#menstrual tech

[hellodarjeeling]

I don’t often get medical imaging done, but when I do it’s while I’m using a menstrual cup (and have to explain what it is to everyone who looks at my scan)

[gynoids-over-androids]

finally my art residency is over, culminating in an exhibition. i created an installation about tech liberating women from a radfem perspective, through re-mater-ializing women's history. specfically female warriors, queens and goddesses from one matriarchal society that ACTUALLY existed in 400 bc. i remodeled and 3D printed artifacts of this society, depicting these warriors, goddesses and queens (the smaller parts of the installation). if tech in male hands can erase and dismember women, it can also do the opposite in ours. i succeeded in making a piece that doesn't mention moids at all and inspires #hopeforwomen by combining a futuristic aesthetic and ancient female history.

the installation is made from wood that i cut by saw and by laser. it's a shrine that is separated in three parts: the mother (bottom disk, depicting a vulva, symbolizing reproductive creativity), the maiden (the middle disk that looks like an electronic circuit, representing curiousity, thirst for knowledge, innovation - scientific and technological creativity ) and the crone (top parts, artistic creativity and history, features 3D printed Scythian artifacts that depict their matriarchs and goddesses, and laser cut red plexiglass that symbolizes menstrual blood and radiates technomatriarchal vibes from the top of the piece lol). the maiden/circuit part has an NFC tag. If you touch it with your phone, it opens the historical resources about the Scythian matriarchy&amazons. the maiden and the mother disk are connected by a reprinted Scythian artifact that depics the Great snake-legged Goddess.

the exhibition opening was a huge hit and there were several hundreds of people who visited it, a record for that gallery. i heard praise of my work and one woman was so touched (it reminded her of her spiritual yonic awakening) we exchanged contact information :) common radfem W all around

[izzabela]

HALLOOO... I really love your work sooo much, jshsjsjshsjs. I can't get enough to re-read, so... can I get a request about the lin kuei Bros or earthrealms champion or both? so the reader has a sakura power (from Naruto), you know healing power and a MONSTER PUNCH so their friend/girlfriend on period and got sooo moody when she watched her friends/boyfriends not around her to calming her (cuz period was so suck and cramps hurt like hell) when she seeing (one of the lin kuei bros or earthrealms champions make a mess to her) and she was sooo mad and didn't realize she punch him in the face until it hits the wall. and the rest I leave to you.

sorry if my English is not understandable and messy (this is my first request, so I'm typing it with a lot of nerves). Thank youu

Packs a Punch - Roster Fic (not all of them are included)

in which your menstrual cycle affects those around you in a different way

a/n: i'm starting my period! also, i really tried to write for all of them, but i fear my brain has run out of juice...

ship[s]: johnny cage, geras, raiden, tomas vrbada x f!reader

warning(s): none, f!reader = f!genitalia, menstruation (though, people should be more informed on it regardless), throwing in some real examples from myself and other women around me

Dearest, gentle reader, periods suck- but so does having incredible healing power and super strength.

And when hormones and powers combine, a recipe of disaster is baked into reality. Luckily, your "reality" consisted of magic, gods, and eccentric people in a world 99% of the population hasn't even heard of.

Even so, sometimes they feel your wrath- even when it isn't your fault.

====================

Johnny Cage

- poor Johnny, subjected to the mercy of your power during this month's round of menstruation, especially since he's been gone for a couple of weeks for a mission

- poor guy, bringing flowers, chocolate, even a new heat packet with the latest tech (he realized heat was great aid in helping you relax)

- he was so sure he told you he'd be gone for a while during this mission, but all memory is gone when the only thing you're trying to survive your insane mood swings and even crazier cramps

- coming in your shared home, Johnny carefully treads the eerily dark and quiet home. he sees a lump on the couch, and every tip-toe closer to you is a year of his life getting crossed off his timeline

- he can hear you sniffling, and when Johnny just barely utters a soft (and wary) "hello," Johnny's sealed his fate

- you're ripping him a new one, crying about how he left you alone to deal with your cramps. how you had to take more advil and ibuprofen than the recommended limit, and how you missed him so

- Johnny's trying to approach you, carefully inching closer and closer to you with all of his peace offerings. honestly, it irks you more that he's treating you like a feral animal than a girlfriend

- "You left me, and now you look at me like I'm some helpless mutt?!"

- one minute, Johnny's seeing your tear-stained face. the next, he's seeing a playback of his life (was it always so vain?). he's also feeling the ground (except, it's supposed to be carpet, so why does it feel like drywall and wood?)

- it's not until his nose tingles, a reaction from the wood-dust and drywall shavings, and he sneezes, and he looks between you and wherever he was laying

- a comedically large, human-shaped hole was imprinted into the wall, and he can't even begin to process it as he's coaxing you to stop wasting tears on a "valid, totally valid" human reaction

Raiden

- Raiden asked his sister to describe her period symptoms in full detail once when he was fifteen (it earned him a slap in the face from her and more chores from his mother). still, she gave him the information, and it remained dormant in his mind until he met his girlfriend-you

- Raiden was attuned to the requirements to keep you comfortable during your period: hot towels, ice packs, warm baths, massages, tea, your favorite snacks and food- he has everything ready to make sure that each menstruation period of yours goes as smoothly as possible

- except when it doesn't

- it's really not his fault, you came home from Madame Bo's short-breathed and panting, sweat lining your forehead as you dropped everything and laid on the floor

- and you'd been dealing with the most awful customers, all of this not being Raiden's fault as he walks in to find you exhausted and drained

- "Are you alright, love?!" he calls out, kneeling down to get you off the dirty floor and to a cleaner space. you sigh, shaking your head as you keep yourself from letting frustrated tears fall

- you allow him to work on you, Raiden wiping your face and makeup off, wiping down your sweaty body, even him kissing your hands and everywhere else as he takes care of you

- it frustrated you, honestly, with how well he could handle everything while you were breaking apart (it's not your fault, but you're not really listening to your brain either)

- he notices your wobbly chin, and the simple question of "What's wrong, lovely?" has you breaking faster than water rushing through a dam

- you admit through warbled noises and wet tears that you hate how well-together he is, how he's always on top of everything, while you're breaking down. you also took this time to cry about work at the restaurant

Geras

- never did Geras think that someone like you could allow him to feel so human. me smiles just a little more, and you've gotten him to chuckle a few times

- though, he still lacks knowledge in other mortal/human things, especially how women's biology works, and yet he does his best to accommodate you

- Geras always brings you tea freshly brewed by Liu Kang for your periods. he's learned how to give massages as well, to ease the pain in your lower back and hips

- Geras has even asked for a sunroom to be built in the Wu Shi, Fire Temple, and the Hourglass realm- places that are familiar to both you and him. still, not even that is enough to save him from your hormonal wrath

- during this period, no tea, massages or sunlight could quell the frustration that bubbled within you. you had been waiting for ages for Geras to open the portal from the academy to the fire temple- it had been three hours since his scheduled time to do so

- cramps already twisting your insides, a searing pain in your bum, and a pulsing in your head indicated that this would not be a good week for you- and Geras just had to make it worse

- your strength got the better of you, stomping into the ground and leaving footprints into the concrete. kicking rocks didn't help either, as the projectiles brought fear to the unlucky students that were walking near you

- when Geras finally shows up, you've practically leveled the courtyard. with that glare you're giving the immortal man, he might as well be next

- "for three hours, Geras!" you screech, holding three fingers up into his face. "three! it's already hot enough with the sun out, but the fact my cramps made it even more unbearable- and this migraine! no water helped me with this either!

- you're giving him a (reasonable) earful on tardiness, how you were sweating in the scorching weather, and how he just forgot about you. obviously, the last wasn't true, he just got caught up in hourglass duties he didn't realize time passed (and can you blame him? he's dealt with enough of it...)

- "i just... i just can't believe you didn't watch the time!" you swung your arms down into his chest, and though he blocked it, he wasn't able to lock his feet in place to deal with the recoil

- he was basically punched into the wooden wall of one of the rooms of the academy. thankfully, no one was inside, but it doesn't cover up the fact he left a huge, Geras-shaped hole in the wall

- you rush over to him, frantically wiping all the splinters off his back and sides, even cleaning up the nicks of blood that began to peek through his skin

- "this is nothing, dearest," he said calmly as he wiped the precipitate off your forehead. "for the pain you endured due to my lack of diligence take more concern."

Tomas Vrbada

- Tomas doesn't remember how he dealt with his sister's periods. if anything, though, he hopes that it wasn't anything close to yours

- it's not that he doesn't love you (he has a ring all ready for you), it's just that he values his life just as much as he loves you. and honestly? he can't keep going into the infirmary of the Shirai Ryu every single month during your shark week

- this week is particularly awful: puking every morning, heat flashes, even fainting- you were not having this feeling of debilitating hopelessness stop you from continuing your daily tasks

- Tomas put you back into bed, strictly forbidding you from doing anything. while that did help some, it could've helped more if he was next to you. it didn't help that he didn't bother to check up on you the entire day

- which leads him into the current moment, trying to calm you down from a fit of pent up rage from today

- "i get that your clan means a lot to you," you began, "but I just don't understand how you couldn't take just a couple of minutes to see me?"

- you keep listing the things he should've done: should've kissed your head as a sign, should've brought you food instead of the servants, should've should've should've

- "Am I just that unbearable?" you probe, and Tomas ferverously shakes his head no. "I don't understand why you didn't see me!"

- Tomas, trying to explain his poor choices, didn't have time to react to the flurry of emotions that came out of you

- bits of anger, lots of frustration, and even more tears, Tomas was finally close enough to give you a hug- at least he thought

- no longer were you in his immediate vision, and instead he saw you running towards him, running past the drag marks in the wooden floors and through sliding door's latest design choice (why did the hole look so much like him?)

- you pet Tomas's hair, stroking the ash-colored hair and peppered his forehead and face in kisses. more tears ensued as you began to chant apologies and "i love you's"

- "no no," he said weakly, getting up from his spot in the gravel (so the courtyard was where I ended up, he thought). "i must apologize for my behavior. And if you like, we can make it up now since brother has released me from my duties."

=====================

i hope you liked this req! i really tried to add more but this is all my brain could allow me, i wrote them

i'll see yall in the next fic!

[arcsimper5]

Flutter

Hunter x F!Reader fic!

I'd like to dedicate this one to the amazing @amorfista

You are amazing! <3

Title: Flutter Pairing: Hunter x F!Reader Rating: M (suggestive language, swearing) Warnings: Pregnancy, angst, mild panic, sickness, vomiting 7202 words

Summary: You've suspected your sickness every morning might be related to something more than you first assumed. When Tech confirms your suspicions, you have you find a way to tell Hunter...

A/N: This is a pregnancy reveal fic at it's core, established relationship between Hunter and F!Reader. Non descriptive reader, pet names in mando'a.

“You are pregnant.”

Tech’s simple statement caught you off guard as you exited the fresher, eyes widening at the goggled pilot. His attention was still firmly on his datapad, fingers dancing over the screen, expression set into one of concentration.

The words had been said without malice, without any emotion, really. Just a fact that he had decided to share, one that made your breath catch in your throat.

“W-What? Tech, I…” 

Stumbling over your words, you looked cautiously towards Hunter’s bunk, your lover still thankfully asleep with his earpieces in, relaxed and even more gorgeous in sleep.

“You have not experienced a menstrual cycle in two standard months, you are experiencing vomiting each morning aligned with morning sickness and our store of corellian greembark slices has rapidly depleted despite your apparent distaste for them,” he explained quickly, eyes darting up to meet yours for a brief moment before returning to his data, scrolling through it.

Blinking slowly as you took in the information, you felt your stomach churn uncomfortably.

You’d been suspecting for a while, the tightness of your breastband one of the first giveaways, along with the almost constantly tingling in your nipples. When the cravings began and you found yourself sneaking out into the kitchen area to grab the barely touched jar of greembark, wincing as you bit into them and chewed the rough surface but unable to stop yourself from going back for more, you were almost convinced.

This assessment from Tech, along with the positive test you’d just used in the fresher, now discarded and wrapped in at least 6 layers of paper before being put into the trash, was the final piece of the puzzle.

“You’re… you’re right,” you sighed shakily, your throat beginning to constrict a little. The familiar pressure of tears forming in your eyes caused your breath to hitch, Tech’s expression changing to one of uncertainty as he looked back up at you, taken aback by your response. “You’re right, Tech, and… I’m so… I’m terrified,” you admitted, a tear escaping to roll down your cheek.

And you were terrified.

How could you not be?

You were on a modified attack shuttle barely big enough for the five of you, hurtling through hyperspace, on the run from the Empire who wanted nothing more than to capture Omega and kill the rest of you. It wasn’t exactly the best situation to bring a baby into.

“A normal emotional response, caused by hormone fluctuations and situational stress,” Tech shrugged, stepping back to allow you to pass towards the cockpit. “Are you going to tell Hunter when he wakes?”

Cold panic flooded your system, catching yourself on the doorway as you went to brush past Tech, your feet catching on the floor. Reaching out to steady yourself, Tech noticed the shaking of your limbs, the pure, unadulterated terror in your expression, and paused, his gaze firmly fixed on you.

He could read all of the signs of the impending panic attack, the reaction in your pupils, the slight pursing of your lips as you struggled to draw in breath, the drain of colour from your skin.

“Ad’ika, your physical state could harm the child if prolonged,” he protested against the behaviour, unable to understand what had caused such a reaction. Was it the discovery of your pregnancy? It had seemed so obvious to him for around a week now, he was unsure how the others hadn’t noticed. “I suggest you sit down. I will wake Hunter, and…”

“No!” you gasped suddenly, voice trembling, “Please, Tech…”

Reaching out, you grabbed onto his forearm, not missing the look of discomfort that flashed across his features but desperate to convince him. “You can’t tell him, you… I need time, to decide what I… If I…”

Trailing off, the lump in your throat grew more and more, tears streaming down your face now.

This decision was literally life-changing.

On one hand, the idea of having a child with Hunter, one the two of you had come together to make, was something that made your heart swell. He would be a wonderful father, you knew. You’d seen him with Omega and thought about it for some time now.

But on the other hand… If you were ever caught or killed, what would the Empire delight in doing to the child of an enhanced clone?

They would be tortured, experimented on, dissected…

The mere thought had bile climbing up your throat for the second time that morning. Pressing a hand over your lips, you released your grip on Tech and sprinted back into the fresher, barely making it in time to empty what little remained of your stomach contents into the bowl.

Kneeling in front of it, sobs began to rack your body, limbs trembling. The burning of your throat and awful taste of bile on your tongue made you feel worse, your back and chest aching from the second bout of violent vomiting.

It was all too much. The revelation, the thoughts about your future, the idea Tech might tell Hunter… He had a right to know, but…

“Not now,” you pleaded through your sobs, eyes creased shut against the world, your body going limp over the fresher as you cried, “not… I need time, I… please…”

The hand that found your back was firm, comforting and definitely not Tech’s, you realised as calloused skin slipped under your sleep shirt, deft fingers tracing soothing circles over your back.

“It’s okay, cyar’ika,” Hunter’s smooth, low voice rumbled over you, comfort and anxiety both flooding you in equal amounts. Unable to meet his gaze, you simply collapsed against him, sobbing against his firm, bare chest. Strong arms held you tightly as he lowered you to the floor, his other hand moving to cord through your sweat soaked hair, “Tech, you got any hydration packets?”

A murmur came from outside, unintelligible to you as Hunter cooed more words of comfort into your ear, careful as he picked you up and held you tight against him, carrying you out of the fresher and towards the bunk room.

“It’ll pass, mesh’la,” Hunter reassured you as he laid you in his bunk, sitting on the edge and taking a hydration pack from Tech, releasing the straw and putting it to your lips. A strong arm still held your shoulders, urging you to sit while he watched you take tentative sips, eyes bleary and unfocused, “Everything’s okay.”

“S’not though,” you managed after a moment, your breath hitching. Hunter noticed your gaze darting around the bunk, focusing on everything except him, his chest clenching a little. Were you still having nightmares? He could smell the fear on you, overriding everything else, hear the pounding of your heart, sense the tenseness of your muscles.

“It will be,” he reassured you gently, leaning forward to press a gentle kiss to your forehead, sighing in contentment as your scent flooded him once more. “I promise you. I will never let anything happen to us, okay? You’re safe. We’re safe. Together, always.”

“Together, always,” you murmured automatically, lips turning up into a tiny smile. It had been your promise to each other, first made after your initial fumble together in the bunks after months of yearning turned into a relationship. 

Leaving Kamino with your squad had never been a question, even if it had meant a blaster shot to the shoulder and a bounty out for your arrest.

None of it mattered. All that mattered was their safety. Omega’s presence had been odd, yet not unwelcome, and now you struggled to remember a time when she wasn’t with you, even war time memories hazed with her.

She was her brothers in every way and more; strong, principled, stubborn and brave, everything a soldier should be, and yet she still carried a childish innocence to her that betrayed her true nature. It was equal parts inspiring and heartbreaking, and she had clung to you like a life raft, clutching you at night and crying out her fears, listing off her dreams and plans for adventure, a piece of your heart shifting to accommodate her as a mixture of sister and daughter.

It was what had pushed Hunter over the edge, in the end. After Salucemi, after his conversation with Omega, you’d been furious he could have even considered leaving her behind, and even moreso that he didn’t discuss it with the rest of you.

What began as an argument turned into a bruising kiss inside your semi-private quarters in the medical bay, your hands pinned by his above your head as lips too soft to be real danced across your skin, lower and lower until you came together like puzzle pieces.

Belonging. It was the only way you could describe it. Hunter was like home, warm, safe and comforting. Familiar.

There were no regrets, just an immediate shift into a relationship which, by all rights, had been there before anything physical. He’d held you close in the morning, kissing you as you woke and making you a promise.

“No matter what, we stay together.”

You’d nodded, smiling brightly before kissing him once more, lost in the elation of your new bond.

“Always.”

Even now, curled up in his bunk as he stroked your hair and calmed you, the memories were as fresh as the day you made them.

You would never have guessed that a mere standard cycle later, you would be here, with Echo, your best friend and confidant back on Coruscant with Rex and the flutterings of life beginning to form inside you. What you wouldn’t give to have Echo here now. He always seemed to know the answer, to know what to do.

The pain of his departure hit anew, more tears slipping down your cheeks as Hunter passed the hydration pack back to Tech and crawled into his bunk alongside you, wrapping himself around you in a protective cocoon.

“It’s okay, cyare,” he breathed, littering kisses into your hair, hands smoothing over your sides, offering as much physical comfort as he could. “Whatever is wrong, we’ll get through it.”

The panic in your chest subsided slightly; at least he didn’t know, for now. Tech had not told him, it seemed, something you would have to thank him for later, in private, and your physical tells hadn’t become prevalent enough.

Nodding against him, you tried to relax, finding solace in his presence, allowing yourself to doze in his arms, even as other voices began to dance through the air around the ship, life returning from the sleep cycle.

“Rest,” Hunter murmured, lips grazing your forehead as he spoke. “We’ll be back at Ord Mantell in a few hours. I’ll wake you when we land.”

With your energy all but depleted, you could only hum in agreement, pressing your nose into the crook of Hunter’s neck as your eyes fluttered shut, security and warmth permeating your very bones. It wasn’t long before sleep overwhelmed you, drifting into a deep slumber against your lover’s chest.

*-*-*-*

Biting your lip, you waited impatiently, staring at the spinning circle on the holo comm, the droning ring seeming to go on forever.

You knew Echo was busy, that his main comm was off, and that using the emergency channel was not the best idea, but you needed to talk to him.

It had been two days since Tech had found you outside the fresher, his expressions whenever he regarded you a mix of curiosity and confusion. He was wondering why you hadn’t told Hunter, you knew, but he had been respectful enough not to tell him, your thanks portrayed in a nod towards him when you’d finally stumbled from Hunter’s bunk almost 9 hours after going to sleep.

The morning sickness had continued, but Hunter and the others were still assuming it was some kind of stomach bug, Wrecker making jokes about staying away from you while Omega gave you her doll, insisting cuddling it would make you feel better.

Even the small gesture had almost brought you to tears, concern written all over the young girl’s face before you’d drawn her into a hug, reassuring her you were okay, that you appreciated her thoughtfulness and you were simply run down.

But the time was ticking, and you knew it.

Before long, you’d not be able to hide the fluttering heartbeat forming within your belly, Hunter’s enhanced senses would make it impossible to hide. You didn’t want to hide it from him, but the uncertainty, the fear still clouding your mind was delaying your decision.

The moment the others had gone on their usual run to Cid’s to hand over their latest acquisition, you’d grabbed your comm and dialled Echo, needing to hear his voice, to tell him, to talk it out with him.

Part of you felt foolish and selfish to boot; he was working with Rex, helping brothers and deep in the heart of the enemy. Risking answering his comm opened up a whole realm of danger for him. Hesitating, you almost cut the call, images of him being captured and tortured flashing through your mind, fresh tears pricking at your eyes.

This was stupid. He shouldn’t have to deal with your issues, be your confidant. He had his own path to follow, and you couldn’t get in the way.

Hovering your finger over the disconnect, you almost pressed it when a familiar figure appeared before you, Echo’s almost omnipresent frown and pursed lips making your heart leap as he rolled his eyes, sighing deeply.

“Havoc, you’d better have a good reason for… Mesh’la?”

His features immediately softened when he registered your face, lips tilting into a momentary smile before fading once more, expression turning concerned as he noticed the fear in yours.

“What’s wrong?”

Those two words were the last crack in the dam of your emotions, tears spilling down your cheeks as you began to sob openly, wishing nothing more than to be next to Echo, to hug him and cry against him.

“E-Echo,” you managed between sobs, chest heaving, “I… I’m sorry, I… I didn’t mean to… I… I just needed to… I needed you, I…”

“Woah, woah, slow down,” Echo cooed softly, his image shifting and flickering a little as he moved, eyes dancing with confusion, “first things first, is everyone okay?”

His words caught you off guard a little, head bobbing in an almost violent nod. You suddenly realised how dire you must have made this look, calling him in tears, sobbing and apologising. Yet more guilt flooded your system; he must have assumed something terrible had happened.

“T-They’re fine,” you hiccuped, more tears escaping even as you drew a shuddering breath, trying to calm yourself, “I… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to w-worry you, I…”

“Ad’ika,” he chuckled softly, drawing your gaze back to his holo, “it’s okay. I’m glad everyone is safe. Just… the emergency line… what’s happened that you had to call me so bad? Hunter finally lost it?”

His laughter and the smile of his face lifted some of the weight from your heart, the knowledge he wasn’t angry settling some of your anxiety. Now, a new fear overtook you, your lip worried between your teeth once more as you tried to push the words out, saying it aloud somehow making it more real.

“I… I needed to… I’m sorry, Echo, I just… I needed to talk to you, I… It’s so stupid, I… I shouldn’t,” you rambled, sucking in a deep breath as Echo’s expression faltered slightly, confusion obvious. “I… I need to… Stars, I just… I’m… I’m pregnant. Echo, I… I’m pregnant, and I… I don’t know what to do, and I’m scared, and… I’m sorry.”

Echo’s face did a number of things as he registered your words, starting with his eyes widening to the size of dinner plates. His lips shifted into a tight line as he seemed to process the information, jaw clenching and unclenching. His expression seemed to cycle through shocked, angry, and sad, finally settled on elated as he laughed, lips turned into a radiant smile, making him look years younger in an instant.

“Vod’ika,” he began, voice catching in his throat, “you… you’re… you’re a buir, you’re… Force, mesh’la, this is wonderful!” he exclaimed, his delight pure and obvious.

It was enough to bring a smile to your lips for the first time since your conversation with Tech, soft laughter leaving you as well.

“Well, congratulations!” Echo offered, looking like he wished he could crawl through the comm and hug you, body shifting around with pent up energy, “Have you told him yet?”

The lump in your throat returned with a vengeance. Not trusting your words, you simply shook your head, eyes stinging once more.

“Ah. And that’s where being scared comes into it?” Echo guessed, tone gentler now. You nodded, his face slipping into a sympathetic smile. “Talk to me, ad’ika,” he pressed gently, eyes wide and open, waiting patiently while you found your voice once again.

“I… I just keep thinking,” you began, sniffing and clearing your throat, trying to keep your emotions from getting the better of you, “about what might happen if… if we ever get… if I ever get caught. The Empire, if they found out the child had a clone father… an enhanced clone father… they would…”

You trailed off, Echo’s expression darkening. Of all people, he was the one you had least explain about your fears of torture, dissection and betrayal to. He’d lived it, after all.

A moment of silence followed, Echo’s mind working in a way you could almost see.

“Is this what you want?” he asked finally, the question, again, catching you off guard.

“I… I don’t know,” you admitted, your chest tightening. “I’m just so scared, I keep having visions of being caught, of the Empire taking my child, and I… I couldn’t… Hunter wouldn’t cope, I wouldn’t cope, and I…”

“But is this what you want, ad’ika?” Echo repeated, his eyes earnest. “A child with Hunter, a child full stop… if there was no war, if there was no Empire… would you still want this?”

Almost without hesitation, you nodded, warmth spreading through your chest.

“I love him,” you admitted softly, swallowing hard, “and… I know he’ll be an amazing father. I just…”

“Mesh’la,” Echo sighed heavily, a fond look on his face that was underwritten by a deep sadness, one you’d seen many times before, usually when he spoke about his lost brothers, “that fear… it’s justified, don’t get me wrong, but…” 

He paused for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully. 

“I’ve lost vode who wanted nothing more than to have a family,” he admitted after a moment, “ones who would have been amazing fathers. Heck, before Skako, I… I thought about it, about what it would be like to have a daughter, to be able to teach her Mando’a, to tell her all about her uncles…”

Tears gathered in his eyes as he spoke, his throat bobbing as he composed himself.

“You’re going to be an amazing buir, if you choose this,” he breathed, forcing a smile to his lips, “but this is your choice. You’re right, it would be dangerous, and if the Empire caught wind, the target on us, on you and Hunter, it would only get bigger. But… vod’ika… your wants, your needs, your happiness should wait for no-one and nothing. This war, this fight, it won’t last forever. All of us, we all need to grasp whatever threads of happiness we can, weave them into something worth fighting for when the days get tough. It’s the only way we’ll ever survive.”

By the time he finished, tears were trailing down Echo’s cheeks as well, the urge to reach out and touch him too much to bear.

Lifting your hand up to the holo, you let out a choked sob as he did the same, his ghostly hand next to yours. It wasn’t enough, but it was something.

“Stars, I miss you,” you sobbed, the words caught somewhere between a laugh and a cry. “I wanted to tell you first, to talk to you. You always know what to say, Echo. I miss you so much. We all do.”

“I miss you all too,” Echo croaked back without missing a beat, “you know how long it took me to get used to sleeping without Wrecker’s snores? Never thought I’d miss that…”

A laugh erupted from your lips before you could catch it, Echo’s face breaking out into a wide grin, chuckling along with you as the tension finally broke. 

“I’ll trade you,” you offered with a wink, Echo pondering it overdramatically.

“I mean… the base here smells like sweaty ballsacs and metal. At least you can get fresh air when you land. Here it’s just… feet.”

It was so good to see him, to hear his voice, the conversation flowing easily as he updated you in their latest missions, how their small army was growing by the day.

Your catch up was cut short when the door to the medbay slipped open, both you and Echo’s holographic form turning to look at the intruder.

It only took a moment for Omega’s mouth to drop open, her eyes widening in delight.

“Echo!” she practically screeched, pushing through the door, an armful of snacks and some medical supplies dropped onto the table in seconds before she was cuddling up to you, her eyes wet with tears of happiness, “I’m so happy to see you!”

“Aw, ‘Mega,” Echo smiled softly, regarding her with a gentle, fond look, “it’s good to see you too. Hope Tech isn’t pushing you too hard on your studies.”

“I am merely pushing her as much as she requires me to,” came a short reply, Tech peering into the room, eyes darting between Echo’s holographic form and your own, tear stained face. “It is good to see you, Echo. I trust Coruscant is keeping you busy.”

“As always, Tech,” Echo nodded in response, another voice booming from the other side, Wrecker’s excited voice calling out.

“Is that Echo?”

“Now look what you’ve done,” the older clone teased, winking at Omega as she giggled. Moments later, Wrecker burst through the door, elbowing Tech out of the way and yelling his greeting at Echo, who rolled his eyes, silently glad he was not there in person, knowing that Wrecker would, no doubt, squeeze the life out of him in one of him signature bear hugs the moment they were reunited.

You shared one last small smile with Echo before slinking from the room, leaving him to catch up with his brother and sister, not missing the way Tech’s eyes lingered on you as you slipped past the door, surprised to see Hunter had not arrived back with them.

“He is gathering the last few items, and requested we go on ahead,” Tech explained without missing a beat, relief flooding through you. Nodding in thanks, you could practically feel the question bubbling beneath the engineer’s calm surface, the sparkle in his eyes betraying his easy demeanour.

“I’m going to tell him,” you whispered, casting a look behind you to check that Omega and Wrecker were still engrossed in their catch up with Echo, your lips turning up into a soft smile, “tomorrow. When we go for our break day.”

Tech merely nodded, tapping something into his datapad before turning to observe his siblings in the medbay, seemingly satisfied.

Feeling lighter than you had in days, you moved silently through the ship, leaning in the open rampway, simply existing in the moment. Fresh, cool air washed over you from outside, the setting sun bathing you in the last of its light. Closing your eyes, you inhaled deeply, sighing in contentment.

Your talk with Echo had done exactly what you knew it would, settling your nerves and clearing your mind. You were more grateful for him than you could ever express, making a mental note to put together a care package for him as soon as you could. Maker knew all the boys on Coruscant could do with a pick me up.

“Credit for your thoughts?”

Hunter’s low rumble never failed to make your stomach flutter pleasantly, eyes blinking open to find him at the bottom of the ramp, a hessian sack thrown over his shoulder. He was beaming up at you, deep tan skin glistening in the sunlight, caramel eyes flicking up and down your body.

“Just enjoying the moment,” you grinned back at him, his body relaxing at your reply.

“You’re looking much better,” he noted, carefully placing the bag onto the ramp before ascending quickly, one of his large hands moving to cup your face. You giggled softly as he tilted your face up to meet his, brushing his lips over yours.

“I have to say,” he purred, dragging his lips across your cheek, towards your ear, the simple motion sent a shiver through your entire body, your reaction to him always full of desire. “I don’t know what’s changed, mesh’la,” he breathed into your ear, sending more waves of want radiating through you, “but you smell divine.”

“H-Hunter,” you gasped as his lips found your neck, littering kisses over the sensitive skin. One of your hands came up to grasp his shoulder, arousal coursing through you. “The others…”

“Tomorrow,” he breathed against your skin, pulling back just enough that every word sent puffs of air tickling across your neck, “when we land, I’m taking you out into the woods, we’re going to camp, alone, and I’m going to ruin you.”

An unbidden moan escaped your lips, body trembling against his. It had been a good week since you’d spent time together intimately, your core aching for him.

“P-Please,” you managed, the word little more than a desperate gasp.

“Patience, cyar’ika,” he chuckled lowly, licking a stripe up your neck, “good things come to those who wait.”

His emphasis on the word ‘come’ had you giggling as he pulled away, pressing another gentle kiss to your lips as he drew back, eyes darting over your face, drinking in your features, noting your lust blown eyes.

“Kriff, you’re gorgeous,” he smiled dreamily, about to go back in for another kiss when the approach of quick footsteps had him stepping back, eyes fixed on the door as Omega came barrelling out, her smile wide and earnest.

“Hunter! I spoke to Echo!” she announced, Hunter’s smile slipping for a moment.

“You did?” he asked quickly, looking between the girl and you, not missing the flicker of guilt that passed over your expression. “Why did he call? Is everything okay? Does he…”

“He’s fine,” you reassured him quickly, squeezing his arm, offering comfort, “he was just checking in. They’ve picked up some more of the boys. They’ve got wind of Cody as well, and they’re following that lead.”

Hunter regarded you with a pensive look for a moment, stare so intense you almost felt like he was looking through you. Swallowing hard, you forced a smile to your lips, heart clenching before he hummed, seemingly satisfied with the explanation.

“That’s good, then,” he nodded finally. “Getting Cody on board would be a big step. He was one of the best strategists we ever worked with.”

Omega’s eyes lit up at that, her attention squarely on Hunter now.

“Really? Will you tell me about some of your missions with him?” she practically squealed with excitement, Hunter chuckling as he ruffled her hair.

“Sure, kid. Why don’t you grab the last bag, put it in my bunk and I’ll tell you all about it when we’re in hyperspace.”

She was moving practically before he’d finished speaking, giggling with excitement as she grabbed the bag and ran back into the ship.

You watched her pass with a soft smile on your lips, Hunter’s gaze still fixed on you.

“What’s in the bag?” you asked him after she’d disappeared inside, heart fluttering nervously as Hunter crossed his arms over his chest, giving you an odd look.

“How about I tell you when you tell me the real reason Echo called?”

Your stomach plummeted, eyes widening. Of course Hunter would know you were withholding something, his eyes soft but discerning as he watched your reaction. He must have sensed your fear, his posture relaxing a little, arms dropping to his sides.

“I…” you began, tears gathering in your eyes again.

“Cyare,” Hunter cut you off with a sigh, pulling you back into an embrace. “I trust you, implicitly, and I’m never going to be angry with you. I just… tell me. When you’re ready, okay?”

Blinking back tears, you nodded against him, forever grateful for his understanding.

“You’re amazing, you know that?” you snuffled against him, Hunter letting out a soft rumble of laughter.

“I’m okay, I guess,” he shrugged, earning him a playful hit on the chest as you gazed up at him, lost in the deep caramel of his eyes for a moment. His expression was soft and adoring, heat blooming into your chest.

“I love you,” you breathed, the hitch in Hunter’s breath bringing another smile to your lips.

“Love you too,” he murmured, leaning down to capture your lips in another chaste kiss, hands finding your hips and drawing your bodies closer together, “more than I could tell you.”

“You could always show me,” you teased, stomach twisting with desire as he growled into your mouth, deepening the kiss. You could have got lost in the moment, were it not for Tech appearing in the doorway of the Marauder, his nose buried in his datapad. He looked up only for a brief moment, rolling his eyes at the sight of you and Hunter stood nose to nose, a huff of frustration leaving him as he tapped furiously on his screen, the only other outward sign of his annoyance.

“We are ready to depart, if you are both finished with your very public displays of affection for each other,” he stated plainly, Hunter giving a toothy grin as his brother headed for the cockpit, leaning his forehead against yours.

“Back into the fray,” he sighed, one hand threading through your hair, holding the intimate position for a moment more. You allowed him to do so, sighing in contentment as you simply existed in the moment with him, happiness coursing through your veins.

“Until tomorrow,” you reminded him softly, his breath hitching again, “then you can have me all to yourself for a while.”

“Never long enough,” he grumbled good naturedly, slipping his free hand into yours as he pulled away, leading you back into the ship. “Come on. We should get inside before Tech starts lecturing us.”

With a giggle, you followed him easily, barely inside when the ramp of the ship began ascending. Making your way towards the medbay for take-off, Hunter clutched at your hand still, Wrecker wolf-whistling while Omega fake gagged at the sight, sharing a giggling fit with Wrecker while Hunter simply huffed at their behaviour, his soft smile still firmly in place.

“Alright, Tech,” he called back to the cockpit, the engineer firing up the engines, ready for take-off. “Time to get some R and R.”

“Oh yeah!” Wrecker shouted excitedly from beside you, high fiving Omega. Soon enough, you were hurtling out of atmo, Tech making the textbook jump to hyperspace with ease.

You were on your way. And the thought both terrified and exhilarated you.

Tomorrow, Hunter would know, and your lives would change, one way or another.

*-*-*

Hunter made good on his promise almost the moment you landed.

While you’d slept on the journey, he’d packed a tent up, along with the thickest bedrolls he could find. Also stuffed into the satchel he carried were blankets, canteens of water and enough supplies to keep you going for the day you intended to spend away, his comm tucked tightly into his belt.

You couldn’t help but laugh at his mothering of the others, contingency plans, schedules and timetables repeated over and over until even Tech was urging him to leave, insisting everything would be fine for a few hours.

Omega grumbled at first, disappointed she wasn’t allowed along on the trip until Wrecker reminded her that you and Hunter would probably be kissing, the thought enough to make her fake wretch and agree to more target training with her brothers, determined to show Echo improvement when she saw him next.

With a final wave goodbye, you and Hunter headed out into the woods, your lover leading you easily through the beautiful sunlit surroundings.

The planet you’d chosen was sparsely populated, a warm climate and soft, soothing breeze kissing your skin pleasantly. It felt wonderful, freeing. And with Hunter by your side, your hands laced together while you walked slowly under the orange and green painted canopy, sunbeams filtering through, it was perfect.

“We won’t go too far,” he promised quietly, “just far enough that we’re guaranteed some privacy. Tech spotted a good area, a little clearing by a lake as we came in to land. Said the nearest settlement was about thirty clicks away.”

You hummed happily, nodding as you allowed yourself to simply enjoy the peace and quiet the planet afforded you, your stomach quivering with excitement and nerves.

Ideas on exactly how to tell Hunter the big news were swirling through your mind, each more elaborate than the last. What would be the best way? Would he be happy at the news? Surprised? Angry?

Your heart clenched at the last thought, feet stumbling as a breath caught in your throat.

You knew Hunter would never hurt you, but the idea you might lose this, lose what you had together, sent a sudden icy chill down your spine.

Hunter stopped immediately, sensing the change in you.

“Cyare? What’s wrong?” he prompted gently, raising a hand to cord through your hair. Your eyes must have betrayed your fear, as even when you forced a smile, he regarded you with a unbeliving stare.

“I’m fine, just… tripped,” you murmured, Hunter letting out a low sigh.

“Mesh’la,” he frowned, eyes never leaving your face, “you’re…” 

He hesitated, choosing his words carefully.

“You’ve been… different, this past week or so. I… I feel like something is wrong, but you’re not telling me what it is. I thought… I thought you trusted me enough to…”

The hurt in his voice made nausea rise up your throat, lungs stuttering as you drew in a sharp breath.

“I do, Hunter, I… I trust you, with my life, I just…”

Taking your hesitation as confirmation, your lover dropped his grip on your hand, sighing deeply.

“It’s okay, mesh’la,” he reassured you weakly, forcing a smile as he readjusted the bags on his shoulder, trying to keep his expression neutral, “I… I understand.”

“No, you don’t!” 

You didn’t mean to shout, but the idea of hurting Hunter, the idea he thought you were having doubt was almost too much to bear. Spinning to look at your in surprise, his eyes wide, Hunter was staring at you, taken aback by your outburst.

“You don’t understand, Hunter! I’m trying to… I wanted to wait, to find the words to tell you that I… oh, Maker…”

The words caught in your throat, eyes watering as Hunter’s expression morphed into one of hurt and uncertainty, reading something else in your voice.

“If you want to stop this, I… I’ll respect that, but I… I just… I need to know why, cyare,” Hunter croaked, dropping the bags and blankets to the floor, arms hanging limply. “I… I should have seen this coming… the wanting to spend time apart, sneaking off to talk to Echo… I… I’m sorry. I promise, I… I won’t make this awkward, I…”

“No! Hunter, gods, no!” 

You were openly sobbing now, tears streaming down your face.

“That’s not… not ever what I want! How could you… why do you think that? Is that…” 

Your stomach churned uncomfortably.

“Is that what you want? You were waiting for me to break up with you? Are you… do you not want me any more?”

It was Hunter’s turn to let out a broken sob, his face crumpling.

“Fuck no, cyare,” he breathed, falling to his knees. It was like his world was crumbling around him, his resolve broken. For weeks, he’d been looking forward to this time alone, to be with his love, just you and him. How had it all fallen to pieces so quickly?

Reaching into his back pouch, he grabbed a cloth wrapped item, blinking away fresh tears as he desperately tore into it, hands shaking.

“This… this is my answer,” he managed, voice cracking with emotion as he threw the cloth to the side, revealing a small box in his palms. Cracked open, something was glinting inside. Your body froze, unable to process the scene for a moment. “This is why I wanted you out here,” Hunter continued, shuffling forward on his knees, not caring how small or pathetic he might look in that moment. His eyes were locked on you, desperation coursing through every fibre of his being.

“Hunter,” you breathed, trying to catch up.

“I know, it means nothing, not really,” he admitted, voice far too small, “that it’s not legally binding, that the rest of the galaxy won’t care, but… fuck, cyar’ika, I need you, forever. I want you, I… I want to marry you. Even if it’s just for show. I want you to be my wife. By my side, forever. No matter what… we stay together…”

His voice trailed off, eyes falling to the floor as he waited for your reaction. You were still frozen to the stop, too shocked to process his words until you heard the familiar cadence of what had become your call to each other.

“Always,” you choked automatically, the pure, unadulterated hope in Hunter’s eyes as he looked up at you, registering your reply making your heart skip a beat. “Together. Always.”

Finally finding your feet, you stepped forward tentatively, towards Hunter where he still kneeled on the forest floor, a blanket of orange and yellow leaves beneath him, streams of sunlight dancing across his profile. He watched your approach silently, lips slightly parted, sucking in deep breaths. 

He was far too still, as if the slightest movement might scare you away, hands held out still, presenting the box to you. Bending ever so slightly, you saw a delicate silver band resting within the wooden rest, a single red gem sparkling on the top.

“Riddur,” you murmured, remembering Echo’s lessons, how he’d laughed as you and Hunter had exchanged a look and blushed, months before you even touched each other.

Hunter’s breath hitched, the smallest sob escaping his lips as you closed your hands around his, moving them up to your chest. He was confused for a moment, staring up at you with reddened eyes, waiting for your next move.

“Riddur,” you breathed again, closing your eyes as you leant down, pressing a kiss into his hair, “… and… and buir…”

Hunter did gasp this time, eyes widening more than you had ever seen them before. With his face mere inches from your stomach, he moved his hands down from your chest quickly, wrapping them around your waist. Turning his head to the side, he pressed his ear against your stomach, swallowing thickly as he listened closely.

Your heartbeat, strong, familiar, steady, was now accompanied by a fluttering sound, much faster, much smaller, but there nonetheless, alive, growing.

“Cyare,” Hunter choked, sobbing into your stomach as he held you close, his grip on your hips only getting stronger, “ad’ika… a baby, our… our baby…”

“Yes,” you nodded, openly crying again now, tears tinged with a happiness you had long forgotten, “I… I didn’t know how to tell you, I… I was so scared, Hunter, I… I want to be happy, but… I’m scared…”

You let out another sob as he clutched you tighter, pressing a kiss to your stomach, his face nuzzling into you.

“With the Empire following us, I kept thinking, what would happen if they caught us, if they took… took our child. I… I’m terrified, I…”

Hunter scrambled to his feet, arms dragging you into him. With his chin resting on your head, he soothed you, tears still rolling down his cheeks.

“I will never let anything happen to you,” he growled, “either of you. My aliit, my loves… We’ll protect you. All of us. Stars… I love you, cyare. Riddur…”

You don’t know how long you spent in each others arms, simply holding each other, sharing tears and love, the emotions flowing between you as easy as the kisses you shared, but when your legs began to tremble, Hunter gave a soft chuckle, pulling away and looking down on you with eyes still rimmed with tears.

His expression was pure adoration, your heart fluttering in your chest as he pressed one last kiss to you lips, chaste and sweet, one hand running over your stomach tenderly while the other bought the box in his hand back up between you, deft fingers finding the ring inside and offering it to you.

Raising your hand without hesitation, he gave you a sappy grin, slipping it onto your ring finger with ease.

“Riddur,” he mumbled, sweeping his lips over yours once more as he pocketed the box, leaving his hand free to tangle in your hair, holding you even closer.

“Riddur,” you repeated back to him, your hearts beating in sync for a moment, caught in a perfect moment in time.

“I love you,” he breathed against your skin, closing his eyes and simply breathing in your scent for a moment, “and now… I get the change. Your scent, it’s… different. It’s been driving me insane.”

His admission came with a small smirk, familiar heat flowing through your body.

“Guess I’ll have to get a rundown on how all of this works from Tech,” he murmured thoughtfully, raising an eyebrow when you chuckled.

“Well, when a mummy and a daddy love each other very much,” you began, giggling when he wrapped his arms around you and tickled your ribs, forcing you to stop as you bent double, peals of laughter ringing around the trees.

“Don’t be mean,” he laughed along with you, eyes dancing with delight as he finally let you go, a sigh escaping him while his eyes roamed your body. “I just want to know… if it’s safe to… you know… while you’re…”

“Perfectly safe,” you reassured him, tracing your fingers across his cheek, “as long as I don’t get squished or lay on my stomach when I get big.”

“You think I’m going to squish you?” Hunter teased, beaming at the flush lighting up your cheeks. “Come on, mesh’la, I know I’ve been eating more, but you don’t have to say I’m gonna squish you.”

“Dikut,” you retorted, letting out a shriek of delight when Hunter stepped towards you, turning on your heel and running towards the lake. Picking up the bags behind him, Hunter followed quickly, his cheeks hurting from smiling so much.

For the first time in a long time, he felt complete, sated.

Everything was falling into place.

*-*-*

[techhasmjolnir]

Rites of the Covenant

Plot A: You're out on an extended scientific mission with Clone Force 99, assessing a planet for possible threats before the Republic moves ahead with plans for colonization. Damaged equipment leaves you and the squad stuck on the planet until replacements arrive.

Plot B: Hunter fulfills an intensely private mission of his own.

Author's Notes:

This is another one-shot story with a hefty word count (10,696). It features subject matter that is not intended for squeamish readers. The latter half of the story is roughly based on personal experience, although for the sake of entertainment, there is some embellishment. Please proceed with caution, and if you like what you read, please feel free to reblog!

Important Notes:

This content is strictly for audiences 18+. The roles in this story assume female readers and Hunter. Concepts introduced include: biting, blood, blood play, dirty talk, F oral (receiving), M & F masturbation, menstrual cycle, pain, PiV, and voyeurism (accidental).

The assignment was a relatively straightforward one – you, one of the Republic's leading scientists in the highly specialized field of bioacoustics, were to head to the planet of Eyyhá to record data and assess the feasibility of possible human colonization. Normally, a squad of regs would have been assigned to you for security detail and general assistance out in the field. However, this time around, you were left with questions when the word came down that a squad of specialist clone troopers – Clone Force 99 – would be accompanying you.

You found out that General Skywalker and Captain Rex were the ones who pitched the idea of giving you this assignment after your assistance helped the 501st locate a deeply hidden Separatist base that previously, no one was able to detect. You received the proper clearance, and the day you first met the squad still sticks out in your mind. Memories of Rex walking you up to the guys, who were casually waiting outside the Marauder for you to arrive... Remembering the looks each one of them gave you, particularly the tall silver-haired one, and the one with the facial tattooing; you assumed him to be the squad leader before he even spoke.

“Men, I'd like to introduce you to Dr. Y/N. She will be accompanying you on this mission to gather critical bioacoustic data that will ultimately lead to a decision as to whether Eyyhá can be colonized. You are to provide round the clock security and assist with any help she needs out in the field.”

The silver-haired one looked at you, an expression of contempt riddled upon his lips. “Just great...our talents being underutilized yet again for a civilian. If anyone needs me, I'll be in my bunk.” He picked up the large rifle at his side and walked into the ship. “Hunter, why are we even doing this?!” he said loudly, before disappearing.

“I'm really sorry about that,” the tattooed one spoke, his voice low and smooth. “That's Crosshair, by the way. Resident sniper, and usually a completely insufferable asshole. I'm Sergeant Hunter. I'm glad to meet you.”

“No offense taken, Sergeant. I've worked with regs before and gotten my share of snide remarks, but his was a bit much,” you reply, a little curtly.

“Please, call me Hunter. Everyone else does,” he said with a genuine smile. “Let me introduce you to the rest of my squad. The behemoth next to me is Wrecker, our demolitions expert. The one with the cybernetics and wearing the kama is Echo, who's new to the squad. The one who can't seem to be pulled away from his datapad for a split second, is Tech. Both Tech and Echo's electronics and engineering skills should be invaluable in the field.”

You smiled at the one called Wrecker, who caught your gaze and returned it with a light wave. “Glad to have you aboard, Y/N! If you need anything blown up, I'm your man!”

Hunter put his face into his hand, shaking lightly. You laughed heartily and winked. “I don't think there will be any real need for explosives on this mission, but you never know!”

Both Echo and Tech looked over at you. Echo smiled and gave you a salute with his scomp-link arm. “Welcome, Y/N. I'm looking forward to assisting you in any way possible.”

Tech looked up from his datapad and nudged his lenses up with a finger, nodding a few times in what you considered to be approval. “I have heard a great deal about you, Dr. Y/N. Your work as a bioacoustician is unparalleled. I read your last published journal...remarkable observations, I must say. I look forward to working with you, as well.” He glanced down at his datapad once more, tapping away at it absentmindedly.

Rex clapped his hands together once. “Excellent! You're in good hands with these men. You'd better be on your way. Intel we received indicates it will be best to land on the day side of the planet and establish a base camp. We know the planet is teeming with life, but the last thing you need are any unwanted surprises in the dark.”

“Then we'll take our leave, Rex. Let me take those cases from you, Y/N,” Hunter offered, picking up both the heavy black cases like they were nothing. “Good luck, everyone. May the Force be with you,” Rex called as Hunter took your belongings into the Marauder, Echo and Tech entering behind him, with you and Wrecker bringing up the rear.

Wrecker clapped you on the back a little too cordially, causing you to stumble with your overloaded backpack full of personal effects. He caught you just before you fell face first onto the entrance ramp, laughing loudly. “Sorry about that! Guess I don't know my own strength! I'm happy you're joining us. I don't know what bio... Uhh, bioac-- What is it that you do, again?”

You paused a moment, turning around to look at Rex, with his always handsome, stoic face. Raising your arm, you waved to him. He nodded once, then turned and walked off. Turning back, you looked up at Wrecker, feeling supremely tiny next to him. “I'm a bioacoustician, Wrecker. It means I study the sounds of nature, put simply.”

He nodded thoughtfully, and you knew he was trying to figure out exactly what you meant. “Well, I don't know what you'll do with all that, but it sounds kind of boring, if I'm being honest.” His remark caught you just the right way, making you laugh long and hard. “You're not the first one to say that to me, Wrecker. It's definitely not for everyone...”

His infectious laughter joined yours. “Come on, let's get you a bunk so you can settle in.”

*****

The mission was doomed from the very start. You quickly realized the intel was missing critical information that didn't prepare you or the squad for the horrific storms Eyyhá often has, and not long after you had set up base camp, some of the equipment had been struck by lightning. Cases of precious sensor arrays and receivers were mangled beyond repair, although you had Tech and Echo look at the blackened parts to see if anything was salvageable. They looked at you, and didn't even say anything...they just shrugged and gave you the look that clearly said, “sorry, you're shit out of luck.”

Thankfully you still had a few spares to at least get some work started, but without everything in place, it was rather pointless to start data collection. Your request to the Senate to return to Coruscant was denied after being told that despite how little functional equipment you had left, you needed to begin research immediately; a transport with replacement equipment would be sent as soon as you submitted a request with your needs.

Much to your chagrin, most attempts at field work have been rained out thus far, so you've spent more time hanging out with the guys in the Marauder than you have doing any actual research. They've certainly turned out to be a lot different than the regs you've worked with in the past. Very distinct personalities, senses of humor, personal habits... Hunter and Wrecker warmed up to you very quickly. Wrecker took to you so much, he affectionately started calling you ad'íka, while Echo and Tech took a little longer to come around, and Crosshair... You're still unsure of Crosshair.

Initially, you were afraid that being a woman, the risk of awkwardness or sexual tension would be quite high, especially since you were spending a lot of time in close quarters with them. Quite the opposite, actually...you get along with them very well, tolerating the light flirtation and off-color remarks better than you thought you would. You discovered just the level of respect they had for you the week you went through your period for the first time while on the mission.

You pulled Hunter aside just before you were due to start, and cautiously explained what was about to happen. At the time, you couldn't have known that he already knew, because the changes of your pheromones in the days prior, along with subtle behavioral changes, told him so. He was empathetic, offering to make up a makeshift bunk for you away from the others, if that's what made you feel most comfortable.

He explained that women worked alongside them on other assignments in the past, so he wasn't uncomfortable with the subject. Little did you know that those days leading up to and including you bleeding, would be some of the most arousing and tempting for Hunter. That was four weeks ago...

*****

Early this morning, you wanted to go exploring, extending the invite for the entire squad to join you. It finally stopped raining, and you wonder if this is just a temporary reprieve from what you believe to be Eyyhá's rainy season. Echo declined, offering to stay back at the Marauder, trying to think of ways to modify equipment to help you until the new parts come. The rest of the men were more than happy to come with you, grateful for fresh air and a change of scenery.

Here you are now, sitting in a field of tall prairie grass, swaying gently with the warm summer breeze. There's not much of anything you can do right now except scribble notes in your field journal about meteorologic observations and visible flora and fauna. After finding out replacements may take up to six weeks to arrive because your parts requisition request had been mishandled, you resigned yourself to the fact you might have to chalk up this mission as a failure. Looking up at the clear blue sky, you put your field journal in your backpack and lie back in the grass, hands cradling your head.

Unbidden thoughts of Hunter flit through your mind – some savory, some not so much. You've discovered through casual observation, coupled with confirmation from Tech, that Hunter's genetic enhancements shine through in his senses of hearing, and especially scent; his exceptionally keen tracking skills are merely another perk. A thought races through your mind now, thinking back several weeks to when you had last gone through your cycle – was he able to SMELL all that?

Oh, Maker, I hope not... Then you realize how much time has actually passed, and that you're due for your next cycle within the next day or two. That would explain why you haven't been sleeping well for the past several days, despite the fact you've been feeling quite fatigued.

“Oh...shit...” you say, thinking that no one is within earshot.

“Y/N, what's the matter? Is everything all right?” Hunter asks, emerging over the top of the grass, very close to you.

You let out a startled gasp, then cover your eyes with a hand. “No, Hunter, not really. I need to make use of the spare bunk...I just realized that now,” you say a little sheepishly.

He looks at you with those expressive brown eyes of his, concerned, but caring all at the same time. “No worries, I'll make sure it's fixed up for you.” “I'm sorry this is so much of a hassle,” you blurt out. “I can't help it, and I'm sure it doesn't make things any easier for any of you. ”

“Hey now, what kind of talk is that?” Hunter replies, coming to sit down next to you. “This isn't a hassle at all. Sure, the rest of us have to make some minor adjustments, but it really is no trouble, I assure you. When I get back to the Marauder, I can set it up for you, okay?”

Out of nowhere, his finger comes to your face, pulling a lock of stray hair back into place. He smiles gently at you, then gets up and starts walking back to the ship. You touch the place on your face where his finger had been, shivering a little. You have no idea what that's about, but the slow heat beginning to build between your legs is trying to tell you otherwise.

The warmth of the sunshine feels quite comforting today, so you close your eyes and exhale deeply. The rest of the guys are somewhere nearby and won't leave without you, so now seems like a perfectly acceptable time to catch a little loth cat nap. Maybe in dreams, Hunter's actions will become more apparent. You already think he's the most attractive of the squad, and you'd be lying to yourself if you said you didn't fantasize about him fucking you hard at least a couple of times, especially the last time you went through your cycle...

*****

Hunter's strong, warm hands slide their way up your legs, parting them when he comes to your knees. Running his hands along your thighs, he lets one of his thumbs rest on the hood of your clit, the other lying on one of your outer lips. Slowly, he begins to retract your hood, exposing the smooth pearl within. The other thumb begins to pull you open, exposing your glistening wet entrance. He moans softly as he traces his thumb through your wetness, smearing some on your clit. Gently, he begins to swirl the flat of his thumb over it, making you moan and arch up into him.

He chuckles as he slowly slips his index finger inside you, marveling at how tight, hot and wet you are. “Someone's needy, isn't she?” he teases. “I think you like it when I've got my fingers buried in your pussy...isn't that right?”

“Y...yes, Hunter...” you moan softly, grinding your hips up against his hand in an attempt to get him to start stroking your insides.

“That's my girl,” he whispers, pushing his middle finger inside you, your deep-seated groan of satisfaction bringing a broad grin to his face. He starts to move his fingers in and out, hooking them upward a little so he can touch that beautiful little sensitive spot that always makes you come so hard for him. “You want to come all over my fingers, mésh'la? Or do you want my cock, instead?”

You don't answer him right away, for the feeling of his fingers touching your sweet spot make you moan out his name. Hunter takes one of your breasts in his hand, squeezing gently, before his thumb swirls over your hardened nipple. He leans down and his tongue flicks over it, sending chills down your spine and a pulse of heat in your core. You contract your walls around his fingers, breath catching in his throat.

His mouth latches onto your nipple, suckling lightly on it, causing involuntary contractions that to Hunter, feel like delicate kisses on his fingers. He moans against you, swirling his tongue madly before his teeth close down on you, pulling gently. Your hand runs through his hair and down the back of his neck, cradling him as he releases you and his ravenous mouth searches for yours.

Hunter takes your lower lip gently between his teeth, pulling just a little before licking at it and letting his tongue slip into your mouth, letting it glide over yours. You moan deeply into his mouth as he gives your insides a few loving strokes before pulling them out. As he breaks the kiss, he looks at his fingers that are coated with your creamy juices. Your eyes meet his and he smiles, tracing his wet fingers over your lips.

“I want to watch you suck my fingers clean, cyar'ika. Do it like you're sucking my cock,” he tells you, his voice dropping into a husky whisper.

You comply, opening your mouth slowly as his fingers slip into your mouth. Your hand closes around his wrist as your tongue swirls around them, tasting the salt and tang of your secretions. Hunter moans softly and reaches down to adjust himself through his sleep shorts; he's almost painfully hard right now and wants nothing more than to sink himself balls deep inside you.

Suckling more firmly on his fingers, you start to mimic the motions of giving him a blowjob, your head moving to and fro with vigor. Hunter smirks as you fight to suppress your gag reflex once his fingers are fully in your mouth. With his open hand, he begins to free himself from his shorts, the elegant curvature of his thick length aching for the sanctuary of your pussy. He pulls his fingers out, then leans down to kiss you deeply, the taste of your juices still there.

“That's my good girl,” he whispers into your ear, making you shiver and moan his name once more. “Open up for me, cyaré, and take my cock...you're such a greedy little slut. Isn't that right?”

Hunter aligns himself with your entrance, slowly gliding the head of his cock through your outer lips to pick up your wetness, then lets it slip effortlessly over your swollen clit. A heated cry escapes you and you close your legs around his waist, pulling him forward and coaxing him to enter you. He plants his hands on either side of your shoulders, breathing heavily in anticipation as he parks himself firmly at your entrance.

“Fuck me, Hunter... I'm your greedy little slut,” you plead.

“That's all I wanted to hear, mésh'la.”

His lips press against yours for a heated kiss, tongue easing into your mouth as he begins to slowly push inside you, moving slowly so you can stretch around him. You let out a lusty moan of unbridled pleasure as he seats himself fully inside you. Instinctively, you flex your walls around him, squeezing his cock with everything you can muster. Hunter's head snaps up as you do this, with a primal growl. He closes his hands around your hips as he withdraws his cock until he's almost out of you, and with no warning, he surges forward –

*****

“Ad'íka? Ad'íka, where are you?” Wrecker yells, looking over the sea of grass, trying to spot you. “We're gonna catch hell from Hunter if we can't find her,” he groans. “Oi, Tech! Help me find Y/N. I know she's here somewhere.”

“Wrecker, please calm down. The likelihood of her going far without at least one of us accompanying her is statistically speaking, quite low. I saw Hunter heading back to the Marauder awhile ago, so I assume he likely spoke to her before doing so. I believe I can make an educated guess as to where she may be,” Tech replied.

Tech begins to move off in the direction where he last spotted Hunter, walking slowly and parting the grass as he goes, careful not to make a misstep – or accidentally step on you. He looks around cautiously, trying to look for telltale signs such as places where grass looks unnaturally flattened. The wind picks up and the skies are beginning to cloud over again, threatening to bring more rain, or worse, another storm.

“Wrecker, pack it in and move to my location. The weather is becoming inclement and we need to make it back to the Marauder with haste,” Tech calls.

He's still looking around and finds a patch of the grass that doesn't look quite like the others. Striding with a little more purpose, he's almost to where you're lying, but since he can't get a good visual of what's just beyond the grass, he stops and looks up at the grove of trees that marks the division between the forested area and the field.

“Crosshair, can you give me visual confirmation that I'm close to Y/N?” Thunder booms in the distance and Tech looks to the tree line.

When you and the squad exited the grove, Crosshair stayed back and got himself up into one of the taller trees, closely keeping an eye on all of you. He sighs and looks out upon the field, seeing Tech and Wrecker waving. Luckily, he's up high enough and can easily see that they're right at the edge of where you are, still blissfully wrapped up in your dream about Hunter. He laughs and then they hear him rasp, “she's down there all right, fast asleep. Watch your step. If I were you, I'd wake her gently...looks like she's having one hell of a dream!”

Wrecker looks at Tech with a quizzical look on his face. “How does he know that?”

“I do not know. Maybe by her body language?” Tech postulates.

“Wrap it up, you two. I'm heading back to the ship. Last place I need to be is up in a tree when it starts storming,” Crosshair warns as he starts making his way back to ground level.

Tech plows through the grass once more, and finally comes to a stop where his suspicion is confirmed. Sweeping the grass aside with one arm, he sees you lying on the ground, head resting on your backpack. You're still asleep, and Tech's eyes go wide when he realizes that you have slipped a hand down your pants and are slowly rubbing your clit.

“Did you find her? Is she okay?” Wrecker says lowly as he stands beside Tech. “I...I...yes, I found her all right,” Tech mumbles, feeling his face grow hot. This is something new for him, and he's distinctly uncomfortable, feeling like he's somehow violating your consent by seeing you in such a vulnerable state. “She's...well, I...how do I put this,” Tech stammers.

“Tech, what's the matter with you? What's she doing? Crosshair said she was sleeping, so what's got you all jumpy?” He looks down and sees you touching yourself and his eyes get just as big as Tech's, and he clears his throat, trying not to stare and desperately trying to ignore the fact he feels himself starting to grow hard. “Oh, I see, now. She's, uh...she's...” He's embarrassed, not wanting to say the word.

“Yes, that,” Tech replies, not wanting to say it either. “I am not sure how to approach waking her up. But we have no choice. It is going to start raining shortly and I do not wish to get caught out here if it decides to storm.”

“Let me do it, Tech,” Wrecker offers. He kneels down next to you and very carefully places his hand on your arm. “Ad'íka, he says quietly. “Ad'íka, I need you to wake up, honey, please?”

You groan softly and remove your hand from your pants. Tech coughs nervously and also kneels down at your side. “Y/N, it's time to wake up. A storm is coming and we have to get back to the Marauder quickly.”

“Come on, ad'íka, we'll get you out of here. I just need you to wake up first,” Wrecker tries again.

You slowly open your eyes and blink a few times, trying to focus. You have no idea how long you've been out, but you do know that your dream of Hunter fucking you mercilessly is now hopelessly irretrievable. “Tech? Wrecker? What time is it?” you murmur sleepily, rubbing at your eyes.

“Time to go, honey,” Wrecker says, slipping his huge arm under your back, pulling you up into a sitting position gently. “It's getting ready to storm, and this could be a bad one. Come on, let me help you up. Tech, grab her backpack, would you?”

Wrecker helps you get to your feet, and you let out a mighty yawn. “I'm so sorry, guys... That sunshine felt so good, and you know I haven't been sleeping well lately.” You grimace a little as you feel your lower abdomen beginning to seize up a little. You swear under your breath and Tech's eyes narrow as he studies your features.

“Are you quite all right, Y/N? You look like you're in pain.”

“I'll be all right, Tech. Don't worry about it.” You glance up at the sky and black clouds are building in behind you. Glancing at your chrono, you curse again and take your backpack from Tech. “Yeah, we need to get out of here. I can't believe how late it's gotten, and those thunderheads are looking nasty.”

You begin to feel a few raindrops hit your face, and you shoulder your backpack, wincing as pain shoots through your lower abdomen. What you don't see is Tech's look of deep concern as you start back toward the grove, with Wrecker quickly blazing a trail for you and Tech to follow. The three of you end up making it back to the Marauder in record time, sprinting through a deluge as you leave the relative protection of the grove into the clearing where the ship lies.

“What the hell happened?” Hunter calls from the cockpit. “I thought you would have all been back a few hours ago!”

“I'm sorry, Hunter, it's my fault,” you reply. “I ended up falling asleep and it took Tech and Wrecker awhile to find me.”

“Maybe you need to start carrying a homing beacon with you,” Crosshair interjects, coming around the corner as the three of you get inside the ship. “Wouldn't want you getting lost, or anything,” he says, looking at you with that smug expression you wish you could slap off his face. He lets his gaze linger as he looks you over, and you feel like he's boring holes into you.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?” you fire back at him.

“Oh...no reason,” he says, and then he winks at you before walking into the cockpit to join Hunter. You look at Tech and Wrecker in disbelief, shaking your head. “What's his problem, anyway?”

“He's always like that, ad'íka. Try not to take it personally,” Wrecker says, frowning.

“I must agree with Wrecker, Y/N. We are used to him always trying to get under our skin. Do not let it get to you.”

Hunter emerges from the cockpit, a little smile on his face as he looks the three of you over. “You all look like drowned womp rats. Go get yourselves cleaned up and then come get something to eat. I managed to trap and kill some kind of larger foraging animal, so we've got some fresh meat, for once. Tech, I might ask you to keep an eye on the radar later. We might be in for a long night with this storm... If it looks like something dangerous is brewing, we'll need to get out of here as fast as possible.”

“Certainly, Hunter. I shall keep you updated.”

“Come on, ad'íka, I'll take your backpack,” Wrecker says quietly, pulling it away from you as he starts walking back to the bunks.

Tech gently touches your shoulder, startling you. “Are you quite all right, Y/N? You do not look well. Would you like assistance returning to your bunk?”

You look up at him, his large, golden brown eyes clearly showing signs of worry. “I'll be honest with you,” you say quietly. “No, I'm not feeling well at all, and yes, I think I'll accept the help, if you don't mind.”

A small smile briefly crosses his face, and he offers his arm to you. You happily accept as more cramping strikes, trying not to audibly groan, but you can't help it. As you get back to the bunks, you can see that Wrecker has carefully put your backpack by your bed. He sees you holding onto Tech's arm and immediately looks concerned.

“Hey, ad'íka, you don't look so good. Is there anything you need?” “Could you take my backpack to the spare bunk, please? Hunter said it would be ready for me by the time I got back. I'm...not feeling well, Wrecker.”

As you mention the term “spare bunk,” Tech turns to look at you, and then it all makes sense to him. “Ah...now I understand. You are not feeling well because you are...” He hesitates to finish his sentence, and he coughs awkwardly.

“It's all right, Tech. You don't need to say it. I think I'm going to grab a quick shower before coming to join you all for dinner. Thank you for helping me today...both of you. I appreciate it.”

As you let go of Tech's arm, he turns to look at Wrecker. “I think we should leave Y/N alone for awhile, Wrecker. Why don't you go see if Hunter needs any help with dinner preparation? I need to speak with Echo and see if he came up with any workarounds we can use for Y/N's research until the new parts arrive.” As Tech turns to leave, he stops and looks over his shoulder at you, concern still etched across his face. You give him a little smile, then nod. He accepts that as the sign to leave, and heads out.

Wrecker picks up your heavy backpack and walks it back to the small room just off the main sleeping area, separated by a floor to ceiling curtain fashioned from an extra blanket. He pushes aside the curtain and gently puts your backpack on the floor. On the way back, you stop him and put your hand on his upper arm. As terrible as you currently feel, you still feel the need to thank him again.

“Thank you again, Wrecker. Both you and Tech have been very kind. I'll come eat after I'm done in the refresher, okay? Maybe a shower might help me feel better.”

“It's nothing, ad'íka. As far as I'm concerned, you're a member of our little family now. We've got your back.”

You chuckle quietly. “Even Crosshair?” you ask, with a hint of suspicion in your voice.

Wrecker stops to think about that for a moment, and with great amusement gives you an honest response. “Yep, even Crosshair.”

*****

The pain in your pelvic floor is steadily growing more intense. As you strip off all your wet gear, you check your panties to see if you've started bleeding yet, and sure enough, there's a few spots of blood. Sighing in annoyance, you throw them on top of the pile of wet clothing, mentally reminding yourself to ask Tech later if there's any kind of good stain removing solvent on board. You see that Hunter was kind enough to leave a stack of clean towels for you, and you suddenly feel irrationally guilty, but then you can't help but smile when you see Wrecker's beloved Lula tucked in the corner of your bunk.

You pick up a towel and wrap it around yourself, grabbing your bag of toiletries as you peek your head around the curtain, making absolutely sure the bunks are cleared out. You don't particularly want most of the guys seeing you like this, and thankfully the path to the refresher is clear. You step in, and crank the hot water. As you wash your hair, you start feeling marginally better, although you're worried about how the rest of the night is going to play out. You finish the rest of your bathing routine quickly, not wanting to make the guys wait too long to have dinner.

When you get back to your bunk, you only want to be as comfortable as possible for the rest of the night, yet still be presentable. Fishing through your clothes to find the special black panties you have specifically for absorbing blood, you slip those on, along with a clean bra and one of your oversized t-shirts that you use for sleeping in. You catch a glimpse of your reflection in a small mirror as you comb out your hair, and you can clearly see you're not well. Dark circles under your eyes, and paler than usual.

“Could be worse,” you say softly as you dig through one of your bags for a small bottle containing painkillers. Tapping two pills into your palm, you down them with a swig of water from your canteen. You look back at the mirror and sigh. “Could be a hell of a lot worse.”

You make your way to the common area where you know you will find the guys waiting for you. They will not eat unless you're present, which you've told them repeatedly they don't need to do, but they still insist upon it. You remember the last time you went through your cycle, there was one night you were too sick to eat anything, and you had spent the entire night in your bunk. Now you truly feel guilty, because that means they all went hungry that night.

You stop in the doorway and see them sitting around the table, laughing and having an animated conversation. This brings a smile to your face, seeing that they're content and happy, despite being stuck on what has truly been a horrible mission. The others don't notice that Hunter turns to look at you standing there. He knew you were coming; he picked up your scent after you left your bunk, the smell of blood teasing his senses.

As your eyes lock on his, you see his expression change from one of acknowledgment to one of definite interest. His dark eyes began to take on a hooded appearance, and you realize what you see there – it's sheer lust. Then it hits you that he knows you've started bleeding, and a twinge of arousal begins to form in the pit of your chest. Hunter raises an eyebrow at you and a sly grin forms, because you've betrayed that you're more than interested, too.

Conversation stops when the rest of the guys notice that Hunter falls silent, and they turn to follow his gaze. You walk slowly toward them, one hand clutching the material of your shirt between your breasts. Glancing over at them, you can see that Wrecker's mouth is hanging open, a look of surprise on his face. You catch Tech's gaze, and he immediately blushes and looks away. Echo, always the gentleman, looks away immediately. Crosshair's usual stony faced visage is replaced by something resembling a combination of surprise and the same kind of interest you saw in Hunter's eyes.

“I'm sorry, guys, I just need to be as comfortable as I can tonight, so please forgive the way I'm dressed,” you say quietly.

“There's nothing to forgive, Y/N. We understand,” Hunter replies, gesturing for you to come and sit. “Hopefully after you eat a little something, it will help take your mind off your discomfort.” Your eyes widen as he says this, because he didn't see you grimacing earlier...how does he know? “Tech and Wrecker told me you were exhibiting clear signs of being in pain. It's nothing to be ashamed of,” he says reassuringly.

“Please, ad'íka, have something to eat,” Wrecker says as he nudges a plate of roasted something at you. “Take whatever you want.”

You look around at the others and they look at you expectantly. It certainly smells good, whatever it is, and you haven't eaten much other than a measly ration bar early this morning. As you pick slices that have the brownest, crispiest skin, you can hear Echo next to you letting out his breath in a large sigh of relief. You pat his arm gently as you start to eat. Whatever this animal is, it's surprisingly tasty.

“This is really good, you guys. It reminds me of boar-wolf meat.” Tech turns to you with a look of rapt interest. “When did you get the opportunity to have boar-wolf? They're supposedly endemic only to Endor.”

You swallow a mouthful of food and grin. “I was part of an expedition to the forest moon of Endor. We were tasked with locating any sentient life with the goal of establishing contact, but ultimately we found nothing. Some of the men decided they wanted fresh food instead of the rations, so they went out hunting and managed to bring down a boar-wolf. That was some fine dining, I tell you. The expedition was a total failure, but spit-roasted boar-wolf was the highlight of that entire trip.”

“Fascinating... Y/N, when you feel up to it, I would like to talk with you further about your trip to Endor, if you don't mind. So little is known about the planet itself, let alone the forest moon.”

“I'd be more than happy to share that information with you, Tech. I have all of my findings backed up on one of my datapads.”

You turn to look at Hunter, and his eyes still have that sultry look to them. You pause a moment before speaking again, because you feel the familiar heat of arousal creeping back between your legs. Your face starts to grow hot just looking at him, as juicier bits of your dream come back to flood your mind. Hunter notes that your scent has drastically changed, your pheromones intermingling with the thick smell of rich blood. He's glad he still has his codpiece on, because it's hiding the fact he's hard as steel underneath it.

“Truly, this is outstanding, Hunter...thank you for all of this.” You look around at the others, and do your best to not betray the fact your insides feel like they're being squeezed half to death. “Dig in, everyone. There's no guarantee we'll get an offering like this again while we're here.”

“You heard Y/N, boys! Let's eat!” Wrecker booms enthusiastically.

The rest of dinner is a rather noisy affair, with a great deal of spirited conversation, bad jokes from Wrecker, a few dirty ones from Crosshair, and plenty of raucous laughter. The others don't see that you and Hunter are constantly exchanging glances, looking at each other progressively longer each time your eyes meet. You can feel yourself beginning to bleed a little more, the intoxicating scent of it starting to dominate his keen senses. Hunter's earlier assumption is correct – it's going to be a long night.

*****

As you lie in your bunk, the screaming of the wind and driving rain against the Marauder's hull does nothing to ease your shattered nerves. The spasms in your pelvic floor escalated during the course of dinner, after which you quickly excused yourself to retreat to the privacy and confines of your bed. You've attempted to distract yourself with one of the many books you brought, but nothing can take your mind off your body tearing itself apart.

The painkillers you took did nothing to abate your misery, and the only thing you wish is to be released from this punishment. You cradle Lula in your arms and curl up into the fetal position; it's not long before you feel the tears slowly roll down your face.

“Make it stop,” you whisper. “For the love of the Maker, just let this be over...”

Time loses all meaning as more waves of acute tightness pass through you. Clutching Lula tighter, you start rolling back and forth as the tears flow faster, and you try to cry as quietly as possible. The intermittent roaring of thunder combined with Wrecker's snoring provides adequate cover, but you're afraid that at some point, you're going to wake someone up. You've shown no weakness to these men the entire time you've been with them, and not about to start by admitting you're crying from pain.

Hunter lies awake in his bunk, restless and overstimulated with the scent of you assailing him. Visions of lying with his head buried between your legs, tongue slipping into you to rapaciously lap up blood dominates his every thought. He shifts uncomfortably as he feels himself starting to grow hard again, and his hand drifts down between his legs to start touching himself through his sleep shorts.

In the dim, cool white glow of the bunks' overhead lights, Hunter looks around the room at his brothers. Confident that they're all sound asleep, he sits up, swinging his feet to the floor. Lifting his head a little, he closes his eyes and inhales deeply. Though the room is filled with natural scents of the others, the one that permeates the air the most is yours – the metallic, iron-rich tang of blood commingled with the unmistakable perfume of female pheromones. He groans quietly as his cock swells, hand sliding into his shorts to start stroking himself.

Hunter stops as he picks up the sound of your distress, feeling compelled to go and check on you. Rising slowly, he makes his way from the bunks down the small hallway to where you lie, sobbing quietly. He stops just outside the doorway, hand on the curtain, rooted to the spot as he listens to you, trying to ignore the incredible redolence of blood emanating from your room.

Pulling the curtain aside, he cautiously enters, seeing you sitting up, arms wrapped around your middle and hunched over as pain wracks your body. He sees that you laid a towel down over your bed, now tinged with deep crimson. So this is why she wanted to be sequestered from the rest of us the last time... You look up at him with blurry, red-rimmed eyes and at first you have no idea who it actually is that's come to check on you.

“Y/N, are you all right?” Hunter says quietly, coming closer. You don't answer, but the slow shaking of your head and the heavy trembling speak volumes. “Mésh'la, talk to me. How bad is it?”

You let go of yourself and rest your hands on the edge of your bed before exhaling sharply, pushing yourself up and onto your feet. Your knees wobble as you take a few steps toward Hunter. As you stop, a fresh wave of cramping tears at your midsection; you let out a cry and bare your teeth at him. Locking your eyes on his, your fingers close around the hem of your nightshirt, not caring if he sees you like this. Hunter's eyes go wide, breath catching in his throat as you begin to pull it up.

“You...want to see? Look at this and...f-f-feel my pain,” you choke out.

As you lift your nightshirt up past your waist, his eyes gravitate lower to see that you're wearing nothing underneath, having shed your panties earlier in the night when you knew they would be useless at being able to catch the flow that was to come. Parting your legs just a little, he sees that your inner thighs are covered in blood, a fresh trail quickly coursing its way down your leg onto the floor. He continues to watch transfixed as a large, thick blood clot oozes out from between your legs, followed by another, unable to fathom how you're tolerating this.

Swallowing hard, Hunter stares as you bring a hand down and run your fingers through your outer lips, coating them before bringing them back to your mouth, where you slip them inside to suck them clean. He can see that blood is smeared under your lower lip, and the urge to taste you is overwhelming. Stepping forward, he reaches out and slowly takes you by your upper arms. You don't flinch as his head dips down, mouth hovering just above yours.

“Mésh'la, is it all right if I taste you?” Hunter whispers, his rapid, shallow breathing hot on your face.

You close your eyes and moan softly as his lips trail across your cheek, stopping short of the patch of coagulating blood. “Yes, Hunter...don't be afraid.”

His tongue trails delicately over you, passing over several times until the blood is gone. The concentrated taste of iron combines with the salt from your skin and tears, creating a potent aphrodisiac for his already overtaxed senses. Hunter releases your arms, then slips one of his around your waist, and the other around your shoulders to pull you close.

As you do the same, you feel his lips brush against yours, and you moan deeply into his mouth as he kisses you, his tongue ardently sparring with yours. He breaks the kiss and your eyes meet his. All you can see is a fierce hunger, and you gasp as he takes one of your hands and plants it on his cock, yearning to break out of his shorts. Without thinking, you begin to massage him through the material, feeling him twitch underneath.

“Let me help you,” Hunter says, before gritting his teeth and moaning quietly as you fondle him. “Do you trust me, ad'íka? You can't go on through the night like this.”

“I'm willing to try anything at this point... I just want it to stop,” you whimper.

“You didn't answer me. Do you trust me? I won't do anything unless I'm absolutely sure you're okay with it.”

You hook your free hand around the back of his neck and pull his head down, pressing your lips to his and slipping your tongue into his mouth. Hunter moans deeply against you and bucks his hips into your hand. You squeeze his cock hard, and this time he lets out a loud groan.

“You're here, aren't you? That means I trust you.”

Letting go of him, you turn around and step back to your bed, pulling off the heavily stained towel. Thankfully, there's plenty of towels, so you grab a few more and lay down a thicker barrier. You turn back to him, and see that he's got a thumb hooked in the waistband of his shorts. The head of his cock peeps out above it, slick with pre-cum. Eyes laden with desire bore into yours as he slides off his shorts, the graceful curvature of his thick length just as remarkable as it had been in your dream.

“Take your nightshirt off, mésh'la,” Hunter commands. “You've already shown me that delicious bloody pussy of yours. Now I want to see the rest.”

Heart beating wildly, you obey, pulling your nightshirt off and casting it to the side. You scarcely have time to breathe before Hunter rushes you, hooking an arm around your waist and slipping the other under one of your legs, not caring he's being painted with blood as he lifts you. He sets you down gently on your bed, spreading your legs with hands that feel like they're wreathed in flame. The flat of one thumb trails lightly through your outer lips before it gently flicks over your clit, eliciting a gasp from you.

“I've never seen anything more beautiful,” Hunter murmurs, trailing a fingertip from your bottom lip in a straight line from your chin down to your pubic mound. “...and I have waited so long to do this.” He looks at you with a wanton grin spreading across his face. “But before I do anything, I need to know that you want this. Trusting me is one thing, but wanting me to do this are two different things.”

You press yourself back against your pillows, stretching out a hand that Hunter readily accepts. “I want this, Hunter... You said you could help me. So help me through this...please...” you implore.

He lets go of your hand and leans over you, bringing his head down just above yours. You moan deeply into his mouth as your lips reconnect with his, feeling your clit pulse as his tongue slips across yours. One of his hands closes around a breast, squeezing tenderly as you begin to arch your body up into him in the silent plea to take you. Hunter breaks away and moves his attention to your neck, alternating between light kisses and gentle licking. As he reaches your pulse point, he nips at your flesh, making you cry out in surprise.

“Shhhh, ad'íka, you want to wake everyone up?” Hunter laughs quietly as he moves to position himself between your legs. “Just relax, Y/N, and remember, if it's too much or something hurts, tell me and I'll stop right away.”

You nod and let out a shaky breath as you look down and see how much blood is already on your lower extremities. Hunter looks up at you with fire in his eyes, and you don't look away when he turns to one of your legs, using the flat of his tongue to lick a wide path through the newest trail of blood from your knee all the way up your thigh. Lifting his head, he lets his tongue hang out of his mouth just a little, and you moan when a single drop of fresh blood drips off the tip.

“You taste so fucking good,” Hunter growls. “I want to find out how luscious that pussy is, mésh'la... Are you ready for me?”

“It's all yours, Hunter,” you moan softly.

He slides his arms under your legs, resting his hands on your hips as his face closes in on his quarry. His eyes close as he breathes you in; blood obfuscates nearly everything, but the essence of your fluctuating pheromones is the undercurrent driving him mad. In a flash, his tongue is slipping between your scarlet folds, licking at the fresh trickle of blood slowly seeping out. A large blood clot finds its way into his mouth, and Hunter moans deeply against you, the vibrations sending chills down your spine.

He lifts his head to look at you, and your eyes widen as you see not a man now, but a beast. Blood is on his nose, lips, and chin – macabre tattooing that complements what he already possesses. Hunter turns his attention to your clit, now sticky with drying blood. Out snakes his tongue, swirling over that tiny seat of all your pleasure, cleaning you off and making you moan his name deeply. Closing his lips around it, he suckles gently, letting the tip of his tongue glide along the underside effortlessly.

“Oh, Maker,” you sigh, “don't stop, Hunter...don't you fucking stop...”

He pulls away briefly, looking up at you with a devilish grin. “I have no intentions of doing so, ad'íka. I'm just getting started...” He shifts positions and sits up, bringing one finger to your entrance, which is already leaking once more. “That's what I want to see,” he says, voice dangerously low. “You're so nice and open now...play with your clit for me while you take my fingers.”

Hunter begins to sink his finger inside you slowly, letting you acclimate to him. As you squeeze your walls around him, his brow furrows and he closes his eyes, groaning as his cock flexes.

He starts to glide his finger in and out, watching as it's coated with hot, fresh blood. Watching as you deftly lick your fingertips, he waits for you to slip your hand down between your legs to start rubbing your clit.

“That's my girl,” he croons softly. “Come undone for me...”

He slides his middle finger in, stifling a moan of his own as reflexively, you constrict your walls down around him. Biting your lip, you close your eyes and let your fingers dance over your clit in tight, concentric circles, a low and perpetual moan pouring out of you. Hunter begins to move his fingers in and out gently, watching you closely for any signs of discomfort. Seeing none, he picks up the pace a little, this time hooking his fingertips up to catch your sweet spot.

Your eyes snap open and meet his as you feel that familiar tingle inside you, breath catching in your throat as Hunter's tender stroking draws you closer to the edge. Faster your fingers swirl around your clit, feeling that delicious heat and pulsation build. He grins at you as he slowly trails his free hand down his body until he closes it around his cock, stroking it in time with the rhythm of his fingers. Your walls tighten around him little by little, and he knows you're not far from your climax.

“So close, Hunter...let me come,” you moan lustily.

“Not just yet, mésh'la,” he chuckles, pulling his fingers out of you abruptly, watching a splatter of blood follow them. He holds his hand up for you to see, blood quickly flowing down his palm and onto his wrist. “On your hands and knees, baby. There's no hiding how much you want my cock... So let me show you what I've been waiting to do to you.”

Slowly, you bring your legs down, stiff from being spread apart for so long. As you get on all fours, you purposely tilt your ass up a little bit in a clear sign you're presenting for him. Hunter licks the dried blood from his mouth and shifts until he's up against you, his cock lying between your outer lips. He begins to rock his hips lightly, slipping through your wet cleft, guiding the head of his cock over your clit, relishing at the sound of a deep moan from you.

Hunter plants his bloodied hand on the back of your neck, dragging a wide maroon path down your spine before leaning down and biting into your shoulder, making you curse in both shock and pain. He curls an arm around your waist as you writhe underneath him, still latched onto your shoulder. After what seems like an eternity, he pulls his mouth off you, smirking as he sees the mark he's left behind. As he straightens up, his strong hands fall upon your ass, kneading the flesh gently.

“Now this is a view I could get used to,” Hunter murmurs as he looks down to see blood beginning to drip out of you again. “Such a messy wet cunt, waiting to take my cock...”

You push your ass back against him, and he closes a hand on one of your hips, the other hand on his cock. He slips once more through your hot, slick folds, running the head of his cock over your clit slowly, sighing happily as you moan his name. Finally, he aligns himself flush against your entrance, his other hand closing around your other hip.

“Here we go, mésh'la,” Hunter says quietly. “I want to savor every moment of this.”

He closes his eyes and exhales slowly as he eases his way inside you, relishing at how tight and wet you are for him. You moan deeply at the intrusion, feeling just how thick his cock is, stretching your walls tightly. Bringing a hand down between your legs, you start to stroke your clit again, letting out a sigh of relief as your fingers glide across it, slick with new blood. Hunter takes this as the sign to continue, inching the rest of his cock inside until you gasp as he presses up against your cervix.

“Shhhh, don't worry, baby, I'll be gentle. That's it...work your clit for me. Such a good girl...”

“Fuck me, Hunter...make me come...I need you,” you reply with a heated whisper.

Slowly, he begins to withdraw from you, stopping just before the head of his cock slips out. Looking down, he sees he's fully veiled with blood, thick droplets of it dotting the towels underneath. He runs his tongue over his upper lip and one of his canines, grinning as he threads himself back into you. Your breath comes hard and fast, and you have to stifle a scream as he fills you back up. Fingers swirl over your clit a little faster, and Hunter can feel your pussy fluttering against him; he flexes hard in return and now begins canting his hips into you.

He relaxes the grip on your waist, moving his hands to rest on your ass, his thumbs gently spreading your cheeks apart. You begin to bear down a little as you stroke your clit, relaxing your pelvic floor to accommodate Hunter's meaty girth. Exhaling sharply, you feel his thumb press lightly on your hole – almost curiously – giving pause before he pushes down carefully on it, massaging it as his hips collide with you noisily.

“That's the way, Y/N...” his voice dropping into a husky whisper. “You're doing so well...is this okay?”

“Keep going...I'm all right,” you reassure him. “Don't stop...”

He pulls his cock out just enough for him to wipe blood on his fingers, before pushing back deeply into you, making you gasp and squirm underneath him. Bracing himself with one hand, he leans over you and brings the other to your mouth, running the tips of his fingers over your bottom lip and chin before pushing them into your mouth. You let out a muffled cry, but quickly take to sucking his fingers clean.

“That's it, ad'íka, take my fingers like you are my cock,” Hunter groans.

You contract your walls around him hard as you feel his breath on the back of your neck, then his lips as he kisses your neck and your shoulder, moaning loudly as you give his fingers one last hard suck before he pulls them out. As he straightens once more, his hands return to rest on your ass, and now you feel him withdraw enough to feel the thick, swollen head of his cock spreading your entrance wide.

“Hunter...”

“Breathe, mésh'la...”

A tremendous rush of heat radiates through your pussy as Hunter presses forward and starts to fuck you, this time with no more teasing. His hands move from your ass back to your waist, gripping firmly as each forward surge is replete with a singular purpose. He closes his eyes and lets his head fall back as he bucks his hips up harder into you, smacking against your ass at a progressively accelerated pace.

The moans from you both grow unchecked, not caring that you're getting increasingly loud. You start to throw back against him, Hunter letting out a deep growl and loosening his hands from your hips to let you be in control. You move back and forth effortlessly along his cock, feeling him beginning to swell each time your ass claps back against his body, relishing at the way he massages your sweet spot.

He lets out a low moan as you connect with him again, this time stopping to swirl your hips as he bottoms out within you. You lower yourself onto your bed, guiding your hand back down between your legs. Your clit pulses heavily, screaming at you to bring forth the relief you desperately seek. Once more, you swirl your fingers over the hard little nub of flesh, quickly feeling that magical electricity returning.

Blinded by instinct and utterly blood-drunk, Hunter grasps your hips and retakes control. He fucks you hard and fast, hips slamming into your ass and thighs, spurred on by your cries of ecstasy. His cock drives relentlessly into you, slipping past your sweet spot, magnifying the quivering of your walls around him. Stroking your clit in time with each thrust, every nerve ending is alight as you're nearly at your peak.

“Come for me, Y/N,” Hunter groans deeply. “I know you're so close...”

Your moaning crescendos as Hunter slows his pace down, his cock swelling to its maximum. A heaving cry flies out of you as your orgasm breaks, your walls contracting around him wildly. Hunter can't believe the strength of your pussy as you bear down and start to push his cock out. He pulls out of you fully, agape as a gush of blood drenches his hand. Undeterred, he strokes himself hard a few times and doesn't hold back a roar of pleasure as he spills his seed all over your ass and onto your back.

Trembling from exertion and still coasting the waves of your orgasm, you collapse onto your side. Hunter shifts forward and slips his hands under your legs, moving you onto your back. You hold up your hand, marveling at the velvety crimson rolling down your fingers, down your palm, and back onto your wrist. He looks at you and smiles, both of you still breathing heavily and bathed in sweat. Leaning down over you, he reaches for your hand and brings it to his face, pulling it across his cheek, mouth, and chin to mark himself once more.

“Ad'íka, that was incredible,” Hunter murmurs against your palm. “So much more than I ever thought it would be. I need to ask...do you feel any better?”

Thinking for a moment, you realize you long since forgot your pain, as you now bask in the pleasant warmth spreading through your entire body. “I feel like a million Republic credits, Hunter. That was...beyond intense.”

He chuckles softly. “May I ask you for one more thing, Y/N?” He lets go of your hand and moves down to your thighs, trailing his fingertips down them gently, making you shiver. “Can I have one more taste of you? We probably won't get to do this again while we're here, so I'd like to have something to remember this night.”

You smile and nod, slipping your hand down between your legs to spread your folds apart for him. “Take all you want, Hunter. I know I'll never forget this.”

A little sigh of contentment is heard as he dips back between your legs, tongue licking every last bit of flesh, sucking on your outer lips to clean them off. Gently, he licks your still-sensitive clit, making your legs twitch involuntarily. You can't help but moan softly as his tongue probes at your entrance, before slipping in and gathering what he can. As he pulls away, he slips two fingers inside you to glaze them, then draws parallel lines on each of your cheeks and down your chin.

His lips seek out yours and you meet him halfway for a deep, passionate kiss, moaning into his mouth as he lets you have the remainder of the blood he took from you. Hunter pulls away from you and moves your hair out of your face, his dark eyes now full of tender care. He smiles and shifts you over so he can lie next to you, his hand resting on your chest, head next to yours. Putting your hand over his, you close your eyes and exhale deeply.

“Y/N,” Hunter begins, “there's something you should know.” You turn your head to look at him with a quizzical expression. “It's no secret that blood consumption is practiced by many cultures throughout the galaxy. But there's one thing that's considered universally sacred, and that's getting to taste the precious lifeblood from a woman during her cycle. Something to do with honoring women as the ones who bring forth life, and the bonds of family, I guess. Unlike my brothers, I've never gotten to go through the ritual...until now. For that, I'll always be grateful to you.” “Hunter, you don't need to...”

“There's more, ad'íka. Since you have given me the intimate honor of being the one to have you during your time, I want to offer you something, if you would accept it.”

“What would that be?”

“A place here with us... I heard what Wrecker said to you earlier today, about being part of the family. My brothers and I pledged to take care of each other in all circumstances, and I want to extend that covenant to you. What do you say?”

You shift onto your side, reaching to touch his face, your thumb gently caressing the corner of his mouth. His eyes search yours hopefully as he slings his arm around you and pulls you against his chest. “I think I'm going to the be most well-protected scientist in the Republic,” you tell him softly. “Yes, Hunter, I accept... I know you don't offer this to me lightly. I need to thank you for everything...you and the others have made this entire ordeal so much easier to bear.”

Hunter's mouth joins with yours in a surprisingly soft, delicate kiss. You chuckle quietly and curl your arm around his waist as you return the favor, slipping your tongue into his mouth and letting it tussle with his. As he presses his forehead to yours, cradling your head gently in his hand, he whispers, “No, cyar'íka...thank you. Welcome to our family.”

“What are you going to tell the others? Are they going to be okay with this? I'm not concerned about Wrecker, obviously, but –”

“Shhhhh, Y/N, there's no need to worry about anything. They'll understand why. Hell, they've been waiting long enough for me to even do this. There won't be any waiting to tell them, either.”

“What do you mean?” you ask, sounding slightly alarmed. Hunter starts laughing, covering his face with his hands. “We woke everyone up, cyar'íka. They heard everything. There's no point in hiding what we've done.” Your face grows hot with embarrassment as he sits up and moves to the edge of the bed, looking down at you. “I think you and I both need a trip to the refresher...we look like we came from a slaughterhouse. Get up, and I'll lay more clean towels down.”

You rise slowly and look back at the mess you two made, and then you look at Hunter, who looks like something out of a horror film. You catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror, and you see the tattooing on your face that he gave you – grisly marks of initiation. Dried blood coats your inner thighs, but it looks like the worst of the bleeding is over. Glancing back at Hunter, he's gathered up all the soiled towels, along with his sleep shorts.

“Come on, Y/N, let's get cleaned up.” You look at your nightshirt that's crumpled up on the floor and move to go put it back on. “Leave it,” Hunter remarks as he peeks out of the doorway and down the short hallway. “If we're lucky, we can make it to the refresher before anyone spots us. If not, then...”

“Then someone's getting an eyeful,” you chuckle dryly. “It's not exactly the end of the world if the others see me naked. I guess in time, it's bound to happen, anyway.”

Hunter steps out into the dimly lit hall with you close behind him. Quietly, you approach the junction leading to the refresher, catching a shadow of someone coming toward you. Crosshair stops and leans up against the wall, arms crossed with a distinctly irked expression on his lean face.

“Pfffft....couldn't even be bothered to put your damn clothes back on, could you? Nice job waking us up!” he gripes. “You were going at it like two banthas on glitterstim and I didn't think it was possible, but you even managed to wake up Wrecker!”

“Crosshair, shut the fuck up and keep your voice down,” Hunter snarls. “Cyar'íka, with me. It's all right.”

“Cyar'íka? Hunter, what are you talking about?”

You gather your courage and step out from behind Hunter, his hand closing on your shoulder protectively. Crosshair gets a good look at you and Hunter now, eyes wide, his sleep-addled mind not entirely comprehending what he's seeing. His face grows hot as he stares at you first, dried blood caked on much of your body, your hair disheveled. Seeing all the blood smeared on Hunter's face, he covers his mouth with his hand and starts laughing quietly.

“What's so goddamn funny, you smug prick?” you snap angrily.

“Y/N, don't. I think I know what this is about. There's no need to get upset,” Hunter says, squeezing your shoulder gently.

Crosshair composes himself and coughs before looking at Hunter with soft amusement. “So, you finally went through with it, Hunter. Congratulations... We took bets ages ago as to how long it would take you to get the job done...if I'm not mistaken, I believe Tech has now earned himself quite a few credits. Jokes aside, I can see you took things to a far higher level than the rest of us ever did, but for what it's worth, ner vod, I'm proud of you, truly. I have to ask, though...what's with calling Y/N cyar'íka? I'm missing something, here.”

Hunter's hand leaves your shoulder, trailing down your spine before his arm comes around your waist loosely, holding you close to him. “She gave me something incredibly sacred, and in return I offered her something just as sacrosanct – a place in this family. You know what that means, Crosshair, and you know I didn't offer this lightly.”

Crosshair turns to you, this time his expression changing from amusement to one of solemnity. You could swear he almost looks guilty, as if he's feeling remorse for being rude to you on numerous occasions. “If he's offered that to you, Y/N, then...” He trails off, looking down at the floor, resting a hand on the back of his head.

“Then what?” you ask gently.

He looks back at you and exhales sharply. “Then I accept you too...ad'íka. Is it too late to apologize for not being exactly kind to you? For that, I was wrong. Forgive me.”

“No, Crosshair, it isn't too late. And...thank you. It's an honor to be welcomed into this family...an honor that will never be forgotten.”

“Good. Now do us all a favor and get your asses in the refresher. You reek of blood and sex, and frankly, it's a little insulting,” Crosshair laughs just as Hunter steps forward and shoves the blood stained towels into his arms.

“Just for that, you go ask Tech for that special enzymatic cleaner he has,” Hunter growls, taking your hand gently in his, turning in the direction of the refresher.

You wait until you're out of Crosshair's earshot before finding your voice. “Is it always going to be like that with him?” you ask curiously.

Hunter sighs as he opens the door to the refresher, then laughs quietly. “I'm afraid so. I did enjoy seeing you rip into him, however. He needs to learn a little humility, anyway.” As the door closes behind you, Hunter cranks on the shower. He turns toward you with a seductive grin, beckoning for you to join him. “Let me test a theory, mésh'la, that it's going be just as much fun getting you clean as it was getting you absolutely filthy.”

As you step under the blissfully hot water, Hunter's arms close around you, one hand wandering down to squeeze your ass as his lips touch yours for a particularly deep, sensuous kiss. You feel his cock stirring to life once more, twitching against your stomach.

Welcome to the family, indeed...

*****

"The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb."

[zoeykallus]

Hi there! I love your headcanons and I was wondering if I could make a personal request. Let me know if this is a no-go.

I have PMDD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, basically PMS [premenstrual syndrome] but 20x worse. It usually resolves upon the onset of the crimson wave. But not all the time.

I have been struggling really badly with the deep depression, insomnia, and self-image issues brought on by my disorder.

Do you think we can see how the Batch handles their fem reader S/O struggling with this disorder specifically? And maybe, if it's not too much, a part 2 with some of our favorite regs?

Thank you so much!

Aloha my dear!

Oh, this is a heavy hitter, I know where you are coming from. So many people out there have no idea how freaking much this can affect someone's life. PMS is already a hard thing to deal with, but PMDD brings it to yet another really shitty level. Don't worry, I got you 😊

The Bad Batch x Afab!Reader HCs - Struggling With PMDD

Warnings: Mention of PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and its symptoms /Hurt/Comfort/Fluff

_______

AC: I'm using Techs Part first to introduce PMDD and its symptoms to those who might not know what it is. So don't be surprised about Tech's Part being longer than the others, there is a lot of information in there. So please read Tech's part, to understand what this is all about 😊

_______

Ko-Fi (If you feel like giving me some coffee)

_______

Tech

The first experiences he has with you in this context are frightening for him. Apart from the fact that you suddenly seem like a completely different person to him, he is really worried about you. But Tech wouldn't be Tech if he didn't get to the bottom of this.

It takes him a little while to find the right material.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a much more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It may affect women of childbearing age. It’s a severe and chronic medical condition that needs attention and treatment. Lifestyle changes and sometimes medicines can help manage symptoms.

The exact cause of PMDD is not known. It may be an abnormal reaction to normal hormone changes that happen with each menstrual cycle. The hormone changes can cause a serotonin deficiency. Serotonin is a substance found naturally in the brain and intestines that narrows blood vessels and can affect mood and cause physical symptoms.

What are the risk factors for PMDD?

While any woman can develop PMDD, the following may be at increased risk:

Women with a family history of PMS or PMDD  

Women with a personal or family history of depression, postpartum depression, or other mood disorders

Other possible risk factors include lower education and cigarette smoking

Talk with your healthcare provider for more information.

"Healthcare provider?" he mumbles softly between reading, "As if any of us have such a thing"

Symptoms of PMDD appear during the week before menstruation and end within a few days after your period starts. These symptoms disrupt daily living tasks. Symptoms of PMDD are so severe that women have trouble functioning at home, at work, and in relationships during this time. This is markedly different than other times during the month.

There is a chart with symptoms and he worriedly starts to read it.

The following are the most common symptoms of PMDD:

Psychological symptoms

Irritability

Nervousness

Lack of control

Agitation

Anger

Insomnia

Difficulty in concentrating

Depression

Severe fatigue

Anxiety

Confusion

Forgetfulness

Poor self-image

Paranoia

Emotional sensitivity

Crying spells

Moodiness

Trouble sleeping

Fluid retention

Swelling of the ankles, hands, and feet

Periodic weight gain

Diminished urine output

Breast fullness and pain

Respiratory problems

Allergies

Infections

Eye complaints

Vision changes

Eye infection

Gastrointestinal symptoms

Abdominal cramps

Bloating

Constipation

Nausea

Vomiting

Pelvic heaviness or pressure

Backache

Skin problems

Acne

Skin inflammation with itching

Aggravation of other skin disorders, including cold sores

Neurologic and vascular symptoms

Headache

Dizziness

Fainting

Numbness, prickling, tingling, or heightened sensitivity of arms and/or legs

Easy bruising

Heart palpitations

Muscle spasms

Other

Decreased coordination

Painful menstruation

Diminished sex drive

Appetite changes

Food cravings

Hot flashes

His brows are drawn together critically. With a heavy sigh, he says quietly to himself, "Oh boy…"

Tech makes it his business to see that you are examined by a proper doctor, given appropriate medication, and change your diet. He sometimes seems stern and matter-of-fact, but only when he notices you neglecting yourself. Tech also pampers you to counteract the psychological symptoms, with picnics, massages and the like.

Don't worry too much, Tech's got your back. He won't give up on you.

Hunter

His senses already tell him what connections exist with your condition. But of course he is not a doctor and therefore informs himself accordingly without your knowledge, Tech helps him. What he learns frightens him, Hunter is really worried, and he makes it his mission to make this time, these symptoms, easier for you. Apart from making sure you always have the medication you need at hand, he is also much more attentive and caring than usual during this time.

You can let yourself go and not have to worry about anything, Hunter takes everything in hand and has it under control. He is especially gentle and forgiving with you during this time. You mean a lot to him, and he does his absolute best to help you.

He doesn't argue with you when you get your moods, if you want to be alone he respects that, but keeps an eye on you from a safe distance, just in case.

Echo

This sweet man really throws himself into the task of helping you. Whether it's getting your medications, preparing food, massages, and running relaxing baths, Echo has it all covered.

With him by your side, you will want for nothing during this difficult time. He is also not easily scared away, he is as patient as he is stubborn. You don't have to go to the doctor alone, Echo will accompany you.

He organizes your medication, your diet and everything else you need, if you want. If you don't, you must tell him clearly, because Echo will automatically see his task in taking care of everything.

Wrecker

He is warm, and lively. Contrary to the expectations of most, he is also very sensitive and attentive. Of course, he does not miss the fact that something is wrong with you. Of course, he is worried and wants to help.

Talk to him honestly, try not to withdraw, and you will have a steadfast supporter and caretaker in Wrecker. He likes to spoil you, make sure you are taken care of and have your medication.

Wrecker is happy to adapt to you, you just need to communicate with him and let him know what you need. Taking care of you is very easy for him, he likes to do that. Knowing that he can make things easier for you is also good for him in this situation. So confide in him, there is absolutely no reason to pretend in front of him.

Crosshair

He is a bit more complicated at first. Of course, you are incredibly important to him, and he also has a certain empathy, but he often stands in his own way when it comes to emotional, interpersonal things.

At first, he can't really deal with it at all and is looking for some distance at this time. But in a small conversation between brothers, in which Hunter makes it clear to him that his behavior sooner or later can seriously damage your relationship, Crosshair first informs himself more precisely about the existing problem. Finally, he approaches you with the knowledge he has gathered and tries to discuss with you what you can do together as a couple, what he can do as your partner to make the whole thing easier for you.

You talk about medications, doctor visits, relaxation techniques, and home remedies to combat some symptoms. It doesn't take long for the two of you to work out a certain routine that you can both manage and that he can use to help you get through this time okay.

@rintheemolion

@andyoufollowyourheart @clone-whore-99

@brynhildrmimi @kaliel2310

@misogirl828 @tech-deck

@meshla-madalene

@chxpsi

@thebahdbitch

@nahoney22 @ladykatakuri

@darkangel4121

@ttzamara

@arctrooper69

@padawancat97

@agenteliix

@allsystemsblue

@palliateclaw

@either-madness-or-brilliance

@ortizshinkaroff

@andy-solo1

@hunterssecretrecipe

@heyitsaloy

@greaser-wolf

@extrahotpixels

@hated-by-me

@hunterxcrosshair

@malicemercy

@bebopsworld

@echos-girlfriend

@cpnt616

@dangraccoon

@jediknightjana

@pb-jellybeans

@antishadow2021

@sleepycreativewriter

@projectdreamwalker

@1vlouds

[happilydistinguishedbanana]

Bad Batch Period Head-Cannons

Authors note: I’ve read a lot of head cannons about the Bad Batch reacting to the reader on their period, and a lot have the batch cuddling with the reader or bringing them chocolate and sweets. But I don’t usually like physical affection or sweets on my period so I thought I’d write for the people that deal with the same thing!

Warnings: None really

Relationship: The Bad Batch x Gn!Reader

Summary: How the Bad Batch react to the reader on their period.

Hunter:

He would know that you’re on your period, but he wouldn’t be sure on what to do.

In the past you’ve had a consistent habit of pushing him away and burrowing yourself into the covers of your bunk. It was a strange behavior to him since you’re usually touchy or want to be touched.

He’s tried bringing you sweet things, but every time he would, you would push that away too and prefer to eat little to nothing at all. It concerned him and he so badly wanted to help you with what you were going through.

It wasn’t until you broke down that he took action and did whatever he could to help you.

He brought you water, lended you an extra blanket, or calmed you down with comforting words of affirmation.

“I’m sorry, Cyare. I’m sorry I can’t help you more.” He would say. “You’ll feel better soon, I promise you’ll feel better. Please let me help you.”

He would sit with you for a while, long after you calmed down and fallen asleep.

He still hasn’t figured out how to help you more, but he knows that he will always be by your side.

Wrecker:

Wrecker is an affectionate kind of guy, it’s just in his nature! So when you push him away one day, he is hurt and confused.

He would pout in a corner, watching you lay in your bunk, occasionally shifting uncomfortably and readjusting your pillow.

You eventually look behind and whisper that you’re on your period and that you just wanted to be left alone, but he could still sit beside you.

He would move closer, gently twirling a strand of hair in between his fingers.

He understands what a period is, he isn’t dumb. When he thought about it, he could remember past times where you would push away his affection, or refuse sweets he had bought after missions.

“How long does this last?” He stares at your face, watching it contort up in pain. You would tell him it lasted 3 to 7 days and he would gasp in surprise. “That’s a long time! How do you do it, Ad’ika?”

He would sit with you for while, chatting animatedly about whatever to distract you, his energy thriving. It would make you happy and forget all about the pain in your abdomen.

Tech:

Tech does not care much for physically touch to begin with, so you would not have any issues with getting him away.

He would talk your ear off though, staying facts about menstrual cycles and all the side effects.

It’s stuff you already knew and you would get annoyed quickly and tell him off. He wouldn’t get angry, outbursts and being emotional are side effects after all.

He would bring you pain meds and a heating pad to ease the pain. He would make sure you’re well fed hydrated and buy period products if you needed it. Tech has no shame, it would not bother him.

Eventually though, you would reach out to him, grasping his hand gently while he read up on a heated blanket on his data pad. You don’t like physical touch, it heats you up and makes you sticky, but sometimes you like to make an exception for Tech.

“I though you did not care for physical contact.” He’d state matter of factly. You’d shake your head and say just for a moment. “Whatever makes you feel best, Dearest.” He’d thread his fingers in your own and hold on tight.

Echo:

Right off the bat he would get your water and pain killers. Echo wastes no time in making sure you’re comfortable and ready for the long week ahead of you.

He gets you water and heating pads, making sure the ship is cool enough for you to lay under a blanket, but too cool that you’re freezing.

He would let you borrow his data pad so you could binge all your favorite shows and guard the door to make sure no one bothers you.

He would offer his physical touch just in case you needed it, but you would refuse saying his company is just what you needed.

He would linger awkwardly, thinking of anything else you might need. You would laugh and make him join you by your bedside. You would pat his head and the turn the data pad towards him so he can watch whatever drama you are into.

“Are you sure you don’t want anything sweet, Cyar’ika? I have some chocolate stashed somewhere.” You shook your head no and he sighs. “That’s right, it gives you stomach aches. Maybe something salty?”

He’d leave you once you’ve fallen asleep, preparing whatever else you might need once you wake up.

Crosshair:

Your moody self and Crosshairs moody self does not clash well when you’re on your period.

The minute you woke up on your first day of your period, you pushed him into the floor because of a hot flash. He’d curse and glare at you.

Crosshair already knew the procedure. He’d get you what you needed and then leave you as quickly as possible.

As much as the man loves you, he cannot stand you on your period. Don’t get him wrong, it’s not because he finds it gross or weird. He just isn’t used to you being so agitated and he’s worried he might snap at you and hurt your feelings.

He’ll wait for you to fall asleep before going to see you. He’ll fill up your glass of water, replace your heating pad, and make sure you didn’t have any accidents while you huddled underneath your blankets.

“So needy,” He’d mumbled under his breath. He’ll lean over and give you a long kiss on your lips, a whispered sentence passing his own. “Get well soon, love.”

You would have heard him, pretending to sleep because you knew of his little habit. You would smile once he leaves and wait for him to do it again on the days to come.

[jordiethepoolfloatie]

Resources to help

Palestine:

Operation Olive Branch (operating mainly on IG and Tiktok @operationolivebranch) is an organisation directly helping Palestinian families on the ground. They have a list of verified gofundme campaigns as well as many other ways to help if you are unable to donate.

Let’s Talk Palestine (@letstalkpalestine on IG) is an educational organisation providing thorough information about the history of Palestine and the events of the g€noc!de, as well as daily updates on the cause. A great resource to get educated.

UNRWA is the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees, an official UN organisation providing aid in Gaza. Their funding has been cut by many countries recently, and while some have resumed, the operation of UNRWA is continuously facing difficulties. Israeli settlers and troops are blocking the border crossings, limiting the aid getting into Gaza.

BOYCOTT brands that support this g€noc!de! You can find the list of boycotted brands and reasons of boycott on bdsmovement.net as well as www.boycotzionism.com.

Keep talking. Keep sharing. Keep bearing witness. Keep donating.

DR Congo

Friends of The Congo (@congofriends on IG) is a human rights and advocacy organization educating people on the dire situation Congolese people are subjected to. They also provide ways to donate to thise affected by the inhumane confitions of cobalt mining and the attacks of Rwandan troops (funded by EU)

Focus Congo (@focuscongo on IG) is a Congo and Germany based human rights organisation. They provide both education and ways to donate and get involved in helping the people of the DRC.

BOYCOTT big tech companies profiting from the g€n0c!de olin Congo: Dell, Apple, Tesla, Microsoft etc. This does not mean to throw away your electronics. But you do not need the new iPhone just because it’s new. Buy refurbished tech, and generally take good care of the elevtronic devices you already own.

BOYCOTT conflict minerals such as gold, silver and diamonds.

Sudan

SAPA is the Sudanese American Physicians Association, a medical organisation providing medical care on the ground to displaced Sudanese people. You can donate to fund their medical supplies.

Let’s Talk Period Sudan (@letstalkperiodsudan) is a women’s rights organisation providing affordable reusable menstrual pads for Sudanese women and girls, addressing the ongoing women’s health crisis in Sudan amidst the war.

@sudan.updates on IG is a great resource to learn about what is going on in Sudan.

Most importantly: keep your humanity. Keep caring. Don’t turn away. If all of these horrors being committed around the world terrify and upset you, that just means you are a human being with empathy.

[marveltrumpshate]

Education

We’d venture to guess that one of the common threads that unites our fandom is a belief in the power of education and all that comes with it. Taking down barriers to literacy, higher education, and other forms of knowledge-building, these organizations are working to ensure everyone has access to the transformative power of ideas and resources for personal and professional development.

For more information on donation methods and accepted currencies, please refer to our list of organizations page.

Amputee Coalition

The Amputee Coalition supports and advocates for people impacted by limb loss and limb difference as well as their families and caretakers across the globe, and one of the ways they do so is through their educational programs. They developed the National Limb Loss Resource Center which offers information on a plethora of topics related to limb loss/difference, provide educational publications and webinars, and have a youth engagement program that covers everything from life skills and training programs, career development, and more.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network 

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism. ASAN believes that the goal of autism advocacy should be a world in which autistic people enjoy equal access, rights, and opportunities and have their voices heard. For that reason, the organization is run by individuals on the autism spectrum. In addition to advocating for policies that protect disability and civil rights, ASAN creates tools and leadership training for autistic self-advocates and offers a wide variety of educational resources. 

The Pad Project

Period stigma and lack of access to affordable, safe, and effective menstrual products are a global problem, one that disrupts and limits access to education and employment for many people who menstruate. The Pad Project tackles this issue through increasing access not only to menstrual products but also education. They conduct workshops on menstrual hygiene management and sexual and reproductive health and have an award-winning documentary, Period. End of Sentence. Additionally, they aim to integrate menstrual hygiene management and puberty education into school curricula internationally.

Southern Poverty Law Center

If there is injustice against a vulnerable and/or marginalized group in the U.S., SPLC aims to address and fix it through a myriad of ways including their education program, Learning for Justice. Learning for Justice offers free resources, such as magazines, podcasts, films, training sessions, webinars, etc. to more than 500,000 caregivers, teachers, administrators, counselors, and other practitioners who work with children from kindergarten to high school. Their justice-focused approach helps students and educators learn how to become involved in activism, tackle prejudice, and create more civil and inclusive communities.

World Literacy Foundation

Reading opens doors, both to other worlds and in real life. When someone acquires literacy skills, they're able to access better opportunities and societal integration; they can gain better healthcare access, fill out job applications, and more. The World Literacy Foundation provides disadvantaged children with books, educational resources, and literacy support, and they use innovative tech, e-books, and digital activities to advance the learning of children in remote areas. On a community level, the WLF equips parents to support their children in their learning through mentorship programs and empowers people to advocate for literacy in their communities.

[hellyeahheroes]

Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic

Those are words of Arthur C. Clarke, but I do not think he was exactly right.

We now live in a world where every one of us has a personal device that allows them to communicate with the whole world, if they wish so, read and research any piece of information, watch from endless well of content. And yet how many of us can actually explain how exactly does it work? If it gets broken, how many of us can open and fix it?

We're now slowly coming to terms with the fact that Gen Z and Gen Alpha, which everyone assumed will be more tech-savvy than Millenials, are technology illiterate, having to learn from the basics any UI that isn't the touchscreen tiles.

Both of those are by design, as the corporations do not want us to be able to repair or tinker with their product, just buy a new one whenever something goes wrong. The way young people have been taught to operate a smartphone and an ipad was purposefully designed to discourage learning past the basics, or they'll "mess around" in the programming or see past the marketing guy's bullshit when he is selling them new one. Hell, so much of grift of NFTs crypto and AI relies on people not understanding how it actually works. This is why AI bros love the "you say AI is bad but can you explain what it actually does?" defense, trying to lord over how smart they are over "the masses", rely on ignorance to push through the scam.

In one of the Witcher stories, I forgot which one, Geralt mocking asks a wizard to explain the difference between menstrual blood of a teenage virgin struck by lightning in an open field of dandelions under clear sky at midnight of the winter solstice, and blood of old peasant matron that drunkinly stumbled and fell off a cliff last thuesday, and what makes the former necessary for magic rituals in the way the latter cannot substitute for. The wizard, smugly, admits he's actually using pig's blood. But if any peasant would know that would suffice, they would be doing magic themselves, instead of paying him. And if too many people would be doing magic, the profession would be far less prestigious. And far less profitable.

Clarke was, fundamentally wrong. It's not advancement that makes technology indistinguishible from magic, at least not on it's own. it's how much work wizard from Silicon Valley put into obsctructing its nature and making sure no one but them understands it.

-Admin

[just-here-with-my-thoughts]

Day 28: "No... not like this"

@febuwhump prompt: "No... not like this"

Fandom: The Bad Batch Characters: Hunter, Phee, Tech (mentioned) Set after Season 2, as part of the AU outlined in this post Content Warning (SPOILERS): discussions of pregnancy & abortion Word Count: ~1485 Click here to read on AO3

Synopsis: Hunter and Phee receive some unwelcome news.

“Phee?” The doctor reached out a hand as she entered with her clipboard, which Phee gracefully shook. “I’m pleased to say that there is no malignant cause for your recent stomach trouble.”

“Well that’s a relief,” said Phee with an eye-roll, tossing her bouncy curls and leaning back in the chair.

“So what’s causing the sickness?” Hunter asked roughly, arms folded across his chest. His impatience was clear in the way he loomed behind Phee, glancing at the exit.

“That’s the good news.” The young woman was positively beaming. “Let me be the first to congratulate you. You’re pregnant!”

A moment of silence. Phee remined expressionless. Hunter’s attention whipped to the doctor. Then, “Congratulate?” said Phee slowly, disbelief dripping from each syllable.

And, “Pregnant?” echoed Hunter, a hollow resignation to the way he said the word.

“I’m sorry,” said the doctor in confusion. “Is this… not good news?”

“Hah!” Phee barked a humourless laugh. “You could say that.”

She turned to face Hunter, her expression guarded. “You knew,” she said with quiet accusation.

“No,” Hunter protested, but he looked wretched. “I… suspected.”

“Your super senses tell you that?”

“Yes.” There was no point lying. “I wanted to be sure.”

Phee threw her hands up in the air, spinning the chair back to face the young doctor whose smile had turned brittle with the tension in the room. “Well, this sure is an unsatisfactory situation!” Now it was her turn to fold her arms defensively, fixing the medic with an arch look. “What are my options, doc?”

To her credit, the doctor recovered her composure. “I… I’m sorry if this comes as difficult news for you,” she apologised. “Of course, nobody will force you to continue with the pregnancy if that isn’t right for you. Is… is the father not around?” She shot a glance at Hunter, and it was almost possible to see the mental recalculation as she corrected her assumption that he might be that figure.

“You could say that,” said Phee, whilst Hunter buried his hands in his pockets and concentrated hard on the floor.

“Okay.” The clip-board flipped open as the doctor consulted her notes. “Unfortunately you are past the stage for an early pharmaceutical intervention. It would have been better if you had come in as soon as you missed your period–”

“Hang on,” said Hunter, reluctantly taking an interest. “This is the first time her menstrual cycle has been disrupted.” When Phee glared at him he gave an apologetic shrug. “Sorry. I… can’t help noticing these things.”

The doctor frowned. “That can’t be right. The abdominal scans show clearly you must be about twelve weeks pregnant.”

Phee’s eyebrows shot up, face scrunching in disbelief. Behind her Hunter let out a relieved gasp.

“So it can’t be Tech’s.”

Phee spun and punched him in the shoulder. “I get that you guys were sheltered,” she admonished, “but I assume you at least know how babies are made. The normal way,” she added sarcastically. “Believe me when I say it can only be his.”

Hunter leaned towards the doctor, one hand resting on the back of Phee's chair. "Can you give us a minute?" he asked, in a way that wasn't really a question.

"Of course," said the young woman, shooting a sympathetic glance at Phee. "Take all the time you need. I'll be right outside." She gathered her papers and left.

Once she was gone Hunter circled the table and took the chair she had vacated. For a moment he dropped his head, bone-weary, then looked back up to meet Phee's uncompromising gaze. For her part the treasure hunter kept her lips pursed in disapproval, waiting for him to speak first.

"You're telling me there was no-one else," he said slowly, testing the words out loud. "No-one before Tech."

"I think I'd know," she retorted, sassiness unaffected by – or perhaps increased because of – the situation. "No, there was no-one else.” She shot him a suspicious look. “How'd you even know about us anyway?"

"I told you,” groaned Hunter, "I can't help noticing these things."

"Geez, he wasn't kidding when he said there's no privacy aboard that ship."

Hunter grimaced. "I try and stay out of their personal lives. I never asked about it."

"Alright, my turn to ask a question, soldier-boy." Phee leaned forwards, resting her forearms on the table. "Tell me how I can be twelve weeks gone when it's only been a month since he and I–"

"Clone genetics," said Hunter quickly, glancing away. "Accelerated growth. Most clones grow at twice the rate of a normal human."

"Most?" said Phee astutely. Hunter squirmed.

"We... Clone Force 99... our ageing is even faster."

Phee settled back, crossing her arms again. "Just how old are you boys?"

"Me and Wrekcer are nine," said Hunter quietly. "Tech is... was... ten." He looked lost. "Echo's a bit older. He's thirteen."

"Geez," said Phee with a ghost of a smile. "I knew I was cradle-snatching but I didn't realise quite how big the age gap was."

Hunter stared at her incredulously. "How can you laugh at a time like this?"

"What am I supposed to do?" she snapped back, eyes flashing dangerously. “Weep elegantly into my ‘kerchief and hope for the best?” She shook her head, sighing. “So you’re tellin’ me this baby’s gonna grow double-time inside me?”

“I don’t know. Maybe. Seems that way,” said Hunter helplessly. He scrubbed a hand over his face and then sat straight-backed, dropping his hands to his knees. “So what do we do now?”

Phee looked at him sceptically. “We don’t do anything,” she said. “I decide what to do next.”

Hunter frowned in confusion. “What do you mean, decide what to do?” Then, with an uncertain waver, “You’re keeping the baby.”

The words were half-question, half-plea. Phee gave Hunter a long, steady look before shaking her head.

“I don’t know that,” she told him. “I can’t raise a kid by myself! Let alone one that’d grow up twice as fast because of whatever funky deal you specially engineered soldiers have going on.” She waved her hands, a gesture that encompassed Hunter and the rest of the room. Seeing Hunter’s stricken look, she softened a little. “Why does it matter so much to you, anyway?”

“That…” Hunter trailed off, then tried again. “That’s Tech’s kid,” he said quietly, voice raw. “It might be the last part of him we ever have.”

“You know that’s not a good reason to have a baby.”

“But… but Tech…”

“Tech isn’t here,” said Phee firmly, but with sympathy. “Don’t get me wrong. I liked your brother. Liked him a whole lot.” She leaned back in her chair, a sad smile on her face. “Hells, I’d imagined what it would be like if you guys stopped on Pabu,” she said wistfully. “Joined me in the treasure-hunting business. Maybe I thought about the pitter-patter of tiny feet on my ship. Little brown-eyed babies running round.” She stopped, reading the devastation on Hunter’s face. “But not like this.”

“No…” echoed Hunter numbly. “I guess… not like this.”

Silence lingered like a vortex between them, both trapped in their own thoughts. Eventually Phee spoke.

“You understand why I can’t keep the baby.”

“We’d help,” said Hunter immediately, instinctively. Phee looked at him in surprise as he leaned forward in his chair, reaching over the table towards her. “I’d help. You wouldn’t be alone.”

“You’ve got your hands full tryin’ to find Omega,” said Phee. Hunter flinched at the reminder, looking away. “I appreciate the thought, Hunter, but you’re not in a position to make that promise.”

“But… it’s Tech’s kid,” repeated Hunter, dazed and hopeless.

Phee sighed. “Go get the doctor. I’m ready to go home and sleep on it.”

--

They were back at the clinic the following week, watching the little bean wiggle and dance on the ultrasound.

“Well I’ll certainly give credence to the theory that the foetus has inherited the accelerated growth genes from the clone parent,” said the sonographer with surprise. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Hunter stood at the head of the bed beside Phee, gaze riveted on the black-and-white image of his niece or nephew.

Phee turned her face up to him, lips pursed in thought. Then, “Y’know, that Hemlock guy never seemed that trustworthy to me.”

Hunter glanced down at her in confusion.

“What I’m saying is, I wouldn’t take his word at face value,” Phee continued, a tight smile coming onto her face.

Hunter blinked, guarded hope dawning in his eyes. “You mean-”

“I mean you’d better go find out what really happened to your brother.” She looked back at the screen, to the recognisable shape waving tiny arms and legs. Her fingertips crept to the edge of her belly, brushing the skin beside the sonographer’s gel.

“Find out if he’s still alive, and if he is, bring him back to me.”

[bridgertonbabe]

I just watched Baymax the cartoon, where the robot is trying to help this little girl with her first period and ends up buying the entire menstrual hygiene aisle at the grocery after everyone around it makes recommendations which to buy, so this got me thinking how would poor old girl dad benedict deal with violet getting her first period and sophie is not home lol 😂

The weekend had gone by without a hitch. Sophie would be arriving home later that evening from her spa break with the rest of the Bridgerton women and in the meantime Benedict had decided to have a movie marathon with his four children while Charlie was back from uni.

"Oh for god's sake, Violet! Would you hurry up?!" William bellowed from the sofa as Benedict and Charlie brought in the popcorn and snacks.

"William, there's no need to shout." Benedict chided his youngest son.

"What's even taking her so long?" William grumbled but Alex immediately distracted his brother by shoving a bowl of popcorn into his lap, which William began helping himself to.

As Charlie began setting the film up, Benedict brought in some Cola bottles from the fridge and after he had placed them on the coffee table he noticed his daughter hovering in the doorway.

"Hey, sweet pea." he beamed. "You ready for Star Wars Sunday?" he asked and motioned to the sofa for her to settle down.

"Um, dad?" Violet swallowed hesitantly. "Can I have a word?"

Benedict's expression changed into one of puzzlement, wondering why his thirteen year old daughter appeared to be almost nervous as she maintained her tentative position in the doorway.

"What's wrong? Are you alright?"

"Urgh, I'm sure she's fine!" William rolled his eyes. "I bet she wants Diet Coke instead of regular Coke, right princess?" he said mockingly.

"No," Violet replied quietly, her shoulders shrugging up as she became increasingly more self-conscious.

"Oh! I know; she's got Food Tech tomorrow and she needs to go to the shops to pick up ingredients!" Alex suggested.

"No, no, no," Violet shook her head and looked to her dad, "it's not that."

"I've got it!" Charlie snapped his fingers. "She wants you to take a photo of her with the cat so she can post it on her Insta story!" he offered up and his brothers snickered.

"It's not that." Violet insisted. "Dad, can we talk in the hallway?"

"No, no, no." William wagged a finger at her. "Whatever it is you've got to say to dad you can say in front of us." he declared. "Watch, I bet she's trying to up her pocket money because she knows he'll give in to her." he said in a barely subtle aside to his brothers.

"Dad, please." Violet pleaded.

"No, no, Vi!" William crowed. "You can stay here and say it loud and proud for the whole room to hear."

"There's blood in my knickers!"

And suddenly the room was silenced as her father and three brothers all stared at her in shock.

"Oh." Benedict breathed after a very long and excruciating thirty seconds had passed. "Oh so... so... so you're, uh, on your... your uh..." he waved his hand nervously as he tried to remember the word.

"My period." Violet awkwardly supplied for him.

"Uh, yes. Ahem. Yes. That. Your period." Benedict nodded along. "Well, um... what do you need? What does your mother get you?" he asked uncertainly - growing up he was lucky that he never had to be involved with any of his sisters' times of the months (bar Eloise and Hyacinth groaning about cramping for everyone to hear) as his mother saw after them.

"Well I don't know. This is the first time I've got it."

Her brothers had never been so still (William had even paused from consuming the popcorn before the film had even begun) as their eyes rounded in growing horror.

"Oh. I see." Benedict said as his mouth suddenly became incredibly dry.

"Do you know where she keeps her sanitary stuff?" Violet sighed wearily, wanting this mortifying moment to be over and done with. "I already checked in the bathroom but I couldn't find anything."

"Oh. Um, well... let's go see." Benedict decided and left the room with Violet to go in search for where Sophie kept her supplies.

Except, after a solid thirty minutes, Benedict hadn't been able to turn up a single tampon or sanitary towel despite looking in every possible place in the house he could think of Sophie stowing it away in. He tried giving Sophie a call but she didn't pick up and he realised she might be on the train and currently without signal.

"Hey, can you guys help?" Benedict reentered the living room where his sons were still sat waiting in hope that they could start the movie.

"With what?" Charlie asked.

"Doing a recheck. Violet and I can't find where your mother keeps her sanitary stash."

"Ew! I don't want to go looking for that!" William groaned with disgust.

"Really? Do you want your sister to suffer?" Benedict snapped.

And so Charlie, Alex, and a reluctant William all helped in turning the house over in search for any sanitary products, however -

"Nothing?!" Benedict exclaimed. "How can there be nothing in the house?!" he cried out despairingly at his children. "And you all checked everywhere?"

"Yes, dad." Charlie nodded tensely.

"And you all checked thoroughly?"

"I mean, I checked so thoroughly that I managed to come across your eighty pack of condoms in the nightstand." Alex mentioned uncomfortably.

"Ew!" William whined. "You guys still do it at your age?"

Benedict disregarded that comment and avoided looking any of his repulsed children in the eye as he dragged a hand through his hair.

"Right. Well I guess we're going to have to go buy stuff." Benedict figured. "Yeah, that's what we'll do." he said, talking more so to himself than his offspring. "Okay, let's just all get in the car."

And so he drove the five of them to the local supermarket, his shoulders hunched up to his ears as all of his children sat in tense silent - it was the quietest they had ever been in the last thirteen years, none of them knowing what to say on the subject of Violet's first foray into menstruation.

"Okay." Benedict swallowed as the five of them stood by the sanitary products. "Which, uh... which one does your mother get?"

Violet shook her head. "I don't know."

"Ah. Right. Okay." Benedict nodded uneasily.

"I, um... I think I've seen her get this one." Alex offered up awkwardly by pointing to a pink packet of sanitary pads.

But just as Benedict went to grab them, Charlie piped up. "Wait what's the difference between towels and pads? Coz those are pads but this other pink one is labelled towels."

"I think they're the same. Right?" Alex turned to his dad.

Benedict just stared at the overwhelming wall of sanitary products in front of him, clueless as to what any of them were or how they differentiated between each other.

"And what the hell are they going on about wings for? This one's got normal wings but this one has extra long absorbent wings?" Charlie noted.

"Oh who cares! Just grab any tampons and lets go!" William bristled.

"Tampons? Aren't pads better?" Alex scratched his head.

"Aren't they the same thing?" William frowned.

"No, you idiot!" Charlie spluttered. "Tampons aren't the same as pads!"

"But I thought tampons were just the collective term for all of this?" William gestured to the shelves before them.

"No!" Charlie tsked in disbelief. "The collective term is sanitation products!"

"Isn't it just sanitary?" Alex chimed in.

"Okay, Jesus Christ, would you all shut up?" Benedict snapped. "Let's just grab these," he said and just grabbed the first packet in front of him, "and go."

"Wait, there's a packet of period underwear here." Alex mentioned.

Benedict stopped in his tracks and looked over to the period underwear his son had pointed out.

Twenty minutes later they reached the till and Benedict dumped the contents of his basket onto the conveyer belt.

"Oh, uh, hi there." he cleared his throat to the middle-aged cashier.

"Hello." she smiled back and removed the divider before going to pick up the first item.

"Listen, um, it's my daughter's..." he trailed off as he glanced to Violet, who at this point was red-faced from the day's ordeal. "She got her period for the first time." he informed the cashier in a hushed voice.

"Oh dear. Are you alright, sweetheart?" the kindly cashier, Tracey, addressed the thirteen year old.

Violet gave an embarrassed nod, briefly meeting the woman's sympathetic gaze before averting her eyes down to the floor again, all the while her brothers hovered behind her looking every bit as uncomfortable as she was.

"You see, um, my wife's away for the weekend and I really wasn't sure what my daughter needed so," he gestured to the heaving conveyor belt, "we just grabbed a bit of everything just to make sure. I was wondering if, um, you could just let us know if there's anything else we might need o-or if there's anything we've got that's not necessary."

Tracey gave Benedict and his children an empathetic smile and assured them she would. With her help their shopping haul significantly decreased. She put every variation of sanitary towel aside in favour of a simple everyday packet as she explained first periods were typically very light and so they wouldn't need anything for a heavy flow just yet. She kept a box of tampons in case Violet decided she wanted to use them instead of the pads, as well as a packet of period underwear, but dismissed the use of a moon cup for the time being as well as informing them that the post-surgery pads weren't at all necessary. The painkillers, hot water bottle with a fluffy pink cover, and multitude of chocolate remained, and when the bags were all packed and paid for Tracey wished them well as the family scuttled out of the shop.

That evening when Sophie finally came home she breezed into the living room to find her family watching Star Wars but as she greeted them she couldn't help but notice that all of her boys seemed to be particularly anxious and on edge, which wasn't normally like them. There was a knock at the door to signal the arrival of their takeaway and while Alex went to answer, Benedict along with Charlie and William jumped up to get plates and drinks, leaving Sophie alone with Violet.

"Are you okay, sweetheart?" Sophie asked as she noted the blanket Violet was wrapped in and how she was reclined in her seat. "You're not ill, are you?" she enquired, acknowledging the sour look on her face.

"I got my period."

"Oh!" Sophie gasped. "Oh, sweetheart, are you okay?" she asked and Violet welcomed her mother's cuddle. "When did you get it?"

"Today."

"Oh, Violet. I've got supplies upstairs if you want to come with me,"

"It's fine." Violet quickly bit out. "I've got one."

"Oh good, you found them alright,"

"No." Violet muttered bitterly. "Dad had to take me to Sainsburys. With the three stooges in tow. And none of them knew anything."

"Oh, sweetheart." Sophie chuckled lightly and rubbed her daughter's back. "I'm sorry you had to go through that."

"They were so embarrassing, mum! The lady at the till had to tell us we didn't need the eight packets of post-surgery incontinence pads!"

Sophie buried her face in Violet's hair to stifle her amusement. As sympathetic as she felt for her teenage daughter's plight, she couldn't help finding the scenario funny.

"I'm sorry, darling. They were only trying to help." she assured her soothingly in spite of her daughter's sulky chagrin.

And later on after they had all retired to their rooms for the night Sophie returned from the en-suite and observed just how exhausted her husband appeared.

"So, for future reference, I keep the sanitary products in the drawer under my side of the bed."

Benedict whipped his head up at her, his eyes boggling. "We have drawers underneath the bed?!"

[factorydefaultlu]

That's actually something I love about One Piece! It feels so atemporal.

The way I see it is that because of the very geography of that version of earth, globalization hasn't quite happened yet, and that's why some places may feel more old timey and technologically behind than others. Later in the manga, when the Strawhats reach the New World, we do see more advanced tech.

As for periods, reusable cloth pads would be my bet on the common collection method, but menstrual cups could also be a possibility 🤔

What really peaks my interest is birth control tho

~👻

There's probably salves and tinctures that women drink which do somewhat prevent pregnancy, but can ruin fertility. There might be something like that for men too. I'm guessing everyone uses the pull out method, except in the new world probably.

Also it's wild that globalization hasn't happened, despite the marines being a world wide thing... It's almost as if the World Government is picky on who gets technology and basic amenities (sounds familiar)

[anubislover]

Home is Where the Heart Is

(The fanfic I wrote for the @womenwantedzine way back, now finally exposed to the public, lol)

As she cleaned her tools and listened to the steady hum of the Polar Tang’s engine, Ikkaku decided that there was nothing she didn’t love about being a Heart Pirate.

After all, her crew was simply the best. Her captain was a brilliant doctor and a member of the Worst Generation. The boys were vibrant and fun and capable, and it was a blast coming up with awesome poses together. Plus, they hands-down had the cutest navigator of any crew on the Grand Line, and she didn’t mind the occasional garchu from him, despite how hot and sweaty he could get.

Not that it was always easy, being the only girl on the crew. When she’d first come aboard, she’d had to deal with more than a few awkward situations, like sharing a bathroom, overhearing inappropriate conversations, the occasional unthinking sexist comment, and, of course, the embarrassment that came with medical check-ups and monthly menstrual cycles.

Now, though, the boys fully respected her. Or at least they never acted like heart-eyed idiots around her the way they had with the Kuja. She didn’t have to worry about not having a tampon since they were bought in bulk; after all, they were great for plugging bullet wounds. And while the boiler suit wasn’t what most people would consider high-fashion, it was nice that it was unisex and utilitarian. The thick material protected her skin from hot pipes and sharp metal, and honestly, she pulled it off the best.

After a while, she’d even come to love—well, tolerate—their alliance with the Straw Hats. She may have opposed it at first and seen their help as worthless, but it was hard to stay mad after she found out that Monkey D. Luffy had basically saved Law’s life. And, perhaps, she’d mainly resisted teaming up because she was upset that her captain had sent her and the crew to Zou instead of letting them help.

Most of all, she loved the Polar Tang. The submarine was far more high-tech than any other pirate ship she’d seen, and she knew every nut, bolt, pressure gauge, and pipe. It was unique. It was home.

What other ship could travel underwater without that bubble coating from Sabaody? Could practically disappear beneath the waves when pursued by the Navy, or pop back up for a surprise attack? What other ship was able to observe deep sea life like the Tang?

They did have to deal with the unique hazard of the occasional hungry squid mistaking them for a whale, but hey, she’d take that over most Marines. It was killer on the paint job, though. A steady supply of yellow paint was a necessity for dealing with those sucker marks.

And of course, no other ship had someone like her on board. Every member of the crew had some knowledge of the Tang’s workings, but Ikkaku prided herself on her expertise. Why, just from the feel of her feet on the steel walkways and the angle of the water in a glass, she could tell whether or not the trim tanks needed balancing or if they needed to redistribute the weight of fuel and supplies.

The Polar Tang was her home, and Ikkaku was determined to take good care of it. After all, it took care of the Hearts. She was familiar with the legends of the Klabauterman, and with the way she loved and looked after the ship, she was certain one existed on board. And if it didn’t, well, she was the next best thing.

The clunk of boots echoing through the hallway broke her out of her thoughts, and checking the clock, she realized it was time for dinner. If she didn’t get moving, she’d likely find herself Shambled into the galley.

Giving the engine one last affectionate pat, she ran off to join her nakama.

[mariacallous]

When you watch a video on Instagram, the app's algorithms are also watching you. As you scroll, they are hoovering up information to figure out what makes you tick—not only to show you content that keeps you coming back, but also to show you ads that are more likely to make you buy something.

Meta calls the information it compiles about how users behave across its apps “activity.” That activity might include what they say in social media posts or comments, the contents of the (unencrypted) messages they send or receive, the hashtags they use, and how long they spend watching certain types of posts or videos.

When compiled, this information can reveal incredibly personal information, potentially ranging from an individual’s musical tastes to their menstrual cycles. “These data are rather potent in the sense that they will tell you everything about a person's online behavior and therefore also their interests, their personality,” says Tobias Judin, spokesperson for Norway’s privacy watchdog, Datatilsynet. When that information about how a user behaves online is used to inform what type of ads that person sees, it becomes what’s known as behavioral advertising. “Literally everything that you do on these platforms can be recorded and used for behavioral advertising purposes,” he says.

For years, European courts have argued that Meta cannot use this type of data for advertising unless the company asks for users’ explicit—yes or no—consent. But in July, Norway went a step further, branding the way Meta carries out behavioral advertising as illegal. The watchdog threatened to ban Meta’s behavioral ads in Norway and pledged to fine the tech giant $100,000 per day unless the company changed its ways. The ban was due to take effect on August 4; three days before that, on August 1, Meta quietly published an update to a January blog post announcing its intention to comply.

“Today, we are announcing our intention to change the legal basis that we use to process certain data for behavioral advertising for people in the EU, EEA and Switzerland from ‘Legitimate Interests’ to ‘Consent,’” the blog post read, without saying specifically when the change will take place or mentioning Norway. Meta declined WIRED’s request to comment further.

Norway is chalking this up as a victory. “While Meta states that this is a voluntary change on their end, that appears very unconvincing,” says Judin. “Asking users for consent could negatively affect the company’s earnings, and historically speaking, Meta has not been willing to sacrifice profits for privacy unless forced.” Meta said the wider Europe region generated almost a quarter of its advertising revenue in the three months leading up to June 30.

Norway’s threat was a bold move. “We normally don't ban processing activities like this,” Judin says. But the regulator has become a new thorn in Meta’s side. Last year, the watchdog came under new leadership, with privacy lawyer Line Coll taking the helm as director. Speaking to the Norwegian business magazine Kapital in May, she suggested she was thinking about new ways to use sanctions to better protect privacy. So far, she has delivered.

However, the Norwegian order formed only the top of a very large pile of legal challenges to the way Meta deployed personalized advertising in Europe.

In response, the company has adopted different legal justifications for doing this type of advertising that did not require users’ consent. Initially it argued that behavioral ads were an essential part of its business. After that was questioned in the courts, Meta claimed a “legitimate interest” to use that information. Then, in July, the EU’s Court of Justice decided that didn’t fly unless users were asked for consent. After that, Norway’s complaint was simply the straw that broke the camel’s back.

The real root of Meta’s decision was a ruling by the European Data Protection Board in January and the EU Court of Justice case in July, says Max Schrems, who runs the influential Vienna-based privacy campaign group NOYB. However he notes that the regulator in Norway—which is part of the European Economic Area, not the EU—has become a forceful voice in trying to get Meta to comply with European tech rules. “The Norwegians are really applying the law as it is, which a lot of other DPAs [data protection regulators] don’t really do,” he says.

The fact that Meta is indicating it will now ask for European users' consent is not significant in itself, says Schrems. “We knew this is the law since the GDPR came into force,” he says. “It’s more significant that Meta has simply ignored the law for the last five years.”

Back in Norway, Judin says the regulator feels positive about Meta offering users more choice about how their information informs the advertising they see. However he wants to make sure they are not nudged in any way into giving that consent. “We will follow closely how Meta implements the change,” he says.

[im-no-jedi]

thinking especially hard about certain scenes from MLWTBB today... just gonna share a few of my favs 🥺

Tech being genuinely confused by my awkwardness:

“Lord Dounbois” putting a very stuffy waiter in his place:

a freshly cleaned Tech meekly asking to have his goggles cleaned:

Tech very plainly explaining what a menstrual cycle is (and then proceeding to call me out later 😂):

Tech explaining neurodiversity to Echo (cause the boys are all ND in my stories 😌):

Tech using a round of Truth or Dare to get Echo to admit he’s not smarter than him LOL:

Tech drunkenly admitting that he’s cool just being friends with me (but would also be fine if we were more than that 👀):

I have more but they’re from stories I haven’t publicly posted yet 😬