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echoedcrosshairs · 2 years ago

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Those Who Fight Together part - 13

Summary: You, Reaper, learning something had changed and you must correct it. Old foes are exactly who they thought you were. Returning to the batch your and relationships, tensions run high more ways then one.

Warning: Smut, Self Conscious Echo, devious Crosshair, 18+ people, implied wounds

Word count: 8.9k

Part 12 Part 14

Masterlist

Tech messed with his googles, "I think you should take this one, Echo," he said leaning over her with his medical pad taking vitals. He drowned out the conversation looking over the health panel screening for any irregularities. He sigh, nothing but hydration and exhaustion. His brain was still seething over the fact they questioned his emotional capabilities. Tech looked at her, studying her face, the raise and fall of her chest and the way she kind of curled into herself when she was asleep.

"She's pretty" Wrecker said behind him also watching.

"Astute as always, Wrecker" Tech scowled prying himself up from his crouched position next to her.

"Why are you into that?" Wrecker asked still confused, they all had drilled into their heads that having kids was never an option let alone a family outside of their squad and brothers so out of everything else about her to be attracted to why that.

"It's not something he can help," Echo said injecting himself into the conversation, "it's just like how you like explosives, it's his nature."

"Thank you," Tech said with a cough, "I'm just glad she does not seem to mind."

"I mean you've never seemed interested in women so it doesn't make sense," Wrecker shrugged kneeling down infront of her resting hid big head on the corner of the bunk.

"I am a reserved person," he snipped back.

"Huh?"

"He means he keeps to himself," you mumbled Rolling over to your side facing them.

"How are you feeling?" Tech said removing the sensors.

"Sleepy."

"As to be expected."

"You did good Riduur," Echo cooed petting your face.

"Mmm."

"Did I hurt you?" Wrecker asked nervously.

"I feel a little tender."

Tech pulled out the tub of Bacta he kept in pocket, "This may sting. A lot." Carefully as he could he took the tub and rubbed everywhere around the outside of your folds and very carefully inserted sum incase of any ripping. I know this hurts and she is not even wincing, she's already in more pain then she's letting on. Nonchalantly with his freehand he primed a painreliever and injected in your leg where the others wouldn't notice it. He watched you smile at him when the sensation relaxed the cramping. He rubbed the spot of the injection, "Better?"

"Thanks," you said sitting up out of the bunk, Wrecker handing you a canteen of water and you slammed the whole thing down, "That's a lot better."

"They should be back soon-" Tech said and found you scowling, "I will advise them to wait until after you rest," you nodded your reply to him.

Tech attempted to dismiss himself to finish working on the filter but found your arm laced around his waist, "You don't have secrets from me," you whispered sensing his well hidden anger, "What is it?"

"Not once did my brother's question Echo's emotional aptitude yet I am the one they view as emotionless ," he whispered, "I just need to process it is all," he said removing your arm, "I will be fine."

"They can't correct themselves if they are unaware of how that view effects you," you offered trying to reach out again but he maneuvered out of it.

"I know," he said trying to head to the pilots chair, when the invisible force pulled him back towards you and your arms pulling him down infront of you.

You rested your legs over his shoulders gently holding his head between your legs while you played with his hair, "Talk," you whispered, "please."

"When the others arrive," he replied and you wrapped your anklets together infront of him holding him in place. He sighed but didn't fight out of the grasp. Tech fiddled with his goggles noticing his brothers were staring at the interaction. "I wasn't going for one," he said at Echo who stopped glaring.

"Good," I don't believe him, the look on his tells me that was a lie and she seems to know it too. Her leaving really did a number an all of us, but him the hardest. "Fully sober?" He asked.

Tech begrudgingly nodded. Stoic Tech, logical and full of useless knowledge, detached and apathetic. He took his goggles off allowing you to further explore his hair while attempting to use it as a mental distraction. He was content that you didn't press the matter being. Tech took one hand off his head and kissed it, "You should go back to sleep."

You and Echo exchanged glances to watch him. Echo gave a barely noticeable nod in agreement. You unwrapped your legs from him allowing him to get up and Wrecker to pick you up and move you to his newly clean bunk. It made you happy the bunk was wider then the others to account for his large frame as he put you on his warm chest pulling a blanket over you. It didn't take long for you to fall asleep on the heater of muscle.

"You can't beat yourself up forever," Echo said taking his seat next to the pilots chair, "She's with us." She's my Riduur, she wouldn't leave again.

Tech understood the implication of the sentence, "I can however blame myself for the creation of her commando droids which bare a striking resemblance to us and other assorted projects she undertook while angry with us, nor can I deny the fact that at the end of it all I am the one to blame. Crosshair may have delivered the blow but I was the one who lit the fire. How many lives terminated because of her anger? How broken is she under the façade of the collected seductive warrior? We all read the messages, I would have assumed that woman would never beg for anything then I saw the messages to have us rescue her," he breathed shaking his head putting his goggles back on, "and yet the largest bantha in the room bothering me is that to all of you think I am not capable of emotion nor intimacy."

Echo stared at him silently as he regained his composure enough to look like his old self, "I didn't realize you felt that way."

"No one has ever bothered to ask."

"Tech... You are not to blame for what she did, she made those decisions at the time. She choose, not you Tech. She doesn't blame you so you need to quit blaming your self," Echo paused to think, "I've never questioned your emotions but I didn't grow up with you, your emotions are always on your face and voice."

Tech looked at him puzzled but realized he did make a fair amount of facial expressions, "Perhaps because you are an outsider looking in, rarely do I genuinely laugh or cry or admit to pain or even the occasional stomach upset."

"You laugh and smile around her plenty."

"Before her."

Echo rolled his eyes, "Talk to them."

Crosshair browsed the endless section of the spreads and blankets just wanting to get one of each so this could be over. Crosshair had picked black silks for comfort but Hunter argued against the practicality of it for 'clean up."

"Why not just just a blanket to put down?" Crosshair grunted.

"Do you want to consciously think about a blanket?" Hunter countered.

"Fine, but I'm still getting the black silk sheet."

"You don't even stay afterwards," Hunter rolled his eyes grabbing the red bedding and black sheet a lot with a couple larger darker red blankets.

"All of us are changing with her around," Crosshair said poking him walking off.

"Some more then others," Hunter muttered knowing he'd heard it.

Both of them arrived back at the ship, confused about the sudden silence. They wondered into the bunk finding you still laying onto of a snoring Wrecker. That had to hurt, Hunter thought, Didn't think he'd ever do it because she's smaller then his usual type. Hunter couldn't help the little smile that twitched on his lips. He followed Crosshair to the cockpit to find Tech and Echo chatting.

"Is she okay?" Crosshair asked first.

"She needs to rest, it took bacta and an injection."

"What" Echo's neck snapped looking back at Tech.

"Their was mild internal discomfort. I took care of it while neither of you were looking."

"She didn't say anything about it."

"No but you could see the intensity in her abdominal muscles and inner thighs. I'm surprised you didn't know."

"It was just a one time thing," Echo offered.

Crosshair growled, "Has she at least bathed?"

"No-" Tech started already hearing Crosshair click his armor out of place, "Mild water! Heat could aggravate her dehydration!" he called after him scowling.

Crosshair carefully scooped you up gently waking you, "Time to shower, Kair'ta."

"I just want to sleep," you whined.

"Afterwards, I promise."

Your eyebrows shot up, never had Crosshair promised anything before. You nodded and leaned into his muscle and warmth. Crosshair looked down at noticed the sweat covering you and the icy clammy ness of it. He held his jaw shot carefully setting you down on the counter so he could strip his blacks before grabbing you taking you into the shower with him falling Tech's advise about mildly warm water. Crosshair kept one hand firmly around your waist as he scrubbed you up and down before attending to the mess that was your hair. Your heart felt warm, for someone who is callous and generally rather cold he was rather warm and caring in private. He didn't say anything and neither did you, it was a comfortable silence. He turned off the water and dried you first setting you back on your counter so he could dry himself slipping back into his black pants. He carefully dried your hair pulling his black shirt over your head, you slipped your arms through the sleeves with a small giggle with the extra sleeve length. Cross gave you a gentle kiss before picking you back up. He took you to your room watching Hunter finishing putting on the covers. He set you down on the bed and grabbed a pair of your underwear and gently slide it over your feet, kissing your knees and thighs as he finished pulling them up. You yawned and laid down, "this feels amazing," you mumbled as he pulled the sheet and blanket over you. Crosshair smirked.

"How.. domestically civilian of you," Hunter chuckled followed him out of the room.

Crosshair scowled, "I will break your filter."

Hunter rolled his eyes knowing he hit a nerve, "It was a compliment, Crosshair. No one would believe me anyway."

"I will always be a solider."

"She'd never ask you to give that up, I don't think she could give it up either."

Wrecker crossed his arms yawning as he got his lecture from Tech about being careful and his aggravation about his feelings being underestimated, "I know that now," Wrecker said, "I meant like before her." He watched Tech fall silent and his other brothers look entertained at his scolding.

"Shouldn't you be with your precious Riduur," Crosshair mocked.

"Thank you for that anyway."

"Who says I was talking about you?" He sneered.

Echo patted him on the shoulder, "Because I'm the only one you let share her, you territorial asshole."

"Maybe because I don't view you as a man," Crosshair countered annoyed at that he knew.

"Keep telling yourself that."

"Knock it off," Hunter groaned, turning to see the smirk on both of their faces wanting to smack them off but content they were getting along. He gave Echo a little chin jolt to tell him to go keep her company while Tech finishes scolding the rest of them. Should have asked Tech where he hid his supply to sit through this.

You felt an arm curl around you and you pulled it closer, "Hey," you whispered into his arm.

At the edge of sense he could feel it, the tiny tug from before towards her, "I shouldn't be able to," he mumbled.

"Hmm?" you asked.

"Feel you."

You bolted upright and stared him with a wild expression, "No you're not." You headed straight for to the controls frantically punching in for Zetabed while everyone was staring at you and punched it for as fast as the ship could go.

"What is it?" Hunter said instinctively standing up smelling the fear.

"I need to get Echo there now," you took a breath feeling your stomach trying to come up, "He can... sense me."

"Yes, we are all aware he can," Tech said confused.

"You what!" You yelled at him, not meaning too, "Do you realize the target that puts on his back? The danger that puts the rest of you in?" Your hand shot up to your skull trying to keep it from wanting to explode, "Time is changing again, I tweaked it but the ripple couldn't be this bad. This can't be happening," you started frantically pacing back and forth shaking, "I need the book, is this the call that he meant? Could he feel the bond with in ours? He's going to be turned into a fucking lab rat."

Crosshair planted to firm hands on your shoulders holding you in place looking at the panic illuminating every single one of your features, "Kair'ta." His voice commanding you to look up at him, "What do you mean tweaked? What type of danger? And what bond?"

"The bond between master and apprentice is strong, Dooku knew you were coming before I did. If he somehow could sense the bond... More then likely the Techno Union will come back for him... in force. Fuck I need to activate my droids," you said trying to move out of his grip but couldn't but you looked up to see Echo standing in the doorway even paler.

"Keep going."

"I can't that is all I can say, I have to get to the book and find a way to break it. He shouldn't be able too anyway since it originally happened with," you paused to look at Crosshair realizing you already said to much, you took a breath, "Something changed."

Crosshair let go watching you practically sprint across the ship. He stared at Echo who was pressed against the wall paler then Tatooine's sand and the mild tremor on his hand. "She won't let them take you back. She'll do whatever has to be done at whatever price."

Hunter listened as she activated all of them even the reserves, She's preparing for war. He smelled the salt running down her face and heard her hand hit the ship but her lips didn't make a peep "Timeria," he heard her growl, "You tested my resolve to keep them safe, you knew. You always knew," her heard another thud, "Until my last I will make sure they get to where they need to be. Your sacrifice will not be in vain"

"Echo?" Hunter said looking at the blank expression on his face, he got up and tapped him and Echo frantically pulled non existent wires connected from his ports, "Echo." He watched him look up at him, "She's not going to let that happen."

"No I'm not," you said putting your hands on Echo's face, "Relax," you watched the tension leave his body and felt it course through your muscles cramping them. "There hasn't been any chatter and the Union hasn't deployed, openly at least."

"What's the plan?" Hunter asked.

"I don't have one," you paused to stare at Echo, your face quivering betraying the calm we're attempting not convey.

"Are you sure you're not overacting?" Tech said.

You glared at him, "What sounds more likely, Echo is force sensitive or that I am correct and something is wrong?"

"The latter, we're not that lucky," he said shutting up.

"No but it would be really cool," Wrecker added.

"So it originally happened with me?" Crosshair asked.

"Yes but after I read the book which happens after... he changed it," you said blinking, "Dooku changed it. I must have originally found the book not one of my sisters and read it then instead of later... I'll be ready." Your head started spinning, stupid stupid stupid. You sat down in the chair staring at Crosshair, he dies, that is what changes there's no other explanation. You looked down at the faint black in your hands, what does it mean. Oh.

"You figured it out," Crosshair said putting a toothpick in his mouth.

"I did, I think and a way to do undo it," you took the hand and pressed it to his face, the black slowly fading.

"What did you do?" Crosshair said feeling a tingle pulse at the spot.

"I gave you part of my strength, it should be enough. It will at least buy the time you'll need."

"That's not enough to break the bond between Echo and you is it."

You shook your head, "No," you said backing up and taking Echo's hand, "Come with me," you said "This might be... uncomfortable."

Tech watched Hunter motioned for him to follow. Fascinated he followed after them. He said them sit and her hand on his face repeating 'I am one with the force and the force is with me.' He pulled his goggles up wiping his eyes thinking he was hallucinating when he saw a thin gold string appear between them, "You're also seeing"- and he watched Crosshair nod.

You pulled back your hand staring at him, "Timeria touched you with the book at the library," you said relieved, she knew when I found out that I would need it and made sure I went back for it. You looked back at Cross and smiled yawning again, "You carry more ration bars in your pack. I need to lay down until we get there." You watched Crosshair squint at you for a second but nod.

Tech picked you up, "Thank you."

"For what?"

"Constantly sacrificing your needs to protect this squad."

"You boys are mine," you yawned, "your health and survival is my priority." Literally.

"Nonetheless, I appreciate it. Did Crosshair keep his cock to himself?" he asked flatly.

"Not even an erection."

"Good."

You rolled your eyes, "Going to keep yours to yourself?"

"Yes. I would not recommend intercourse in your current state. If it gets problematic I will relieve it myself."

"You certainly will not," you whined, "They can't give me any until your time is up, so no wasting it."

"Did you not get enough earlier?" he asked.

"Not if you're actually trying," You teased hearing Tech faintly groan as he set you in bed, watching him feel the sheets and bed cover with his hand.

He climbed into the bed and pressed your hand to his face, "Can you?" You giggled but obliged him, "Thank you," he said laying his back curling his arm around you, "One day." You looked at him and he fidgeted with his goggles, "What? It is only the logical next step. Eventually."

"You actually want one? It's not just a-"

"Of course I do, isn't that the intrinsic desire of all men?"

"Wrecker doesn't."

"He is defective," Tech chuckled, "Again," he said putting your hand on his face again, "Talking about it even seems to illicit a reaction. It is rather vexatious."

You pulled your hand back slightly just leaving your finger tips on his skin smiling, "Why not just gently give it to me?"

"I am not in the mood for gentle."

"What type of mood are you in?"

"Something Hunter would approve of."

Hunter grabbed his helmet and snuck it back on, "Really?" He heard Crosshair grumble.

"No it's just a precaution. How did the filter research go?"

"I just need to install it, Tech, should I attempt to install the filter?" Echo said into his com, he may be in his blacks but he always has it on him.

"One moment," Tech said crawling out of bed, "I will install it."

"Seriously," he heard Crosshair say behind him.

"I did attempt to navigate the conversation else where but she had other plans, this should provide my mind enough of a distraction to temporarily relieve the sensation."

"Tech's actually trying to learn control."

Tech scowled grabbing his extra spanner getting to work on attaching it to the air system. His hands moved carefully across the panel as to set off the sensors. Indeed enough of a distraction. "The filtration system has been added to our system," he muttered knowing Hunter didn't need his coms at this close of a range, "How long it needs however filter the current circulating air however could take up to ten minutes to process." He watched Crosshair still eyeing the addition, "Do you see something I don't?" He asked turning back to the panel.

"No I just hope it works so it doesn't effect him like that again."

"Funny, you're not the gentlest either. Rarely do you ever not trust my work," Tech said climbing down off the table.

"Just be quiet." He scowled.

Tech rolled his eyes and crawled back into bed finding you waiting there for him, legs lightly spread teasing him. He stared up at the ceiling measuring each breath.

"You're realllly trying," you teased putting your leg over is.

"With extremely difficulty, yes."

"How much longer do you think that is going to last you?" You smiled moving your leg further up.

"At this point I'm collecting scientific data to further analyze myself. However to answer the question is I have no intention of giving in."

"No fun," you playfully pouted at him.

"It is something I need to learn to control."

"What if I don't want you too in this moment."

Tech sighed and rolled him self over you planting his elbows on either side of you, pulling his goggles up to rest on his forehead, "There is no getting out this, is there?"

"Absolutely not."

"You're rather insatiable mood this evening, any particular reason as to why?" He said gently putting his hand up the shirt resting on your ribs, "Something you know that we don't."

"Perhaps or perhaps being surrounded by very hot men all the time has that effect."

"Something tells me it's the former," he said leaning down resting his mouth gently above yours, "Tell me and maybe I'll give you want you want."

"Are you trying to bribe me?" You smiled playing his game.

"Is it working?"

You gently brought your finger to chin, "Maybe" you said moving your mouth to his ear low enough to where Hunter couldn't hear before your mouth back by his, "one day."

Tech's eyebrows furrowed, Is she implying what I think she is? "Will I regret it if I don't?" he questioned, but your silence was answer enough. Right or wrong, I'll enjoy it anyway. "I hate what you do to me," he moaned quietly before moving his mouth down to bridge the gap pressing pressing himself directly into you the thin pants leaving nothing to the imagination. He took off his goggles and laid them aside on the pillow, "Better?" He pulling his lips away just for a moment feeling you tug on his lower lip with your teeth in response. He moved his mouth down your neck, "Someone's suddenly quiet," he questioned while redoing his mark feeling you arch into him, "I would hate to have to stop."

"You wouldn't dare," you breathed out trying to be quiet.

Tech pulled him self away just further enough where you couldn't lean into him or kiss him, smiling but the rapid breathing and eye dilation gave away how he was feeling, "Cyar'ika."

You squirmed under his gaze the endearment was ravishing from his lips, completely lustful on the edge of coming undone. My silence is driving him mad, you smiled, "Scared, I'll give you what you want?" you teased watching the last coil spring loose in him.

His hand went to the hem of the loaned shirt and tugged it up and off before grabbing pulling his pants and pants down to his knees not bothering to take them off before inserting himself. "This time hold it in," he didn't recognize the commanding growl that came out but he felt you melt under him widening your hips further for him. He moved your legs up to his shoulders, his hand at the side of your face and the other weaving his fingers through yours. He watched your face fade from pleasure to peer tenderness, "The difference between love making and fucking," he said slowing down moment trying to catch his breath, "is the connection isn't it?" He said echoing the first time you both had sex and how intense it was.

You brought your hand to his face, "It's this," you said stroking his cheek one tear slipping out, How many times will I get this with any of you before all hell breaks loose, "Enjoying it?" you moaned feeling him nearly pull all the way out before sliding all the way back in hearing how soaked you were for him.

"More then anything I've ever experienced," he paused for a moment looking down at where both of you were so perfectly connected, "Complete," he mumbled before returning to rutting himself inside you and pulled himself out from you testing theory, "I am incomplete without you," he felt himself shaking at the realization, how empty life seemed with out you and that his body wasn't even able to preform. He shook his head and reinserted himself, I'll process that later. He felt your grip firm on his face feeling the shaking, "I will be fine," he kissed the inside of your wrist, "Cyar'ika," he said applying more kisses getting rougher again.

You happily watched him enjoy you, the intimacy of touching beyond just parts and how relaxed he seemed. Every inch of you screamed to cum but you didn't want too, not yet not without him as much as he was trying to make you. Every stroke firm and perfectly angled pulling the wetness of your folds, every thrust soaked covering both of you. "Tech," you couldn't help the painful expression on your face and your back trying to arch back.

"Cum, Cyar'ika, let me see you."

The pounding sensation overwhelmed you, your heart beat was rapid and their was definitely not enough oxygen in your legs. Your toes curled and there was no fighting it anymore. "Tech." The name was bliss on your trembling lips. He held your face firmer watching every second of the flood wash over you as he came inside you, pressing himself allowing none of it to escape. His fingers tighten around yours when he finally stilled his head was completely empty for once barely keeping keeping his eyes open, "Reaper," his lips soundlessly moved. His heart felt like it was going to explode from his chest, carefully he removed his hand from your face and gently massaged your quivering leg on his shoulders, "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too, Tech," you panted.

He moved his hand to the other leg and massaged it before gently bringing bringing his hand to your hips holding, "Again?" he breathed.

You brought your hand up to his hair and watching the sweat beads start to drip, "Are you up to it?"

"I need you," he whispered, "I need this."

"We can until we get there," you said, the look in his eyes was hungry but not lustful he just needed to be touched and wanted.

You dropped one leg from his shoulder and wrapped it around him pulling his body closer to you, you felt him twitch inside you, "Did you just?" you started feeling the red soak across his cheeks.

"Yes, that was... random," he said awkwardly fidgeting with his hair, "I am most definitely not done however."

You put your other leg down and pulled him to your forehead, "Are you okay?" you asked softly, "You're pushing yourself."

"I... just have a lot I need to process and evaluate but this is helping."

"Talk to me Tech, then we can continue," locking your ankles around his hips holding him in place.

He thumbed your cheek in attempts to choose the words carefully, "Since meeting you has enlightened me about the consequences of not being in control of myself showing how reckless and foolish I can be due to the fact I am limited in the ways I express myself. They often do not understand what I am attempting to express and I often don't understand what the little intricacies certain feelings are which aggravates the situation with my frustration."

"Is that everything?"

"No, I still do not understand the intricacies of my feelings towards you nor how to verbalize them in a way that would make sense but this..." he said looking down for a moment taking a breath, "to me is more understandable."

"Are you saying making love to me instead of just fucking me is helping you contextualize your feelings?"

"Yes... and no. It is helping demonstrate how I feel yet forgive myself."

"Forgive yourself for what?" You asked puzzled.

"Not understanding everything you did was for us, I personally felt responsible for ever course of action you took, every life lost, every planet in ruins as my own doing. Crosshair offered you his pain as atonement to demonstrate how he feels on the inside, I however am I not fond of pain so I suppose to am offering myself to you as atonement as mildly uncomfortable as it feels being so... intimate. It is not a sensation I am accustomed to while it does feel great it does also feel... odd"

You sighed unwrapping your legs gently sitting up to where he was barely still in you, "Tech. We're done for now. You don't need to make yourself uncomfortable during said intimacy because then it's not really intimate anymore" you said moving back pulling him the rest of the way out with a small plop, "Neither of you ever needed to any of that for me. Everything I did was my own choice, yes there were a few thing I did out of anger that I shouldn't have and those nightmares will continue to haunt me. Both of you did what you thought was best for the squad. If that is what it ever came down to I would have done the same and I will if it ever comes to it," you said grabbing one of the towels laying the floor next to the bed that hadn't been put away and tucking it between your legs, "Our minds should be on the task at hand. I can rest later, nothing a stim shot or two can't fix," you said standing throwing the robe over yourself. You looked at him one more time and the emotions playing out of his face just like they were on yours before leaving to the cockpit to find the medical bag. You dug through a few drawers when you didn't find them initially in the bag but finding them buried in the back, they probably don't use them, you took two them placing one in your pocket for further use and primed the other one injecting yourself. Consequences of having a heart, the bittersweet voice nagged in the back of your head, You shouldn't have let them back in. "Shut up," you mumbled.

"I didn't say anything," Crosshair said staring you playing with a toothpick.

"I wasn't talking to you."

"We're the only two people in this room, who were you talking too?"

"Inner dialogue, these really give your mind the zooms" it was the truth but a half truth, "I need to mediate."

Hunter silently gave up the chair when Tech returned from the refresher clean and back in his armor. He studied the perfect blank expression on his face as he fiddled with the ship trying to increase speed, he was aware Tech knew he heard every word but wanted to give him space to sort the new ripple between them without pressing the matter.

Echo looked confused when he saw Crosshair return with a similar confused expression and the faint sound of her door locking, "Am I missing something?"

"He apparently put her... in a mood," Crosshair said glaring at his brothers silence.

"I'll talk-," Echo said standing up but Hunter shook his heads, "You didn't hear the conversation."

"Nor does it need to be repeated," Tech said taking off his goggles again staring at the faint light recording, I should delete that, no I should keep it, "I phrased something incorrectly therefore.. ruining the moment as one might say it. I, not only opened a new wound, I reopened one," he summarized.

"Good job, Tech," Wrecker rolled his eyes, "Did you apologize?"

"I obviously wasn't given the time too nor currently allowed too."

"Why can't I go talk to her?" Echo asked.

"She's mediating," Crosshair said eyeing Hunter if that was the case.

Hunter firmed his jaw and didn't say anything, just leaning his head against the seat. Salt floated his senses along with the sounds of her crying. He shut his eyes also trying to fight back the urge to go talk to her, she seemed to want to be alone.

"You should still try," Wrecker offered.

"He's done enough," Crosshair clipped.

"I unfortunately have to agree with Crosshair. My words do not articulate around her and further make the situation worse."

"Did you learn nothing when she left," Echo mumbled standing up again without being stopped. He made his way quietly to your room, "Reaper..." he knocked, "At least let me lay on the floor incase you need me," he stood there in silence, "Riduur.. You're not alone." I could just over write the door but this is equally her room as it is mine. Debating it he heard the click and found her laying on the bed facing away from him. He grabbed one of the pillows and extra blankets tossing them on the ground, "I'll be right here if you need me," he said plopping himself down.

"Do the nightmares get easier?" you whispered.

"They get less frequent," Echo replied, remembering the initial nightmares of being hooked up to all of their machines, the experiments now how every time he gets hooked up to anything it causes deep seeded panic in him, "How did you deal with them while... you were gone?" he asked.

"Slick could hear it and would come wake up me."

"I take it you two were close?" He asked blankly.

"Yeah."

The reason she didn't want to talk about exclusivity... I don't blame her, after two months and countless transmissions... I know what that feels like to think no one is coming. "I understand." Echo's eyes wondered to her back before returning to the ceiling, "I'm glad he was there to help," he heard the rustle on the bed and looked over to find you staring at him eyes pink and puffy, "He was there when we weren't," he added trying to prove he was being genuine, "Hunter know's now but I won't tell the others."

You looked at him again, tears threatening to fall again, "Hold me?" you asked weakly.

He stood up getting into bed felling you contort to be up as close as possible to him, "Do you think the book will help?"

"I hope, if not I called in a favor."

"Do I want to know?"

"No," you sighed.

"Do you need to rest?"

"Stim shot, I am quite awake."

"You found them? We had to hide them from Tech, he gets grouchy after 5 days of no sleep. You know he didn't mean-."

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Riduur," he said letting his scomp trace down your back, "I can't help if I don't know."

"Do you really want me to talk about boy trouble, today of all days," you said burying your face into his chest more.

"We are one together," he said holding your head with his free hand, "You're problems are my problems also I know where to hide his datapad if he stepped out of line."

"He... forced himself to do something extremely enjoyable even if it made him uncomfortable. It just kind of ruined my mood."

Echo sighed, "He still enjoyed it, so why is it bugging you?"

"I rather him do something if actually wants too instead of feeling like he has too."

"Why didn't you tell him that?"

"My guilt was starting to bug me," you whispered, "I know he already feels guilty for.. well you know. I don't need to make both of us feel worse."

"We don't need a repeat of last time. Do you want me to call him back in here?" Echo asked softly.

You shook your head, "Maybe talk to him later, I... need to focus."

Echo gently stroked your head, "It'll be alright."

Hunter's nostrils flared trying to keep his temper under control, his knuckles paling over the grip he had on the armrest. He stood up and kicked his helmet, it landing quietly in the cushion of a few chair. He sat back down and let out a raspy exhale finally feeling a little better. Breath, Hunter. The eyes boring into him caused him to tense up.

"I take it one of them said something you didn't like?" Crosshair snarked.

"It's not my secret to tell," he said rubbing the back of his head into the chair.

"Is she leaving again? I assume with Echo this time?" Tech asked flatly, "Once again I have ruined things."

Hunter's hand collided with the side of Tech's head casing his goggles to disheveled side ways, "No they are not leaving, stop being so pessimistic. Not everything in this galaxy is your fault especially involving her."

"One of them really said something bad," Crosshair chuckled."

"I assume her.. relations then?" Tech flatted adjusting his goggles and tightening them.

"You knew?" Hunter yelled.

"I thought it was obvious."

"Huh?" Wrecker asked.

"She fucked someone who wasn't us," Crosshair gridded out.

"I don't get what the big deal is, we share her anyway."

"Precisely, but we had a mutual understanding with each other."

"So why isn't it bothering you?" Crosshair asked flicking the tooth pick out of his mouth.

"It is, however I can not change the fact that it happened but I can attempt to prevent it in the future. She is a physical individual with her ordeal and constant... physical demands of her temporary position I am not surprised she needed physical comfort from a... familiar face," Tech attempted to articulate, watching Crosshair's and Hunter's face soften.

"Plus she's hot, can you blame him?" Wrecker added.

Tech covered his face with his hand scowling, "We know she is and that is not helping, Wrecker," he removed his hand putting in his lap his legs bouncing, "Once again we need to come to a mutual conclusion about proceeding with this information. I for one believe we need to forget this until she is comfortable enough to talk about it with the rest of us."

"She was gone for two months. Probably getting screwed on your precious cycle that you care about," Crosshair growled.

"Yes, like I said the chance is next to non existent however if it would have happened we would still be having the same conversation."

"I agree with Tech," Wrecker said awkwardly, "She didn't tell us personally so it's an invasion of privacy."

"Fine, don't like it," Crosshair growled, putting another putting another toothpick in his mouth, "Hunter?"

Nothing but a low growl escaped his throat, the words wouldn't come. Hunter crossed his legs and leaned into the seat and closed his eyes.

"Good. Like Echo's her.. adjustment will take time," Tech offered, "She will talk when she's ready."

"To him maybe," Crosshair scoffed.

"And we should respect that."

"You're not even effected, like usual," Crosshair snipped.

"I normally don't give in to your petty jabs, but I have had enough today. Yes her relations with Slick initially irritated me but we weren't there, we pushed her away and by her mind abandoned her. She was alone and Slick was more than likely the only comfort she had between fighting and getting speared. If she by maker's chance did conceive and the child was obviously Slick's it would not have mattered to me, as I share her with all of you and all of you with me. There is a chance even if she did conceive with one of us our physical modifications would not matter when it came to the child's appearance. Slick and Echo are also both Regs, I don't think it would have mattered to him since he can not procreate anyway. I will not punish her for something she obviously punishes herself for, I have done my fair share of punishing myself as of late and other's kicking you while your down is not a pleasant experience," Tech watched the three of them fall into stunned silence, "While Slick is a traitor to us, however the Order is a neutral party therefore she is. We have been programmed to only see black and white while she see's every shade of grey there is. She wouldn't have unless she saw more to his situation then we do," Tech watched Crosshair's eye fall to the floor, "We judged Echo for being a traitor before meeting him and we are doing the same again, he has been nothing loyal to the Republic and to us."

"How do you suppose it's going out there?" You whispered feeling the tension after the small thud.

"Hunter probably snapped and Tech is scolding them, that's usually what happens. Do you really believe Timeria did it for you?"

"Yes, she was falling to the dark side and knew it. We're all shown parts of our life's and death, she knew it was her time and made the most of what she could out of a bad situation."

"Did you see us?" he said glancing down at you, "if you can answer."

"I did, pieces anyway."

The door open and Wrecker awkwardly stood there scratching his head, "Do you mind doing that thing you do? Their fighting."

Echo released you, mumbling about a moments peace before watching you stride silently out of the room. Wrecker watched as you snaked around him finding Crosshair and Tech toe to toe glaring at each other. Crosshair tried to catch your arm to push it away knowing the pain it caused but it was to late.

"Relax."

Hunter wouldn't met your eyes but offered you his cheek which you took thankful he knew what was best for all of them. He watched Wrecker catch you as you stumbled backwards, but you didn't say anything. He saw the black on your hands up to your elbows from their anger but you were still silent. Tech attempted to pull out a tube of bacta out but you already had Wrecker quietly guiding you back to your room.

"Strong," Crosshair said audibly cracking his neck back into alignment, staring at you, "More then I give her credit for."

"Indeed," Tech said watching Hunter get up and follow after, "Come on," he rolled his eyes grabbing Crosshair and following. They walked in and found Wrecker being a pillow and Hunter sitting at her feet explain what had set them off, "about being in the dark on a lot of things and the confliction of morals and duty." Tech remain quite joined him at the end of the bed while Crosshair took her other side kissing the back of her neck softly before slightly moving himself closer to his backside leaving her pinned between them. Tech felt Hunter's hand shove him towards her, he did his chest and back plate and laid down resting his head on her hip. He felt her tense for a moment and then relax once again.

With every sentence Echo held your hand a little tight until his knuckles were nearly popping out out of his skin watching you choke out your time with Dooku. Crosshair physically felt you shake against him and he wrapped his arms a little tighter. You told them but your eyes would meet any of there's but fixated on the spot over Echo's heart using it to try to keep your focus on what you were saying.

"There's more but that's most of it," you said after telling them about the droids you created, the missions with Slick and reconnaissance missions with Slicer along the border, the training and the education; even voicing the traitorous thoughts about the Jedi and how they used the clones.

"Well I still love ya, a missions is a mission and yours was to get the sabers back regardless of how ya did it," Wrecker was the first one to speak up."

Echo's scomp rubbed your cheek, "Happy?" he glared at Hunter and Crosshair, "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too," you whispered back, "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," Echo breathed pissed that his brother's pushed the issue, "You're here now and it's okay."

"I am at a lost for words," Tech mumbled.

"Happy," is all Hunter got out trying to process it, rolling his eyes at the dirty comments Crosshair whispered, "such a beautiful destructive little harlot with a temper, I know how I can punish you with." Hunter coughed muttering that he was gonna go supervise the flight.

"He'll will come around," Wrecker said attempting to be optimistic, what has his hair in knots, "I'll go talk to him," Wrecker said very carely pulling your head off his lap.

"I shall also go investigate," Tech said happy to find an opportunity to leave with the tension in room from their previous... What would I even call that? It wasn't even a disagreement. "If you two... fornicate... I don't care if you use them or not," Tech said attempting to apologize in his own way before leaving.

"Only Tech can make something fun sound so boring," Crosshair scowled, What the hell are you doing? That sounded like you were breaking up and you didn't care anymore.

"That's going to back fire" Hunter said once Tech entered the room.

"How? She wanted more so I allowed her the means to acquire some?" Tech said sitting down.

"Telling her you don't care because you changed your mind about your rules," Wrecker said.

Tech blink, "That was not what I meant-" but it was to late and he heard the door lock, "Are they?" Tech asked flatly looking at Hunter.

"I am not listening," Hunter lied.

"We both know that is false but fine." Once again I am learning the consequences. Tech crossed his arms.

"I don't think he meant it like that," Crosshair whispered still mentally scolding him.

"Why else would he have said it?" You muttered, "Tech is typically deliberate with how he says things, he didn't say this time or once. And literally said don't care."

"She has a point..." Echo said wondering what was going on through his head.

Crosshair shook his head realizing there was no winning, "Fine, but we don't have too if you want to rest."

"Stim shot," you admitted.

"We'll be quiet then," he smirked grabbing his discarded shirt off the floor, turning you towards him but not out of Echo's grasp. His lips connected with yours first gently then turned rougher, "Don't mind me fucking your Riduur?" he smirked side eyeing your response while he looked at Echo who was also watching smiling.

"What do you think, Riduur? Should I let him fuck what's rightfully mine tonight," Echo smiled bigger watching you tense up and your hips press downward a little, "Maybe I'll even stay and watch, or should I just leave and let him," he said gently petting your cheek while Crosshair nibbled at your neck.

"You both have dirty karking mouths," you said trying not to let your let excitement show as Crosshair dragged his teeth across your neck sucking over his mark darkening it before carefully withdrawing himself.

"I think that perfect little pussy should be yours... for now, I want to torture her for awhile making me wait and I promise it's going to be torture," Crosshair smiled as much as the bulge in his pants screamed for release inside you he didn't want to cross the line with Tech. He pulled himself up smirking making sure you got full view of his promised punishment, undoing the lock and slipping out.

"That was so mean," Echo purred.

Crosshair smirked finding Hunter trying to hide his laugh, "Even for you that was harsh," Hunter chuckled not able to hide it.

Crosshair bucked his hips forward just slightly, "She likes it when I leave her covered and dripping in me," he smirked grabbing a toothpick, "Such a beautiful canvas to paint." Crosshair let his mischievous eyes glance towards an unphased Tech, perhaps she was right, "Hopefully she'll be ready for me when Echo's done."

"I bet that was hot," Wrecker replied, "I’d like to see her covered in all of us," he added.

"I am so glad there is a filter," Hunter rolled his eyes.

"Maybe if your nice, I'll leave her conscious enough for you. I do get her first after every fight, didn't specify if it had to be physical or not," Crosshair jested, "I'm going to go relax."

You are so wrong for adding that, Hunter thought, "She recovered pretty quick after you, she'll be fine," Hunter added salting Crosshair's wound, “Maybe even shut off the filter for a bit.”

Crosshair scoffed and walked off, touché Hunter. Tech was abnormally silent, maybe I will give her what she wants if that wasn't enough to make him go apologize. Hunter eyed Tech listening to his rapid heart rate but punctually even exhaled breaths but by appearance looked un phased he scrolled through his Data pad reading who knows what.

"Wait isn't that against the new rules?" Wrecker asked.

Tech headed to his bunk, yanking the privacy curtain shut so he could read in peace without the reminder of yet another failure.

"Anyway what had you so mad?" Wrecker asked switching the conversation.

"She wasn't comfortable enough to want to talk about it, I don't know if she'll ever truly feel at home here again," Hunter admitted, "She's strong but not invisible."

"She might as well be by now. She's one of a kind, she'll be okay."

"Yeah, she is," Hunter nodded.

Being completely bare in-front of you still made Echo self conscious but it was gradually getting better, "You know even without pants I still basically look the same," Echo said trying to make a joke to soothe his mind.

"Maybe I like seeing all of your ports," you smiled hugging him around the waist, "More of you to touch," you said running your hand down the back of his leg, before pulling him back up onto the bed, having him hover over your lap.

"I remember this going a little differently ma'am," he joked enjoying your warm touch scatter up his metal legs and up towards the flesh of his chest.

"Are you saying you don't like it when I enjoy you back?" you smiled letting your fingers graze against a port watching him tense for a moment, "There's still so much of you to commit to memory."

"What's the rush? You have my whole life," he replied without thinking,

"I have to be a certified expert by then might as well get a head start-" the tiny knock on the door caused both of you to groan, "This better be important!" Echo moved off putting his lower half under the blankets.

Tech walked in head down in his datapad, "Slick is ready for a rendezvous point when we know," he said tossing Echo his box, him catching it one handed.

"The favor I called in, if all else fails blow up the instillation and part of there fleet,” you quickly explained yourself.

"That is a suicide mission," Echo said grabbing you, "You can not do that for me."

"We are one apart," you realized you never said it back but that didn't change anything, "Taking any of you that far into the outter rim is far to dangerous especially if you get recaptured. My duty to protect this squad over rules everything else," you said your hand covered his hand and scomp on your face, "I was going to do it anyway at some point. Right now it's the last resort."

"We just got you back," Echo breathed.

"By these calculations and sightings you have plenty of droids you could send in your stead," Tech said still not looking up.

"If I have to go, I have to go," you stated.

"You die there don't you?" Tech asked finally looking up staring at you, watching Echo's hand fall.

"No I don't, however I do have to make sure no one escapes with any information that could be... damaging."

Echo relaxed, "Why does Slick need to go?" he asked trying not to let his jealousy show.

"For the thrill of it. The Duchess and her Knight together again, by the time they see it coming because it'll already be to late."

"Won't that make him a traitor to the Separatist?"

"He knows the risk."

Echo scared at you, the determination and the sparkle in your eye every time there was a fight, "Last resort, absolutely last resort?"

"Yes."

"I really hope it doesn't come to that," he said returning his hand to his face, "Are you joining or leaving?” Echo asked.

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