#i so get new. phee get well soon x
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
Text
he wants to be the hero so fucking bad but when it comes down to it he's proven he's too boring, unsexy & self righteous to go balls out crazy to avenge his wronged loved one like. if jin cannot see straight through that im buying him an eye test
stop promising to protect jin u can't do shit and we all know it 😭
#HE WILL DO THE SAME TO YOU#HES NOT A REAL ONE#my parents and sister would both be capable of killing someone for me and ik that in my bones#if my partner wouldnt they aint my partner#go to jail for me#real love is absolutely knowing youd risk everything for that person in the right (or very very wrong) circumstances#thats why most mothers would kill and die for their kids#thats a love like no other#if someone ever hurt someone i loved i couldnt be trusted not to terrorise them for the rest of their miserable lives#and i mean hurt like. acc assaulted them in some way or killed them like the entitlement of someone to think they can just do that#i would never get over that anger#i so get new. phee get well soon x#like ye ik phee was a teenager n it was like a 6 month first love but how u gna be all righteous when thats ur history#and new has much higher stakes and deeper connection to this all#but hes fr all talk and it's just funny like ur saying all that but are u doing it like new? didnt fuckin think so
14 notes
·
View notes
Text
Heal
A Bad Batch Post S3 Oneshot
Gif by @barissoffee
Hunter x femaleJedi!reader
Summary: Shaking the effects of Tantiss is easier said than done
Warnings: Literally one use of (Y/N), swearing, hints of Tech/Phee, references to past pain and torture, angst, hurt/comfort, nightmares and trouble sleeping, descriptions of illness (headaches), reader is hard on herself, suggestive dialogue, light PDA (kissing, teasing touches), mentions of food, me making up what everyone is up to on Pabu, fluff and happy ending
Masterlist for S1, S2 and S3
Word Count: 7.2K
Rating: 18+
Author's note: Okay, not gonna lie, I struggled with this one. It was a last minute idea as I was rewatching and writing the final few episodes of season 3 but it worked and felt a lot better in my head and when it came to writing, my brain was not my friend lol. I hope it's still enjoyable! The next oneshot is the story I've had planned for months so that should be a smoother process haha
It had been a few weeks since you’d all taken up official residence in Pabu.
Shep’s offer of setting up homes for you all stayed true.
You and Hunter had been put in a hut perfectly designed for the two of you that was a short walk away from the water and there was even a spare room for Omega who alternated between sleeping in your home and the home Tech, Crosshair and Wrecker all shared.
The three other clones may have been grouped together but there was plenty of room, and not a lot of time was spent indoors anyway.
Wrecker had taken to fishing like, well, like a fish to water.
Crosshair did a bit of everything, helping out with tasks of whoever needed assistance but he mainly he kept up with practicing shooting with his left hand. He wanted the practice, and he genuinely enjoyed it. He didn’t miss being a soldier anymore but that didn’t mean he had to renege on his skills.
Tech spent much of his time with Phee or assisting Shep in rebuilding parts of Pabu that still needed it and upgrading equipment.
Omega often kept close company with Lyana and the other young reg clones or she went off with Tech to plan out a potential search for lost or salvageable pieces of the Marauder- the two of them had dreams of rebuilding new a ship with as many pieces of their old home as possible. It was yet to be undertaken but the vision was there.
The task of reuniting the children from Tantiss with their families had been successful but with that final mission complete, you and Hunter were also in the same boat as Crosshair and still yet to find your official niche on island. For now, you both were just relishing in the peace and each other’s company.
One thing you had managed to achieve was finding a way to finally get in touch with Lyra again, who- despite being filled in on everything that had happened since you parted ways on Christophsis- still managed to scold you for the lack of communication. But after hearing you all were alive and settled, she’d sent you all packages of more suitable island clothes with promises to visit soon.
Everything was coming together and so you were feeling one with the island life.
However, life here was not without its challenges.
The impact and aftermath of Tantiss remained a constant shadow that would still find ways to rear its ugly head. Something you and Hunter in particular found yourselves dealing with.
--
“I figured we could have the party in the next couple of weeks right here in the colonnade and, I don’t know, you could slip away or…” Shep trailed off as he saw the way Hunter’s brow furrowed in pain.
“Uh huh.” Hunter agreed distantly. He didn’t want to ignore Shep, especially when he was doing him the favour, but fuck had the sun always been this bright? The blinding pain behind his eyes and throbbing in his skull was getting harder to dismiss.
You were a casual observer and listener to the conversation between the young reg clones and the adult clones that had remained on the island- Deke, Stak and Mox had no shortage of questions for them. But you sensed a rising discomfort and then you caught the way Hunter kept pinching the bridge of his nose and squinting to get away from the glare of the warm sun. “Excuse me.” You politely removed yourself from the conversation and hurriedly walked over to where Shep and Hunter were conversing. “Shep, I’m sorry to interrupt but do you mind if I steal him away for a moment?”
“Not at all.” Shep bid the two of you farewell with a smile.
You lightly rested a hand on his upper arm. “Hunter? Another flare up?” You figured, keeping your worried voice quiet.
Hunter just about managed a nod and said through gritted teeth, “But I can wait it out. Shep-”
He would attempt to come up with an excuse every time and every time you wouldn’t even entertain it. “Come on.” You carefully wrapped an arm around him and guided him back home.
--
You opened the door and carried on through to the bedroom. You gently prompted him to sit on the bed as you knelt down and took his shoes off before you shut the bedroom window to cancel out the noise outside and closed the blinds to keep the sunlight out. You kept your voice low and monotone as you instructed him, “Lie down.”
Hunter did as you said and rested on his back.
The routine was second nature to you. He hadn’t had headaches like this for a while but since Tantiss and because of what he’d suffered there, they’d become more frequent. His senses hadn’t quite readjusted back to what they used to be.
You moved silently throughout the house as you went to the freezer and came back with the cold compress you stored specifically for these moments and placed it over his eyes. “I’ll just be in the living room if you need anything. Try to sleep.” You whispered caringly before you lightly squeezed his hand and made to leave. However, you had barely stepped away from the bed when Hunter’s hand caught your wrist.
“Stay.” He requested through a wince.
“I don’t want to overwhelm you.” You cautioned quietly. You had remained a couple times before, but it had never been a certainty that he wanted you to stay when he was going through this. You always waited for him to give the okay.
“You can’t.” He murmured. He needed you here to ground him in a way the usual methods could never do.
You removed your own shoes and supported his back as you sat him up and slotted yourself behind him.
Hunter rested his head against your chest.
You readjusted the compress slightly once you were both in a comfortable position. “This okay?” You asked as you softly massaged each of his temples.
Hunter let out a tranquil sigh and he could already feel the discomfort receding. You always knew just what it was he needed from you in these moments. “Perfect.”
--
Hunter wasn’t the only one still feeling the lingering toil of Tantiss. Your screams of terror and the way you thrashed next to him woke him up. He called your name and shook your arm to wake you up. “Hey, hey. Easy, easy. It’s alright.” He assured you as he saw your eyes widen in fear.
You shot awake and hastily sat up, your breathing hard and uneven.
“You’re okay. I’m here.” Hunter whispered soothingly as he sat up alongside you.
You closed your eyes and let his voice be the only thing you focused on.
“You’re alright. It was a bad dream.”
Right yes, a bad dream.
“Hold on.” Hunter pressed his lips to your clothed shoulder before he got out of bed and ran a cloth under some cold water.
You worked on getting your breathing back under control. You ran a hand over your face and felt the beads of sweat dripping down your temples and down your neck and back. Your sleep top was sticking to you uncomfortably. But you forced yourself to concentrate on anything that didn’t remind you of the nightmare you’d just escaped. You took in your secure and familiar surroundings of your bedroom to calm yourself down. You weren’t back there. You were on Pabu with Hunter. You were safe here.
Hunter slid back in bed beside you. “Arms up.” He prompted delicately. When you did that, he carefully removed your sweat soaked top and tossed it to the side of the bed– he’d deal with it in the morning- and placed the cool cloth to the back of your neck and spine before he tenderly dabbed at your temples. He then put a replacement top back over your head and continued to press the flannel around your forehead and neck.
“I’m sorry.” You rasped as you hid your face in your palms in embarrassment. You hated this. He would already have tough days and you couldn’t even offer him any relief in the evenings. The two of you had gotten into a rather unfortunate ritual where you would comfort him during the day and then the roles would switch as soon as night fell.
“You’ve nothing to be sorry for.” Hunter reassured you lovingly. He placed the cloth on the bedside table and rubbed his hand up and down your back to ease away the lingering tension and to help settle you back down. “Same one?” He guessed.
You nodded but kept your face hidden from him. “I’m just standing there. I’m watching him hurt you over and over again and I’m not doing anything to stop it.” You said, your voice cracking with each word. “Then he goes to the rest of you- to Omega. I’m completely frozen and all I can do is watch you all writhe in pain. I keep fighting to move but nothing happens. I’m just so useless and I stand by and let it happen. You’re crying out for help, and I just stand there.” You whispered with plenty of self-loathing behind your words.
Hunter shushed you consolingly. “But that’s not what happened. It’s just the nightmare talking.”
“Is it? Because it feels an awful lot like that’s what I did.” You said with self-directed disgust.
““You didn’t do nothing. You didn’t give up. You did what you thought you needed to do to get us out of there alive.” Hunter reminded you.
“Imprisoned.” You corrected.
“Alive.” Hunter countered.
You knew there was no sense in arguing with him over it. “I should be over this by now. I coped after Christophsis. I don’t know why this is sticking with me so much.” You said critically instead.
Hunter was all too familiar with this line of argument. As soon as you admitted to the nightmare and the fear it brought, you started looking for ways to berate yourself for feeling the way you were. “You couldn’t process Christophsis on your own time. You were in a position where you were forced to carry on. And I don’t think going through and being impacted by torture has a time requirement.”
You finally half-turned to face him. “Do you really believe that?”
The doubt in your voice made his throat constrict and chest tighten. “I know it.”
“But dealing with this is annoying.” You mumbled self-consciously and you averted your gaze once more.
“Do you get annoyed when you’ve needed to help me?”
You lifted your eyes back to him. “No, of course not.”
“Exactly. You help me through those episodes. Why do you think I’d treat you any differently?” He rubbed his thumb along your cheekbone. “You still need to give yourself the same treatment you give other people.” He said caringly.
You leaned your head against Hunter’s shoulder and just gave a series of reluctant but agreeable noises to signal your acceptance of his statement.
“You’re talking to me though. That counts for something.” Hunter praised, angling his head so he could kiss your forehead.
“Yeah, I’m a work in progress.” You managed to say with some light-heartedness before your voice went solemn again. “Just don’t give up on me… please.”
“Never.” Hunter promised with steadfast seriousness.
Your eyes flickered shut and you snuggled closer to him as he ran his hand up and down your arm in soft, delicate patterns.
“Want to sleeping try again?” He suggested after he felt your breathing and pulse settle back down.
You gulped but agreed to give sleep another go. “Okay.” You laid back down readjusted the covers you had kicked off in your sleep-panicked state. You breathed deeply as you closed your eyes and willed yourself to at least get a couple uninterrupted hours. But the darker part of your nightmare, the part you couldn’t vocalise, lingered with you and you didn’t know how to get past it.
Hunter wrapped his arm around your side and pulled your back tight to his chest, but despite all you opened up about, he knew you were holding something back. It was the same every night and he knew sleep would continue to elude you.
--
This new day was nearly over. Dusk had come and gone but the concept of night and sleep filled you with a deep anxiety. You needed to clear your head before you even thought about winding down for the night. “I’m going for a walk; I’ll be back soon.” You said, giving Hunter a chaste kiss to his lips before you exited your home.
Hunter gave you a slight smile as you parted from him, and he could only watch you leave. He had never felt so helpless.
He knew he couldn’t quite help you in the way you needed but there might be someone else who could.
--
“Hey there, Hunter.” Phee greeted cheerily as she opened the door to greet the clone.
“I’m not interrupting anything am I?” Hunter asked apologetically.
Phee rolled her eyes, “Pfftt no way. He’s been at this for hours, if you can get his attention onto something else, be my guest.” She led him through to the living room.
Tech grunted his greeting as he sought out the tool that he needed for the task he was completing for Shep. The island had a healer- Dalia, but she mainly operated out of her home because, until recently, that suited just fine. But when the attack on Pabu occurred, Shep and Dalia had found themselves ill-prepared for accommodating the seriousness of the injuries that followed so Tech was assisting in expanding and updating her equipment and resources. AZ was already a big help with that, but more was needing done. It was a longer but important project that Tech was taking very seriously.
“Sorry about the mess.” Phee said with an annoyed yet affectionate stare in Tech’s direction, but she was not surprised when the clone did not appear to even register that she’d spoken. She had stopped trying to get Tech to tidy as he went about altering this latest piece of machinery since he’d insistently claimed there was an order to the chaos around him. The entire area in which he was working was covered with random tools and intricate pieces of machinery. Phee struggled to see how this all equalled a system since all she saw was an array random pieces of metal taking up her living room floor. It didn’t truly bother her though; it was just another quirk she was fond off. Her appreciation for his intelligence and passion outweighed a little untidiness.
“Don’t worry, it’s something I’m very used to.” Hunter said lightly as he carefully stepped over some discarded screws.
“Sit down.” Phee encouraged, gesturing to a spare chair as she took a seat on the couch across from where Tech was working in the middle of the floor. But when Hunter made no move to do so, Phee properly looked at him and she noticed the distant and slightly nervous expression Hunter donned. “Everything alright?”
“I need your help, Tech.” Hunter said in answer.
Tech spoke for the first time since Hunter arrived as he found the spanner he needed, “I’m not yet finished with this. Once I’m done-”
“I don’t need you to fix anything, Tech. It’s about (Y/N). She’s struggling right now and-”
“Well, we know that she has a habit of taking things on by herself. A habit both of you have shared for quite a while.” Tech said plainly, not taking his eyes off the medical equipment he was fixing up. “I wouldn’t take her refusal or dismissals personally.”
Hunter bit back his frustrated huff. He knew attempting to get his brother’s focus when he was so absorbed by a project was always going to be challenging. He went to speak again but Phee beat him to it.
Enough was enough. Phee firmly nudged Tech’s good thigh with her boot, “Would you stop playing around with that and actually pay attention to what he has to say?”
Tech snapped out of his intense concentration. “Right, yes. Sorry, Hunter.” He started officially packing up. Once he was done, he gave his brother his full attention and it was then that he saw the genuine worry on Hunter’s face which told him it was more important than any mechanical repair. “What’s going on with her?”
“She keeps having nightmares from her capture on Tantiss. I can’t remember the last time she slept through the night.” Hunter took a ragged breath. “And it’s not like she’s keeping them to herself and that’s why they’re so bad. She’s doing everything we’ve worked on. She talks to me; she lets me in and help her, but I know there’s something else she’s keeping hidden. And it’s because she knows I can’t offer her the right words, or she wants to protect me from whatever it is she’s not telling me. I’m stuck and she’s not getting any better and I can’t offer her anything more than what I’m currently doing.”
“So, how exactly can I help?” Tech asked, rather puzzled as to why his brother had come to him with this dilemma. He wasn’t exactly known for providing helpful assistance for this type of issue. It wasn’t that he never wanted to, it just always didn’t come easily to him and usually you and Hunter would always be able to work through it yourselves.
Hunter began tentatively, “Y-your experiences were- were similar. I’d thought about Crosshair but what he went through was a bit different and from what you’ve told us, it sounds closer to what she’s been through. I hate to ask it of you but-”
“Where is she?” Tech asked, getting to his feet.
“If you’re not comfortable doing this I understand. It’s a lot to talk about and-”
“Hunter, just tell me where she is.” Tech interrupted with a firm reassurance to show that he truly didn’t mind.
“Down by the shore.” Hunter told him through a grateful sigh.
Tech nodded and got ready to leave for the beach.
--
You breathed in the fresh and clean sea air, a gentle breeze wafted through your hair. The moonlight cast the water and sand in a luminous white glow. It offered you a peace you were yet to find in your own mind. The faint but demanding whines of the hound you’d acquired on your walk down had you smiling to yourself as you focused on the sounds of the waves lapping on the shore.
Tech saw you seated on the sand, Batcher waiting for you to throw a stick for her. “Did you know that gravity and the gravitational pull of the moon creates a phenomenon called tidal force, which is what causes the ocean tides to change?”
“I mean… I knew it was something like that.” You straightened your shoulders and managed a tight smile in his direction. “Hey, Tech.” You hoped you didn’t sound as exhausted as you felt.
Tech picked up on the heaviness in your voice despite your attempts to conceal it. “Also, did you know that water absorbs the red light of the colour spectrum, leaving the blue for us to see.” He added as he threw the stick for the hound.
You hummed out your acceptance of the fact as a reply whilst Batcher returned the stick but- after greeting Tech- decided she’d had enough and curled up beside you. “You didn’t come here to share ocean facts, Tech.” You said after a moment. “What’s going on?”
“You’re right. I have another purpose in joining you.” Tech admitted as he sat down on your other side.
“Which is?” You asked leadingly.
“Hunter asked me to. He’s worried about you.” He gave you a chance to speak but you offered nothing, so he carried on, “From what I hear, you’re having difficulty sleeping due to nightmares. They are based around your confinement on Tantiss?”
You cleared your throat to buy yourself some time before you answered, “Yeah.” You brought your knees to your chest.
“Can you tell me more? Whatever you’re comfortable sharing is fine.”
You breathed deeply and peered up at the starry night sky. “Well, you know about Christophsis.”
Tech nodded. That was something he’d been told about on the shuttle back.
“Tantiss… Tantiss was different. I took beatings but they were a treat compared to that fucking droid. Hemlock did a much better job of getting the most out of that damn serum. It got harder and harder to fight it. He knew exactly what buttons to push.”
“I’m afraid I had a helping hand in that.” Tech said sheepishly.
You placed your hand on his shoulder. “I don’t blame you, Tech. Not at all.” You reassured him earnestly.
“Regardless, his methods would’ve been that effective because I told him what would work.”
You patted his shoulder to indicate that you really didn’t hold any of that period against him before you removed it and placed it back across your bent legs. You surprisingly found that you kept wanting to talk so you carried on, “I’d never be able to ignore him, he’d always be able to get in my head so, instead, I’d would look for things to take me out of it.”
“A reasonable response.” Tech agreed. The times when he’d resisted, he’d acted similarly.
You felt irritation rise in you. You’d been weak, how could he not see that? “He told me you were alive, and I used it as a way to keep pushing back against him. Omega didn’t doubt it and she only heard him say it once.”
Hunter had warned him about this before he’d left. He expected you to say things designed to make him reprimand you instead of sympathising with you. The part of ‘no emotion’ element of the Jedi Code was deeply engrained in you. Despite your affinity for handling attachment and genuine love for them, when it came to your own emotions, you had gotten a bit too good at supressing or dismissing them. “Years fighting in a war has a way of creating a certain cynicism- or realism- depending on your point of view. It helps with survival and enduring each battle. I may have gotten out of it but even I have to admit that the odds were slim. I called out the plan. I knew what I was doing, I didn’t expect to live, and I didn’t expect you all to assume that I had.” Tech easily explained away the argument. “I’m grateful for Omega’s optimism and hope- it is a wonderful quality of hers and it got me out of there and brought me back to you all-, but I never expected you to believe I lived.”
You couldn’t accept the fact that the people around you were okay with how you’d acted. Every night was a painful reminder of how you’d failed them. “What I don’t understand is why Tantiss is still affecting me in this way. I got over Christophsis just fine.”
“No, you didn’t process Christophsis. You were thrown into mission after mission and were left with no choice but to keep going. It is highly plausible that Hemlock’s own similar torture was harder to get through because it was a reminder of a traumatic time that you’d already experienced but not healed from. Plus, I don’t believe feeling the effects of torture has a time requirement.”
You sighed heavily, “You’re the second person to tell me all that.”
“Does that not tell you something?” Tech prodded but he did it gently.
“I guess.” You said through a weary sigh as you ran your hands through the sand to distract yourself. “I handed myself over to Hemlock though. I gave up.”
“The guilt you’re experiencing over agreeing to Hemlock’s terms is natural. You-”
“It wasn’t guilt. Not wholly.” You said, your voice so quiet it barely registered over the rhythmic lull of the waves.
Tech glanced at you in surprise, but you were keeping your head down, stroking Batcher’s snout- the dog seemed to sense your distress and had nuzzled closer to you. He allowed the silence to grow as he patiently awaited further explanation from you.
You swallowed thickly as you went to speak again. “I was relieved.” You admitted, it was the first time you’d ever said the words out loud, and you instantly wished you could take them back. You wrapped your arms around yourself as you awaited the disappointed and shameful remarks from Tech.
“What were you relieved about?” Tech asked calmly.
That hadn’t been the response you were expecting. “Um-” You searched for the words to answer him. “When I was-” You broke off and started again and you found yourself being more honest than you’d anticipated. “When I was in that training room watching Hunter be tortured and I heard Hemlock say that he was going to do the same conditioning to Crosshair again and to Wrecker too… I gave him what he wanted. Throughout my time there, he wanted me to join him and that’s what I was prepared to do. But as I said it, there was a sense of relief. Finally, I could stop fighting him. The torture he put me through would end. And in the dream- nightmare- I keep having, as much as I hate what’s happening, part of why I can’t move to help any of you is because I’m just relived it isn’t me.” You visibly tensed as you finished speaking. Saying that last part out loud caused you physical pain and your stomach churned nervously as you waited for judgement. There had been a reason you couldn’t share this with Hunter. It sounded so selfish, so pathetic.
“I understand that.”
You angled your head to face him. It was your turn to wait for him to talk.
Tech took a grounding breath before he elaborated, “In my time imprisoned there, Hemlock wanted to know all he could about you all. He knew there would be a time where he’d have to face you all again. I didn’t quite experience the same beatings you took; it was always psychological. But whenever I showed willing to give him information, all I felt in that moment was a profound relief that the torment and pain would end. Granted, that swiftly became guilt as soon as he left but I couldn’t deny the respite those few minutes of me telling him about you all gave me. Now, did you only feel relief at it being over? Or was it relief that you could join him and do his bidding?”
You thought back to that time and realised what he was getting at. “No, it was because I knew if I gave him what he wanted, then at least they wouldn’t have to go through any more agony. At the time, imprisonment felt like the better option than becoming one of his operatives and experiencing that level of hurt.”
“Precisely. Your sleep is being haunted by the worst outcome. It’s praying on the flash of relief you felt and twisting it into something more than what it was. If you accept what happened and stop fighting it, it loses its power. You didn’t do anything wrong, you acted how you needed to. The only person that has the power to blame you is yourself. No one here does, sometimes it just helps to hear it out loud once in a while and it’s true. You resisted him for as long as you physically could. Those circumstances would’ve cracked anyone.”
You looked at him thoughtfully. “Is that how you did it?” You asked quietly.
“Well, I didn’t. Not always.” Tech reminded you, assuming you were referring to how he resisted Hemlock’s torment.
“No.” You released another deep sigh. “You seem to have settled here. You’re coping with it, and you were there for a long time.”
“I was in hell on Tantiss but not so much anymore. Being reunited with you all has really helped. Though I think if I had to watch any of them get hurt the way you had to, it would be different.” As he spoke, Tech realised why Hunter had come to him for this. He was sharing this part of him with you because he knew you were the only one that would truly get it. There was no worry of judgement, no worries of saying something too jarring. You would understand him just as he understood you. “I’ve accepted what happened to me and how I reacted to it but you’re the only one that knows those particular details of my experience. Phee and my brothers do not. Family helps with some of the burden but until you’ve had the unfortunate time of living it, their support can only do so much. We need each other it would seem.” Tech said with a kind look in your direction.
You widened your eyes at his openness. You were incredibly touched by that, and you didn’t take the lightly. “Thank you, Tech.”
“You asked a question, I merely answered.”
You shot him a look, “That’s not the only thing I’m thanking you for.” After speaking to him and fully unburdening yourself to someone who could only understand where you were coming from without the worry of saying the wrong thing or being too much, you felt like a weight had been lifted off your chest. You weren’t plagued by all the horrible and conflicting feelings that had followed you since Tantiss. You could breathe. You were free. You gently squeezed his hand as you said, “Thank you for what you’ve done tonight. For all of it.”
Tech shrugged off the thanks but smiled at you all the same. “We’re family, it’s what we do.”
--
You walked through the door to your home and took your shoes off.
Hunter walked out of the bedroom as he heard you come through the door. “Hey, how was your walk?”
You didn’t answer immediately. Instead, you just drank him in. You took in the way he leaned against the doorway, the book he was reading dangling from his hand. The way the soft linens of his sleep clothes framed his body. The way he’d still kept and worn the necklace you’d given him all that time ago. And the way he was looking at you with such deep care and affection, it made your heart clench and emotions clog up in your throat- you didn’t trust yourself to speak.
Hunter took your silence for upset. “I had to tell him. I thought-” But he didn’t get to finish his sentence as you strode towards him and embraced him.
You hugged him tightly. “Thank you.” You whispered.
Dropping his book and wrapping his arms around you instantly, Hunter rested his cheek on top of your head. He didn’t need or expect you to share the details of the conversation with Tech, he’d realised that you needed a different kind of comfort and that was okay. All that mattered to him was that it helped you.
You let the warmth of his soothing hold flow through your body, and you kept your voice hushed as you said, “I want you to know that it’s not that I didn’t want to tell you it all.”
“I know.” Hunter replied softly as he caringly caressed your back. He would not break away until you wanted to.
You pressed your face into the crook of his shoulder. Even though he had sent Tech your way, you didn’t want him to feel like he’d let you down or anything along that vein. “You did everything right. I needed you there… I still need you there. I can’t get through it without you but…” The words to describe just what it was Tech gifted you got lost and you frantically searched for them so he would know why you hadn’t just come to him with it.
The last thing Hunter needed or wanted was you feeling like you had to reassure him on the issue. “Sweetheart, all I wanted was for this to get easier for you. I know that there are emotions and parts of that experience on Tantiss that I will never fully understand- as much as that kills me, I wish none of it had happened to you or Tech in the first place but that doesn’t change the fact that it did. You needed more than a shoulder to lean on, and if Tech gave you that, then that’s all that matters to me. I won’t stop being there, whatever it is you need, I’m here.”
The wave of emotion came rushing back and tears threatened to spill from your eyes, and you found yourself pressing yourself tighter to him still so there were absolutely no gaps between you. “Thank you for not giving up on me.”
“I love you, giving up is never an option.” Hunter murmured as he kissed the crown of your head.
“I love you too.” You croaked as you fought through the lump in your throat.
You stayed like that for a couple more minutes before you finally pulled away.
Hunter wiped away a few stray tears that had escaped your eyes. “Fancy an early night?”
“Yeah.” You said through a deep exhale as the exhaustion you’d been fighting with came crashing into you. “That sounds good.”
--
3 weeks later.
“How’s your pain? Anymore headaches?” You asked Hunter as the two of you wandered arm in arm through the main square. You had been keeping a watchful eye in the time that had passed but he hadn’t had any bad episodes of late.
“Everything feels back to normal.” Hunter replied. “And you? How are you sleeping these days?” From what he could tell, you were sleeping through the night but that didn’t necessarily mean they weren’t still there.
“No nightmares at all.” You said with a relieved sigh. The weight of what you’d endured was no longer keeping you down. It had no control over you anymore. You’d thrown yourself back into mediating again and that also seemed to help a lot.
You both walked in easy silence, smiling at the clones from Tantiss who had stayed and at the merchants shouting out enticing deals and offerings from their stalls as you passed by.
“Although, there’s one thing I need…”
You glanced at him expectantly.
“Can you try it now? I should be fine.”
You hadn’t done it since settling down here in case it was too much. “You’re sure?” You double checked.
Hunter nodded. It was the final step to the normality that he craved.
You both paused and headed over to the side walkway of the colonnade that offered shelter from the open area. You reached out into his familiar Force signature, the connection you formed with it giving you an extra sense of security and warmth. How does this feel?
Hunter closed his eyes and breathed out a serene sigh as he heard your voice in his head, but it felt like everything finally clicked back into place. Then, he felt the gentle press of your lips against his. He reacted automatically and placed his hands on your waist as he returned the embrace.
“What was that for?” He whispered against your lips as you parted.
“It’s part of the check up process.” You murmured before you took half a step back to look at him properly, but you kept your arms looped around his neck so that he was still close to you.
Hunter gave you a fond smile. “Ah, of course.” He sweetly stroked his thumb along your jawline.
You shut your eyes and leaned into his touch.
“Are you happy?” Hunter asked after a few beats of silence.
You dropped your arms and looked at him in surprise. “Yes, of course I am!” You looked at him, worry furrowing across your brow. “What brought that on?”
Hunter awkwardly ran a hand through his hair. “I know things haven’t been easy since we arrived here. It didn’t get off to the peaceful start that I’d hoped for. I just want to make sure it’s still what you want and that you’re definitely feeling better.”
You were caught off guard by the emotions that caught in your throat. What did you do to deserve such a man? “I am very content and happy here; Hunter.” You took a hold of each of his hands. “I’m very content and happy being here with you.” You let out a faint, slightly embarrassed laugh, “I am very much in love with you, you silly man. Every day that I wake up beside you, every day that I get to come home to you and every day I just get to be around you is a day that reminds me that how lucky I am.” You removed your hands and lightly followed the lines of his face tattoo. “Are you happy?”
“Completely.” Hunter murmured as his eyes fluttered shut as he fell completely complaint under your touch.
“Good. Settling down here is what exactly what I want, things just weren’t settling down as quickly as I would’ve liked but it’s different now. We’re both doing much better, it’s a good thing.” You kissed his cheek and delicately brushed your fingers through the shorter strands of hair at the front of his head. I love you, that’s never changed, and it never will. Does that about cover everything?
“Almost.” Hunter said huskily as his own love for you overcame him.
Before you could question what he meant, he tugged you in tight to him and kissed you passionately. You felt him cradle the hinge of your jaw, silently asking permission to deepen the kiss and you granted him access without a second thought. You tangled your fingers in his hair and pressed yourself close to him. You allowed yourself a few minutes to just get lost in the pleasure he was giving you, but you remembered where you were and with a groan, you withdrew from his embrace.
It hurt you to pull away and from the way Hunter just insistently pushed you back against the stone column and carried on kissing and raking his teeth along your neck, he wasn’t impressed with stopping either. “We- we came here for groceries.” You hummed distractedly as you found yourself titling your head to give him easier access.
“So, we’ll get them tomorrow.” Hunter responded simply as he kissed behind your ear and brushed his fingers under your shirt and along the soft skin of your stomach.
“We have- have no f- food and-” You attempted to protest but now his mouth was doing wonderful things along your pulse point that was making you feel very lightheaded.
“That’s fine. What I’m in the mood for, only you can give me.” Hunter teasingly dipped his fingers just under the waistband of your leggings.
You forced yourself to get a grip before you were too far gone. “Get off.” You playfully shoved at his chest with an exasperated shake of your head.
Hunter inclined his head in surrender, “How about you shop, and I meet you at home?” He offered as he stopped his teasing and removed himself from you.
“Is this your bizarre way of just wanting to get out of a chore?” You joked, crossing your arms and feigning irritation.
“No, I just think that if I stay, we’re going to wind up getting done for public indecency and it would be entirely my fault.”
Despite his admission, you still saw a faint but lustful glint in his eyes and you knew he was envisioning precisely what would happen if the two of you remained by this column. And you knew both of you would decide it was worth the risk. You gulped as you hastily said before you lost control of yourself, “I’ll see you at home.”
Hunter released a low chuckle before he kissed you softly once more, the promise of what was to come still lingered behind the action despite his best attempts to keep it brief.
You took a few hesitant steps away him and then gathered yourself and went about your task- your walk brisker than before.
--
Hunter watched you before he moved out from the shelter of the pillar. He spotted Omega sitting with Lyana by the Maya tree. He called over to her.
“What’s up?” Omega asked breezily as she jogged over to him.
“Can you round up the boys and meet me at home? I’ll get Echo on comms.”
“How come?” Omega asked curiously.
“There’s a mission I’m gonna need all your help with. But it needs to just be the five of us.” He indicated to where you were making a purchase. “Think you can get Lyana to delay her return?”
“A mission? Then why can’t-” An excited gasp left her as she saw the silent but confirming look that Hunter gave her. They’d all been eagerly waiting for this. “Yes! I’m on it!” She sprinted off back to Lyana, chaotically relaying the instructions before she ran go find the others.
Hunter laughed to himself as he saw her enthusiastic departure before he hustled off back home and readied the comm channel for Echo. It didn’t take long for the clone to answer.
“You better be calling for the reason I hope you’re calling for.” Echo said by way of greeting.
“Think you can help me out?” Hunter replied with a validatory nod at the holoimage of Echo and he saw the way Echo’s shoulders lifted as he realised it was finally going to happen. Hunter had talked to them all about it in the days after arriving on Pabu and it had been met with an enthusiastic yet somehow still teasing response. It reminded him of how he felt back before the two of you officially got together, with the others just waiting for it to happen. He’d wanted to do it sooner, but your circumstances changed, and so he wanted to wait until both of you were recovered. And, whilst they’d all accepted his decision to hold off, they had been impatient for this day for both genuine well-being purposes but also because they wanted it for the two of you- his family were very supportive and insistent on him doing this. With things faring better, he felt comfortable doing it now. “I don’t want to take you away from anything urgent or-”
“Name it!” Echo said with a pleased smile.
Before he could get into what he needed Echo to do, he heard the door open. Hunter half-turned to see the crowd of eager and motivated faces made up of Omega and his brothers.
All of them gathered round him and Echo’s hologram.
Hunter took a deep inhale and exhale. In a strange way, this was going to be one of the most important yet daunting missions he’d undertaken. “Alright, we don’t have long before she gets home. Here’s what I need…”
Tagging: @noeasyisnoisy, @notgonnaedit, @arctrooper69, @andreaaxy, @dominoeffectsworld, @allthingsimagines , @nightmonkeysstuff , @jellybeanstacey0519 , @callsign-denmark , @superbookishhufflepuff , @qvnthesia @justsomerandompersonintheworld
Next Oneshot>
#the bad batch#the bad batch season 3#the bad batch s3#hunter x reader#hunter x femalejedi!reader#hunter x fem!reader#hunter x female!reader#sergeant hunter#sergeant hunter x reader#hunter tbb#hunter the bad batch#the bad batch x you#hunter x y/n#tbb hunter x reader#the bad batch fanfiction#star wars#friends to lovers#angst#fluff#hurt/comfort
165 notes
·
View notes
Note
I miss Tech. I know you might not be able to write for awhile and I get that. If you feel up to it though could you please write a fic where Tech is able to come to Pabu after tantis and finds out the Marauder is gone. Maybe reader (platonic/aromantic) comforts him with hugs and memories tks
Hello! I have some pretty strong feelings about Tech and how we still didn't see him in the entire last third of The Bad Batch. Here is hoping he will come home soon. And in manifestation of this....
Tech x GN!Reader
Warnings: Mention of injuries, but nothing explicit. No indication of whether Tech was CX-2 or not. Tech lives, obviously!
You sat on the landing pad near the ocean. It was empty now, but the last few remnants of the Marauder were only recently removed. In the rush to get to Tantiss, the people of Pabu did their best to help clean up the mess from the explosion while Wrecker, Hunter, and Crosshair left with Phee. You were among them, trying to grab whatever you could and sort through anything that you felt the brothers would want to keep. There wasn't much. Thankfully Gonky, Lula, Tech's goggles and various pieces of armor were already removed when the ship exploded. You did, however, manage to find and keep one thing.
You smiled to yourself as you looked down at the yoke and the lever used to jump to hyperspace.
"You recovered it?" Tech asked as he approached.
"I did," you replied with a smile. "I thought you might want to keep it."
Tech sat next to you with a flinch and sighed.
"You okay?" you asked.
"I'm better today." He was still healing, but mostly there. His family had waited until he was better to tell him about the Marauder. He didn't take it well, although he tried to insist it was merely a ship that could be replaced. You all knew better, but it was Tech's way to try to process the information.
Tech reached for the yoke and you gladly gave it to him. He held it in his hands as he had done hundreds of times while piloting the ship. It fit his grip perfectly.
"I requested this particular part," he said. "I requested the modifications to the Marauder. I was nine, but argued that since they felt we were nearly ready for battle, we should be able to get the best equipment. They made some of the modifications, but I made most of them. Even the ones they deemed unnecessary."
He reached for the lever and you handed it to him. He felt so natural holding these pieces, yet they were less familiar since they were no longer attached to anything.
"What was it like when you first flew the Marauder?" you asked.
Tech fondly smiled and answered, "The training simulations were not adequate, but I adapted quickly."
He grimaced, now faced with the thought that he would never fly his ship again. He would never have that home again. He took in a breath. Things changed, but he wasn't alone. He made it to Pabu, their new home. He put the yoke and lever aside and tried to smile at you. You opened your arms to invite him in for a hug if he wanted it. He didn't hesitate. He'd been separated from his family and friends for so long. He rested his head against yours and you held each other. While he wasn't usually one to cry, a few tears trickled down his face.
"I cannot explain why I feel this way. I'm home. We lived. I should only feel gratitude."
"It's okay, Tech," you reassured. "Sometimes I can't put my finger on my feelings, but I simply feel them. We're all built a little different. Besides, you survived a terrible fall. It takes a toll on your body, including your exceptional mind."
He nodded and took in a deep breath. You held him a little closer and waited for him to feel ready to let go. You stayed up with him and watched the ocean while he spent the night telling you all kinds of stories about flying and the modifications he wanted to make on a new ship.
#tbb#tbb fanfiction#tbb tech#tbb tech lives#the bad batch#the bad batch tech#tech lives#tbb tech x reader#tech x reader#tech anon#tech x platonic reader#tbb tech x platonic reader#tech x gn!reader#tbb tech x gn!reader#reader insert#platonic reader
126 notes
·
View notes
Text
Been There, Done That
Tech x fem!reader
Fandom: Star Wars: The Bad Batch
Summary: Some things never change.
Warnings: angst, unrequited love (i love Phee tho, don't get me wrong), bit of low self-esteem, jealousy, slightly implied cheating maybe
A/N: Oneshot is based on the song "On My Own" from the Les Miserables musical.
You remember that day clearly.
You were a singer at Cid's dingy parlor in Ord Mantell, earning just enough to get by. Lucky you that Cid let you stay at an adjoining room to her business place. Her parlor wasn't that famous, nor was it that underground either. There were a few regular patrons here and there; a lot of times, new faces would appear once and never come back. You didn't see that much hope in your future, either. You figured you would be stuck there forever.
Until they came.
At first, you found it odd that a group of clones came into a parlor. Even worse that they brought a young girl with them. That definitely made you suspicious. Who would bring a child in this shady place?
You couldn't even tell that they were clones at first---or even that the girl was also a clone. The men's armor seemed to be very different from the usual white and painted armor. These clones had black and red armor (save for one, who had light grey and red). They looked different, too. While all the other clones were identical---save for the varying hairstyles, scars, and tattoos---these clones didn't even look like clones at first. One was a huge giant, one was pale with cybernetics, one had a giant face tattoo and long hair, and one was slightly lean with goggles. Let's not even get started on the girl.
These clones---Clone Force 99 or the Bad Batch, as they want to be called----reluctantly started to work for Cid until it became a regular deal. And so it was that their missions for Cid would lead them to be in the parlor frequently. They would catch you performing sometimes. And sometimes, when time would permit it, they would chat with you for a bit. Omega was the bubbliest of the bunch, always asking you to play with her if time permit.
You remember that day clearly.
That one fateful day, though you wish it wasn't under such circumstance.
Omega had come running in the parlor. Trailing behind her were her brothers, covered in several cuts and bruises, especially Wrecker, who was also limping.
That was the start of it all.
Ord Mantell as a whole is a shady place. Coupled with having witnessed countless bar fights, you had to learn first aid. It was a skill you quickly developed through many oppurtunities in the parlor and in the streets. And that was how you helped the Batch. That one fateful day, you were the one who tended to their injuries.
And so it became that you turned into their medic. Just an extra hand staying at Ord Mantell, if they needed; but soon you started to tag along them in the missions Cid gave them. And being their medic meant you spent a good chunk of your time with Tech.
He filled in the gaps of your medical knowledge. Truthfully, you really enjoyed learning anything, so you've always looked forward to spending time with Tech because it always meant you would soak up tons of information. Not only that, you two would always debate back and forth on topics you were confident and very knowledgeable about. It was a fresh change from your routine life as a singer in Cid's parlour.
And it came to no surprise to the Batch that Tech was the person you grew closest to.
Everything was going well, you thought. Everytime you were with him---every smile, compliment, even critique---your smile would be at its brightest. Your ramblings would be at their most energetic. And your heart would beat at its fastest.
But as always with you, the happy things never seem to last.
You remember that day clearly.
You came into Cid's office with the Batch, side-by-side with Tech. There was someone else in the office with the Trandoshan, though. Phee the pirate. You'd recognize that charisma anywhere.
You've met her a few times since Cid seemed to trust her a great deal. You admire the lady too. She's strong, beautiful, witty, smart, independent, charismatic.
Everything you're not.
The way she talked to Tech made you feel odd. You had expected her to chat up Hunter, mostly. But not Tech.
At first Tech didn't even pay much heed to her; and to your own disgust, you were somehow thankful for that.
But as Phee spent more time with you and the Batch---up to the point of relocating to Pabu---Tech and Phee got closer.
They spent much time alone. And even when the rest of you were there, Tech would always give her a smile different than the ones you've ever seen him give to anyone. And his tone---a soft, gentle tone that he's never used on anyone else but her.
And frankly, those were the only signs you needed.
You, Phee, and the Batch had an early dinner which finished as the sun was setting. You had seen the genius and pirate get up and walk away together, laughing about something. You quickly excused yourself from the table, but not before you caught Hunter giving you a soft gaze.
Presently, you've been sitting on a rock on the shores of Pabu for goodness knows how long. Purple with hues of orange paint the sky as the sun has almost completely set. The waves washing upon the shore and recoiling back into the sea in an almost melodic rhythm.
It's only now that you open your journal---yes, a paperback journal as it feels more personal---and begin to write, the light of the sunset and a small lamp beside you shining on the pages.
On my own, pretending he's beside me.
Your mind conjurs up an image of Tech sitting silently beside you on the rock, quietly typing away on his datapad.
All alone, I walk with him 'til morning.
You two would get up and start making your back to Upper Pabu, discussing a new species of plant Tech just read about.
Without him, I feel his arms around me. And when I lose my way, I close my eyes, and he has found me.
As you write those words, it's as if you could feel the plastoid of his armor around your arms and body. A rare gesture from him, but one that you always cherished.
In the rain, the pavement shines like silver. All the lights, are misty in the river. In the darkness, the trees are full of starlight; and all I see is him and me forever and forever!
You recall a mission with the Batch, one that had you and Tech disguised as a couple, dressed in civies, walking down a busy marketplace when the rain poured harshly. You two ran back through a forest by a river to get back to the Marauder. You two were holding hands even, which made your heart thump so much that Hunter had a suspicious look on his face when you came back.
But the scene in your head disappears, leaving you alone with your journal again under the night sky.
And I know it's only in my mind that I'm talking to myself and not to him.
You smile bitterly at the times he seemed oblivious to your flimsy excuses to just even be near him. In hindsight, it's cute and endearing.
And although, I know that he is blind, still I say there's a way for us.
Your smile drops and your head is clear once again.
I love him.
But when the night is over, he is gone. The river's just a river. Without him, the world around me changes. The trees are bare and everywhere the streets are full of strangers.
Your mind drifts back to that memory of you two running through the forest. But this time, you're alone, and suddenly the memory doesn't seem special at all.
I love him.
But every day I'm learning all my life, I've only been pretending!
It's as if a Rancor were squeezing your heart as your write. Your hand shakes, making you almost drop your pen. You recall all the times you've been rejected before Tech---the two other guys that you liked before him. You weren't pretty enough for the first one, he had said so himself, as he didn't deem you mature-looking enough. You had just turned into a teenager, and that was what he was already looking for. You loathed your body and youself for that.
And even though the second one became your boyfriend, he still left you without a word to pursue someone else.
And now that Tech has his eyes on someone else, it's as if you were a teenager again looking for approval from the people she admired.
Were you not pretty enough for Tech? Not smart enough? Not strong enough?
He doesn't have to say anything, you already know the answer.
Without me, his world will go on turning. A world that's full of happiness that I have never known.
Finally, your mind plays back the every memory of Tech and Phee enjoying each other's company. Their laughter, smiles, banter, and affection shoot like blaster fire through your heart.
I love him.
I love him.
"I love him," you mutter to yourself.
But only on my own.
You're alone as you write the last sentence. Stars decorate the night sky like glitter; the waves unrelenting in their charge against the shore. Even in the island of refuge and paradise, full of people and cheer, you feel invisible.
#star wars oneshot#star wars#the bad batch#star wars the bad batch#clone force 99#tbb wrecker#tbb omega#tbb crosshair#tbb hunter#tbb tech#tbb echo#female reader#on my own#tbb x reader
30 notes
·
View notes
Text
II. Going Home
Closure Series
Warnings: SFW Romance between Crosshair x fem!reader, brotherly banter, adventure brewing, life on Pabu
Characters involved: Crosshair x fem!reader x Hunter x Phee x Wrecker
Word count: 3508
Read Chapter I. Nightmares of Eriadu Read the Prequel Series
A few days later, you woke to the home smelling like baked goods again and the sound of Hunter and Crosshair fighting on the roof, again.
“Your work is sloppy!” Crosshair yells across the roof. “You’re the reason we’re up here fixing it again!” Hunter barks back. A loud thud hit the roof. You assume Hunter had thrown a hammer at Crosshair.
“If you hadn’t done such a terrible job fixing it the first time, I wouldn’t have disassembled it a second time!” Crosshair hisses back.
Rolling your eyes, you stand up and walk out of the room to avoid hearing any more brotherly banter. You knew Wrecker was home based on how the home smelled, so you headed to the kitchen to check on him.
You peer around the corner as Wrecker takes another sheet of baked goods from the oven. The entire room was stacked with baked goods, pastries, cakes, breakfast items, dinner items, and more.
“What’s all of this for?” You marvel at the towers of food.
“What’s, what?” Wrecker stands up quickly from behind a counter. You motion around to the stacks of cakes and baked goods, “What’s this?”
“Oh. Well, I miss the kid, so I guess I got a little carried away,” Wrecker says as he looks at the stacks of carbs around him. “But I guess the island might like a few things.”
“I don’t think anyone would pass up your food, Wrecker,” you assure. “Could I have some?” “Well, none of it will eat itself!” Wrecker smiles and hands you a plate of pancakes.
“How was your supply run with Shep?” You ask as you tear into a few pancakes.
“Uneventful, but I suppose that’s good,” he shrugs.
“You were probably hoping for some action, weren’t you?” You chattered.
“Yeah. I don’t seem to blow things up as often as I used to,” he sighs and starts to stir a new bucket of batter. “Life is a little slower these days, even if I’m still dragged along to be the muscle.”
“I think Crosshair and I are going to set out on an adventure with Phee here soon, would you want to come?” You ask, but hadn’t heard Crosshair enter the room.
“Well, now everyone will want to come,” Crosshair rolls his eyes.
“It might not be a bad thing,” you shrug.
“What wouldn’t be a bad thing?” Hunter asks as he enters the room.
“Just a small adventure, you know, to get our minds off things. Reset a bit,” you explain.
“You’re not selling it right,” Crosshair motions.
“Oh no,” you said under your breath as you knew Crosshair would reveal your true intentions.
“She and Phee want to look for Tech on Eriadu,” he announces.
“You what?” Hunter says in shock and takes the half-bitten roll out of his mouth.
You bit your lip and felt your shoulders come up to your ears. “In my defense, it was Phee’s idea.”
“And you were going to go without us?” Hunter presses.
“Not intentionally —” you start.
“But intentionally,” Crosshair butts in and eyes Hunter.
“What’s your problem with me?” Hunter squints at Crosshair and takes a step towards him. You take Crosshair’s hand as a preventative measure.
“Cross, I swear if you bring the roof up, I’m going to ask Wrecker to blow it up a third time,” you complain as you rub your forehead in frustration.
“I get to blow what up?” Wrecker exclaims as he looks up again from his baking activities.
“Fine,” Crosshair sighs and relaxes his posture.
You turn back to Hunter, “Look, Phee will be back soon. We can ask her if she has any details together, but I think she's looking for closure. I agree with everyone, Tech would have established contact with you if he survived. We may be searching for nothing, but at least we’ll know after.”
Hunter studies your eyes and nods, “It might be good for all of us to return.”
Wrecker sits down at the table to join the conversation. He sighs from exhaustion and seems to shake the baking aura off to focus on matters at hand.
“I’d like to go,” he softly declares. “It never felt right leaving him. And we never got the chance to return properly.”
Hunter nods in Wrecker's direction, “When does Phee get back?”
“Tonight,” you respond.
____
You and Clone Force 99 waited at the spaceport for Phee to arrive. Nightfall swept over the island as you followed the lit trail up to the port. After watching the skyline for a while, her ship descended from the stars.
Phee’s gray and blue ship rests and steam releases from the air seal as the door opens.
“I didn’t expect a welcoming committee,” Phee jokes, her hands on her hips as she stands at the top of the stairs.
“Phee,” Hunter cut to the chase, “Can we come with you to Eriadu?”
Phee eyes you, raises an eyebrow, and walks down the stairs, “You’re that bad at keeping secrets?”
“It wasn’t my secret to keep,” you say back.
“Well, the more the merrier,” Phee nods. “We’ll prepare the ship in the morning,”
Hunter nods back and turns to walk back to town, “Crosshair, you finish the roof.”
“Ugh,” Crosshair’s cute disdainful groan in response made you smile.
The next morning, Crosshair applied the finishing touches to the roof, Wrecker packed Phee’s ship, Phee prepped the ship, while you and Hunter gathered remaining supplies from in-town.
“Hunter, do we have a plan?” You ask him.
“Not really. I was thinking we could covertly hike there from the city,” Hunter says as he picks out a few fruit for the ship. “Did you have any ideas? This was your mission first.”
“No,” you shook your head. “Honestly, the chills I felt the first time you told me Tech died outside of Tarkin’s compound haven’t left me.”
“Tell me something,” Hunter pauses his grocery efforts. “Do you really think Tech is dead?”
You bit your lip to focus on what you had heard from Tech’s sacrifice.
“Hunter,” you hesitate, “There are two things about the story that make me curious if he is still out there.”
“And what’s that?” He took a step closer to you and grew serious.
“Wrecker told me Hemlock only brought back the Tech’s goggles,” you mutter.
“Mhmm,” Hunter affirms.
“And you told me that Hemlock would have brought you back to Tarkin’s compound because Tarkin wanted to question you personally about raiding his compound.”
“What are you getting at?” Hunter questions.
“I have a horrible feeling that Hemlock brought Tech to Tarkin for questioning before he had returned his goggles to you,” you nearly whisper.
“You’re saying you think Tarkin kept Tech imprisoned on Eriadu?!” Hunter exclaims. “Why didn’t you say anything earlier?” Hunter’s voice grew louder.
You stood there in silence, feeling the guilt wash over.
“Tell me,” Hunter demands.
“Eriadu,” you hesitate. “I don’t exactly want to go back.”
“You and Crosshair are too much alike,” Hunter scowls and turns from you.
“Listen, it’s just a theory,” you look at the ground. “There’s opposing facts too. How would Tech have survived that fall?” Hunter’s shoulders relax, “That’s true.”
“And knowing what I know about Tech, he would have escaped that compound. Or he would have sent us a message. But he never made contact,” you shrug lightly.
Hunter sighs and places his hand on your shoulder. “I’m sorry I got upset,” Hunter apologizes. “I guess there’s a lot we don’t know.”
“And that’s why we’re going,” you assure.
“I made some poor decisions that day as a leader,” Hunter confesses. “If Tech’s death is anyone’s fault, it is mine.”
“Omega told me Tech would have gone to look for Crosshair whether you approved of the mission or not,” you reply. “That’s oddly been a strength for Crosshair through the years.”
“Hmm,” Hunter nods and returns to his groceries. “I meant to ask you,” he pauses and picks up a few more pieces of fruit, “Why in Maker’s name is Crosshair shooting holes in the ceiling?”
“I’m just letting him do his thing,” you roll your eyes. “You know him, picking fights and picking his teeth are the only way he keeps his brain active when there’s no mission. Which… has been his life lately.”
“So that’s what his problem is?” Hunter chuckles.
“I mean, it makes sense. For a soldier genetically designed to be a sniper, of course his cranial activity would keep him on edge constantly,” you laugh. “Honestly, you two have that in common. It makes sense that you and him butt heads so often.”
“Hmm, I suppose he isn’t guilty of being the only stubborn one,” Hunter notes. He inspects a few more pieces of fruit, places them in his bag, pays the merchant, and turns to you, “Thanks for keeping a close eye on him.”
“I’m surprised he isn’t sick of me yet,” you simper.
“Don’t think he could get sick of you,” Hunter alluded. “None of us had even considered he was a romantic until you turned up.”
_________
Piling into Phee’s ship, Hunter and Phee take the pilot and co-pilot seats. Wrecker sits behind Phee, and you and Crosshair lean against the computer near the door. He reaches for your hand and almost secretly holds it away from his brother’s eyes. You interlace your fingers with his.
Phee gently takes off from the spaceport and pilots her ship to the sky. With a few smooth actions, she prepares to jump to hyperspace.
“Are you okay?” Crosshair asks. You hadn’t noticed that your grip around his hand tightened.
“I’m sorry,” you apologize as you lighten your grip. “I still have a hard time leaving Pabu.”
“I’m what keeps you safe, not that island,” Crosshair reminds you.
“Right,” you surmise sarcastically.
“Let me at least pretend you need me,” he sighs.
“I do need you,” you reassure. “You know I’m a good shot, but you know you’re better.”
“How touching,” Crosshair smiles a little, but you notice he’s a little off.
“Are you okay?” You let your voice drop just above a whisper. Suddenly, his prosthetic hand shakes a little in your grip. You feel your eyes widen and meet his equally surprised gaze. He stuffs the mechanical hand into his pocket, shuffles around you, and puts his opposite arm around you to pull you closer.
“I’m fine,” he whispers, but you knew he knew he wasn’t. He holds his breath for what feels like too long before sharply exhaling, “I’m afraid of what we’ll find… I – I don’t know if I’m ready for this.”
You nod into his chest and tighten your embrace around him. You whisper, “Thanks for letting me in.”
“Only you,” Crosshair quietly notes.
“Are you two loving nerf herders going to help with the plan?” Hunter called from his seat.
You slide out of Crosshair’s embrace and wink at him before walking to the front of the ship.
“Depends on what you need me to do, Hunter,” you deflect.
“We’re going to land just outside of Eriadu City,” Hunter points to a holomap.
“How will we get to the compound without being seen?” Wrecker asks.
“We walk,” Crosshair sighs.
Wrecker groans.
“If we get into a jam, we’re going to need a pick up,” you point out.
“I’ll stay in the city close to the ship,” Phee insists.
“Phee — ” You start.
“No,” Phee points at you, “You know the terrain, and you three should be the first on-site, if we find anything,” Phee continues.
“It will be a long hike. The compound is very remote,” you add.
“We know,” Hunter was lost in a gaze at the map. “If we can follow this rail line,” he traces the holomap with his finger, “Then we can find our answers.”
“I’ll keep my comm close,” Phee vacillates.
You look across the holomap into Phee’s eyes. Her mixed demeanor of determination and melancholy had you worried she wanted to say more. If Crosshair was lost in action, you wouldn’t want to stay with the ship. You’d want to be the one in the forest to find him.
“Will you be okay, Phee?” You ask.
She turns to you and nods confidently. “I’ve heard great things about Eriadu’s past with pirates. I have some exploring to do,” she turns her expression into a smile.
“Stay safe,” you nod confidently back.
________________________ The ship’s airlock released and you descended the stairs into Eriadu City. The skyscrapers were abundant; the trees significantly larger than memory; the air smelled familiar.
“What’s wrong?” Crosshair asks you, seeing the bewilderment on your face.
“Nothing,” you look back at him and then to the sky once more. “It’s been a very long time since I’ve been here. Even the Republic didn’t have clones last time I was here.”
“Hmm,” he looks up with you and places a toothpick between his lips.
“Well, where do we go from here?” Hunter looks at you. Displaying the holomap from your device, you trace a path to the city leading to the outskirts.
“We’ll start heading through the city and exit to the south,” you switch off the holomap and place it in your pocket. You inhale the air deeply once more to revel in its familiarity, then place your air-locking helmet on. “We’ll need to stay unnoticed.” Hunter opts to wrap his head in his scarf while keeping his helmet in a bag at his side. Wrecker and Crosshair dawn their helmets and conceal their weapons inconspicuously under their gray ponchos. You kept your blaster at your side, but would attempt to walk between the clones to be less seen. You turn back to the ship to wave Phee off, but she is nowhere to be seen.
“Is Phee okay?” You ask Wrecker.
“I don’t know. She stayed on the ship,” he relays.
“Ready?” Hunter asks the team. You, Wrecker, and Crosshair give him a nod of approval. Setting off into the city, you stayed closest to Crosshair. You suspect nobody would recognize you in the helmet, but you remain cautious and vigilant. It was an old helmet after all with a bit of a galactic reputation.
The city was still clean, but with Governor Tarkin’s influence in the Empire, the city was much more Imperial than you remembered. School children wore imperial uniforms, the city's walkway and buildings were monochrome, the speeders were limited in styles, and there was no artistic culture other than the large propaganda posters draping from the skyscrapers. The population however had boomed.
“See anything familiar?” Crosshair asks.
“No, not really,” you respond while gazing. “Everything’s changed.”
Within two hours or so, the squad reached the edge of the city and started into the jungle. It would be at least a day's walk before you had reached the rail line to the Tarkin compound.
“Tired yet?” Crosshair nudges Wrecker.
“Not even close,” he banters back with a strong sense of determination.
“What are we up against here in the forest?” Hunter asks you.
Now that you are outside of the public eye, you take your helmet off and run your hand through your hair. “The wildlife is mostly harmless. Nothing we can’t escape or kill.”
“Are there patrols in these forests?” Crosshair asks as he studies the hills through his scope.
“I don’t know. But I wouldn’t be surprised. Tarkin has always been an important political figure on this planet, but now he is nearly indispensable to the Empire. I imagine they’d protect him at all costs and would have heightened security after that Saw Gerrera incident,” you explain. “Sorry for the limited intel,” you add.
“It’s okay. We surprisingly have more intel than last time,” Hunter sighs. “Let’s head in.”
________________________ Back at the ship, Phee leans back into the pilot's seat and ganders across the spaceport's hustle. The large city attracts merchants from all over the galaxy creating hundreds of daily imports and transactions. Phee sighs, stretches, and stands after a few hours of watching the inhabitants.
She opens the doorway to her ship, slips on her leather satchel, and walks down the stairs into the crowds. Sealing and locking her ship, she doesn’t look back as she begins to walk. Passing various shops and businesses, Phee finds a bar and heads in.
Approaching the bartending droid, she sits down on a bar stool and leans into the counter.
“I’ll have whatever he’s having,” she instructs the droid as she points to a random alien across the room.
“Coming right up,” the droid chirps and pours her drink. She catches it as the droid slid it down the bar. She buries her head into her arm and breathes a bit. Reaching for her comm, she picks up her head a little.
“Hunter, what’s your status?” She says confidently.
“Nothing so far. We just made it out of the city,” Hunter reports back. “We’ll check in again soon.”
________________
“All right, now my feet are aching,” Wrecker complains a little. It had been hours of hiking and night would fall soon. “I could rest for a minute too,” you agree and find a rock to sit on.
“How much longer?” Wrecker asks.
You illuminate your holomap and find the rail line to still be a good distance from your current location.
“We’ve made good progress,” Hunter notes. “Should we set up camp now while there’s still daylight or trek through the night?” “Seeing that we haven’t confirmed patrols, setting up camp has its disadvantages,” Crosshair notes. “I feel like we’re being watched.” “I’ve been feeling it too,” Hunter nods. “Have you noticed anything?” He asks you.
You shake your head, “I’ve been nervous since arriving. I’m not sure if my instincts are reliable for this mission.” “Our risk for exposure only increases the closer we get to the compound,” Crosshair mentions.
“True,” Hunter agrees. “We should rest here while we can, but stay alert.”
You and Wrecker nod in agreement. Opening your sac, you pull out your small makeshift tent and begin to pitch it. Crosshair takes one end of the tent and begins setting it up.
“Did you forget your tent on purpose?” You tease him.
“Uh-huh,” he grunts while focusing on setting his side up. You smile at him and pause your work to catch his eye. He notices your gaze and gives you a soft smile back.
Wrecker takes out rations from his pack and begins heating them over a small fire Hunter made. Having finished your camp set up, you and Crosshair join Wrecker and Hunter around the fire. The sky begins to darken and the stars of Eriadu appear, catching your gaze.
“I used to make up stories about these constellations with my brothers,” you say.
“Any good stories?” Wrecker exults.
“It’s all nonsense really. Crix made up a story about a force-sensitive rancor that terrorized villages of Eriadu,” you laugh. You point up to the sky with your finger, “That group of stars there, that’s the rancor. I think Crix called him Mirax the Destroyer.”
“What other stories do you know?” Hunter asks as he sets down his drink.
“Nothing else that I remember, actually. We never spent time learning what legends actually existed here,” you realize.
“Sounds like an Imperial thing to do,” Crosshair sighs.
“Yeah, I never thought about it like that,” you mutter.
“We’ll take the first watch,” Crosshair changes the subject quickly.
You nod in agreement, “Yeah, Hunter, get some good rest. I’ll be relying on your instincts while mine are a little whacked here.” “Fine,” he narrowly eyes you and Crosshair. “Just stay focused, you two.” Wrecker lets out a loud laugh and slaps Crosshair’s back while Crosshair rolls his eyes in response.
“Obviously, we’ll keep watch,” you groan.
Hunter stands and makes his way to the tent. Wrecker stretches and does the same.
“Night, you two,” Wrecker laughs.
“Grow up, Wrecker,” Crosshair huffs. “Heh, never,” Wrecker booms back. He lifts the entrance to his tent and lays down inside, his feet sticking out the end.
Letting the silence sit for a few moments after Hunter and Wrecker’s departure, you wait for Wrecker to begin snoring. After hearing Wrecker’s sounds of sleep echo throughout the camp, you turn your attention towards Crosshair.
You run your hand up his chest and cradle his jaw in your fingertips, moving his lips closer to yours. He pulls you closer and kisses you slowly. With both hands, you tighten your grip around his poncho and let yourself fall back, pulling him onto you. Crosshair deepens the kiss, dancing his tongue with yours, and buries his hands in your hair. Your eyes close and you breathe him in.
He pulls back suddenly as you begin to say, “It’s been so long since we’ve had a moment to oursel–.” You notice Crosshair’s attention is no longer on you. Tracing his gaze, you lean your head backwards to see what caught his attention. You didn’t need to look far.
Standing above you was a masked man, pointing his blaster right at you and Crosshair.
_____
Part III. Familiar Face
++++++++++++++++++++ taglist+ lemme know if you want to be added +++++++++++
@heidnspeak @cloneflo99 @megmegalodondon @tentakelspektakel @maniacalbooper
#the bad batch#tbb#tbb star wars#tbb crosshair#star wars#the bad batch crosshair#tbb hunter#crosshair x fem!reader#tbb omega#tbb wrecker#tbb fanfiction#the bad batch fanfiction#star wars fanfiction#star wars fanart#star wars fandom
17 notes
·
View notes
Text
When the past comes for a visit
Fives x reader
Being discharged from the military had really affected fives so much, as it has been his whole life it was the reason he had been created. Well that all changed when he framed, for some crimes as was stripped of everyone he had love and worked for in life. He had lost the Bother hood and republic he love and fought for, he was alone for some time until he meet you and had started a second chance in life.
y/n " ummm" you soon raise up from bed as you soon get out of bed and ready for the day. You soon look at fives as he lays in bed a bit longer, as you soon made your way downstairs to start making, breakfast.
y/n " ......"
fives " good morning" fives soon came downstairs dressed in his civilian clothes, he had become used to wearing civilian clothes and not his arc trooper armor. he had soon wrapped his arms around you and kissed you.
y/n " good morning my husband will you mind setting the table" you are twi'lek women that had been living a independent life on Pabu, you had been walking around when a friend of your Phee had someone she wanted you to meet and that was fives. You had showed fives around the place he will call home and get use to, what his life will be like here. Soon enough the two of you becoming friends and soon lovers in time.
fives " yes my love" Fives had soon started setting up the table as you were getting done making breakfast, that when footsteps came down the stairs.
????? " Mooring mom and dad"
y/n " hello children" you and fives did get married over time, had soon welcome kids into the your guys life.
fives " good morning boys" You had given birth to three sons they looked more like fives, and didn't inherit that of Twi'lek features. there was a reason they looked more like their father due to how strong the Jango dna had been.
five " Javjaro, Rocber, and brenoe why don't you all help me set the table or help your mom get done cooking"
Javjaro " yes sir" Javjaro had come help you with dinner as his brothers went to go help their dad.
???? " morning" soon the family attention had been brought to your daughter Lesia. Who was born a twi'lek and in rex and Phee words you mini copy.
Fives " hey sweetie just in time to help us"
Lesia " yeah" Lesia had come to help you and her brother get breakfast ready as the family soon sat down together and, soon ate together.
Fives " I'm going out with Shep today as we are going to check on, some of the are families that came along with the fishers"
y/n " that sounds like fun kids"
Javjaro " Are friend invited us to the town square to have some fun, as we don't have school today is that fine"
Lesia " can I come with you all today"
breno " yes you can"
y/n " yes fives"
fives " do you kids have your homework done"
boys " yes"
fives " Lesia"
Lesia " yes dad"
fives " well you all can go and have some fun my love what will you be doing"
y/n " helping Phee out today as some new shipments had come in"
fives " well that sounds good"
Rocber " dad do you think the war or republic will ever reach here"
Fives " I don't know son there has been some hologram talk about it, but it seems like that might not happened yet but don't worry to much" the kids nodded their heads as the family soon ate breakfast together and talked a bit more as well. Soon you and the kids bid goodbye to fives as he went off, you had went to square with the kids as you bid goodbye to the kids as ran off together.
Phee " there you are and here I thought you will never show up"
y/n " well Im here Phee now lets see what we have today for the shipments"
Phee " right now I see your kids are having a good day"
y/n " they are having good time but we once again had talks about the war"
Phee " yes even after all this time it still going on"
y/n " yes and I don't think it will ever end" The war had been going on longer then everyone had thought, and started leading to many more problems that had come to the galaxy. Once work was over you soon left docks to go find the children.
????? " hello ma'am"
y/n " hello..." you soon turned around to see some clone troopers and a Jedi with them.
y/n " hello how may I help you all"
anakin " I'm anakin skywalk and these are my man we are looking for man, that maybe go by the name fives"
y/n " fives"
rex " yes ma'am we had been told he came here and someone had mention you, might know where he is"
????? " mom" you soon looked and saw your daughter she soon reached you, but stopped when she saw the trooper had the same face of her dad.
Lesia " mom"
y/n " it okay they are just ask some questions"
echo " we don't mean any harm kid"
y/n " sorry the kids here never see troopers dressed like you or Jedi knight that much around here or ever"
anakin " we understand"
Echo " will you be able to tell us if he still here or where he went"
y/n " ......." you stood there in fear of what will happen to your husband if you tell them everything.
y/n " sweeti go find your brothers and stay with them as I have a talk with them"
Lesia " yes mama" the troopers had seen Lesia looking at them as she soon ran off.
y/n " there is some information I might not be able to tell you, as he came here looking for help and he was given that here"
rex " thank you"
anakin " we are not here for any trouble if you are scared about that, we just wanted to talk with him that all and make an alliance if you home as well"
y/n " okay ...."
????? " mom" the group had become shocked when the looked and saw three boys that looked like the troopers, when they were younger one of them having Lesia behind him.
hardcase " those kids look like they could be clone cadets"
jajavo " mother is everything okay Lesia came to us and she seem worried, we came to see what the matter"
rex " we were just speaking with you mom son that all we didn't, mean to scare you sister sorry about that little one"
Leisa " it okay they look like him"
echo " wait do you kids also know about fives like your mom here"
???? " hello everyone" the group soon looked and saw fives as she made their way towards them.
rex " hey fives"
fives " hey"
Lesia " daddy why do these man have your face"
everyone " dad"
echo " did she call you dad"
fives " you all can come with me and my family I will explain everything" no more words had been spoke as the Jedi and troopers had followed the family. It seems like the past has decided to pay the family and visit, but what was more important now was seeing what will happen to them all. Sometime it good when the past comes up but other times it might be good if the past stays in the past forever.
#star wars the clone wars#star wars#star wars clone wars#clone wars fanfiction#clone trooper#clone wars 501st#clone trooper x reader#clone trooper x you#clone wars#clone trooper fives#clone troopers#star wars x reader#star wars x y/n#star wars x you#fives x reader#fives tcw#501st#tcw#arc trooper fives#the clone army#star wars tcw#hardcase#clones#fives and echo#fives lives#tcw fives#fives#clone x you#clone x reader#clone trooper echo
17 notes
·
View notes
Text
Warm- Part 5
Part 1 of 6 in the Complete Series!
Parts 1 2 3 4
Tech x Reader
Warnings: Assault, implied attempted r*pe, this one’s gonna hit a bit hard. I’m sorry in advance and if you’d like to know what happens without reading this part let me know and I’ll cliff notes ya. 🖤
Authors notes: Ok so besides the warnings, you’re gonna be seeing a lot of retconning going on. I just…don’t like allllll of our fav clones being dead or MIA. Also, there are some decisions I had to make that we don’t have canon information on. If that gets changed anytime soon I’ll update this part with the new information.
Luke warm, the temperature of the cup of tea that sat unattended on the counter. The owner was now on his way to the next stop of his journey to freedom. With a happy sigh, you pick the cup up and dump it into the sink behind you. You’d lost count of how many clones you’d helped at this point. It made you happy to know they were all off to hopefully better lives away from the empire. Off to families of their own. Actual homes with normal jobs where their lives weren’t put on the lines all the time.
Zeffos wasn’t the first stop on their journey, more like the third. Here they would get new identities and chain codes. They’d be set up with some money and clothing and moved through the underground tunnels of Ord Mantell. You helped them however you could as they waited for the next leg of their journey. From changing their hair, teaching them about colored contacts, and giving them a place to stay.
Phee had bought the entire building for a fair price and in turn, you’d completely renovated the three floors above the shop. Different apartments with emergency exits were available to any on the Path in need. While your shop mainly focused on helping clones on the run, you’d had a family with a young force user stay with you just a week ago. You’d never believed the whole ‘Jedi were the real traitors’ thing that had been blasted across the Galaxy. You’d seen firsthand how much they cared about the public and the clones. It just never made sense to you.
When Phee approached you about helping those in need escape the Empire, you didn’t hesitate. Now you were two months deep into being a part of…well the resistance. It was going on six months since Tech's death and while you still had moments where your heart ached for him to walk through the doorway, you were surviving. Dreams of him still filled your sleep every night, but instead of waking up in tears, you woke up with a soft smile. In a way, it was like he was rewarding you from the afterlife. Letting you know that he was proud of the hard work you were doing to help his brothers. At least that’s what you told yourself.
“Wolffe just contacted me. Slips on his way to the next leg.” Echo moved across the space behind the bar and next to you. “Ya did well today. Know that one wasn’t easy.” He watched as your fingers stilled against the teacup. “Wanna talk about it?”
“You guys helped him survive an assassination attempt. He talked a lot about helping Tech figure out the access codes to prove Kamino was an inside job.” You shrugged carefully as you placed the cup into the dryer. “Wasn't hard to hear about Tech before Pabu. It was when he asked where Tech was.” A lump formed in your throat for a moment before you cleared it away. “Don’t worry. I filled him in.”
“You shouldn’t have had to. You could have asked one of us to do it.” He was impressed with how you’d been handling yourself in all of this. But every once in a while, he’d see your lip tremble for a moment.
A sigh left your lips as you pulled on your leather jacket over Tech's shirt. “I’m a big girl. I can handle telling people he’s dead. Thanks though.” You didn’t mean for it to come out so sharp, but you also kind of did. “Looks like we’re out of some stuff I need for tonight’s dinner. I’m heading to the market.”
Echo only nodded as he watched you pull your satchel over your shoulder. “ I’ll have WA-7 keep an eye on the place. Gotta work on some more chain codes.” Using the program he and Tech had developed. Echo missed his brother more than most. At times he felt like Fives had sent Tech his way as if knowing he needed that second half. Fives…Tech…felt like he always lost brothers that became too close to him.
“Sounds good. Have her clean around the bar, think someone spilled some milk. Don’t need more pests.” You heard Echo agree as you walked out the door and into the dim alley outside your shop. Even with the new streetlights you’d had installed, the alley was still too dark for your comfort. You checked your boot for the Vibroblade that Crosshair had given you and once satisfied that it was there, you made your way to the grocery stalls.
As it stood you had three extra clones staying in the building. They had been higher-level clone captains and commanders. As such they were heavily wanted by the Empire which meant it took longer for the heat to die down. Someone named Quinlan Vos was supposed to be securing a safe route out for them, but that seemed to be taking more time than you’d expected. Which meant you had three more mouths to feed on top of Echo, Howzer, Phee, and Kix, plus yourself.
A commotion near one of the gambling bars drew your attention and you casually made your way over. The crowd was massive and hard to see over, so instead you tapped the shoulder of the person in front of you. “What’s going on?”
The species turned to you and you realized that you didn’t recognize it, which meant you didn’t speak the language. They uttered unrecognizable words to you in a deep guttural tone as their tentacles waved around excitedly.
“I’m sorry I don’t understand.” You fumbled in your satchel for your datapad, hoping they at least wrote in Aurebesh.
The tentacle went up quickly to their throat and tapped at the translator device. After a moment of fizzing static, a computerized voice answered you. “Racer of Riot Pods Champion, Automan, has been spotted! Most believe death for his absence.” The translation wasn’t exactly perfect as their kind did not have words for the true name of the racer, nor did they possess the ability to make the necessary sounds required to say his name. But it would hopefully be enough to get the point across. Three yellow eyes watched the female before she made a face, uninterested. Confused? Who knew with humans?
“Oh, I don’t know anything about Riot Racing, or Pod racing for that matter. But thank you for the information.” You nodded carefully to the species before you and watched as they returned the gesture with an odd smile. Maker, you really hoped you didn’t just agree to marry them or something. When they turned from you and back to the crowd you took that as a sign that you were in fact safe from an accidental engagement.
-*-
“Excuse me? Can I get a cup of tea? Anything you’d recommend?” John sat at the bar of the comfortably lit tea shop Gonzo had found. He wasn’t sure exactly what kind of tea he was looking for, but hopefully something would jog his memory. The last two months had been spent in preparation for this trip. Research on Ord Mantell City and its many shops. Research on how to safely leave Eriadu and not draw attention to the village.
“This is a one-way trip, John. We can’t go with ya. Can’t risk too many ships goin in and out. We’ve stayed out of the Empire way this long.” Gonzo had handed him a satchel with supplies to survive on his own for a while. A decent amount of credits had even been placed in the bag. “Entire village chipped in. Ya find your family, John.”
John watched as the droid in front of him shook her head awkwardly. “I am not programmed to recommend beverages. Please make a request from our menu.” With a clatter, a menu was placed in front of him before the droid moved away to help another patron.
Tanned fingers moved across the datapad as something pulled at his mind. These were…familiar. The design was something he’d seen before. John groaned softly as his head began to ache. Flashes of distant memories clawed their way to the front of his mind. A woman smiling at him as she worked on the menu. A cup of tea next to her leg as she sat on…something. He couldn’t make it out. John closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose as he tried to focus.
“Be better if ya came back when the lady of the shop is here.” A stranger at the end of the bar spoke carefully to the newcomer. Seemed the man was suffering from some kind of head problem. “She’s a smart one. Always knows exactly what ya need.”
“Not too bad on the eyes either.” Another voice echoed from across the room.
“Not too bad?” The man at the bar scoffed loudly before looking back at the newcomer. “She’s positively a goddess. Ya wait around long enough and you’ll see.”
“Do you know when she’ll be back?” John wasn’t sure who this woman was, but if she was good at recommending tea then hopefully she could help him.
“Stepped out to get some supplies for the shop. Said she’ll be back in a bit. She’s never gone for more than an hour.” A regular from a table in the corner spoke to the mysterious new man.
John made a face for a moment before standing. “Think I’ll come back later then.”
“Suit ya self.”
-*-
Your trip to the stalls had been eventful as always. There always seemed to be something new popping up and you’d managed to grab some lovely fish that came from Naboo. Or so they said. During your time here you’d quickly learned to take what some people said with a grain of salt. The only thing you knew for sure was that the Mantell mix that Wrecker and Omega were oh so very fond of, was indeed delicious.
It was at said stall that you heard something that almost made you drop your bag of groceries.
“Did you hear? That Riot Racing champ was seen here in the city!”
“That cute one? What was his name again? It was so plain.”
“Started with a T. Tom? Tim? Tech?”
You stared at the Mantell Mix stall owner as the voices became harder to hear. Couldn’t be him. They had to be confused. A lot of names sounded like Tech…right?
“Here ya go, firecracker. Ya sure ya don’t need help?” The stall master watched as you came out of whatever daze you were in. When you shook your head, he nodded before passing you an extra container of mix. “Send that to my favorite customers. Miss seeing them around.”
“Will do, Thanks.” You grabbed your supplies and began to head back toward the shop. Usually, you rushed, your feet naturally moving quickly. Today you decided to take your time for once. Take in the streets lined with stalls, the children running around, and the magnificent smells of fresh spices and herbs. You allowed your mind to drift, to think about what life would have been like if Tech had survived.
He would have come back to Pabu, probably with a new cut or bruise. He wouldn’t run to you and scoop you up as they did in the holovids. That wasn’t like him. He’d be the last of the ship, and would say something along the lines of “I needed to make sure this part of the ship had settled properly.” Something like that, you weren’t good with ships. But you’d smile and tell him it was ok and then you’d lead him down to the sea wall. Together you’d sit on top and watch the waves roll in as he told you about their adventure. Not sparing a single detail. His hand would find its way wrapped around yours and then he’d kiss you softly.
You’d fall into a happy rhythm with each other, like before. But now you were something more than friends, a couple. He’d hold your hand at every chance he could. There was no doubt that he loved to touch you, to hold a part of you, or be as close as possible. Your warmth and happiness were all he’d need to get through the day. Every day you’d sit on the sea wall together and watch the sunset and every night he’d say the same thing to you before you’d part ways. “ I hope I did not offend you.”
In which you’d smile and rest your head against his shoulder as your eyes closed. A hun would leave your lips as you enjoyed the warmth of him being near you. With a gentle whisper, you’d tell him in a teasing tone. “ You could never offend me.”
-*-
John wasn’t sure what he was looking for as he wandered the damp streets and alleys of Ord Mantell. Maybe someone would recognize him? Or maybe a familiar scent would find its way into his nose and he’d remember something useful. Perhaps a familiar sound would trigger something? Whatever it was, he hoped it would come soon.
All of these alleys looked the same and he was sure he was lost. That dumpster looked familiar from earlier, or did it? This area was a maze and down each alley, there seemed to be countless illicit activities going on. A spice dealer down this one, a worker of the night down another. It was all more than he’d expected to deal with. He just needed to find the right one back to that tea shop.
-*-
“Now look who it is. Little miss too good for a Trandoshan.” A large figure loomed over you as you stood outside the back entrance to your shop. WA-7 must have locked the damned thing again and your hands were too full to enter your code. It was high time you updated her to stop that. His large hand rested against the door behind you preventing it from opening.
“Fang. Seems your last fight with Wrecker didn’t teach you anything. Leave me alone.” You adjusted your container of groceries and tried to slip under his arm but found the items thrown to the ground instead.
“There’s a difference now. He ain’t here. Saw him leave the planet three days ago.” Fang licked his mouth sickeningly as he looked down at you. Such a frail thing, you’d be a fun toy to play with.
You scoffed loudly as you began to slide down towards the ground, your hand slipping towards your boot and your weapon within. “Doesn’t mean I’m not able to protect myself from someone as ugly as you.” Just a little bit farther and you’d have your vibroblade.
Stars, he loved how you put up a fight. Reaching down he grabbed your chin and easily lifted you back up. “That big mouth of yours is gonna get ya in trouble, human..” Growling deeply he pressed against your body and chuckled darkly. “Perhaps you should put it to better use.”
“Gag! As if!” Swinging your leg, you aimed for his crotch but found resistance instead.
“After your little stunt last time, I came prepared.” His other hand moved away from the door and gripped your side tightly. “Now stop resisting and just enjoy yourself.”
A scream escaped your lips as you fought his hold. Your fists swung down on his shoulders in hopes of breaking free somehow. Wrecker and Hunter had insisted on teaching you self defense, you should have accepted their offer. You felt his hand cover your mouth in an attempt to silence you. But that instead worked in your favor and allowed you to bite down firmly against him.
With a growl, Fang dropped you to the ground. Crumbling against the wet cold pavement, you feigned curling into a ball to protect yourself. The movement hid you pulling your vibro blade out.
“Stupid Bitch!” Fang swung his thick leg into your side forcing your body towards the wall. A smirk crossed his scaled lips as he approached you. Awake or unconscious, it didn’t matter to him, he’d take you either way.
You heard his large foot take its place next to your head before the feeling of your hair being pulled ripped through your body. Another scream left your lips as he lifted you. Like hell, you’d go down without a fight. Swinging the blade quickly you felt it make contact with his thigh. You were dropped to the ground with a thud and you listened as a growl of pain left him. Good.
Fang stumbled back as his leg began to bleed. Fucking human bitch, he’d kill you first then screw your corpse. It didn’t matter to him anymore. In front of him, you scrambled to stand and make your way to safety.
Turning your back towards him had been your biggest mistake. A large hand gripped the back of your neck and with just barely enough time to throw your arms up, your head was thrown into the wall. A gasp was ripped from your body as pain and something wet clouded your vision.
“Gonna teach ya a lesson,” Fang smirked as he used his foot to shove you into the wall. “Don’t know why my brothers claim human count is the best. You’re too much damn work.” Kneeling behind you, his hand wrapped around your throat tightly. “Better be fucking wor-“
His words were replaced with the sound of electricity followed by a thud. You couldn’t make anything out as you scrambled to turn around. Whatever was on your face had completely blocked your view. “S-stay back.” Your hand scrambled across the wet pavement for your vibroblade. It had to be here somewhere.
Something…familiar, gripped your hand carefully and placed your bald back into your hand. Quickly you wrapped both hands around it and raised it in whatever direction you thought the other person was in.
“It’s ok, miss. I won’t hurt ya.” John kept a safe distance from you but also tried to reassure you he wasn’t going to attack you. He’d stopped for directions to the tea shop and on his way in the right direction, he heard your screams and acted on an instinct he didn’t know had.
Your heart stopped at the sound of his voice. A voice that you’d heard so many times from so many faces but was also so painfully unique. This day hadn’t been fair to you, first, you’d heard his name more times than you’d wanted to, and now? Now you could swear that was his voice. Maybe you’d been working too hard? Or maybe you’d fallen asleep to his audio logs one too many times. Whatever this was, it was a cruel game being played on you by the universe. “W-what happened? Who are you?” It wasn’t him, you knew it wasn’t. The way he spoke wasn't how Tech used to. Whatever hope was building inside you was squashed with that singular thought.
“Names John. I tasered your attacker.” At least he hoped he was your attacker or else you two were into some interesting role-play. “Can’t say how long he’ll be down though. We should probably get moving.” Carefully he placed his hand on top of yours and lowered them to the ground. “Promise I won’t hurt ya.”
You chewed your lip for a moment, the taste of copper exploding in your mouth as you did so. Blood was what was running down your face. This was a gamble you’d have to take. “Shop behind us is mine.” You hissed as you tried to stand, it felt like a rib was broken. Maybe two. You blinked a few times trying to clear your vision, but failing in the process.
John moved quickly to help you stand, still trying to keep a safe distance from your blade. “Here, let me help ya.” When you nodded, he moved in front of you and went to grab your elbows, instead his hand missed and brushed across your breasts. “Shit, I’m sorry.”
Leave it to man to try and cop a feel. A scoff came from your lips as she tried to find the hem of your shirt that was dry. Step one was to clear your eyes, step two was to slap whoever this was. But then he said something that made a lump form in your throat.
“Sorry if I offended you.”
No, it couldn’t actually be him. Your hand scrambled against the wall trying to find the panel for your door. New plan, get inside, clean your eyes, and if it is Tech. Kill him.
“Here. Let me help.” John paused as he looked at the panel. “Sorry to ask this but what’s your code.”
Your hands paused against the wall, changing the code was easy, but saying it out loud was hard. Swallowing, you pushed the lump down and allowed the words to come out. “ 9902”
John’s hand froze over the panel as something else pulled at his mind. That code was…familiar. Tapping in the code, John carefully maneuvered you into the back room of your shop before closing and locking the door. “Where’s your first aid kit?”
“Main Kitchen. Top shelf near the dried fruits, three to the right in a brilliant blue box marked five zero one.” A gift from Kix after Echo and the others had saved him from the Obrexta III.
“From what the boys have told me, you're a bit of a clutz. Probably good to have this on hand.” He’d passed it to you with a wink and a smile.
John moved you to the main kitchen carefully before helping you sit on the counter. “I’ll be right back.” Then he was off, into your kitchen to find the familiar-sounding box. Everywhere he looked he could see containers of tea leaves, fruits, and herbs. A marked container of dried berries let him know he was close.
“Mistress? You are currently bleeding from your right eyebrow. I recommend immediate medical action.” WA-7 loudly made her way over to you.
“Obviously, WA! Do me a favor and go get Echo. Quietly please.” The sound of a box scraping across the ground let you know she had turned.
WA-7 tilted her head at you for a moment before turning and making her way toward the office. “Of course mistress.”
“She goin' to get help?” John had found the kit and was now making his way back to you. It was a surprisingly heavy kit and with just a quick glance, he’d seen it was filled to the brim with supplies. It seemed like a lot for a simple tea shop. But who was he to judge?
A long sigh came from you as you heard the kit placed down. “Yeah. Trust me. She’s more useful doing that than helping us.” The sound of water turning on, hit your ears. Hopefully, that meant he was getting you something to clean your eyes.
“Not a fan of droids?” John carefully took your hand in his and placed the warm towel. Behind him, the water continued to run. “Let me know if ya need that rinsed.”
The hot water on the rag cut through the blood on your eyes easily. “Not that droid.” Two swipes and you felt your left eye becoming easier to open. “She’s more useless than anything. Can’t even begin to count how much time I spent trying to reprogram her.”
“You know how to program droids?” The cloth was passed back to him and John carefully rinsed it into the sink. The water ran red for a bit as he waited for you to answer.
“Kinda, my…” What had Tech been to you? Your lover? No, you’d never slept together and had only just kissed before he left. Your teacher? It felt like it was obviously more than that. “My…friend was teaching me before he died.”
John paused as he began to pass the cloth back to you. “I’m sorry for your loss.” Was that the right thing to say?
“Thanks.” Was all you could seem to say as you heard hurried boots coming towards the kitchen. The cloth ran across your eyes once more and finally, you could open them.
The moment Echo had heard you were bleeding, he was gone. The comm he’d been on with Rex remained open as he left the room and tried to figure out how you’d been hurt. Turning into the kitchen his feet stopped as he took in a man taller than you. A mess of brown curls hung to his ears and his slim form carefully moved to the side to reveal you on the counter. Who the hell was this?
John heard the sound of someone approaching and he figured it was one of your employees. Turning to introduce himself he heard a gasp from behind him.
You and Echo spoke in unison as the face of your helper was finally clear to see.
“Tech?”
Tag list:
@rndmpeep
@sarahskywalker-amadala
@queenariesofnarnia
@idoubleswearimawriter
Want to be added to the tag list? Let me know!
#clone wars fic#tech x reader#tech x you#the bad batch season 2#the bad batch tech#the bad batch#bad batch fic#bad batch tech#bad batch
65 notes
·
View notes
Text
Sins of the Past: Brown Eyes
Summery: A collection of drabbles set in my modern au where the Bad Batch raise Omega after rescuing her from the abusive hands of their mother. In this chapter, Tech finds himself constantly running into the one and only Phee Genoa.
A/N: I have fallen head over heels for Tech x Phee! Tech deserves some love! And Phee is so cool! I had to write a chapter about them! I hope this fluff makes up for all the previous load of angst as for once this chapter does not contain any warnings! I hope you enjoy! And Happy Bad Batch Finale Eve everyone! I can't believe the season is almost over already! Thank you so much to everyone who's stuck around with this fic since season 1! Or if you started reading in season 2! The amount of support I have gotten from this fic has been unbelievable so again thank you! Xxxxxxxx
Tech had always been good at spotting patterns. Whether that be in art or maths or people. And recently he had begun to notice a pattern emerging in regards to one person in particular.
It all started when he and his brothers were fixing up Cid's bar. Bolo and Ketch had gotten into an argument with another couple which ended up with the two of them getting thrown across the bar into the wall. Cid had brought them in to fix the old wooden panelling.
Whilst they worked, the bar was supposed to be closed. But that didn't stop a woman with dark skin, golden coiled hair and an upturned smile from walking in. Tech was about to inform her that they were currently closed, when Cid brushed him off, saying that the woman was an old friend of hers that had recently moved back into town. Her name was Phee.
Tech hadn't given their first interaction much thought. She had hung around the bar, chatting to his brothers whilst she caught up with Cid but besides calling him Brown Eyes, they didn't talk much.
The bad batch had made a habit of going to Cid's bar for dinner on Thursdays as it was one of its quieter days so Cid gave them a personal discount if they came. Not long after their first meeting, Tech noticed that Phee had also begun to make a habit of appearing on Thursday's, to hang around with Cid and enthral Omega with tales of her exploits as a treasure hunter. At first, Tech assumed that as a close associate of Cid, Phee was also taking advantage of a personal discount.
But then she started making an appearance at their jobs sites as well. Not seemingly on Cid's behalf, just to tell more of her tales whilst they worked. Tech didn't mind her presence as she never distracted him from his work and he had to admit that he did find her stories entertaining if outlandish. At the time his new hypothesis was that she was simply making up for lost time by catching up with Cid after being away for so long.
And then she showed up outside of Omega's school.
Tech was waiting to pick up his little sister when the familiar voice called out across the playground.
"Fancy seeing you here Brown Eyes!"
He turned around and as expected, leaning against the school fence stood Phee.
"Good afternoon. I'm here to pick up Omega. What are you doing here?" He asked, as she made her way over to him.
"Well I'm here for my niece." She replied, "Ain't that a coincidence huh?"
Tech was starting to put the pieces together that their continued meetings were probably more than a coincidence.
But before he could delve deeper into that thought, the school bell rang out across the playground, shortly followed by the hordes of children.
In the past months under their care, Tech had become quite adapt at picking out the blonde head of his younger sister out of a crowd. He soon spotted Omega running across the playground towards him along with a similarly aged girl with familiar coiled hair and dark brown skin who had to be Phee's niece.
The girl leapt into Phee's open arms. Tech was impressed by the treasure hunter's strength. He knew how deceptively heavy growing children could be.
After a spin, Phee settled them back onto the ground.
"Allow me to introduce Lyana!" She said with a dramatic bow. Lyana gave a welcome wave to Tech.
"A please to meet you." Tech said.
Phee, stroked her hand over the Lyana's head. Although her eyes were on Tech, she appeared to be subconsciously detangling some of the girl's curls. Lyana was smiling at her aunts antics like she was the greatest person in the universe.
Until this moment, Tech hadn't fully realised how good Phee was with children. He knew that she was an engaging storyteller with the exploits she would tell Omega about but he hadn't noticed until now all the extra exaggerations and efforts she would put in to make the child laugh. In fact Phee was very good at a lot of things. Tech had seen her off handily complete her brothers' maths without calculator a calculator as she wondered around their building sites. And she was still the only person who gave him a challenge when playing chess at Cid's bar.
And it wasn't until this moment that he found that the rings of gold in her hair, made her eyes shine like amber.
Tech took his glasses off, to ensure that it wasn't just reflections of the glass. But if anything, the lack of glass only made them shine brighter.
He was so distracted by them, that it took him a minute to tell that Phee had continued talking.
"Now we just need to find something to do to until your Daddy is done with his meeting." Phee was saying to Lyana.
"Maybe you could watch a movie?" Omega suggested. "Tech is taking me to the cinema to see the first Pirates of the Caribbean because they're re-releasing it for its tenth anniversary and I've never seen it!"
"Then you are in for a treat!" Phee exclaimed with her usual enthusiasm. "That's my favourite film of all time!"
"Perhaps you would like to join us?"
Tech wasn't aware he had spoken until he found all three sets of eyes turned to him.
Omega was giving him the same look that his brothers often did when they were around Phee that he hadn't quite deciphered the meaning behind yet. So he turned his focus back to Phee who's ever present smile had settled into something softer.
"Oh Brown Eyes, I was starting to think you'd never ask."
#the bad batch#tbb#tech#phee#phee genoa#tbb tech#omega#tbb omega#star wars#sins of the past#lyana#tbb lyana#lyana hazard#shep hazard#techphee#tech x phee#pheetech
36 notes
·
View notes
Text
Falcon of Detroit (DBH Connor Fanfiction) Chapter One
A/n: Welcome to my Connor x OC story! I hope some of you are looking forward to this story! It'll either be a train wreck or an adventure. Love you all!!!
••••••••••••••••
~Phoebe's POV~
"So..." I fiddle with a pen, tapping it on my desk. "Would you rather eat shit or kiss Gavin on the cheek?"
Hank snorted with laughter. "Definitely eat shit. I'd enjoy it way more than kissing that prick."
"Same here," I concur. From the corner of my eye, I saw Gavin walking this way. "Speak of the devil and he shall appear."
Hank spotted Gavin, as well, and huffed in annoyance. "Great..."
Officer Reed stopped in front of my desk, placing his hands on the edge and leaning forward. "You think you're so damn special, don't ya?"
"Hello to you, too, asshat. And no, I don't think I'm special," I retort. "What do you want?"
"You were assigned to the new rogue case. Captain's sending you to the crime scene in a couple of hours."
"Why the hell am I hearing it from you and not Captain Fowler, huh?"
"I'm just the damn messenger," Gavin spat. "How should I know?" He smacked his hands on my desk before shuffling away into the break room.
"I think this is the only case that I've ever wanted to shoot the messenger more than the sender."
"I'll help hide the body," Hank snickered.
I got up from my desk and headed towards Jeffrey's office. I let myself in and sit down. He pinches the bridge of his nose with a sigh. "Sorry about sending Gavin after you. I was busy with a call from CyberLife."
"Oh, any gossip?" I eagerly ask, moving to the edge of my seat.
"No. It's not something for your ears to hear. Here's the case file." Jeffrey handed me a rather empty manila folder. I flipped through it and noticed it only had a couple of witness reports and a handful of bloody photos. "You're our best detective, Phoebe. I want you on this case. I know you'll find this damn murderous machine and stop it."
"So, I guess I better head to..." I examine the witness report. "Glendale Drive. Maybe I can figure out what these victims have in common and work from there."
"Phoebe, you don't have to leave right away."
"No, I need to find more evidence and not waste precious time. Who knows when this rogue will kill again. I'll report anything I find when I return."
"Make sure to bring your pistol. I know you have a tendency to leave it behind," Jeffrey said.
"I will, I will. I'll see you later, Sir."
Heading back to my desk, I grab my badge and gun. Hank eyed my every move as I readied myself to leave the station. "Where you off to, Phee?"
"Glendale Drive. A slew of murders has residences shaking in their boots. The body count has reached ten and we don't want that number increasing anymore. The worse part: none of the bodies are identifiable. Their faces are all burned off, along with their fingertips."
"Jesus, these rogues are turning more dangerous by the day. Not even the deviants have resulted to cold-blooded murder," Hank comments. "Be careful out there. Wish I could go with you."
"I'll be fine, Dad," I tease.
"Just sayin'."
I smile and tuck the file under my arm. "I'll be back in a few hours. Don't you dare go drinking without me."
The older man scoffs. "No promises."
I shook my head and left the station. I drove to my destination and pulled into a parking spot. I read over the file once more before exiting the car. A few officers were already here, but only a few of them were able to examine the scene while the others held back bystanders.
"Detective Falcon, you're here. I wasn't expecting you for another couple of hours," Officer Shultz said as he spotted me.
"I wanted to check the scene out as soon as possible. Have you found any more evidence?"
"No. With you here, I know we'll find some."
He guided me down the alley and to the dumpster. The smell of rotting flesh and blood tainted the air as we drew closer. Since I was used to the smell, I checked the dumpster closer. Three dead bodies were piled inside with their faces in disarray. Officer Shultz gave me a pair of gloves and I checked the dead bodies' fingers. "Damn, burned off. I do smell hydrochloric acid, though. The rogue must've used it to burn their victims' faces and fingers to make them unidentifiable."
I jumped off the dumpster and sighed. Officer Shultz handed me pictures of the inside of their mouths. "We can't even get dental records because the rogue even poured the acid in their mouths."
"We know these bodies are all male. What about the other seven victims?"
"All male, Detective."
"So, this android is killing males. If we knew who they were, we could also get an age-range or any other connection. Sadly, we can't."
"Excuse me," an unfamiliar voice interrupts my thinking and I jump two feet in the air.
I turn in my heels, hand placed over my racing heart. "Jesus!"
"I'm sorry to have frightened you. My name is Connor. I'm the android sent by CyberLife to aid you in your cases, Detective Falcon."
I tilted my head in confusion. "I'm sorry. I think my hearing is failing me. What did you say?" The machine repeated himself and I knew I had heard him correctly. "Are you, like, some new model?"
"I'm an RK800 prototype."
"Let me guess, you're a detective android?" Connor nods and I clapped my hands tightened. "Great! I hope we can get along. I could use some help with this cursed case."
"What do we know?" The android questioned. I filled him in just as Officer Shultz did for me. I took him over to the bodies so he could scan them. "They were killed before the acid was used. There's damage to the cerebral cortex in all three victims. Blunt-force trauma was the cause of death."
"At least we know they weren't alive when the acid was poured into their mouths," I mumble beside Connor. "That would've been a horrible way to go."
When I saw the android stick his finger in the blood on one of the victims, I raised a brow in confusion. When he wiped the substance on his tongue, I open and closed my mouth like a fish out of water. "What was that?"
"I analyzed the blood. I can check samples in real-time."
"That's... so cool! Disgusting, but cool."
"James Landers. Time of death: one thirty-one a.m."
I froze when I heard him say a name. "When you analyzed the blood, you also got his name?"
"Yes."
I quickly ran to my car, pulled out the file, and wrote down the name. I dashed back to Connor with a pen in-hand. "Can you test the other two victims' blood?"
Connor nods and does as I asked. We learned the other two victims were Francis Rivera and Jacob Turner. Both of them died roughly at the same time James did. "That means the rogue is kidnapping multiple men at once and killing them one after another."
Officer Shultz returned and I gave him the names of the men. He returned to his cruiser and checked to see if the men had anything in common. I waited for him and chatted with the new RK800. "So, CyberLife created a detective android. Gotta say, you're impressive. I just hope you don't take my job from me, Connor."
"I am simply your partner, Detective Falcon."
"You can call me Phoebe or Phee for short. If you're to become my new partner, I'd rather we stick to first names. I mean, it's not like you have a last name or anything like that."
"Also, I will be helping Lieutenant Anderson."
"Oh, so that means we're the three amigos!" Connor was lost at the reference and I wasn't shocked at all. "Um, three musketeers?" No response. "I give up."
Officer Shultz returns and hands me a piece of paper. "Here's what these men had in common."
I took the piece of paper and thanked him. Reading over the short list, my eyes narrowed when I saw the name of a gang. "Salvation? I thought this gang was disbanded years ago."
"The gang was reestablished a few months ago under a man named Harvey Benjamin. Their goal is to cease the creation of androids," Connor replies.
"And the rogue believes they'll accomplish their goal. A gang can't be arrested if they haven't done anything to break the law. It's taking their annihilation into its own hands. We've gotta find out where Harvey is and warm him. I'm sure he'll be the android's next target."
"I'll check the database for his address," Officer Shultz states.
I hit myself in the head with the manila folder and groan. Connor eyed me with a questioning gaze at my actions. "Are you alright, Detective Falcon?"
"I just hope we're able to save this man. We don't need another body. And didn't I tell you to call me by my name or nickname?"
"Sorry, Detective."
"Ah!"
"Apologies, Phoebe."
"There ya go!"
After our chat, we received the address from Officer Shultz and left to pay Harvey a visit. Connor hopped in my car without question and I sped off. It was silent in the car until we pulled up in front of Harvey's house. I made sure my pistol was in its hostler before getting out of the car. Connor followed after me and we headed to the front door.
I knocked on the door and prayed someone would answer. The door opened moments later and I showed the man my badge. "Harvey Benjamin, my name's Phoebe Falcon. I'm a detective and this is Connor, my partner. We're here to take you to the station."
"Why? Have I done something wrong?"
"No, Sir. We believe you're the next target of a rogue android. He's killed ten of your gang members in the past week."
"But, I—"
"Sir, we don't have time to explain everything," Connor said, cutting off the older man. "Please, come with us." Harvey nods and we leave his house without incident.
Back at the station, a few guards take Harvey off our hands and I head to my desk with the android in tow. Hank was nowhere to be seen and I saw it was almost seven o'clock. "What a day. With Harvey safely at the station, the rogue won't be able to target him unless it's a complete idiot and will do anything to kill him. Let me report to the Captain. I'll be right back, Connor."
-An Hour Later-
I exit Jeffrey's office and heave a sigh, dragging my feet all the way back to my desk. "Geez, that report took forever..." At my desk, I saw Connor was examining the picture I had of my mom and dad. He was frowning and I was curious as to why. "Connor, what's wrong?"
"Your father died of cancer when you were five and your mother passed away from a heart attack on your eighteenth birthday."
"You got all that from a picture?"
"I scanned the photo and I was able to find their death records."
"Impressive. What else can you do?" I ask, changing the subject to get away from my deceased parents. Connor shared all of his functions with me and I was amazed. He was, indeed, Cyberlife's most advanced android yet.
"Phoebe?" Connor called my name.
I blinked a few times and realized I was staring at him. "Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to stare. It's just... you're amazing and I get to work with you. Not sure Hank will be so happy to be working with an android, though. Speaking of the old geezer, I promised we would go drinking tonight. Guess we better start searching the bars. He loves too many of them for me to narrow it down to a single one. Ready to go, Connor?"
The android nods. "Yes."
43 notes
·
View notes