You’ve had it long enough. My turn.” Reaching out, you tugged the sweater back off of his neck and pulled it over your head, sighing in content at the warmth it provided and the warmth he had left in it.

“Ah, that’s better,” you sighed, standing still for the first time since you came back in, arms still cradling your upper body, and eyes fluttered shut in contentment. He couldn’t help but admire how you looked. Peace was a good look for the both of you. 

“Hey!” Your eyes flew open as you focused your gaze back on his visor, a small smile climbing up your face. “I’ve been working on a new technique, but I need some help. Come down and lend me a hand?” Extending your hand to him, you waited patiently until he took it, letting you pull him over to the ladder leading down. You took the kid from his arms and climbed to the lower level, explaining as you went.

“I want to try and focus my mind reading. It’s really hard, but if I really zero in, I can get flashes. I thought it might be helpful at some point, given all the sticky situations we get into.” You shrugged, sitting in the middle of the floor with the child in your lap. 

Din leaned back against the ladder, watching with his arms crossed over his chest. “I could see the advantages,” he agreed. “What do I need to do?”

You closed your eyes, and Din smiled as the child mirrored you, looking up at you from his spot in your lap, one eye peeking open slightly. 

“Really focus on something. Preferably something that has a strong meaning to you.” Silence settled over the ship as the kid looked between you and Din with one eye peeked open. “Got it?”

“Yep.”

It took everything in Din not to laugh at the face you made, nose scrunched up in confusion, eyebrows knit practically together, your mouth pulled into a straight line. “Din, I told you to focus!”

“I am,” he grinned.

“No, you’re not. All I see is me and the kid sitting here, right now- Oh.”

Your eyes flew open to find him sitting on the floor across from you, making you startle. The kid was climbing all over him. Din chuckled at your reaction. “Maybe you should work on your focus. I got all the way over here without you so much as flinching.”

“Don’t make me regret this,” you sighed, leaning your face into your palm as you braced your elbow on your knee.

Pulling your hand down your face, you looked up to find Din leaning forward so his helmet was only inches away from the tip of your nose. “Then you better not try and see what I’m focusing on now.”

Xxx

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[snipsels]

what a wreck

pairing: tech x reader

summary: whilst you tinkered at the ship, a loud boom sounded and the tech savvy trooper went on high alert

prompt: "what do you mean you 'broke the ship'?" — from this post

warnings: none, just some annoyed tech and an innuendo at the end. author not knowing any mechanical stuff and just calling it ‘the board’.

word count: 700 something

a/n: this is not proofread. i wrote this at 1am in need of comfort fluff but ended up not getting there because it didn’t fit with the prompt. don’t be surprised if tech was out of character.

TING! The sound of metal clashing against one another echoed through the Marauder. Why you were hammering at the engines was a mystery to you. Everyone knew you were nowhere near knowledgeable enough to be tinkering with a ship, especially one that was this significant to your partner.

The tall man had given you a wrench and told you to start working, leaving you a stammering mess as he waltzed away to the cockpit. You were sure you stood there outside the ship for at least a minute or so before finally making a move.

Your eyebrows crunched together in confusion as you stared at the open panel and then to the wrench in your hand. What did Tech expect you to do? Sure, he'd mentioned it earlier with what he undoubtedly thought was a fool-proof explanation, but the information was lost to your ears.

You were too embarrassed to pipe up and say anything, knowing Tech would roll his eyes at your so called 'incompetence'.

He loved you, he really did, but Maker was he unrelentless when it came to matters that challenged any average person's brain.

TING! You softly hit the wrench against the board. Okay, yes, you were stupid but not stupid enough to forget the use of a wrench. You simply only wanted to hit it for no reason but your own curiosity.

You shrugged your shoulders, a mischievous grin adorning your features. You hit the wrench against the board rhythmically to the beat of your recently discovered favorite song. You were nodding your head giddily to the beat and unbeknownst to you, your hits kept becoming harder.

BANG!

You stumbled backward as the board fell to the floor. Your eyes widened in fear. You could already hear your boyfriend scolding you in your head. Dropping the wrench to the floor, your hand now covered your mouth.

Footsteps could be heard from inside the ship and you instinctively moved to stand before the fallen board, covering it from view.

"What's going on here?" Tech's voice was heard even before his head peaked around the corner. His eyes flew around, scanning the area from behind his goggles to search for the origin of the strange sound.

You laughed awkwardly and waved the situation off with your hand. "It's nothing! Just... doing my job, the thing you told me to do. Yes, that! I also kinda brokeyourship but it's going great and I have it under control!" You sincerely hoped he hadn't heard the mumbled part.

The trooper blinked at you and fully emerged from behind the corner, now standing tall on the Marauder's ramp. He remained silent, staring though your soul from behind his goggles and you only offered him a sheepish grin in response.

"What do you mean you 'broke my ship'?"

You scratched the back of your scalp with pursed lips and looked away into the distance, refusing to look into his eyes.

"Y/n..."

You held you hands up before you suddenly, taking up a defensive position. "Okay, okay! I know it sounds bad but..." you started hastily until you realised there was no 'but' to speak of.

As you fell silent, your boyfriend strode towards you and gingerly pushed you to the side, grabbing your form with both hands. He said nothing as he analysed the damage done and you bit your nails in a slight panic.

He sighed finally as he rose up and turned to face you, hesitant to look up at the man towering above you.

“Idiot, you didn’t break the ship, you only pulled out the board. Just put it back and it’ll be good as new,” he muttered, pushing his goggles up with his fingers. His gaze landed on the hand you were busy chewing on and took it into his own in an attempt to keep you from your nervous habit.

Your eyes widened in relief and a grin etched itself onto your face. “So I’m not in trouble?” You swung your joined hands together innocently.

He raised his eyebrows in response. “Oh, I never said that, cyar’ika,” he tsk-ed, turning around to walk back into the ship. Your hand dropped at your side as he let go.

He was already halfway up the ramp when you caught his wrist. With a small giggle you objected. “What’s uh… what’s that supposed to mean?”

He didn’t look back when he pulled away. "You'll find out tonight."

[coreychick]

Chapter 6: Run

Part of the In the Dark Series: 18+ Smut & Story /

Din X Fem Reader Insert

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter / All Chapters

Déjà vu is a bitch. For the second time in three days, you have woken on Mando’s cot, and in Mando’s shirt.

It’s not cute anymore.

It was the blinking green light that called like a beacon in the dark. You stand in front of the panel on the carbonite chamber, watching that annoying green light blink. How is it that you’re back on this ship?

“You’re awake.” Comes that familiar modulated voice from behind you. It’s almost annoying how stealthy he can be- or maybe you were just too consumed by your thoughts to hear him?

You stare ahead, not quite ready to face him again.

“Are you going to put me in there?”

“No.” he says- and it might be the quickest reply he has ever given you.

“I suppose it’s not necessary when the quarry practically delivers herself for you.”

Mando sighs deeply.

“I....I never lied to you.”

“No, I suppose you didn’t.” you say- matching his sigh.

“I understand if you're angry….”

“I’m not.”

I very much am.

“You’re not?”

“You were just doing your job, right? You weren’t the reaper...just the ferryman.”

He inhales deeply again. “Are you ok? Did they hurt you?”

No, to both.

“ I’m fine.”

You take a deep breath and turn to face him. His damaged and broken armor has been replaced with newly forged beskar. The finish has a high polish shine that gleams even in the near dark of the hull. -

That fucking stings.

You take a step closer and run your finger along the edge of the shoulder pauldron. A newly minted mudhorn signet is beautifully etched into the steel. You return your stone cold gaze to the black t of his visor. You try to see past it, wanting to look straight into his eyes.

“But, as far as I’m concerned, this armor should be half mine.” You say, tilting your head to the side, remaining deceptively calm.

He has to clear his throat a little before speaking again. The modulated voice comes out a little raspier this time.

“We have a lot we need to work out.”

“Do we?”

“I know….I know I messed up. But your safety... is my only priority now.”

“Why's that?

There’s a long pregnant pause in his silence before he responds, “This is the way.”

You try to process his words, to look between them for the truth, but can’t decide what’s real or not.

No thanks. I can save myself.

You decide to use his own tactics against him.

Lull him into a false sense of compliance. When the moment is right, strike out.

He’s about to say more when a blast rocks the ship sending you both stumbling into the walls. Warning lights and alarm sensors sound as a second blast shakes the hull. You fist the cargo nets attached to the wall in an effort to regain your balance. Mando beelines for the cockpit and you follow on unstable feet behind him. He’s quick to reach the pilot’s seat and confirm that the Crest is under fire. Blasts continue to ricochet off the ship walls, but now that Mando is at the helm, the direct hits are fewer.

A voice comes over the comm, “ Hand over the woman Mando, and I might let you live.”

Mando dives to the right, nearly sending you into the wall. “Buckle in,” he commands- as you work your way into the rear passenger seat. The left engine takes on another direct blow. A few more like that and you think this ship might buckle like a tin can under a boot. The engine warning lights are screaming now. Mando rapidly presses buttons and flips switches before declaring, “Hold on!”

He takes the ship into a spinning dive maneuver and sweeps out to the left, but the other ship stays locked on in tight pursuit.

“Come on,” Mando grunts out in frustration.

Red beams fly past the windshield and into the atmosphere.

“Give it up Mando.” comes the voice over the comm again.

Mando quickly reverses the thrusters bringing the crest to a near stop. You're thankful you buckled in when you did or you’d likely be thrust upon the windshield. You squeeze your eyes and send a quick prayer to the Maker, that the other ship won’t come crashing into the Crest from behind. Mando dips down slightly and the other ship goes skidding across the top, barely missing the Crest- but takes out the right engine.

“ARE YOU CRAZY?” you shout.

Only now the other ship is in Mando’s sights, having zoomed past. He locks on with the targeting system and fires. The other ship disintegrates before your eyes.

The battle is over but the danger is not. Warning lights and systems continue to alert. Mando turns off the engines and attempts to do some damage control. You unbuckle for a better look at the console. It’s a mess with dozens of indicators alerting to damage.

“We're losing  fuel” he says- as he powers down all systems except for life support. All screens go black. Mando turns to you, where you’re silently watching from over his shoulder.

“Flip that switch,” he says- indicating a small black lever to your left.

You do, and the screens and lights come back on at what seems like half capacity. “Emergency backup generator, he says.

“Should be just enough to hobble us over there.”

It’s only now that you notice there is a large planet in the distance.

A few moments later Mando turns on the comm.

“This is Mos Eisley tower. We are tracking you. Head for bay 3-5, over.”

“Copy that, locked in for 3-5.”

“Mos Eisley?” you ask. “We’re heading for Tatooine?”

“You’ve been?” He asks looking at you.

“No, “ -you shake your head- “I’ve only heard things.”

The ship is pretty crippled so it’s a bit of a rough landing as Mando sets down the Razor Crest in the middle of a hanger that looks as if it too, has seen better days.  You follow him down the ladder expecting to exit the ship behind him, when he turns and stops abruptly in front of you. You walk straight into his shiny new chest plate, yelping in surprise.

“I want you to stay here.”

“What? No.” you protest.

“Look, we’re both being hunted now and Tatooine isn’t exactly known for being a safe haven. I want you to stay here. I’ll arrange for the ship repairs and pick up a few supplies. I should be back in an hour tops…...then we can finish our conversation.”

You feign a disappointed look and relent with a huff, “fine.”  He turns to leave and you decide to throw in a little extra sense of security for his benefit.

“Wait! I need a new set of clothes….something with pants.”  He waits and then replies, “Anything else?”

“No. just the clothes.” That ought to buy me enough time.

He nods and departs the Crest stopping halfway down the ramp and turns around again.

You’re taken by surprise when he calls out your name. 

He's never said my name before.

“Yes?” you answer hesitantly.

“Do not even think, of running.”

You were in fact going to run. The moment you learned you were heading straight into Tatooine, you had started forming a plan. For months now you had been working your way across the galaxy, trying to get to this very point- and now,  low and behold, this hunk of junk ship ends up delivering you precisely to your destination. You wait patiently until he has been gone for a solid five minutes before leaving the ship, just in case he decides he “forgot something” and comes back.

Before you flee the Crest, you decide to leave Mando a little parting gift. You scour the ship for anything personal to destroy. You want to shred his books or toss his favorite records into the bin, but the man is an enigma and doesn’t seem to have anything you’d consider a personal belonging. You alight on an idea and make a quick job of it. Is it petty? yes. Is it childish? yes. Does it feel good? hell yes.

Satisfied, you smile at your handy work before deciding to stop at his armory on the way out. Most of the weapons are too large for you to carry inconspicuously, or too big for you to handle anyway, so you grab a knife that can easily be tucked into a boot.

There’s a mechanic just starting work on the other side of the ship, so you sneak out the opposite side and make your way into the office. You head straight for a locker on the back wall, and fate must be working with you because there is a mechanic’s spare jumpsuit and boots inside. You quickly change clothes, careful not to be seen by the small mechanic droids lingering on the opposite side of the hanger. The jumpsuit is a little too tight around the hips and ass, but the boots are a perfect match to your feet. You tuck the knife in and decide to haul ass out of there. You're on a clock. Mando will be back in about 45 minutes according to your best guess.

Mos Eisley is unruly at best. It seems to be littered with spacers and thieves. You stick to moving through the outlining streets, and avoid the main roads, deciding that Mando likely headed for the marketplace. You do your best to stick to the shadows and attempt to walk over other’s footprints, hoping that Mando’s tracking won’t be able to decipher the difference. It takes much longer than you hoped, but eventually you find your way to Chalmun’s Cantina, just outside the community junkyard. Trooper helmets on pikes line the road on either side of the entrance. Oddly comforting, considering your last run in with troopers.

 There'll be no Imps here.

It’s late morning by your guess- which means it’s the slow hour, well before patrons of all species will file in, looking to escape the midday suns. You quickly scan the room for beskar and finding none, you make your way over to the droid-manned bar- avoiding the notice of it’s more dangerous looking barflies. You approach the bartender, doing your best to act natural.

“Droid, I’m looking for someone...a smuggler.”

“This is Tatooine, Smugglers are as commonplace as sand.”

Nobody likes a sarcastic droid.

“I mean, I’m looking for a particular one, goes by the name of Vale. Do you know of him?”

“I am programmed to forget those kinds of details, in order to maintain plausible deniability.”

You sigh. “Well, do you know anybody who might be able to point me in the right direction?”

“Nah, you won’t get anything out of the tin can back there, he can’t even make a decent drink.” Comes a voice from the booth behind you.

You turn to find a younger guy with his feet perched casually on the tabletop, rolling a coin across his knuckles. He’s easy on the eyes for sure, but he has an arrogance about him- a cockiness you’re instinct says is probably unjustified.

“If it’s information you’re looking for, have a seat.” he says, putting his boots down.

You hesitate, but decide to hear him out. You’re running out of time and he might be your best chance of finding a lead before Mando returns to find you missing from the Crest.

“You know where I can find this Vale?

“No, but I know someone who can.”

“I see, and how much is that introduction going to cost me? I don’t have any credits on me.”

“A date.”

“A date? Really?!” You make to get up and leave, but he reaches across the table to grab your wrist, keeping you in place. You casually move your other hand to slide down your leg and seek the knife you have hidden in your boot.

“Wait, wait...it’s not what it sounds like. Look, There’s a party at the palace tonight, and I could really use a date.”

“I thought the palace was abandoned?”

“Nah, that's just a rumor. True, there has been a bit of a power struggle since Jabba died, but Fortuna has assumed the mantle.”

“Go on.”

“He’s throwing some lavish party tonight to try and show off his power, flex his domain. He wants to impress the Hutt council.”

You hesitate….”and this helps me, how?”

“It just so happens, yours truly has an invitation.”

“You?....You have an invitation?”

“Hey,” he says rolling his shoulders in defense. “I’m an important guy.”

“Yeah, I’m not buying.”

No way is THIS guy an important figure in the crime syndicate.

“Ok, Ok…” he stops you again- and you really don’t like the way he doesn’t want to let go of your hand.

“Ok, I’m NOT an important guy...YET. But I do have an invitation. I’m trying to convince him to put me on his mercenary crew.”

“You? You’re a mercenary?” you say with furrowed brows.

“No, but HE doesn’t know that. Look….” he says squeezing your hand, “ I have an invitation to the party and they’d all take me a lot more seriously if I showed up with someone like you as a date.”

You look at where his hand is squeezing yours. It’s an awful plan, but maybe an awful plan is better than no plan at all?

This may be my only chance, there isn’t much time. You need to leave the city before he finds you.

“All I’m asking is you show up with me, have a few drinks, pretend to have a good time. The protocol droids at the palace have information on every smuggler that’s ever passed through Mos Eisley. If this Vale guy has passed through here, they’ll know.”

Your time is running out, he might already know you’ve gone.

“Fine…” you say, “but we leave NOW.”

“Alright…” he says with a roguish smile. Most women would consider it a panty-dropping smile and on most days you might agree. He’s good looking and has a nice body, but something about him is lacking. 

The lack of beskar?

“We’ll just have to make one quick stop on the way.”

“Where?” you ask, as he rises and extends a hand.

“Can’t go to a party dressed like that.”

“It’s a bit much, don’t you think?” you say shifting uncomfortably.

“It’s considered a luxurious dress to the Huttese, and you look incredible.” Torro- as he later introduced himself, says.

Your top- if it could even be considered one- consisted of two triangular shaped pieces of chainmail, one covering each breast, that came to a point just about your waistline.  The chainmail is made of tiny gold circles woven together with gold thread. It was sleeveless, backless and only secured at the top where it was attached to a choker that wrapped around your neck. A series of leather straps cover your most intimate parts and see-through navy silk secured with a belt hangs from  your waist down the center in the front and back, leaving your legs exposed. Your thighs are adorned with multilayered tiered garters made from the daintiest gold chains. Flat sandals are secured with straps that wrap around your calves. The lady at the shop had handed you a bottle of oil and insisted that you needed to slather it all over your body. There wasn’t much time to put effort into a hairstyle, so she wove some gold strands through a few braids around your crown and left the rest to hang freely down your back. You quickly lined your eyes with a smudge of black kohl and dabbed a tiny bit of color to your lips. You tucked the knife into the belt at your hip.

If I make it out of here in one piece, I can sell this outfit for a mint.

You didn’t trust Torro, but as you descended the stairs to the throne room, you were relieved to discover that he did indeed have an invitation. Dozens of species were in attendance. Entertainers of all sorts were performing various acts. A band played dance music while a leggy gal with a snout and painted lips belted out a song- out of key. There were also a half dozen armed guards lining the perimeter of the room- one at each entry and exit point.

You scan the room for droids finding one near Fortuna.

Must be his protocol droid.

Fortuna is sitting upon a stone throne surveying the crowd.

“Why don’t we head over to the bar?” you suggest- deciding that you’d rather avoid Fortuna altogether.

“Nah, let’s go introduce ourselves, say hello.”

Torro hooks his arm around your elbow and leads the way. You approach the throne and it doesn’t escape your notice that there’s a Twi-lek chained to the throne below.

“H'chu apenkee Torro,” Fortuna says jovially, as you approach.

Torro begins speaking in Huttese as well. You’re not entirely sure what they’re saying but the tone implies they are friendly with one another.

“De wanna wanga,” Torro replies.

He introduces you and it takes a great deal of effort to visibly hide your revulsion. Fortuna stares at you while Torro makes his small talk. His red eyes gleam as he taps his enormously long fingernails along a staff he holds in his hand.

Eventually he addresses you in basic, “Are you his?”

The question takes you off guard. Your not entirely sure what the safe answer is in this scenario,  but you answer directly.

“I belong to no one.”

He smiles a wicked smile- nearly every pointed tooth showing behind thin stretched lips. You give him your most winning smile and hope to the Maker it’s enough to hide how repulsed you are.

“Gi Shatta Gasha! U doba, nudd chaa!.....Enjoy the party!”

Torro thanks him again for the invitation and directs you toward the bar. You look back over your shoulder, and sure enough Fortuna’s eyes never leave you.

Torro orders a few drinks from a bartender of unknown species. You take one to be polite but have no intention of drinking it. Who knows what might be in it and you still didn’t trust the guy. When he isn’t looking, you casually dump the liquid out in increments.

The party continues and Torro seems happy to show you off. He introduces you to a few acquaintances- all of them seem like sleazeballs. All the time, you keep an eye on Fortuna and a location on his protocol droid. As soon as the droid made a move to leave his side, you’d corner it and extract the information you came for.

Finally, after some time waiting, Fortuna whispers an order to the droid. The droid descends the throne stairs and starts to make its way into the crowd.

It’s now or never.

You set your drink on the bar and turn to leave when Torro’s hand slides around the small of your back and around your waist, staying you.

“Is this a great party or what?”

“Mmmm.” Definitely, or what.

“It’s not every day you get to see a Mandalorian.”

Your head whips around. The crowd retreats a little near the bottom of the stairs to reveal a pissed off looking Mando. He doesn’t move,  his shoulders are tense and his hands are fisted. His helmet scans the room and comes to a stop when it lands on you.

Run.

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[sithmyass]

Do You Trust Me? - Anakin Skywalker

Warnings: Cocky Ani!

A/N: I’m appalled at the lack of Ani and Obi fics on here, so requests are open! I’ll write for almost any Star Wars guy/gal!

“Oh, Anakin!” Obi wan calls, grabbing your hand to pull you along with him. “This is Y/N.” “My new Padawan, yes?” He interrupts, a coy smile on his face as Obi wan rolls his eyes. “Yes, your new Padawan. I must be leaving her with you though, the council needs me.” Obi says before escaping down the hall, back the way you came. You avoid looking Anakin in the eye, having noticed his feverishly good looks the moment you stepped into the room.

“Y/N?” He asks, setting his hand gently on your shoulder. “Yes, Master?” He smirks to himself, “I could get used to the sound of that.” He teases, making your cheeks heat up quickly. “Training starts tomorrow morning, okay? Bright and early, in the garden.” You nod, as he pats your back gently, walking away with a smile on his face. “Oh! Y/N?” He calls, stopping on his heels, his back facing you. “Try not to fall in love with me, yeah?” You can practically hear the smirk in his words as he continues walking away, leaving you no time to respond.

—

You’d been training under Anakin for months at this point, and the council finally saw it fit that you accompany your master on a mission. Hence, the two of you stood at each others side, listening to Master Yoda speak. “Important to the council, this mission is.” He begins, keeping a watchful eye on you and your master. “Trusting you, is the council.” You nod, comprehending every word he is saying. “The fate of the council is in your hands.. No pressure.” Obi wan says, before Yoda dismisses you.

You exit the room, making your way down the halls towards your quarters of the temple. You reach your hand out towards the panel to scan your palm, when you feel a presence behind you. Immediately you reach for your lightsaber, as a hand comes to cover your own. “Can’t tell when it’s your master behind you?” You relax as you hear his soft voice by your ear. “I must always be on guard, Master.” You counter, watching your door open before turning to face Anakin. “If you’ll excuse me, I must collect myself before this mission.” You say calmly, backing slowly into your doorway. “See ya on the ship, Master.” You offer, before letting your door shut before you.

As soon as Anakin was out of sight, you couldn’t help but let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding. You allow yourself to collapse onto your bed with a huff, knowing this would be the last time for a while that you’d get to feel the soft mattress beneath you. Your mind subconsciously drifts to Anakin. You can’t help but think about how soft his lips always look, or how worked up you get just from watching him focus on the most minute things. Your thoughts were quickly interrupted by your guilt. It was completely against the Jedi code to form attachments, especially one for your Master.

You stood up from your bed, grabbing the most essential things you’d need in this mission, and pack them into a small bag before exiting your room, making your way towards the hangar. Once the ship was in your sights, Anakin was as well. He was stationed at R2’s side, fixing up a small wiring malfunction. As soon as he could sense your presence, a smile graced his lips. “You ready, Y/N?” He asks, wiping his hands on his robes. You nod in response, entering the ship. You set your small bag on the ship before finding your spot in the copilots seat.

Anakin enters behind you, making himself comfortable in his seat. The two of you turned the ship on, and take off in record time. Deciding to break the awkward silence, you speak up. “Master?” You ask, turning towards him. “Darling?” He counters with a small smile, always calling you charming nicknames while alone. “What exactly are we doing all the way out there?” A small chuckle escapes his lips. “We’re going to spy on Grevious’s men, and in the process, get some more of your training done.”

You nod, sinking back into your seat. You watch as the stars pass you, slowly lulling you to sleep. Anakin notices when you finally reach your destination. He looks over at you quick, seeing your nose scrunch up in your sleep. He swears it’s the most adorable sight he’s ever laid his eyes on. He shakes the thought out of his head before shaking your shoulder lightly. “Darling, we’re landing.” He whispers, watching your eyes flutter open. “C’mon Angel, help me land, yeah?” He coos, smiling as you finally make eye contact with him.

“Since when do you need my help, Mister I-Can-Fly-Anything?” You tease, before sitting back up in your chair to rub the sleep out of your eyes. Anakin chuckles at you before you reach up and begin the landing procedures. “Smooth, as always.” You comment once back on the ground. You exit the cockpit, and then the ship, stepping out into the bright sunlight. The sudden brightness is a shock to your still tired eyes, catching you off guard. “C’mon Angel.” Anakin says, placing his hand at the small of your back, keeping you close to him as you walk into the marketplace of this small town.

In attempt to not stick out like sore thumbs, you conceal your Lightsabers with your cloaks. “Be on the lookout, Y/N. The spies could be anywhere, and they have some understanding of what we look like.” Anakin warns, keeping his arm around your waist for safety. For a moment, you forget that you’re on a dangerous mission and completely fall victim to your own thoughts. You were hyper aware of Anakins arm around your midsection, his fingers clasped tightly around your hipbone. You feel him begin to trace circles onto your hip, catching you off guard. You look up at him for an explanation, but instead you’re met with his signature smirk.

“Gotta blend in, Angel.” He whispers close to your ear, making you shiver. It doesn’t go unnoticed by your Master, but it does go unmentioned. You keep trying to push the thought of his touch out of your head, but it feels as if he’s burning holes into your skin. You take notice of a little woman who is selling jewelry a couple booths ahead, and grab ahold of Anakin to bring him towards it. You reach up towards a necklace with beautiful carvings etched into the surface of a stone, amazed by the craftsmanship of the stunning piece. “It’s absolutely stunning.” You say absentmindedly. “How much?” Anakin asks the woman, but she waves her hand dismissively. “Take it. I saw the way your lady looked at it.” She comments, handing the necklace to Anakin without you even taking notice.

“Thank you, miss. Please, take this for your troubles.” Anakin says as he takes the necklace from her, exchanging it for a handsome amount of credits. Anakin winks at the older woman before placing his hand at the small of your back, leading you out of the crowd. “Angel, I-“ He begins, but you cut him off by grabbing his wrist. “Run.” You manage, before pulling him farther and farther away from the crowd. A few stormtroopers had taken notice of you two, and had begun to follow. “We gotta go!” Anakin says, pulling you with him into the crowd of people again, hoping to lose the troopers.

As you’re running together, you take notice of a slender alleyway. You quickly pull Anakin into it, leaning your back against the wall, his front to your front. He places his arm above your head to steady himself, his breathing erratic. “Ani, do you trust me?” You ask quickly, placing your hands onto his cheeks. He nods, still trying to catch his breath. “Of course, Angel. What’s going through that head of yours?” He chuckles before you quickly pull his lips against yours.

He doesn’t hesitate to kiss you back, moving his freehand to grab hold of your chin. Your arms slowly make their way around his neck, deepening the kiss. Just as the stormtroopers make their way close, you hook your leg around Anakin’s waist. He quickly picks you up, pushing you back against the wall as the troopers mumble something about “no decency” and make their exit. You pull away from the kiss, much to Anakin’s dismay. He lays his head against your shoulder, and you lay your head against the wall behind you.

He finally raises his head to look at you, before realizing he’s still holding you against the wall. He chuckles and sets you gently on the ground, then runs his hand through your hair. “That’s one way to make an impression on your Master.” He teases, making your face heat up. “I-it was so we wouldn’t get caught.” You stutter, looking up into his eyes. “You’re cute when you’re nervous.” He teases again, reaching into his pocket. “Don’t worry, Angel. It’ll be our little secret..” He begins, as he leans forward to clasp the necklace from the marketplace around your neck. “As long as it’s not a one time thing.”

[sometimesihaveideas]

Some trivia:

Catra’s squad were the ones who etched “Wildcat” on the side when Catra wasn’t looking. She almost scratched it off, but Scorpia convinced her to keep it.

Catra’s mech is designated S-21-01; Soldier class, Squad 21, Unit 01 (and therefore squad leader) -- and it would have been Adora’s if she hadn’t left.

The rifle on the mech’s back is Horde standard issue, the combat knives are a Catra special, and the whip she liberated from some fool in the Wastes who wasn’t using it properly.

the original full-size image is lorge and tumbr didn’t want anything to do with it

[id: first image - an angular mech brandishes a whip, with a grappling hook tip. It also carries two very large knives, and a rifle on its shoulder. It is covered in large scratches. second image - a closeup on Catra (the mech pilot), viewed through a cutaway. The mech is labelled S-21-01, with the word Wildcat written on the side with scratches through it. The cockpit is filled with screens and control panels and cables. Catra is seated, her arms mimicking the pose of the mech. She snarls, as if in a fight. Both images are drawn with black lines, filled in with white, with no shading. Catra’s eyes are colored yellow and blue. There is a pastel purple-to-yellow-fade background. end id]

[shouldntcryoverit]

the art of discordance

captain rex x jedi fic

taglist -> @pinkiemme @alwayssleepingforreal @mackstrut @writer1

warnings - injuries (shot) blood but no detailed depictions :)

CHAPTER SIX

The thought of Rex’s hands on her hips refused to leave her mind; the pressure still remaining. A fluttering in her stomach was a constant reminder of the growing tension between the two. Jaida couldn’t deny how clouded her mind would become whenever he was around; it was entirely useless, and yet impossible to rid herself of.

A plan was conceived as the low hum of light electrics filled the ground with a buzz. Rex’s mind wandered thoughtlessly. They had decided their best option was to steal a ship, and fly back to coruscant before doing anything that could stoke a war. In truth, it was the first thing that had been able to agree on that night. They didn’t argue, didn’t even bicker - but there was something aggravating about it all.

“it’s night now, if we’re gonna try and get as far as we can, now’s our best shot”

“the hanger’s in the centre of town, we ought to storm it, sneak our way in and fight to a ship” Jaida folded her arms around her chest. Her voice was hushed, an unconscious decision brought on by how silent the night really was.

The pair managed to make it into town, avoiding most major settlements and drifting along the outskirts. Even from their distance hiding along a row of market stalls, they could hear the methodically thump of droid armour pacing; it mixing with the fresh scent of rain and produce that laced the air.

Jaida stepped forward first, forearm outstretched to discard the front guards without a sound. She managed, knocking them both down and crushing them with a flick and a fist. Rex nodded, and worked on the door panels, while his jedi stood guard.

The woosh of the door opening was a signal for Reyes to relieve herself of her position, and she moved in front of Rex; skirting around corners to check for unfriendlies.

It was clear, though that small victory was overlooked despite its possible suspiciousness.

“quick, come on” Jaida smiled, visually enjoying the chase.

Rex took charge and moved in front of her, his pistols readily held. He led to a second entrance, and allowed Jaida to take watch while he tried to open the door.

“i can’t jig it” he groaned

“move then” Jaida sheathed her weapon and took residence at the panel, using a hip to push him out the way. Rex was baffled for a minute as she pulled at wires, finally choosing one and ripping it between her teeth. The door clunked half way open, and Rex turned his head the way he always did when he was irked by something. Jaida loved it.

“i could’ve done that a lot cleaner”

“who said it had to be pretty?” Jaida countered with a fired smirk, bending under the half opened door and pushing it upwards.

The two walked into a more open area, knees bent to stay low and weapons in outstretched hands. Jaida was focusing on the two tunnels, specifically which one they should go down, and only noticed the shift in presence when it neared closer. Rex’s shoulders jerked at the slight sound etching the corner of the hallway. He reacted instantly, grabbing Jaida’s hand with him as he ducked into a ventilation shaft.

“hey!“ she tried, eyeing how he’d whisked her away as if she weighed as much as air. Truthfully she had no problems with it at all.

“shh” Rex was overly conscious of the possible enemy, but also incredibly thankful for his helmet in that moment, which was hiding his rapidly reddening cheeks.

Jaida stayed quiet for a moment, but huffed.

“come one” with fiery eyes and a wide grin, she clasped his hand and dragged the captain up with her. His apprehension was right, three senators with a droid company were entering the hanger.

“Go!” Rex yelled, firing at the slightly confused arsenal.

Jaida followed suit and jumped in front, deflecting the first few shots.

“Kark it” she muttered. The jedi force pushed the senators away, locking them behind a door, and sprung at the droids opposing them.

Rex found himself relieved of targets in a matter of seconds, Jaida standing in the midst of a pile of deconstructed droids.

“that worked too” He joked breathily.

“heh” she flexed her hand around her lightsaber, but her head turned quickly at a new sound. “ack, incoming”

She grabbed him on her way to the exit, finally having decided which tunnel to go down. They weren’t alone this time, and their footsteps were mimicked by another wave of droids.

Nonetheless, they rounded a corner and were faced with a choice of three ships. Now, with the droids behind them, Jaida was almost out of options. Her face contorted at their reinforced armour and doubling numbers.

“get..on one!” she shouted over the sound of gunfire - finding herself worn out by the amount of droids and the lack of cover or space. Rex did as she had asked and moved to power up the nearest ship. With each step he took he fired another shot, but relented to start the engine.

“Come on we need to go!” Jaida’s commlink spat out his words. She hated to retreat like this, but she had no choice. Deflecting two or three more blasts she turned and backed up onto the closing hatch.

As she reached the cockpit, her lightsaber felt heavy in her hand, and her breath felt jaded.

The jedi leant forward over Rex’s chair to punch the ignition to life. The ship activated, and they left the hangar in what certainly wouldn’t be classed as a smooth exit.

Jaida let go of the lever, and slumped over his shoulder, breathing heavily.

“this is Capatin Rex, does anyone copy?” Rex’s words were clear, yet Jaida could hardly hear them over the sound of the blood rushing through her ears. It was when she sat down on the chair beside him that she realised she couldn’t hear the usual sound of the engines either.

“Rex, this is Skywalker...” it was distant yet near. Her breathing became the only thing in her mind, especially how shallow it had become.

“Rex” she managed “i- uh, i think i got shot” but her scentence trailed off just as she felt his hands reaching for her bleeding side.

Luckily it didn’t take long for them to reach Coruscant; the journey mostly taken up by Rex trying to keep Jaida awake. He tried to ignore how much of her blood was still caked on his hands even as she gave heavy lidded smiles at his comments. As the ship docked into the hanger Anakin and Obi-wan were shocked to see their captain run out in reddened armour, panicked and with wavering focus. Kix had batted him out of the way quickly enough, and he was able to finally exhale the breath he’d been holding ever since.

Cody found the captain after hearing about the mission while partaking in a visit to the medbay. His excuse was a fractured thumb - something Rex was bound to quiz him on, or guess the cause being his inadvertent tendency to punch, rather than to shoot.

“Captain, you’re not usually this quiet” their was a hint of a smile in Cody’s voice as he stood beside his younger brother.

“i’m fine if that’s what you’re asking, Commander”

“suppose that was quite a mission you got yourself into. Oh and I heard about what happened - she’s going to be fine” The hint grew even stronger as Rex’s jaw flinched at her mention, then relaxed once more. “your general that is”

“uh- good” Rex countered hastily, arms still crossed behind his back and not turing to look at his superior. The tone of his voice matched the same one he’d been using ever since they were cadets, and Cody had accused him of something. Cody remained silent without a smug grin and oh how it annoyed Rex.

“i wasn’t worried”

“I never said you were”

Rex turned his head, jaw firmly set.

“Cody”

“mhmm?”

“Shut up”

The Commander grinned, and clapped the Captain on the back before leaving to continue with his own duties. Rex hated that. Rex hated the fact that he was worried, and very much so.