#oh sergeant hunter my beloved

[a-cryptid-called-magetha]

it’s been a month and i miss him more than anything

[meshlact9901]

His arms prove why we needed shirtless scenes in The Bad Batch, Disney if only you would have given us this at least in the show. 😕 Sorry, I'm in a state of obsession with so much perfection.

These comics will give us the Hunter we always wanted to see, thanks for that 💋

[zoeykallus]

Hi Zoe!! I hope your doing good today! :)

Can I request bad batch headcanons. Like what if their s/o has like a dog (German shepherd) that’s really overprotective. The and they don’t like the bad batcher. But their s/o pet starts to warm up and like the bad batcher

❤️

Aloha!

Oh, sure you can, I love dogs! I've even been in a situation like this with my old dog and my last partner, so I can see this scenario in my mind's eye already 😁 And just a little reminder I always say when someone's not explicitly telling me a favored gender, I pick fem. I can do GN and Male as well, you just have to tell me in your request 😊

The Bad Batch x Fem!Reader HCs - I Loved Her First

_______________

Hunter

Of course, when Hunter meets your dog for the first time, he immediately senses his tension. The sergeant doesn't let it bother him, he likes animals, especially dogs, and he is sure that sooner or later he will be able to convince your four-legged friend. Your dog constantly interferes, sometimes even with a little growl, when Hunter approaches you, wants to hug you or sits next to you on the sofa. Hunter behaves in a calm and relaxed manner, he is very patient. Your dog senses this, of course, and gradually he no longer sees him as a threat, but your furry friend is still jealous. Hunter suggests walking with the dog together, he gets treats and rewards the dog when he behaves decently and also as a greeting. He brings him chew toys with which he can occupy himself, always does some small exercises with him. It doesn't take very long until your dog is happy about Hunter's visits and seeks his closeness, even obeys his commands.

You say with an amused smile, "You really are a born leader." Hunter grins at you and scratches the belly of your dog, who has stretched out all fours in front of him, enjoying his attention. "It's not just dogs I can wrap around my finger, beautiful. Would you like me to try with you?" You feel heat rising in your cheeks and say, "You've already won me over".

Echo

"That's a big dog," Echo says with raised eyebrows as your four-legged friend eyes him critically upon greeting. "Are you afraid of dogs?" you ask in surprise. Echo shakes his head and says, "No, not exactly, but I can see yours doesn't like me." You laugh softly and say, "Give him some time, he's just protecting me. He needs to learn that you belong with me and are not a threat." Echo smiles. "That I belong with you? I like that thought" Again and again, your dog pushes himself between you, growling at Echo or blocking his way when he gets up and wants to walk through your apartment. "You and I have to find a way to get along," Echo says to your dog with a sigh, "Because I'm not giving up on that girl."

You take the dog for a walk, bribe him with treats and other distractions. Echo tries hard, but your dog makes it difficult for him. However, your beloved soldier doesn't give up, he is persistent when he wants to achieve something and little by little, your four-legged friend gives in to Echo's charming ways. "I knew you could convince him," you say with a satisfied smile as Echo nuzzles your dog's ears, who tilts his head to the side in enjoyment. "You have a good dog, he's not naughty, just a protector," Echo says, "Am I right, big guy? You watch our girl when I'm out of town, will you?"

Wrecker

He is so happy to see your dog that the first growl completely confuses him. "What's wrong with you, my furry friend? I'm one of the good ones," Wrecker says softly and crouches down. Wrecker quickly notices that your dog won't let him near you and never takes his eyes off you. "The dog is very focused on you. We have to teach him that I belong to the pack." Wrecker likes animals a lot and has a lot of patience with your four-legged friend. Small exercises and bribes, like treats and toys, gradually melt your furry protector. He also keeps asking you to come over with the dog, so he can get to know him on different terrain. In fact, Wrecker builds a bond with the dog and becomes his favorite playmate. It is heart-warming to watch the two romp and cuddle. "Now I'm starting to get jealous," you say, amused.

Wrecker laughs happily, "There's no need for that, sweetie. You're still my favorite playmate."

Tech

His first reaction is perfectly calm, a raised brow. "Someone doesn't seem ready to accept me into your pack," he says matter-of-factly, "We'll have to change that." Of course, Tech studies all sorts of methods on the Holonet and tries different things. For him, it's a welcome change, a harmless but interesting little experiment. Little bribes and simple exercises, walks that he eventually does alone with the dog, and it doesn't take long for your four-legged friend to listen to every word Tech says. He teaches him a few little new commands and shows him a few boundaries. "This is working beautifully," Tech says, smiling at you as your dog puts his head in his lap because he wants to be petted. You nod back with a smile and say, "You're doing great." Tech nods in satisfaction and says, "You two definitely have one thing in common."

You look at him questioningly. "Oh yeah? What's that?" "You're both very affectionate" As heat rises to your face, and you nervously avert your gaze, Tech kisses your cheek and says softly, "Don't worry, I like it a lot"

Crosshair

At first, he doesn't comment on your dog's behavior at all, just raises a brow now and then. But at some point during this first encounter between the two, he says, "I can tell what he's thinking." Surprised, you look at Crosshair. "What do you suppose he's thinking?" you ask curiously. Crosshair laughs softly and says, "I loved her first, get out of here". You blink, not sure if you're really drawing the right conclusion. Then you see Crosshair blink as well, just realizing what he more or less accidentally revealed. "You love me?" you ask quietly. Crosshair scratches the back of his head.

"I, um, well, I guess you could put it that way". You smile dreamily and Crosshair is about to lean in to kiss you when your dog interjects, growling again. "Maybe he just senses that I'm a cat person". "You two will make friends," you say, with amusement. And Crosshair does indeed make an effort. On his next visit, he has treats and toys with him to bribe the four-legged friend. These little bribes become a kind of ritual between the two of them, and at some point when you come out of the bathroom, Crosshair is sitting on your sofa, the dog half over his lap, letting himself be cuddled with delight. "I knew you two would become friends," you say happily. Crosshair looks at you smugly and says, "He knows I'm the alpha here now, Kitten."

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

@rintheemolion

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[jedipoodoo]

Soldier in my Dreams (Sergeant Hunter & Daughter!OC)

Notes: nothing I write is ever beta read we die like tech (but not really). Father's day, dad batch. Hunter is married to my OC, Saachi, they adopted Omega and Jasper together, and had five children after that (one son, and a set of quadruplets). Nightmares, comfort, Hunter likes being a father more than he ever did a soldier.

Hunter woke as blasterfire echoed in the corners of his mind. The frizzing of droid poppers rang faintly in his ears as he looked around the room. Smaller than the bunks on Kamino, but bigger than the crew's quarters on the Marauder. The night was a dark blue, casting the room in a hyperspace-like glow, peaceful and serene

He wasn't a soldier anymore. He was home.

The bed stirred beside him. Saachi grunted in her sleep and turned on her side, arms tucked beneath her pillow. The strap of her nightdress had slipped over her shoulder in her sleep, so Hunter tucked it back into place and leaned down to brush a kiss against her cheek. Sleep settled back over her as her breathing evened out.

Hunter heard the pitter patter of tiny feet just outside the door to the room, so he stood to answer it before the creak could wake up his wife.

Standing there, with her beloved Lala the tooka in one arm and the other rubbing sleep from her eyes, stood Poppy. The youngest of his girls, and the second youngest overall. Hairs stuck out of her little braids at off angles, giving her a fuzzy halo as she frowned up at her dad.

"Where's Momma?" she demanded, unsatisfied by his appearance.

"She's fine, she's just sleeping." Hunter knelt in front of Poppy, trying to keep her from moving into the room, "What's up, sarad'ika?"

Poppy's bottom lip jutted out in a pout.

"Wan' Momma," She insisted.

But Hunter hadn't learned nothing from his time as a Sergeant. He knew plenty of redirection tactics.

"C'mere," he scooped Poppy up into his arms, Lala and all, "Let's take a look at your brothers and sisters now, huh?"

"Quinn's snoring!" Poppy complained loudly. Hunter reminded her to be quiet.

"Is that what woke you up, then?" He chuckled, closing the door to his room.

Poppy shook her head vehemently, "I had a nightmare."

"Oh," Hunter said, "Do you want to talk about it?"

Poppy shook her head again. She wrapped her arms around Lala's head tightly, and rested her head against Hunter's chest.

Sure enough, when they peeked into the girl's room, Quinn was snoring softly. Her own Tooka, Tutu, had fallen off the bed as she lay splayed over her sheets, so Hunter picked Tutu up and placed him in Quinn's arms again.

In the boy's room, Andi was sound asleep with his tooka, Pinkey, but Reed was missing from his bed. Hunter knew he couldn't have gone far, though. As he checked the older boy's bedroom, they found that Reed had crawled into Gray's bed again. Jasper was only pretending to be asleep, Hunter could see the faint glow of his datapad beneath his flimsy pillow.

"It's goodnight, Jaspa!" Poppy protested, pointing an accusing finger at her biggest brother.

"Shh," Hunter told her, hoping Reed and Gray would stay asleep. He tiptoed over to Jasper's bed. Jasper remained on his side, his back to Hunter, and too still to actually be asleep. Hunter slipped the datapad out from under Jasper's pillow and switched it off, tucking it in his back pocket.

"Good night, Jasper," He whispered, gently kissing his forehead. Jasper mumbled something unintelligible in return, muffled by a yawn.

The last bedroom, while the smallest of the rooms in the house, belonged to the oldest.

"You sleeping, 'Meega?" Poppy sounded almost disappointed.

Omega indeed was asleep, though like Jasper, her own datapad was not far out of reach. It had fallen on her face mid-message, and had typed out a random smattering of numbers and letters. Thankfully, it hadn't sent, but before Hunter could turn it off and set it back in the charging dock, he couldn't help but read a few of the messages. She was messaging Echo again. And Emerie, too. Hunter didn't know how much he trusted Emerie, but he trusted Echo, and Echo vouched for her.

Hunter's heart beat painfully in his chest. They were telling her about the Rebellion, the successes and the losses. He kept himself from reading anymore. Omega was growing up. She wasn't that innocent little child he met on Kamino anymore, she was allowed to grow up and make her own decisions, even if they might put her in danger.

Poppy leaned forward and almost fell out of Hunter's arms, reaching for Omega.

"Woah, Woah, Woah!" he hissed.

"But I wanna say goodnight!" Poppy pouted. Omega grunted, and rubbed her eyes.

"Hunter? Poppy, wha-?"

Hunter sighed, "Sorry, kid, Poppy had a bad dream, so she wanted to say goodnight. You can go back to sleep now."

Omega chuckled softly, and held out her arms, "It's alright."

Poppy launched herself into Omega's arms, knocking the wind from her lungs.

"Poppy," Hunter sighed again, running a hand over his face.

Poppy hugged Omega all the more tighter, "I love you, 'Meega."

Omega wrapped her arms around Poppy, "I love you too, ad'ika."

"Alright, you little womp rats," Hunter gently yanked Poppy out of reach from Omega so that he could give her a kiss good night, "Back to bed with both of you."

He managed to slip out of Omega's room and back into the hall before Poppy started to protest.

"Don't wanna," She insisted, "Wanna stay with 'Meega!"

"No, it's time for you to go back to your own bed, now."

"But Reed sleeps with Gray!" I wanna sleep with 'Meega!" Poppy said.

Hunter had to place a few fingers over her mouth, hushing her gently. When she was quiet again, he slowly removed his fingers. "You gotta go to bed, sarad'ika. Omega, and Momma, and everyone else is asleep now."

"Even ba'vod'u Tech?" She asked hopefully.

"Even ba'vod'u Tech," Hunter nodded, "He's tired. Papa's tired too. Aren't you tired?"

Poppy's fingers twisted tighter into the material of Hunter's shirt. He was afraid she might rip a hole in it.

"Scared." She whimpered at last, hiding ashamedly behind her tooka.

"Oh," you're scared," Hunter whispered in understanding, "From your nightmare?"

Poppy nodded.

Hunter's heart broke as he tilted his daughter's chin upwards so he could see her face. Her delicate eyes were wide with unshed tears, and her little bottom lip trembled. He would do anything if it meant any of his little ones would never feel the way that Poppy looked right now.

He sighed, and cradled her against his shoulder, "Come with me, you can sleep with me and Momma tonight."

She perked up at that. "Momma?"

"Shh," Hunter urged, "You have to be quiet. Remember, Momma's asleep now."

"I be quiet," Poppy said, and yawned promisingly.

Hunter brought her back into his room, where Saachi lay just as he had left her. He opened the window, letting in the soothing salt air and the calming sound of the distant waves wrap around them like a warm blanket. Poppy could barely lift her head from Hunter's shoulder.

"Papa?" She hummed as Hunter sat on his side of the bed.

"Yes, Poppy?" he asked. He paused, keeping Poppy against his shoulder so that he could listen to her tired, sleepy voice.

Poppy yawned again, and it nearly made Hunter yawn too.

"You keep me safe?" She asked.

Hunter smiled to himself and kissed her forehead. Not too many years ago, keeping his children safe would have required bloodshed and danger, along with almost certain death. But now, with the Clone Wars long behind them, and the Empire far from Pabu, safety meant things like watching so that they didn't fall off a rock, making sure they ate healthy, providing warm clothes during the colder months, and promising that the uncertainty of the night couldn't reach them.

He much preferred this fight.

"I will always keep you safe, sarad'ika." he whispered. Poppy's eyes fluttered closed, but hunter caught the glimpse of a satisfied smile as he lay her on the bed, nestled in between himself and Saachi.

He lay next to her, listening as Poppy's heartbeat slowed to keep time with Saachi's. His heart was slowing too, but he couldn't bring himself to close his eyes.

Poppy's arms flailed back and forth, which meant she was finally starting to settle down to sleep, but they also hit Saachi, just enough to nudge her awake.

"Mmm, nightmare?" she asked, rubbing one eye with her fingertip.

Hunter nodded, brushing Poppy's bangs from her eyes. her little eyelids twitched, as sleep claimed them, and Hunter prayed that she'd have better dreams now.

"Oh, sweet girl," Saachi sighed and kissed the back of Poppy's head, "Good thing you have your Papa to help you, huh?"

She took the elastic from the end of the braid that wasn't pinned beneath Poppy's head, and rebraided it. It was more of a habit than a necessity. Saachi loved being able to help their daughters with their hair, and both Quinn and Poppy loved how pretty the braids were.

Hunter sat up, just as the door opened with an ominous creak.

"I hadda bad dream," Andi said, rubbing at his eye with his fist.

Hunter tried not to sigh, and Saachi placed her hand on his arm.

"I got this one," she mouthed, nodding to Poppy. She met Andi at the door, scooping him up into her arms, and as Hunter finally let his eyes drift shut, he could hear Saachi humming a lullaby to their son.

[inkyclone99]

Great timing to drop this utter masterpiece in tumblr 🥺❤️

Quite a detailed fellow. Anon commission from twitter

No one has permission to use this picture, DO NOT repost, trace, claim to be your own, edit/modify or de-face in any way! Reblogs appreciated

[ashes-2-ashes57cba]

The Clone Wars: A Distant Echo

Part 2 of the Clone Wars Bad Batch arc with my OC: Specter! this has been edited *adla'vod: roughly translates to "twin", directly translates to "same brother/sister"

Specter felt surprised and almost betrayed when Crosshair let General Anakin Skywalker inspect his beloved rifle. Usually, he would get fussy if even she touched it. He wouldn’t even let her put her stuff next to his. 

The Bad Batch, Captain Rex, and the Jedi were on board the Batch’s ship—the Marauder—on their way to Skako Minor, following the live signal “Echo” supposedly sent out. Rex watched as Wrecker lifted a gonk droid with one hand and ate with the other. Crosshair observed as the General looked at his gun, and Hunter monitored any planetside activity at the console while Tech flew them to their destination. The female clone sat back, resting and mentally preparing herself for their next mission. 

“So, how many missions has your team been on, Sergeant?” Anakin asked Hunter.

“Honestly, sir, I’ve lost count. All the action sort of blurs together,” he admitted with a shrug.

“I know you work with Cody sometimes, but who exactly do you guys report to?” Rex asked. Hunter hummed in thought.

“Good question. Can’t say I’ve got an answer.”

“Yeah, I’d feel really bad for the one who would have to try and make sense of our reports,” Specter piped up. Wrecker laughed in agreement. “Oh, adla’vod?” The sniper turned to his twin as Anakin handed him his rifle back. “Your taste in music is weird and the songs you suggested are weird, and I love it. I’m adding them to the playlist.”

“I told you,” he said with a smirk. 

“So you’re the first female clone. How does that affect your… dynamic?” Skywalker asked, turning his attention to Specter. She raised an eyebrow.

“If you’re implying what I think you are, don’t worry about it. I’ve heard enough of the whispers. I’ve saved these boys more times than they’d like to admit, so I’m not just a pretty face.”

“What?” Anakin blushed, “N-no, like— gosh how do I say it without sounding crass?” Specter surprised him by laughing. 

“I’m teasing, General, I know what you mean. They’re my brothers and best friends. They respect me and know when to give me my space when I need it. In return, I don’t break their knees. Isn’t that right boys?” she asked aloud to her team.

“Yes, ma’am,” they replied; some enthusiastically, some with disdain. 

“However they don’t always pick up after themselves. Take Tech, for example,” she said loudly, hoping to get his attention.

“What now?” he sighed.

“Just because my bunk was empty and clean, does not mean you get to use it for storage for your projects.”

“You weren’t using it.”

“Because your stuff was on it!” Rex and Anakin snickered at their argument while Crosshair and Hunter rolled their eyes. A thud and the sound of alarms ended their argument.

“We are approaching Skako Minor,” Tech reported. “It looks to be a difficult landing.” The Marauder broke through the thunderous clouds, turbulence rocked the ship. Wrecker went to help Tech man the controls while the others strapped themselves in. 

Once they landed and everything settled, the rest of the team gathered in the cockpit.

“Rex, what do we know about this place?” Anakin asked his captain.

“On this part of Skako, there’s a race of locals, the Poletecs. All we know is that they’re very primitive.”

“‘Primitive’ is being kind. My intel says the Poletecs worship flying reptiles,” Tech chimed in. A thud and screech were heard outside the ship, almost in reply to the Batcher’s remark. A shadow of a creature scurried over the viewport.

“Oh! What the heck was that?” Wrecker exclaimed as the ship rocked and jolted.

“It’s one of those reptiles,” Tech simply answered.

“I want that thing off my ship,��� Hunter growled, putting on his helmet. The Batchers followed his lead and prepared to go outside to investigate. 

“Hold on! Hold on! Don’t just run out there,” Rex warned. 

The Bad Batch ignored him, running out to the blowing winds. A creature was on top of the ship, its rider a mere silhouette against the dim golden light peeking through the dust and clouds.

“Hey! Get off of there!” Wrecker yelled, pointing his blaster at them. Anakin ignited his saber but held his arm out to the brute.

“Hey, calm down. We need to talk to them,” he said.

“Why?” Hunter gowled. The Bad Batch wasn’t used to handling confrontations with diplomacy.

“The General’s right,” Rex supported. Two more flying creatures screeched and approached fast, intently flying toward the group. 

“Heads up!” Specter yelled, crouching low. Anakin pushed Rex out of the way as one of them reached out with its claws to grab at the captain. The two flew by, but the one atop the ship jumped down and grabbed Anakin before flying away with the rest of its group. The Jedi’s lightsaber fell from his belt, Rex grabbed it before firing a few potshots at the reptile, hoping to have some sort of effect. Tech looked through his visor, tracking him.

“I have a thermal reading. Point-two-five east, elevation 175,” he reported. 

“Relax,” Crosshair said, readying his rifle and using Tech’s shoulder as a mount, “I’ll handle this.” He fired a grappling line, latching onto the leg of the reptile holding Anakin.

“What are you doing?” Rex asked as Crosshair handed Hunter the base of the line. 

“Going for a ride,” Hunter said, clipping the line to his belt before being yanked away. “Keep the boys out of trouble, Spec.” Specter crossed her arms, and yelled after him.

“Like they listen to me anyway, but sure thing.” 

The group watched as Hunter and the General disappeared into the thick clouds. Silence surrounded the group until Wrecker turned to Specter and asked-

“Should we follow them?”

“Not yet,” she replied. “We can’t be sure of any more of those reptiles hiding among the clouds. Best to trust Hunter to assess the situation before we rush in.” Her fist tightened with anxiety by her side; Hunter often trusted her judgment enough for her to lead the group when he couldn’t, but this time the life of a Jedi General was on the line.

“Tech, I’m with the General. Hone in on my signal,” Hunter’s voice eventually came through the comm. Specter relaxed her shoulders before turning to the others.

“Alright, now we can regroup. Everyone back to the Marauder,” she said, taking charge and gesturing back to the ship, following the others inside just as Tech launched the shuttle and flew to Hunter’s signal. 

They eventually touched down a ways back from the edge of a ridge leading down into the Poletec’s village. Hunter was kneeling down, out of sight, observing the scene. 

“That creature still has a hold of the General,” he reported to Rex, who went to take position beside him. Rex flipped down the antennae on his helmet, looking through the scope to assess Skywalker, Specter mirrored him, tracking each of the villagers.

“We’re going in,” he said, standing up, “but remember what the General said. ‘No casualties, disarm only’.” The reminder was emphasized towards the Batch with a few pointed glances. Wrecker shook his head and slumped in dejection. 

“We’re on it, Captain,” Hunter stood up before giving orders. “Wrecker, Crosshair, rockslide!” The two went to push the large boulder nearby down the ridge and into the village. As it rolled, Wrecker shadowed behind it, using it as cover, while Crosshair stayed behind to take a sniper position. The rest of the team followed suit, shooting to disarm the natives as they scrambled away. Crosshair shot an electric probe at the leg of the creature holding Anakin; it flew off from the shock, allowing the Jedi to roll out of the way of the boulder. Hunter pointed his pistol at the leader of the Poletecs; it spoke its language at him, waving his arms about. “Tech, translate what he said?” 

“He says he does not want our war on his planet. That is why he took our leader,” he relayed, reading the translation off his visor.

“We didn’t bring the war here,” Anakin said, “it was Wat Tambor and the Separatists.” Tech went to translate, doing his best to mimic the Poltec dialect. The chieftain looked between him and Skywalker.

“Tell him we apologize for what’s happened,” Rex stepped forward. “But tell him the enemy is holding one of our men prisoner in Purkoll. As soon as we rescue him, we’ll leave this planet, for good.” Tech nodded, turning to the chieftain and relaying the information. 

Specter couldn’t help but giggle; Rex noticed her shaking shoulders and nudged her side. 

“Hey, what’s so funny?”

“He just sounds so robotic. He’s not even attempting to follow through with the accent,” she explained. 

“Could you do any better?” Rex asked. She scoffed.

“Give me a day and I could even learn the local dialect, Captain. If it helps put things in perspective, I learned Galactic Sign Language in a week.” 

“Wow, Specter, is there anything you can’t do?” Rex wondered.

“Yeah. She can’t reach the high shelves,” Crosshair sneered. His twin stomped on his foot. 

The Poltec leader and Tech continued to speak back and forth in what looked like apologies and negotiations. 

“The chief says he’ll provide us with scouts and lead us to Tambor’s city. From there, we’re on our own,” he reported to Anakin. 

“Any help is better than no help.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The two scouts led the team to a rocky outlook with a clear view of the city, or at least the spires hanging down from the clouds. One pointed towards the city and said something in his language; Tech thanked them before they went to return to their village. 

“Hope nobody’s scared of heights,” Anakin said with a smirk. Crosshair, Hunter, and Specter turned to look at Wrecker, who perked up at the attention.

“Well, I’m not scared of nothing!” he assured, unconvincingly. He glanced down the cliff rock, however, noting the height. “I just… when I’m up real high, I got a problem with gravity,” the brute admitted.

“Speaking of problems,” Tech spoke up, “I am no longer picking up Echo’s signal.”

“I don’t understand,” Rex said, surprised, “you said it was coming from this city.”

“I can only speculate, but it is possible there’s a latency issue with the frequency caused by all these atmospheric disturbances,” Tech said, holding up his datapad.

“Or… maybe they sent the signal to lure us into a trap,” Hunter speculated. “And maybe your friend’s actually dead. Well I can’t be the only one thinking of that.”

“But if a clone can come back from the dead, then nothing could stop me from being completely unhinged,” Specter fantasized.

“Look, every mission could be a trap. This one is no different,” Rex argued against Hunter. “I’m telling you that signal is being sent by Echo himself! He’s alive!”

“I think you’re letting your personal feelings get in the way because you left him for dead at the Citadel,” Crosshair sneered, turning his back on the captain. Specter tilted her head back in exasperation. 

“I had no choice. You hear me?” Rex said, his tone dark and on the verge of anger.

“Oh, I don’t blame you. I would’ve left him for dead too. Besides, he’s just another reg.” 

Specter didn’t blame Rex, nor did she try to stop him when he punched Crosshair to the ground. 

“Hey!” Wrecker grabbed the captain by the back of his armor. “Why don’t you pick on someone not your size?” The brute threw him off, but Rex turned right back around and marched up to him.

“You’ll be a whole lot smaller when I’m through with you,” he growled.

“That’s enough!” Anakin ordered, pushing the two men apart. “Sergeant, take your men and scout the area for a tower entrance. I want to talk to my Captain alone.” Hunter motioned for the Bad Batch to follow him, Specter helped Crosshair stand up before smacking the back of his helmet, scolding her twin for his insensitive comment.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The wind howled, blowing golden dust. Specter shifted her stance again, trying to ignore the itch of sand up in her armor. The Batch did their best to peer through the sand and guard the entrance of one of the towers leading up to the city while Tech worked on the door panel. Hunter sensed someone coming, holding up his gun in defense. But it was Skywalker and Rex running to meet them.

“We’re in business, General. Tech regained Echo’s signal,” Hunter reported, shouting over the wind and walking him towards the entrance. “It’s coming from this tower. How’s it going, Tech?” The clone had his datapad hooked up to a console, quietly working through algorithms and firewalls to get past the door. After pushing a few buttons, he was able to gain access.

“Sorry it took so long,” he replied with a shrug. 

“Hey, twins, check it out,” Hunter nodded inside. 

“Ah yes, the noble sacrifices,” Specter slumped before holding up her blaster and following Crosshair, sweeping the inner room for any traps or cameras. They found nothing and turned back to the door. 

“Yeah, it’s a lift,” Crosshair deadpanned.

“How magical,” Specter feigned wonder.

“Well, we already knew that,” Rex said, unamused, walking inside with the others. Wrecker nervously looked up at the tower, most of it disappeared behind heavy clouds. 

“Wait, wait, wait. A lift? How far up are we going?” he growled.

“Don’t worry, Wrecker. I’ll hold your hand,” Hunter teased. 

“Hey! Cut it out, Sarge,” Wrecker said, bumping past Hunter’s shoulder, “Just give me some droids to crush.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Remember, this is a stealth mission,” the General said as the lift neared the top, “no blasting, no blowing things up. Nobody knows we’re here.”

“Pff, don’t count on it,” Specter muttered, collapsing her blaster’s stalk and preparing her pistol. The door opened to a group of droids who abandoned their tasks, turned to the intruders, and readied their weapons. Wrecker dashed out, crashing into the ones closest, throwing one at another group near the back and swinging another at a few near the opening. They fell with robotic screams.

“I told you!” Specter said before running out to the fight with her squadmates. Anakin could only shake his head with a smirk. She fired alongside Tech, covering the corridor that led inside the facility. A pair of droids snuck up behind them, separating her and Tech. Specter let them corner her against some crates; once they were right where she wanted, she jumped up and pushed off against the crates—over the droids’ line of fire—knocking them down with a split kick. A shot flew past her shoulder, striking a lone droid attempting to charge at her; Specter looked up to find Crosshair fired the shot, she returned the favor by blasting a droid approaching behind him.

 Wrecker charged at the remaining droids, firing relentlessly and cheering from the adrenaline once they were victorious. Everyone simply looked at him.

“Uh… sorry. I just got excited.” Specter came around and patted his shoulder while Tech checked his scanner.

“I’ve still got a lock on Echo’s signal.” 

“All right, men.” Hunter readied his blaster and led the way to the corridor. “Let’s hunt some droids.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Droids on patrol marched through the hall, though they didn’t detect the door opening and Hunter peeking out. He motioned Specter forward and nodded; they stepped out, he shot the droids entering the area while she destroyed the ones that passed, clearing the way for Skywalker to step into the hallway. 

“Where exactly is Echo’s signal coming from?” he asked Tech. The clone adjusted his goggles as he looked at his datapad.

“Strange. I just lost the signal.”

“What? How can that be?” Rex asked, removing his helmet. “There’s no ‘atmospheric disturbances’ up here.”

“Well, I have a new theory. I’m surprised I did not consider it earlier,” Tech shook his head. “The signal is only traceable during data transmissions. So until Echo dispenses more intel, I cannot pick up the signal.”

“Okay, we’re splitting up. Search every door,” the General began to order, “If someone finds Echo, contact the others. We go in together, just in case there’s trouble.” Specter and Crosshair split with the General while the others went down the other way. She found nothing in the doors she checked, only storage containers and maintenance supplies. 

Specter had a very hard time believing a clone like Echo could have survived the attack on the citadel, but she knew if it was one of her squadmates, she would be just as adamant to rescue them as Rex was. But like Tech, she was logical enough to know that the chances of Echo actually being alive were low. But not zero. 

A commotion caught her attention: muffled blaster fire and a lightsaber. The clone ran towards Anakin, configuring her blaster into a sniper rifle; she got there just in time, shooting down the droids before they could attack again. The Jedi stood up, calmly walking towards her.

“Thanks for the backup.”

“No problem, General,” she said, giving a two-fingered salute.

“Hey, where did you get that weapon? I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it,” he asked as they walked down the hall.

“I doubt you would’ve. Tech and Crosshair designed and built it after I saved them on a mission from Corellia… and took care of them when they caught Corellian fever,” she snickered.

“You didn’t have to mention that,” Crosshair hissed, coming up beside them.

“Too late, Cross,” she teased, patting the side of his helmet. He swatted her hand away. “But I was the one who helped engineer the reconfiguring mechanism.”

“Clever,” the Jedi complimented. 

“Don’t let it get to her head,” Crosshair warned.

“Hey, how about when you— did you guys hear something?” Specter stopped herself, suddenly perking up. The others heard it too; sounds of droids and blasters being fired. 

“Sounds like trouble. Let’s move,” the General ordered.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It seemed the three had arrived just in time to even the odds against the droids attacking the rest of the team. Anakin used the Force to push a group out of his way, swinging his lightsaber to cut them and deflect their shots. Hunter took the opportunity to go on the offensive, Wrecker, Tech, and Rex joined in. The Sergeant held up a droid by the neck, ready to punch its head off, but Crosshair came in and shot it off for him. A whistle sounded, Specter came running in, taking a position by Wrecker.

“Hey, swing me around,” she said.

“Like on Mon Cala?” he asked, shooting a few droids.

“What? No, like on Ryloth.” They hooked their arms around each other and he spun, swinging Specter around to shoot and kick at the rest of the droids near them. The Jedi stabbed the last one. “Mon Cala… you didn’t swing me, you threw me. Underwater,” Specter mumbled. More blaster fire filled the hallway, even more droids were coming. The team took defensive positions in the side of the room. 

“Tech, open that door for Rex!” Anakin ordered over the noise. 

“Yes, sir!” Tech nodded and ran to take care of the door.

“I hope you find what you’re looking for, Captain,” Hunter said, turning to acknowledge him. “Specter, you’re with them.” Rex and Specter ran to meet Tech who was able to get the door open and enter the room. It was filled with dimly lit panels and other controls. 

“I don’t like the look of this,” Specter heard Rex say— her back was turned, keeping an eye on the door and their other surroundings. 

“I’m definitely picking up a life-form in there,” Tech said, his scanner beeping in rapid succession. He investigated the controls, “It seems to be a stasis chamber. I think I can get it open.” Specter looked over her shoulder, Tech worked at the control panel and got the chamber open. 

The door hissed open and a form fell forward, only caught by the wires attached to—him. It was a body. Malnourished, disfigured, but a clone’s body nonetheless. Specter stifled a gasp at the sight. 

“Echo,” Rex breathed. “Tech, we’ve got to get him out of here. Figure out how to…  unplug him from… from this mess.” Rex frantically undid the line around his torso, laying the body down onto the floor, cables were still attached to Echo’s head. “What have they done to you?” Specter abandoned watching the door and turned to go help Rex, who had taken off his helmet.

“We… we have to get to the shuttle to escape the Citadel,” the soldier muttered. His eyes were open but unseeing, skin sickly and pale, body emaciated and drawn. Both his legs and his right arm were replaced by cybernetic parts.

“He’s stable, but blood sugar is low,” Specter reported, removing her helmet and taking out a small flashlight. She shined it in his eyes, they were dilated and unfocused. “He’s in there but barely. Hallucinating. Oxygen in his brain must be low too, his heartbeat is irregular.” She felt his pulse on his wrist and by his neck.

“No! I’ll go first,” Echo continued in his hallucination, reaching out. Rex gently shook him.

“Echo,” he pleaded. “Echo, it’s Rex. I’m here.” The pale clone calmed down, his eyes came into focus.

“Rex? You, you came back for me,” he breathed, reaching to touch Rex.

“Yes. Yes, I did,” Rex assured. 

“What? What happened? Where am I?” Echo looked around.

“Yeah, he’s coming around alright. It’s okay, soldier. You’re safe now,” she assured.

“Just sit tight, Echo,” Rex said, “You’re going home.”

[ladyzirkonia]

The Crossing

This one is for you my beloved @lightwise. I wrote my thoughts down while the episode was released and decided to take some screenshots. Not profread just copied the text and added the pictures.

This is still one of my all time favorite episodes.

Well, first of all, the scenery, the planet, the colors, the music that really appealed to me. You have to know that as a geologist I love deserts and sandstone formations. Unfortunately we don't have much of that in Europe, I was in America for three weeks once, that was the most wonderful thing I've experienced from a geological point of view.

Back to geology. The mine and that mineral they're supposed to extract. Needless to say, I would be there right away? Super interesting, I would of course pee my pants with fear, but what the heck. That sounds like an adventure to my taste.

I can't stop staring at Tech's tight Star Wars ''jeans''. This episode it's even a bit dustier and dirtier from the environment. Please don't blame me! (Where the thirst started ;))

I just have to mention again how beautiful these sandstone formations are. I read somewhere that someone wrote about Space Utah and I think that's 100% correct.

(And just a random Sergeant picture for you, because he's hot and we can, look at this man.)

And then comes the absolute lion king moment! That can only be intentional, right? I was really scared for a moment because I associated the scene so closely with The Lion King. It was one of my favorite movies as a kid and the scene where Mufasa dies still makes me cry sometimes. I mean, those critters literally look like space antelopes, don't they?

Oh man and I felt SO sorry for Wrecker! How heartless Tech sent him back down to get the Ipsium. ''What about protecting me?'' I just wanted to shout I protect you. And again a very uneasy feeling watching the animals trample over him, maybe that traumatized me more than I thought as a child.

And how Tech then just take the container himself, hello? I mean we already talked about him being a good fighter just like his brothers. But you're just not used to the autistic nerd being so physically fit. That's pretty hot. (Edit: Still a shrimp, we love it)

And the next argument between Tech and Wrecker. It's hard to defend Tech because he's really acting like an ass. You can tell how depressed Omega is in this situation and Hunter is just trying to hold everything together. I really feel sorry for him because I can't imagine he's doing really well, but as a parent, you always have to hold back your emotions. But isn't it clear here that the group has been thrown off balance? That they obviously care that Echo is gone, as some have complained after the last episode?

''What is your issue'' really wanted to make me scream.

And Omega's angry face afterwards. I just want to jump in and smooth things out. I mean it's nothing new that kids get traumatized in Star Wars. Boba didn't exactly have the dream childhood either, but I don't think it was worked out anywhere and thought about it, it's so wonderful.

And props to Wrecker I had to laugh SO MUCH as he looks at Tech afterwards and shakes his head in slight disappointment after she left just wonderful, so many little details anyway and the facial expressions just lovely.

And then comes THE moment. I mean this man just doesn't hesitate for a second and jumps after Omega, into the dark, into the unknown, he could just die but he doesn't hesitate. I'm just so speechless, if this isn't even a complete unconditional love father/brother moment I don't know what is.

It just seemed to me, but the way Hunter looked after they both fell, it felt like he could really sense that something was wrong and that they were both in danger, which I found really interesting.

The cave they end up in is so beautiful. But apart from that, I would have died of fear if I had been pulled under the water like that. And the moment when Tech is on the ground and lifts his goggles slightly to let water run out, another cute little detail!

And then comes the conversation, I don't even know if I want to go into all of this here, you could probably write an essay about that alone. I'll just sum it up, it was wonderful, it touched me and I think a lot of people who can identify with it did too. That there isn't just one way to express your feelings, that just because you don't show obvious feelings doesn't mean you don't have any or don't care. Most of the time when I'm feeling really bad I don't talk to anyone and you might think the same thing that I don't care about anyone and don't care, but that assumption couldn't be more wrong. I feel for Tech, I feel his words, I think that's one of the best lines of the season as well as his ''Understanding you does not mean I agree with you'' from season one. I'm jealous that despite everything he can express exactly how he feels, that he doesn't know how to feel about the changes.

And the first time, the first time they say they're a family, not just a squad, and Tech confirms it, that made me so happy. The scene is so beautifully acted, the facial expressions are so good. How Tech falters in the meantime and struggles for words, not at all self-confident and precise as usual. That made me so happy.

I may process moments and thoughts differently, but it does not mean that I feel any less than you. The sentence!!! And if he feels that way about Echo, how about Crosshair? His brother, who he's known since they were little? I'm crying! I really can't wait to see you all again Crosshair, it's getting so emotional!

And that it's just Tech who is allowed to shoot the Ipsium, no, not Hunter but Tech, how he holds the blaster with both hands, yes, we already had the topic of weapons, but that's just hot too. Now imagine some target practice with Tech or Crosshair, or best of all with both, I'd be a nervous wreck!

Did I mention that Tech sometimes walks a bit stacked, like a giraffe? It's hilarious, I had to remember that Penny once called Sheldon a giraffe. These tall, lanky nerd boys, I'm in love. (Here comes the shrimp again!)

And the perfect ending as Omega just uses Tech's words to keep morale up and he gives her a slight smile. Bonding mission successfully completed I would say!

Lot's of love and may the force be with you my space sister.

[photogirl894]

Hunter or Aragorn?😈

I have a feeling I know who you’ll pick BUT think very carefully because I’m gonna take the other one and tie him to a tree and make him stand there for an hour in✨humiliation✨ mwahahahahahaha (I’m being silly of course🖤)

Oh you little...😝😝

Hunter is indeed my beloved Sergeant and I love him ever so dearly...but if I'm being perfectly honest, I wouldn't have fallen for him had I not fallen for Aragorn first over 20 years ago 💜

This gorgeous man stole my heart when I was only 6 years old and he became the template for just about every fictional crush I've had ever since! He is my first love and will always hold a special place in my heart 🥰

Anon or not, make me choose between:

[a-lil-perspective]

Here’s a cute Papa Hunter thought so pregnant people tend to experience the urge to “nest” towards the end of their pregnancy and close to delivery. “Nesting” is described as the overwhelming urge to clean/organize/prep the space for baby, get the home ready before birth.

So maybe Cyare experiences this a bit, but Hunter experiences it strongly.

Maybe it’s a byproduct of his Couvade Syndrome (sympathetic pregnancy), maybe it just hits him suddenly and without warning.

Either way it’s comical; Hunter disappears and doesn’t turn up for hours, Cyare goes looking for him everywhere along the property until finally she finds him on the Havoc Marauder half-manic, cleaning out every storage compartment and disinfecting the seats and sweeping and rearranging and Tech has blown a gasket meanwhile Wrecker is bearing the brunt of Hunter’s exasperation because “How old is this ration?!?!” and Echo is looking on curiously and Crosshair is just rolling his eyes because since when did Hunter give the first fuck about being tidy also he’s the only one who’s ever maintained his living space hahah so jokes on you fucker and Cyare is just looking on like ????? wondering what the hell she just walked into and inwardly debating whether or not she should intervene on her husband’s mania.

Cyare: Uhhh honey… what exactly are you doing???

Hunter, sweaty and frantic: We don’t have time for this we gotta clean before the baby gets here this is despicable how is she supposed to live in this filth and where are the diapers gonna go—

Cyare:

Cyare: She’s not gonna live on the ship, babe—

Hunter: wE gOTta gET REAdY.

[lesbobiwan]

sorry if this is too much lol but could you do a fic with hunter where both him and the reader are taking it slow but hunter keeps moving for more penetration so you bring him over to a chair, tie him to it with his bandana and you’re just edging and cockwarming the hell outta him until you finally bring him back over to the bed and ride him out, and this man cannot be quiet 🤚 so you just make out with him so he’ll shut up lmao

anon i can do that. dont u worry i can fucking do that

sergeant hunter x reader

cw: cockwarming, sub!hunter, praise kink

Hunter's hands drift towards your waistband, clever fingers slipping underneath your pants and underwear. His lips trail down your jawline, pressed against the pulse point that he loves feeling.

Hunter's fingers, to his credit, pause before he touches you. He enjoys pushing your limits to see how much give you allow him but he's never overpowering.

Recently though he's been... needy.

You've been trying to take it slow — you like Hunter a lot, dare you even say you love him — but all of your past relationships have been more sexual than romantic and the two of you agreed you would wait a little before actual penetrative sex.

Hunter seems to be regretting this a little.

Please, he'd whine into your skin, hands skimming down your thighs reverently, I just wanna feel you. You'd feel so warm, baby.

It's endearing in its own way. Hunter usually never begs — he has too much pride — so for him to allow himself to ask for something repeatedly is a heady feeling.

It was endearing at first, at least. Now all you want to do is teach Hunter a lesson.

Good boys are patient for the things they want.

"Hunter," you murmur as a blaster-calloused finger begins to circle your clit.

"Fuck," Hunter slides further down his body until he's pressing hot kisses just below your naval. "I can smell how wet you are, sweet thing,"

Your breath hitches.

It'd be easy to slide your pants down your legs and hook your thighs over Hunter's hips. It'd be achingly easy to let that happen, to let him fuck you. He'd make it good for you, you know that.

But you can't let bad behavior slide.

"Hunter," you say again, "take your pants off."

Hunter pulls his head back to stare at you for no more than two seconds before hissing a quiet fuck, yes, and ripping his pants off.

His cock hangs heavy between his legs and its enough to make your mouth water.

"Go sit on that chair."

"Are you — what?"

Hunter's face drops in less than a second. He glances at the offending chair and a strangled laugh escapes him, like he isn't sure how he should react.

"Go sit," you repeat, sitting up from the bed.

Where is his — ah, there it is.

You scoop up Hunter's signature bandana as he settles into the chair. He shifts, obviously more vulnerable than genuinely nervous, and his eyes lock onto the bandana in your hands.

"If you want to fuck me," you grab his hands and loop the bandana through the chair's back and around his wrists, "you have to be good."

Hunter's groan echos through the room and like this, on your knees, you're eye level with his throbbing erection.

"I can be good," he manages, chest heaving already even though he's done nothing but sit.

You tsk disapprovingly and he lurches in his chair like he's just been shot. "Baby, I don't think you can be. At least, not yet."

You rise with all the grace of a woman in charge and purse your lips as you eye Hunter's lap. Now, what would be the best way to approach this?

"I can be!" Hunter insists even though his voice is mainly white noise as you think. "I can be good, I swear I can —"

Ah, this would be good.

You swing your leg around his lap until he's bracketed between your thighs.

Hunter's babbling stops as you stand above him.

You tip his chin up with your forefinger, forcing his gaze up to meet yours. You can see how his breath catches in his throat and it sends a thrill down your spine.

"Here's what we'll do," your whisper is a blaster shot in the quiet room, "I'm going to sit on your greedy cock and you won't move. You won't cum. You won't whine."

A strangled noise catches in Hunter's throat but he swallows it down.

Good. He's already catching on.

~

Hunter pants, hot and wet into the crook of your neck.

The chair creaks with the strain of keeping Hunter's wrists locked together with the bandana.

You grin, not that he can see it with how his forehead rests limply against your shoulder, and rake your fingers through his hair.

He shudders against you, cock throbbing inside of you so violently you'd worry for Hunter if he wasn't murmuring lovely, desperate mando'a into your skin.

"Hunter," you cooed, rolling your hips for the first time in what feels like hours.

Hunter gasps, jerking beneath you with enough force to almost knock you straight off.

You grin and roll your hips again — this time with more intent and Hunter reacts beautifully.

His wail can barely be muffled into your skin. Teeth graze against your shoulder and you find yourself lamenting the fact that he didn't bite you.

"Be a good boy for me," you whisper, beginning to bounce yourself on his cock.

He fills you perfectly. The stretch, even though his cock has been inside of you for... for you don't even know how long, is enough to have you gasp into his hair as you bounce.

"Fuck," he wheezes into your skin. His thighs flex beneath you and you can hear how the chair squeals with how he strains against his bandana.

You rest your hands on his shoulders, using them as leverage to lift yourself up. It's bliss to finally ride Hunter's cock like you've been aching to do since you started this.

You can feel your release building like magma in your gut. Fuck, you want him to cum first, though.

Hunter curses again under his breath, finally sinking teeth into your skin. "'m gonna cum," he says around a mouthful of your shoulder.

"Go ahead," you urge breathlessly, rolling your hips faster against him.

Hunter jerks beneath you, eyes clenching shut. His jaw unhinges from your shoulder in favor of falling open. A guttural moan escapes his throat, shaking your chest with its intensity.

He trembles through his orgasm, chair creaking against him.

You let him tip his head forward and pant against your skin, riding out the aftershocks of his orgasm until his trembling subsides and —

You jump as hands grasp your waist.

"Wha — Hunter, when did you slip out of the bandana?" You relax back into the feeling of his hands stroking up your spine, calloused fingers pressing beautifully into your skin.

Hunter grin's weakly, lips brushing against your skin as he speaks, "A while ago," he admits, "I just..." he clears his throat, "I just wanted to be good."

"You are good," you whisper to him, speaking to hide the fact that your heart flutters in your chest like its trying to fly away. "So good for me, Hunter."

Hunter hums thoughtfully, hands trailing down until they rest on your upper thighs. "I can be better," he murmurs, fingers creeping up to tease at your clit. "You haven't cum yet," he reminds you as if you've forgotten the ache burning in your gut.

"Hunter, it's —"

"You could let me eat you out."

You freeze, cunt clenching at his words.

"Ye-yeah," you agree. "That works too."

[the-marshals-wife]

Hey i was wondering if you could please write a fluff Wrecker x reader where he is being a big baby as Tech is trying to patch up one of his wounds and reader is trying everything to keep him calm and not freaked out

Good Medicine (Wrecker x Reader)

A/N: Absolutely. I'll never be mad about getting to write this precious man child. Wrecker is dangerously close to becoming my second favorite Bad Batcher, after Tech of course. (Sorry for the insane delay responding to this. There were many physical and mental health challenges for me in 2022.)

Description: Wrecker x Fem!Reader (also Tech is present as comic relief lol)

Rating: General audiences, hurt+comfort fluff

Warnings: A Star Wars swear, mentions of blood and stiches

Setting: Up to you (literally, because I only wrote three characters, you decide were the rest of the babes are)

Word count: 1,024

Gif credit: user kamino-coruscant

Even from across the ship, you can see the anger on Hunter's face as he leans against the wall, gritting his teeth. If Wrecker screamed one more time, you worried that the sergeant was going make good on his jokes about the airlock and put his languishing brother out of his misery.

Tech continues his beleaguered attempts at bargaining for stitches, gauze and bacta in hand, "If you do not stop moving about, I will never get this wound dressed."

"It hurts!" Wrecker wails, pulling away further.

"Considering the size of the shrapnel I removed and the damage you sustained, I would be concerned if it didn't," Tech scoffs.

"It hurt less before you took it out," Wrecker argues, temper flaring, "I don't want stitches. I'll be fine!"

You bounce your leg, watching the chaos escalate from the co-pilots seat. Moments before, you'd helped remove Wrecker's gnarled leg armor, and the sight of blood soaking through his blacks was still fresh in your thoughts. You weren't sure why it was bothering you. Wrecker had experienced his fair share of battle damage. One look at him and anyone would know he was not an average man, let alone a typical clone. You were pretty sure he even enjoyed receiving some his scars if for no other reason than to be able to brag about surviving something others couldn't. However, this wasn't just a cauterized burn from a stray blaster bolt. This was a bloody, messy injury to someone you'd truly come to care for. That made it different.

You push the awful image from your mind as Hunter approaches.

"Y/N, maybe you could talk to him. He's calmer when you're around," he sighs, slumping into the seat beside you, "Quieter, anyway."

"Are you sure? I don't want to get in Tech's way," you start to object.

Tech wastes no time in interjecting, "I assure you, Y/N, any assistance you can provide will not hinder in my work whatsoever."

"Please," Hunter agrees, pinching the bridge of his nose, "He shrieks like a kriffin' gundark."

"I heard that!" Wrecker calls out before turning his attention back to Tech, "Don't you come anywhere near me with a needle. I don't like needles!"

Tech mutters something about preventing infection as Wrecker leans as far away as his injured leg will allow. You can't help but smile a little over the fuss he was making. It may be giving your squadmates a headache, but in a strange way, it was comforting for you to hear Wrecker carry on. It meant he was going to be alright. And with that relief came an idea.

You sprint back to Wrecker's bunk, and return seconds later with your arms behind your back.

"Oh Wrecker, I've got something for you," you say, very obviously hiding something.

His focus is on you instantly, "What? What have you got?"

"Something to make you feel better," you chuckle at his excitement. You stretch your arms out and reveal the tooka doll.

"My Lula!" he exclaims as you place the beloved plush in his hands, "She does make me feel better!"

Tech gives you a subtle nod. Your distraction is working.

You kneel next to Wrecker's seat, trying not to look at the saturated crimson bandages in the tray beside you. "You know Tech has to stitch your leg up now, right?"

"Yeah, I know," Wrecker groaned, accepting his fate, "I just hate stitches."

"Yeah, I do too. If it will help, you can hold my hand until it's over," you offer, smiling.

He looks up with wide eyes, "Really?"

"Do you wish you have your hand broken?" Tech questions, pushing up his goggles.

You give a him an unamused glance, then turn back to Wrecker, "Of course you can."

He grins as you place your hand into his much larger open palm.

"Alright, 'Doc'," he says with a renewed confidence, "Do your worst."

As Tech begins the procedure, your gaze drifts towards the patient. It occurs to you that you've never been this close to Wrecker before. You also realize have taken his size and strength for granted as you see that his massive fingers envelop your entire hand. Yet despite his great size and power, he is incredibly gentle. He flinches and tenses up as part of his leg is quite literally pulled back together, but he doesn't squeeze your hand or cause you pain. The man you'd seen rip apart droids with his bare hands was now cradling yours. In fact, the shouting had stopped altogether. Hunter was right: Wrecker was calm around you. Lula in his lap couldn't have hurt, either.

"Finished," Tech announces.

"That's it?" Wrecker asks, genuinely surprised. "Huh. Thought it'd hurt more than that."

"See? You did great! I knew you would," you applaud.

Tech rolls his eyes, gathering up the refuse and closing the med kit. "Next time, we shall begin with hand clasping."

The fatigued clone goes to join Hunter in the cockpit, leaving you and Wrecker alone for a moment.

He hasn't let go of your hand yet, and your heart skips as he meets your gaze. "Thanks for being here with me, Y/N. It means a lot, you know?"

"You're welcome, Wrecker. I'm just glad you're alright," you reply, worry slipping through in your voice, "I hate that you're hurting."

"Aw, it'll take a lot more than a little piece of metal to keep me down," he assures, his tone softer than ever, "Besides, I can't feel a thing now."

He gives your hand a small squeeze. You feel heat rushing in your face as you desperately hold back a grin.

"Well, just in case," you begin, getting back on your feet. You lean over and kiss his cheek, "To keep the pain away."

Mouth agape, his face turns red. You stifle a giggle, and his shock quickly turns to triumph as he gives you smirk.

"Now that you mention it, I think the bacta might be wearing off..." he teases.

You chuckle and lightly punch his shoulder. "Rest up, solider."

He laughs, leaning back in his seat with his arms behind his head. "Yes, ma'am."

[neon-junkie]

Okay, Tech will never admit to it, but he finds it super sexy when you wear his goggles during the sex.

Especially when they don’t properly fit on your head so every bounce on his cock the goggles are slowly slipping down, which gives him the excuse (as if he needed it) to hold your face.

Take it away! ;3

A little something for you, my love! 1k words, gender-neutral reader, but feminine leaning.

When you first joined the Batch as their mechanic, Tech instantly didn't like you, purely because "why do we need a mechanic? I possess all the skills necessary to keep ourselves, and the Marauder fit for work-" blahblahblah, and in all honesty, you agreed with him, despite his negative way of saying it.

But the GAR has assigned you to this squad, so unless the Sergeant decides to dismiss you, then you're here to stay. (And there's no way that Hunter is going to do that!)

You and Tech have got off on the wrong foot… well, Tech has a grudge against you as he views you as his 'replacement,' but you're simply trying your best to get on with everybody - which you're doing a great job of!

Tech always insists on doing repairs, and it gets to the point that Hunter has to intervene, pull him aside, and chew some sense into him. Tech will sit and sulk, pretending to put his focus into one of his side project, when he's really glaring at you in the corner of his eye like a grumpy child. Wrecker has the nerve to comment that Tech is only jealous, and… let's just say that that argument didn't end well. So, after a few weeks of getting on with your work, you decide to give your friendship with Tech another attempt. To his surprise, you ask for some assistance with soldering the hull of the ship after a crash landing, and Tech jumps at the opportunity. He's only doing it to flex his skills, but hey, maybe this is what you need to bridge the gap!

To Tech's surprise, the only protective gear that you pull on is a pair of thick work gloves (and your overalls, but they're almost always on,) and Tech practically screams at you! He insists that you must wear some form of protective eye gear, despite the fact that you're only soldering tiny wires together on the lowest setting - a job that will take twenty seconds, tops.

Nether the less, Tech rushes off, and soon returns with a spare pair of goggles, a replica of his most beloved ones. You pull them on, despite feeling like a goof ball, and get to work. It doesn't take long for the thought of Tech's goggles to slip from your mind, and you spend most of the day with them on, working as if they're now part of your uniform.

Tech, despite getting on with his work, keeps catching you in the corner of his eye. As smart as he may be, he can't understand why he's feeling the need to loom over you, that is, until you decide to take a break.

After breaking a sweat, you unbutton your overalls, and wrap the sleeves around your waist, leaving your upper half in your tank top, your skin able to breathe at last! Tech's goggles come to rest on your forehead, and you're finally able to give your eyes a good rub after discarding your gloves.

Ah, there it is! The realisation! Tech finally understands why he's been acting so strange towards you, ever since the start. Sure, having his job 'taken away' definitely hurt, but he seemed to be seething purely because you're attractive, and he doesn't know how to proceed with that information. He's spent his entire life around his brothers, Jedi generals, the Kaminoans, and Mandalorian trainers - all of which aren't romanceable, (although that hasn't stopped some of his vode… Commander Cody!)

And then comes along this pretty mechanic, now wearing his goggles, and currently asking him, "what are you staring at, Tech?"

"Oh!" Tech sputters. "I was… well, I noticed that you are having a break, and I was considering doing the same."

"Have a break then, Tech," you shake your head, not understanding why that was such a big decision for Tech.

You two finally have your first, proper, civil conversation on your break, both sharing snacks, and enjoying a mug of caf. The friendship builds from there, and hey-ho, before you know it, you're both in each other's grasp!

It was your idea to keep his goggles on during one of your many intimate moments. They're your goggles now, but you still refer to them as "Tech's spare pair," despite Tech's protests that, "they're a gift, an item to ensure your safety, darling."

You two shouldn't be fooling around whilst attempting to do repairs, but the Batch are out on a supply run, and you two haven't had a moment alone since the other week when you snuck off on Kamino. The Batch totally don't know about your relationship - winkwink!

Overalls are discarded, as well as a certain someone's codpiece, and you can tell that Tech is considering stripping off more armour as you sink down onto his length, seeing as he's burning up at the sight - his darling, still half-dressed in uniform, wearing his goggles, is bouncing on his cock whilst letting out the sweetest sounds that he's ever heard.

"How the kriff do you manage to keep these on?" you laugh as you move your hands up to shift Tech's goggles up onto your forehead, but a sudden hand on your arm stops your movement.

"-Leave them," Tech gasps. His eyes suddenly turn wide after his outburst, and he begins back peddling, "-I mean, that is… if you want to? I find their loose fitting rather attractive… and-"

"-Tech," is all you need to say to shut him up. "I'll leave them on, even if they are slipping down my face."

A firm pair of hands grasp onto your hips, and with caution, Tech rolls you onto your back, his length not slipping from you. "Let me take over then, cyar'ika. Just relax, and enjoy the ride."

>:)

[wild-karrde]

*slams hand on desk* you knew this was coming. You could feel it in your bones I’m sure. I’m here to supply the good crack content because I’m weak. SO! As absolute pure self indulgence to our conversations about the most crack pairing ever, for your 200 follower celebration (🥳 YOU GO MATE!), could I pretty please request Grunter (Gregar Typho and Hunter for anyone in need of the translation) with the dialogue - “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”

THE TIME HAS COME, TJ. TO UNLEASH GRUNTER ON THE REST OF THE WORLD. This ship is a complete crack ship that came about (accidentally) in "Guarded," so if you want to see those origins (and see if you can pinpoint the exact moment I went "Oh. Oh no. I made them like each other a lot," check that fic out. Also, there is a "Reunion" spoiler in here, so just be aware. ANYWAY...HERE YOU GO, MY BELOVED BETA-READER. MAY THE STAR WARS FANS HAVE MERCY ON THIS ROWBOAT OF A SHIP.

Rating - M (things get a wee bit *ahem* spicy)

“Gregar, I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”

“It’s fine. Next briefing isn’t for another half an hour. And I’ve missed you.”

The former captain of the Naboo Royal Security Forces increased the pressure in the small of Hunter’s back as he guided him down a dimly lit hallway of the Yavin base. Turning a corner into an unlit corridor, he pulled the sergeant through a doorway, closing the door and slamming the lock button behind them.

“This is a store room,” Hunter said flatly.

“Astute observation, Sergeant,” the captain teased. “Privacy’s in short supply around here.” Gregar turned in a circle, assessing his surroundings and grinning when he was sure they were alone. “Plus,” he said, turning back towards Hunter. “As I said, I’ve missed you.”

Gregar left no doubt about how much he’d missed Hunter as he pressed him against the wall, leaning forward and caging him in with his arms as he pressed his lips to the sergeant’s. The sudden display of affection clearly had caught Hunter off-guard, but he quickly melted into the kiss as Gregar’s hand slipped around the back of his head, gently tangling in his dark hair. Hunter couldn’t help but groan as Typho moved to his jawline, the captain’s day-old scruff scratching against his own as his hands came to rest on Hunter’s hips.

Hunter turned his head, panting against the captain’s cheek as Gregar’s lips worked their way down Hunter’s throat. “Maker…I-I missed you too,” the sergeant rasped. “Are…is everything alright?”

Gregar paused, pulling back to stare at Hunter. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

Hunter felt heat rising to his face. Kriff. You’ve ruined it. “You…you just haven’t ever kissed me like that. Hell, we hadn’t kissed at all until just before you left the last time. This just seems…well, it seems like something’s happened.”

Gregar sighed, resting his forehead against Hunter’s. “You really don’t miss anything do you?”

Hunter chuckled, his knuckles grazing the captain’s cheek. “Enhanced senses, remember?”

The captain searched Hunter’s expression for a few more seconds before closing his eyes, his brow furrowing. “Made a few mistakes on the last trip. Almost got Sabé killed, and while she’ll swear it’s part of the job, to leap into danger, I couldn’t live with myself if I let one more person I care for get hurt.” He slipped his hands into Hunter’s. “And any close call makes you appreciate what you have more.”

Hunter knew the question was lingering in his eyes before he asked it. “Do…do we have each other?” Gregar met his gaze and he felt his face warm again. “I mean…do…are we…”

Gregar cradled his jaw as he kissed him again, gentler this time. “If you’ll have me, I’ll be yours for as long as you can stand me.”

Hunter grinned. “You seem fairly easy to tolerate, Gregar.”

The captain chuckled. “You say that now, but give it a few months.”

Hunter rested his forehead against Gregar’s once more. “I already waited months, unsure if you felt the same way. I think I’m willing to give this an equivalent trial period.” Their lips met again, and Hunter felt as if electricity was shooting through his veins, every nerve alight.

“You said half an hour?” he panted.

Gregar pulled back, meeting his gaze and Hunter could see the hunger same reflected in his eyes. “Just about.”

“More than enough time then,” Hunter growled, reaching down to yank the captain’s shirt loose from where it was tucked into his pants. He had it halfway up Gregar’s abdomen when a loud knock on the door made them both freeze.

“Hunter? Are you in there?” Hunter felt his pulse accelerate at the sound of Omega’s voice, and he quickly clapped a hand over Gregar’s mouth.

“Yeah kid, what is it?” he said, doing his best to keep his voice even.

“Echo wanted me to come find you and let you know the briefing’s been moved up. The team is wanting to head out a little earlier.”

Hunter felt Typho exhale sharply against his fingers, a frustrated sigh. The sergeant met his eyes with an apologetic smile. “I’ll be right there,” he called out.

He heard whispering outside the door. “Why would he be in there?” More whispering.

“Fives says to bring Captain Typho with you.” A loud snicker, definitely out of Fives.

Hunter rolled his eyes, gently banging his head back against the wall behind him. “I’ll be sure to let him know when I see him.”

“Alright, see you there!” He was careful to make sure he heard two sets of footsteps moving off down the hall before he turned back to Gregar, releasing the hand over his mouth. “I’m sorry, but I did say this was a bad idea.”

The captain smiled, gripping Hunter’s chin. “I would beg to differ, Sergeant.” He leaned forward, his breath ghosting over Hunter’s lips. “I think this was a great idea.” He pressed a final kiss to Hunter’s mouth, his teeth gently grazing the sergeant’s lower lip as he pulled back. “Let’s get to that briefing then.”

“And after?”

The captain winked. “We’ll see where things take us.”

Participate in my 200 Follower Celebration! :)

[longearedowlfromouterspace]

Together

wrecker x reader

warnings: none

ok i just came up with this idea of scared wrecker skydiving and oh my god i wanted to share it so badly. this fic is pretty messy but its ace friendly so that's a win ig

without further ado, enjoy!

‘Approaching the drop-off point’

The low hum of the engine filled your ears as you sat anxiously on the passenger seat in the havoc marauder. This mission you and the boys were entering was risky, with the client requesting no ship to land as not to draw attention to this mysterious operation. That meant one thing- jumping. Well, at least that’s what hunter explained as he briefed you all on the mission.The plan was simple, Go to a high altitude to a point over the outskirts of the planets capitol, free fall to the rendezvous point, where the client’s worker leads to the resources, then walk to the pick-up point with the bounty and leave unseen. ‘I know this isn’t ideal, but the client is offering over 2000 credits, even including Cid’s cut’ the sergeant said, his brow creased in a determined scowl ‘We have to do this.’ You knew he was right, but truthfully you froze up when he said the words ‘Free fall’. The idea of plummeting through the clouds at a high speed with all of your trust lodged into a single piece of fabric to catch you sounded like some cruel punishment, not a means of transportation. But you had to do this. Your squad needed you.

You looked out of the window, and kriff that’s a long way down. Clouds circled beneath the shuttle, and the trees below looked like ants… this did not sound like a good idea. Lucky omega and tech were staying aboard the ship, ready to swoop in if anything went haywire. ‘Ugggh’ you turned around to see Wrecker, the clone singlehandedly won you over with his wonderful smile, his friendliness and his endearingly child-like demeanour, leaning on the hull looking worryingly green. ‘Wreck, love? What’s wrong?’ you asked nervously. ‘S’nothing. I’m fine’ His eyes told a different story. ‘You’re scared, aren’t you?’ He nodded sheepishly. ‘Thank goodness for that!’ You said, taking wrecker by surprise, ‘I am too! I honestly thought I was the only one.’ The hulking clone laughed in spite of himself, the laugh that singlehandedly made your heart flutter like a mad convor. ‘So we’re both scared. That won’t help the mission’ wrecker said sadly. You sat beside him, putting an arm around his shoulder ‘Perhaps it won’t. But if i do it, you do it with me.’ ‘But.. You’re scared too. Why would you do it?’ You giggled at the expression on his face and looked into his big, dark eyes. ‘Sometimes the way of ending your fear is to confront it.’ ‘Wait, what?’ ‘I know, Wreck. It’s super confusing, but it has worked before.’ That pacified him a little. Solid footsteps drew nearer to the doorway, and you looked away from your partner to see hunter, wearing an ill-concealed expression of embarrassment. ‘It’s time’ he said with a nod of resolve, ‘Are you both ready?’ You and wrecker exchanged glances, and upon seeing wrecker’s look of concern, you gripped his hand. ‘We’re ready, sarge.’

The door hissed open over the clouds, and Wrecker let out a shuddering gasp as he fiddled with his parachute strap. ‘That’s a long way down…’ You steeled yourself, as that fall looked a little too high for your liking. ‘We’ll go together.’ You said, regarding your partner’s concern ‘What?’ ‘We’ll jump together, ok?’ You gazed at the crew of the havoc marauder, and gave a jaunty salute. ‘See you at the surface!’ Wrecker grasped your hand, peering down nervously ‘Together?’ he whispered.’ Always.’ you whispered back, smiling at your beloved. Falling didn't seem to bad after all. Especially with wrecker.

[teletraan-meets-jarvis]

Bestie, beta-reader, beloved, (we adore alliteration around these parts), would you be so kind as to give me a snippet of "The Technician"?

Why hello there my wonderful friend!! I'd provide some alliteration back but i have the creativity of a spoon so I shall save us all from that attempt haha.

I can indeed!! Please see below 😁. I started writing this last year so it's a little dated in terms of my writing style, but enjoy!

Ask me a question about one of my WIPs based off their title alone.

You strolled into Tech’s office on the Marauder where Crosshair was playing back the audio from yours and Tech’s recording devices. They had been on for the duration of the mission in case anything valuable was caught without either of you realising. With a seemingly bored face, Crosshair trudged through the hours of content at double speed. Everyone was sitting around and listening out in case they heard anything important. It got to the bit where you’d had a holocall with Hunter and Crosshair slowed the tape back down to normal speed. The sergeant in question piped up from his seat. “Kriff that was tense, how did you two manage to get yourselves out of that one in the end?”

Realisation dawned on both yours and Tech’s faces as you both remembered what was about to come up on the recording. Wide eyes met from across the room and you both jumped up and shouted.

“Turn it off!”

Crosshair met your request with a quizzical eyebrow quirk, before smirking. “Why? Is there something you don’t want us to hear on this thing?” He questioned his two panicked teammates. You and Tech just kept looking at each other like you wanted the ship to swallow you up. Looking at the other four people in the room, Crosshair’s smirk widened. “Oh I have a feeling this’ll be good”. Shamelessly, he pressed play on the holopad and continued the recording.

[mrsalwayswrite]

Say You’ll Stay - Chapter 7

Fury/Band of Brothers Crossover Fic

We finally meet up with Easy Company!

Tag List: @happyveday​ @alwaysindecemberfeels​ @god-of-dramatic-death-scenes​ @saritanotserena​

Series Masterlist // Next Chapter

------------------------------------------------------------------

The morning arrived with a slight fog, bringing a sense of otherworldliness with it. As if ghosts stood along the tree line just watching and waiting in complete silence. Everyone moved with shifty feet and wary eyes, voices staying low. The starting of engines only exasperated the stillness around them. It had been decided, with so many men killed and wounded in the company, the whole group would travel to Haguenau. From there the wounded could be evacuated to a hospital and hopefully replacements sent for those lost. 

 Anna wandered around the tanks, checking in with the other medics and just trying to stay warm. Wrapping her arms around herself, she tried to keep the wintery cold at bay. A coat taken off a soldier, who no longer needed it, now covered her filthy nurse’s uniform. She tried not to think about wearing a dead man's coat, rather imaging it was a spare. Her legs were still exposed to the elements from the knees down to her short uniform boots, making it impossible to fully warm up as she walked around. 

"Mount up! Let's go!" The call echoed around from several different mouths, stilling the nervous restlessness hanging over the company. 

 The wounded were placed on the tanks to ride since they did not have a truck to transport them anymore. Besides the officers and those in the armored division, all the foot soldiers were forced to continue walking. Not a perfect solution but it was all they afford to do right now. Hopefully they could escape another surprise attack. 

 Ignoring those around her, she made her way towards Fury. Both to keep an eye on the wounded laying or sitting on the tank but to also stick close to the tank's crew. She had woken up that morning, still huddled against Boyd's side, wrapped in Don's leather jacket and the spare blanket from Gordo. They shared what breakfast they could with her before she had to head off and start rounds. Medic Arthur Christianson had taken over lead medic from Joe Hunter. A blow they all felt but this was war and you just learned to keep moving. The two other medics had been courteous enough to her from the beginning so it was not too much of a hardship to work with them. 

 Each medic had chosen a tank to walk next to and keep an eye on its wounded. She had immediately claimed Fury. 

 "Anna!" 

 Looking up, she noticed Boyd staring down at her from his spot on the tank. 

 "What you doin' down there?"

 She glanced around then stared back at him. "Walking." She stated with a casual shrug, not understanding what he was getting at. 

 Grady chuckled from his spot next to Boyd. Smoke curled around his mouth as he exhaled, the cigarette still between his teeth. 

 Boyd rolled his eyes with a deadpan expression. "I see that. Thank you. Why ain't you riding?"

 "Only wounded are riding. I'm fine, Boyd. I don't mind walking." She tried to assure him, a small smile on her face. Hopefully that masked how cold she actually was and the agitated nerves humming throughout her body. She walked a little further towards the front of the tank. Fury only carried five wounded, spread out along its sides. Stopping at a young soldier with a bandage around his head, she touched his leg to gain his attention. "How are you feeling?"

 The brunet opened his eyes, looking down at her from where he reclined on the tank. A shy smile crossed his lips. "My head ain't spinnin' like it was."

 "That's good. Let me know if that changes." Patting his leg, she smiled back at him. The young soldier was one she was particularly concerned about. During the initial explosion, he had been thrown back and landed hard on his head, getting knocked unconscious during the process. Eventually he woke back up but with a bloody head wound. 

 Tucking a few strands of wayward hair behind her ear, she adjusted Joe’s- no, her medic’s satchel across her body. Her heart clenched slightly at the reminder. Her own personal bag had been in the supply truck, now a pile of ash. Her few extra clothing items, her beloved book from home, the few letters she had from her family and friends along with what little money she had been holding onto, all gone. All destroyed in the fire that raged throughout the night as it consumed the supply truck. It hurt more than she thought it would. It was just stuff, but it had helped ground her, remind her of home. Without it, her soul felt slightly adrift. Even as she tried to convince herself it was just stuff, that it was replaceable, that twenty-two men died while she still drew breathe…. she still missed her belongings. 

 "Hey, dollface. Nice legs you got there."

 She pretended to not hear the comment from the lanky soldier sitting on the tank, bandage around his calf. She remembered him. A bullet ricochet hit his calf but he screamed like his guts were being ripped out, then he threatened one of the other medics until he received morphine. 

 "Ah, c'mon, smile. I just gave you a compliment." He called after her, a sleazy smirk on his face. 

 "Hey, shut up." Boyd demanded, having turned to glare at the offending soldier. 

 The arrogant soldier looked over his shoulder at Boyd as if surprised to be called out. "What? Like you can't see them." He snickered, continuing to leer at the nurse. 

 Anna closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. Unfortunately, she was used to men like that by now. Even if she hated dealing with them. She had a job to do though. War did not care if the men it wounded were good or bad, kind-hearted or arrogant, gentle or dangerous- it took them all. Her job was to save as many as she could from War's grasp. To allow as many men as she could to return to their families one day. 

 She turned slightly to meet the eyes of the lanky soldier. "Is there something you need, soldier?"

 "Aren't you going to check on me, darling?" He winked at her. 

 In a sudden flurry of movement, Grady roughly shoved the soldier off the tank without preamble. The soldier screamed as he hit the ground, landing on his hurt leg. The sound echoed in the air, bouncing off anything nearby as if to gain momentum in volume. Everyone nearby jumped at the sound, eyes locked on the soldier swearing and rolling on the ground. Anna stared in horror and confusion, a hand over her rapidly beating heart, unsure if she should intervene or stay to the side. Her answer came in the next moment as Grady hopped off the tank to stand between the soldier and Anna. 

 The soldier screamed, grabbing at his leg as he rocked on the ground. "What the fuck was that for?! Christ, I'm wounded, you asshole!" 

 "Yeah, shut the hell up." Grady said, just staring down at the soldier. He turned to look at Anna but never turned his back completely on the soldier. "You good?"

 She nodded mutely, beyond surprised and made quite speechless by Grady's actions. 

 "Coon-Ass! What's going on here?" Don stormed towards them, cigarette hanging from his lips and fire in his eyes. 

 "Nothin', Don. He started talking shit 'bout Anna. I shut him up." Grady shrugged, staring at his commander. A silent understanding seemed to pass between the two. Don gave a curt nod and only after that did he even acknowledge the man on the ground. 

 "You his Sergeant?!" The soldier was yelling, teeth bared like a rabid dog. "He pushed me off the goddamn tank! He can't do that!" 

 "Yeah? Well, sounds like you fucking deserved it." Don pulled the cigarette from his lips, blowing the smoke out. His eyes quickly shifted to Anna to scan her quickly before dropping back down to the soldier. 

 "Cause I complimented the fucking nurse? You know what, fuck you! And fuck the bitch!" 

 Don whipped out his pistol and pointed it at the downed soldier. Every sound ceased. The air froze. No one moved. Tension radiated from the scene. It felt with one wrong move, one wrong sound, Don would shoot. Even the wounded man stared in horror and rage at the pistol aimed at him. Everyone waited to see what Don would do. Anna covered her mouth with her hand, terrified that if she even peeped, Don would shoot the man on accident. When Don spoke next, Anna had never heard him sound so cold, it physically sent shivers down her spine.

 "I highly suggest you shut that big mouth of yours before I put fucking hole in your other leg." 

 If looks could kill, the soldier would have killed the tank commander twice over with the lethal glare he leveled at Don; but he wisely kept his mouth shut. The two stared at each other, almost willing the other to say something and set them both off like ticking time bombs. 

 After several tense moments, Don was the first to rip his gaze away and look over at Anna. Without a word, he beckoned her over with his hand. Worried and a little intimidated, she hurried over to stand between him and Grady. 

 "Anna, up you go now." The tank commander stated, nodding towards Fury, the threatening tone not quite fully leached from his voice yet. 

 "Wha… oh, no, I'm ok, Don. I promise."

 Those intense eyes bored into hers, immediately stopping any further excuses from passing her lips. "I can see you shaking like a leaf from the cold. I won't ask you again."

 "She can take my spot with Bible." Grady said to Don, looking over her head. "Keep her warmer."

 "Good. C'mon then."

 Next thing she knew, she was being manhandled by Don. He lifted her up as if she weighed nothing and set her onto the tank, where Boyd took her hand and slipped her into the gunner's spot with him. Her legs immediately felt marginally warmer as they were no longer bared to the cold elements. 

 Don climbed up to his spot, just on her left. None of the other soldiers, wounded or walking, would meet his gaze as he scanned over those nearby. As if just a shared glance would unleash his terrible ire onto them.  

 "I could have gotten up by myself." She grumbled, crossing her arms over her chest as she glanced over at him. 

 His hands stilled from placing the helmet on his head, his eyes meeting hers for a brief moment. "Whatever you say, doll." He winked quickly at her then looked forward, tapping a hand on his comms to speak. "Alright, let's move out."

 After that the tank jerked forward, Boyd had reached over to help keep her upright. Once settled, she tucked her face into her coat; not because of the cold, but in hopes no one would notice the blush on her cheeks. Butterflies danced in her stomach and it took her mentally berating herself to keep the stupid, giddy smile off her face. A simple wink should not have this much of an effect on her. Her mind decided to remind her of how it felt to have his hands on her and how easily he lifted her. That thought made her face heat up even more. 

 To distract herself, she peeked over her shoulder to see Grady sitting just behind her on the tank, watching the tree line with his mouth slightly open. 

 Although she still felt somewhat tense around Grady, he no longer looked at her as if she was a piece of meat to be ogled. She had noticed it the prior night as she joined the Fury crew and fell asleep leaning against Boyd. Followed by his strange actions today, she could not help but wonder what changed… if whatever occurred between him and Don in the French town had more of an effect than she realized. Maybe he was not such a bad man after all? Giving people second chances was something her mother preached and Anna found herself trying to do. Maybe now was a perfect example?

 Those on Fury rode silently for several miles, just watching the surroundings. Her thoughts turned dark, wondering if she should write Joe Hunter's wife. Obviously his wife would receive a condolence letter from the army but maybe it would help if she received a personal letter too from someone who worked with him? Who knew him and how devoted he was to her? Then again, she did not want his wife to misread her letter somehow and think Anna and Joe had an affair and now Anna was writing a letter out of guilt? Would someone do that? Or would they keep quiet about it? Her thoughts bounced around in her mind like ping pong balls, constantly moving but never actually in a helpful way. 

 "Where you from, Anna?"

 "Mmm?" Boyd's sudden question drew her from her inner musings. She lifted her head to look at him from staring at her nails as she picked at them. It took her an embarrassingly long moment of him staring at her with his eyebrows raised for his question to sink it. Heat filled her cheeks but she hoped it was not too noticeable. "Oh, sorry. I grew up in South Carolina but my family moved to Virginia, so that's where we lived the last few years. What about you?"

 He hummed, shifting slightly. "Missouri."

 "I've never been there. Do you miss it?"

 "I reckon. I miss the people there more, ya know?"

 Don cut in, still staring a head. "What he means is, he misses his girl."

 Her eyes widened and her head moved so fast from looking at Don on her left side to staring at Boyd on her right, she almost gave herself whiplash. "You have a sweetheart?"

 "Yeah." He shrugged casually as if it was not a big deal but the small smile on his lips and the light in his eyes betrayed him. 

 "And you haven't told me this?! You were getting on my case about seeing if I had one and this whole time you did!" She smack his chest lightly, making him flinch while Don and Grady laughed. "What's her name?"

 "Sarah Grace." His eyes softened even just saying her name. "Prettiest woman on God's good earth, I swear."

 She smiled at the fondness in his tone. 

 "We was gonna marry but then the war broke out and I felt called to join up. So she's waitin’ for me. When we get back, I'll start seminary and we'll get married."

 "If she's still waiting and not married someone else."

 Boyd narrowed his eyes at the mechanic behind Anna. "Grady, you just tryin' to get me riled up. It won't work. I know she'll wait."

 "Maybe she done run off with someone already." Grady countered, a smirk on his face. 

 "I just received a letter from her last month. You know that."

 "That was last month…"

 "I swear, Grady, if you don't-"

 "Alright, alright. Knock it off." Don said, grinning. It was obvious this was a continuous argument but was born out of teasing than any true malice. Boyd mumbled something under his breath, shoving his hands in his pockets.

 "Well I think it's sweet, Boyd. I'm happy for you." She bumped his shoulder, erasing the scowl on his face. In a split second decision, she looked behind her at Grady. Second chances, she told herself. "Where are you from?"  

 Initially, he seemed startled that she would ask him but quickly hid the surprise with his usual indifference. "California."

 She turned to Don next. "And you?"

 "Kentucky."

 It felt like she had to physically tear her eyes away from his or else she would be trapped in them. There was an intensity in them that balanced on the edge of exhilarating and terrifying. All it took was a small breeze to push him one way or another. So far she had only seen the kind and protective side of him. Now though, after he pulled the gun on the wounded man, she had seen a brutal side. It reminded her of when Norman mentioned about when he first met Don. Now she could see it, what Don had forced Norman to do. It sent a chill down her spine. People were forced to commit terrible crimes all the time during war. Was this side of Don because of war or just something that lurked under the surface continuously? She found herself worried about the answer. 

 Boyd interrupted her thoughts, continuing the conversation. "Gordo there is from Texas. Norman is from Pennsylvania."

 "Y'all are from all over the place." 

 "Yep, all it took was Hitler startin’ a war for us to meet."

 They all chuckled but grew quiet again at the sobering thought. 

 Anna could not help but think about where she would be right now if she had not joined the Nurse Corps. She had hoped to go to college and become a teacher. It was not glamorous but the very thought of it brought a smile to her face. Much to society's chagrin, she wanted more from life than to just marry the first man that came around and start having his babies. But it did not matter now. She was not even on the same continent of her birth. 

 She pushed back the thoughts of before and focused on those around her. The smell of cigarettes from the soldiers surrounding her. The chill in the air that clung to her without reprieve. The sight of what should have been a beautiful forest but set her on edge, expecting another surprise attack. She could not focus on what she was missing out on. War happened. And she answered the call. Even if it had been to get away from her own sins and ruined reputation.  

 *****

 The next afternoon, the company and tanks rolled into Haguenau. Snow dusted everything that had not been trampled yet. The air hung heavy with fatigue and despair. Supposedly the Allies were winning the war, but with the looks on the faces around… you would not suspect that. The sound of a mortar slamming into the ground up ahead made Anna flinch. She could not help but wonder what kind of new hell she had been taken too. 

 "Let's park in the rear. Don't need those Krauts aiming for our tanks." Don said over the comms. 

 When the tanks stopped, everything ground to a halt around them, followed by Captain Evans pulling up in his jeep. "Sergeant Collier! You'll come with me. Let's find out who's running this shit show."

 "Yes, sir!"

 Anna slid off the side of the tank, careful of her cold, bare legs. Instead of riding that day with Boyd, she had instead elected to ride next to a young soldier who had been shot in the shoulder. Tears slipping down his cheeks but the soldier never made a sound. The whole ride she held his hand on his uninjured side. Occasionally, she had to check on the other wounded but she always returned back to the young soldier. He never cried out, just whispered a near silent 'thank you' and held her hand tightly. 

 She could hear the men being told to stay put until further orders were given. Most were used to the routine by now. Stand around until directed where to go next. It was something she was adjusting too. Ignoring those yelling commands around her, she fixed her mangled uniform and coat as much as possible and looked up at her patient/companion. 

 "I'll be right back." She tapped the young soldier's leg before walking away in search of Medic Christianson. 

 She found him talking to one of the other medics, standing near a different tank. "Arthur, what do we do now?" She asked, rubbing her hands together to try and warm them up. Spring and its accompanying warmth could not come soon enough. 

 "We need to find the aid station they have here. Hopefully get the men moved there and transported to a hospital." He said, lighting a cigarette. After a drag, he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Right, I'll go. Keep an eye on those around here."

 "I'll come with you." She said probably far too brightly if the looks given to her said anything.  

 His green eyes narrowed at her a moment before he shrugged. "Fine. Let's go."

 She started to follow him, arms wrapped around herself in the large army-issued coat. For a second she wondered if she should tell Boyd where she was going then she dismissed it. He was not her keeper. She was here to do her job. 

 They wandered into the corpse-like city of Haguenau. It looked desolate. A mere illusion of what it had once been before war corrupted its beauty. Bombed buildings, craters in the streets, the staining of blood scattered along the ground and snow. Anna had never seen a place like this before. 

 After receiving directions from a passing Sergeant, they found the building housing the aid station. It was a two-story house that looked semi-stable, but far better than others surrounding it. Which was not a high standard. Anna and Arthur quickly ascended the steps and walked inside, not just to get out of the cold but to avoid the sporadic mortars. 

 "Something you need?" A voice asked them as soon as Arthur closed the door behind them. 

 The two looked over to see a man watching them from a side room. He had short black hair, thin beard, open face and medic badge on his arm. His head was tilted to the side, the cap on his head sliding slightly with the movement.

 "We just arrived with our company and we've got wounded." Arthur said, taking charge and moving another step into the building.  

 "Uh huh." The man eyed them then turned back and called out toward another room. "Hey, Roe!" He looked back at the two by the door, it was obvious the calculations crossing his mind as he prepared his question. "How many wounded?"

 "Eighteen."

 "Shit. What happened?"

 Anna kept back, allowing Arthur to take the lead. The dark-haired medic's eyes flickered towards her occasionally as if wondering what she was doing there but chose not to ask. Rubbing her hands together, a brief smile lifted the corners of her lips. Just being indoors, the permanent chill in her bones receded just enough she did not worry her legs would turn to icicles. It had only been a few days since the company left the small French town but being continuously outdoors, day and night, was something Anna found she disliked fervently. She looked over as she heard footsteps coming around the corner. 

 Arthur was still talking to the dark-haired medic, explaining what happened. "They laid landmines in the road, then when we stopped they fired on us from the surrounding woods. Perfect fucking ambush."

 "Damn Nazis." The medic shook his head. "You hear that, Gene?"

 The one called for came around the corner. He also had dark hair, pale skin and a sharp jawline. His eyes though were dull and a hint of red lingered around his nose like he was getting over a cold. His uniform was clean but even that could not distract from how bone-deep weary he appeared. "I 'eard. We got room upstairs. Won't be an issue."

 She froze, her mind whirling. That voice. She recognized it. Not many medics she had encountered had such a distinct Cajun drawl. Her brain frantically raced trying to remember where she knew it from. 

 "Eugene?" She found herself asking, hesitation in her voice. The man's head whipped over to stare at her. "Eugene Roe?"

 "Yes, ma'am. Have we met?"

 "Yes… I mean." She tucked some loose stands of her hair behind her ear, nervous that he would not remember her. "It…. It was back in Albourne. We did some training together. I'm Anna… Anna Cooper."

 One could watch the light bulb go off in his mind and his eyes light up. "Chérie?" His voice almost held an element of awe to it, that she was here and real. 

 She nodded, feeling tears fill her eyes. There was something in the simple nickname that tugged at her heart's strings. It reminded her of a time before war. Before blood and screams. Before the memories of death were stronger than memories of home. When it would just be the two of them at the aid station in Albourne practicing bandaging one another or swapping stories of their homes when homesickness struck them. 

 He hesitated for a moment before walking towards her. Seeing him move, she practically sprinted to him. They collided in that drafty building in Haguenau and for a moment, both felt like they could feel the sunshine on their faces and a spring rain to cleanse the taint of death from their skin. She wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. His own arms enclosed around her much smaller frame, surrounding her in warmth. Tears slipped down her cheeks, wetting his ODs. For once, she was not even ashamed. 

 "It's alright, chérie, it's alright."

 She laughed wetly, tipping her head up to look at him. "I can't even tell you how happy I am to see you."

 "I got that impression." 

 "Don't ruin the moment, Gene."

 He chuckled, pressing a chaste kiss to her forehead. "It's good to see ya too." He released her to step back and fully look at her. It was then he seemed to finally noticed her attire, or lack thereof. His eyes narrowed staring at her bare legs and short uniform boots before jumping back up to her face. "How did ya end up here? And what 'appened to ya uniform? Ya must be freezin'."

 "It's a long story...and we ran out of bandages, so…" she shrugged, gesturing to her clothes, self-conscious of her exposed skin. 

 Gene and the other medic shared a look before Gene looked back. "I expect to ‘ear it later, and we'll find ya some spare ODs. Spina, we got any in the new winter lot?"

 "Uh...I think so." The dark-haired medic responded, eyebrows almost touching his forehead. 

 "How many wounded y’all got?" Gene asked Anna.

 "Eighteen."

 "Bring 'em here. We'll make room. Medics?"

 Arthur answered this time, arms crossed over his chest. "Three medics and Nurse Cooper."

 "Good. Know how long y’all stayin'?"

 "No." She peeked over at Arthur, who confirmed her answer with a short nod. "We only just arrived."

 Gene looked over at Arthur. "Careful bringin' 'em here. We'll get space set and some coffee for ya." He peered down at Anna, eyes softening. "Let's get ya some warmer clothes, chérie."

 "I swear you're an angel… a Cajun angel."

 He chuckled, shaking his head. "Whatever ya say." Putting an arm around her shoulders, he guided her towards a different room. 

 And for a moment, she was reminded that one could find joy even in the midst of war. 

 *****

 The tank commander stood in the back of the crumbling, dank room observing the scene before him. He had followed Captain Evans and his two lieutenants to the HQ for the battalion holding Haguenau. Personally, he would rather be back with his men instead of here listening to formal introductions. This battalion did specifically ask for him and his platoon, so he steeled himself to get through this.  

 "I'm Captain Evans of the 103rd Infantry Division. This is Lieutenant Diggs and Lieutenant Cox. Behind them is Staff Sergeant Collier of the Armored Division." The Captain, who was clearly the oldest in the room by at least a decade or two, stood in the middle of what most likely used to be a nice living room, if the damaged chandelier hanging above him said anything. Now the place looked somewhere between trashed and abandoned. His two lieutenants stood just behind him as the introductions took place. "I'll get to the damn point, eh? We were blitz attacked on our way here, lost twenty-two men and another eighteen wounded. Fucking Krauts. I'm requesting permission to regroup and have our wounded taken care of before we move out."

 The red-head with the Captain's bars on his jacket nodded quickly, granting permission before Captain Evans even finished asking. "Of course. We don't have a lot to spare but we will what we can." He reached his hand out to shake hands with the grizzled captain. "I'm Captain Winters of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airbourne."

 "Paratroopers, eh?" The older man eyed the other captain after shaking hands.  "Heard you are some mean bastards. Nice to see the reputation isn't wrong for once."

 "Just doing our jobs."

 "Right. We'll get outta here, eh? Thank you again, Captain."

 "Sure." Captain Winters stated kindly but still with a hint of a guarded tone. "You need anything, ask for myself or Lieutenant Speirs of Easy Company."

 With a final nod, Captain Evans and his two lieutenants walked out. A strange silence fell over those in the room after the door slammed shut behind the Infantrymen. Don suddenly felt like he was back in the elementary school yard and was waiting to get picked for a team. Thankfully the silence did not last long. 

 "Armored Division? Are you our supposed tanks?" A dark-haired man asked, sitting propped up in a corner, flask openly in hand. This was his first time speaking, instead having just watched the prior introductions with a cocky grin.

 Don eyed him, noting the Captain bars on his uniform. "Yes, sir. 2nd Armored Division or what's left of it."

 Captain Winters stepped forward to shake Don's hand. "Thank you for coming so quickly."

 "Yeah, could have used you two months ago. Hell, even a month ago could have saved lives." The other Captain muttered then took a sip from his flask. Don tensed but then noticed the unnamed Captain's aggression seemed more directed at whatever happened two months ago versus Don himself. 

 The red-head looked over his shoulder. "Nix…"

 "Yeah, yeah, I know."

 Winters looked back at Don. "How many tanks do you have?"

 "Four, sir."

 "Good...good. There is talk of some smaller towns nearby we will need you for, to provide assistance with liberating and securing. Until we know for sure, your men find somewhere to stay. As of now, you are under my direct command, understand?"

 "Yes, sir."

 "That'll be all, Sergeant Collier."

 Don gave a quick salute and headed back out into the bombed out town. As he walked back towards the tanks, he thought about the man whose command he was now under. Captain Winters. There was a calculating intelligence in his eyes, not in a malicious way, but more as a chess master. When he asked Don about the number of tanks, it was apparent his mind immediately took the information and began processing how best to utilize them. Don also noticed how when a mortar landed particularly close to the building, making the few pictures left on the walls shake, neither the red-headed Captain nor the dark-haired one flinched. At all. The tank commander was unsure fully what to make of the other Captain- this Nix- but he approved so far of what he has seen in Captain Winters. He was a man obviously in control with his authority but was not so far up in the clouds he forgot about his foot soldiers. A rare trait amongst Regiment in Don's opinion. 

 By the time Don arrived back, it seemed most of the infantrymen had dispersed into the city leaving the tanks and their crews waiting for him. He hoped they could find a decent building to claim without resorting to violence. At this point, he was not above punching a few Privates to make sure his crew got a good roof over their heads. 

 "What's the orders?" Binkowski asked, eyeing the city warily. 

 Don sighed, rubbing a hand over his face before answering. "Under a Captain Winters now. Said to stay put until orders are confirmed but sounds like we'll help secure some towns nearby."

 "Heard they're paratroopers." Davis said. He leaned against his tank, lighting up a cigarette. 

 "Yep." The sound of a mortar went off nearby. Don watched Norman startle out of the corner of his eye then rub his nose on his sleeve. He made a mental note to check on the kid once they got settled.

 "Paratroopers?" One of Davis' crew muttered, standing just off to the side. 

 "The idiots that volunteered to jump out of planes." Binkowski answered with a snort and shake of his blond head. 

 "On purpose?" The crew member's eyes widened. Don tried to remember the man's name. Kohl… Colbert… Coulson… something like that. 

 Gordo said, sitting on top of Fury. "Heard they are some real sonsofbitches."

 Don smirked. "Guess we'll find out. Let's find somewhere to claim before all the houses are filled up."

 The men began to move, ready to find somewhere to bunk down. Don surveyed around once more, wondering what awaited them in this hell hole.

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Alright, what did y’all think of Easy’s introductions? Lemme know what you think!