#star wars has been hurting me too much i need a break

[revelboo]

went through all of "everything is alright" and I'm far too attached to it already (and also heartbroken as of the current chapter 💔💔), thank you for the amazing writing and quick updates!!

(also you made me finally purchase some of the blokees I had my eye on🫶)

Thank you for reading my nonsense! The Blokees figures are some of my favorites- I love little figures

Everything is Alright Pt 80

IDW Starscream x Reader, Soundwave x Reader, Megatron x Reader

• “Everything.” One little word that sends cracks running through him, lets the ice seep in. The numb anger. Because he knows the things he’s done to further the Decepticon cause. Some of them of his own volition to enhance his position, others under Megatron’s name. Your eyes looking up at him, hurt and almost pleading with him to deny it. To tell you it’s all a lie, because you don’t want to know the truth of him. That he did the hard things, he did what was necessary. You hadn’t resisted when he’d picked you up. Maybe as broken as he feels. No matter how much he’d wanted to shield you from the reality of this war, to let it be something you don’t need to think too much on, there’s no hiding it anymore.

• “Now you know,” he growls, rasping voice colder than you’ve ever heard it. Wishing he’d denied it even if it was a lie. You’re not a child, it’s not like you don’t understand that they’re at war, but some of those things were just cruel. Violence for the sheer delight of causing pain and you don’t want that to be who he really is. Don’t want to love someone who could do that. Want to pretend that it’s still alright. That it’s just you and him learning each other, growing closer without reality slipping in. Because right now, your heart is breaking.

• Watching you hurts, because Soundwave can feel that despair, that aching sting of grief. And he doesn’t know how to fix this. If it even can be fixed. As Starscream turns to leave with you, he reaches out, catches his arm. “Wait,” he says. Wanting to take you, keep you with him, because right now he doesn’t trust the Seeker’s mindset at all. And Starscream rounds on him, denta bared and a cannon in his face. Realizes that the SIC has nothing left to lose, optics furious with hate. So it’s a surprise when Starscream lowers his arm and walks past. As if he’s not even worth the bother. Taking you away as his spark aches, because this isn’t what he wanted at all.

• It’s oddly freeing realizing it’s all gone, everything taken away from him. You’re still there in his hand, but that trust is broken. And he just wants to scream, to destroy something. Because having you with him and so distant and quiet is worse than just losing you. Wonders if you’ll be able to bear looking at him anymore. If you’ll speak to him or just hide from him. See only a monster. Entering his quarters, he looks down at you, meeting your eyes. Megatron said the words, but this is the culmination of a lifetime of his decisions. “Talk to me, please.” Those soft words make his spark ache. Cut through the indifference he wants to protect himself with. “Star?”

• “Do you want me to deny everything?” He asks. And you really do, but you just shake your head. “I made mistakes. I was cruel and ambitious,” he says slowly, a servo sliding against your hip as he keeps you trapped in his hand, standing in the middle of his habsuite. Like he’s afraid to put you down in case you try to get away. “And I’m not entirely sure I can be anything else at this point.” Jaw working like the admission cost him something, you close your eyes. But… That’s not exactly true is it? He’s been changing, softening every day. Those big hands capable of violence, but never towards you. If he’s been monstrous in his past, that’s not the him you know. Even if those horrors laid out for you can still hurt you, they’re not him anymore. Right? Because you need to believe that or you’ll come apart completely.

• “I want to hear it all from you. The truth, good and bad,” you whisper, a tear sliding down your cheek. Not pushing him away or abandoning him. Not yet and he doesn’t know what to make of you. You already know. Megatron would have told you in grisly detail, so why ask for more pain? Are you trying to understand him? Making an effort to reach out to him still? Servo sliding over your cheek to wipe away the tear, you touch his hand. Remembering your hesitant admission that you liked him what feels like forever ago. He’d never told you how he felt about you in return, though. Not really. Unable to bring himself to admit that he needs you beside him, to make himself vulnerable that way with words. That he can’t sleep without you there, that you’re everything now, his world narrowed down to you, tied to the beat of your heart, to your smiles. It’s why he’d bonded you to him without asking, because he needed you and he was afraid of being denied so he’d taken. Optics shuttering, he sits on the berth with you. And slowly, hesitantly, he begins to speak. To get all the awfulness out.

• It’s funny. Breaking the Seeker’s little pet didn’t give him the satisfaction Megatron expected. Only left him more exhausted than before. Sitting on the edge of his berth, he keeps picturing your eyes leaking. Your pain. And it doesn’t matter. You’re just a human, you’re nothing. But he keeps thinking about it all the same. Telling himself that he doesn’t care. That you’re one more casualty of the war and that those ghosts don’t bother him.

Previous

Next

[nikki-is-a-nerd]

I Love You So

Synopsis:

Satoru thinks back on how he messed up your relationship on the day that he overheard Shoko and Utahime's conversation.

In a way he should have known that you would find someone better, after all he was the one who pushed you away.

Genre: Angst

Note:

This is part of my 2 week break from star wars fanfiction! But after that, it's back to my usual.

___________________________________

Today was quite slow in school. The students were training with Nanami, there were no curses that needed the help of a special grade, no injuries. It was a calm day, a day that Satoru took to roam around the empty halls, reminiscing good memories. With friends, with someone special. He wasn't even meaning to overhear Shoko and Utahime, he was supposed to make his presence known until he heard your name.

"Utahime, have you heard the news?" Shoko asked.

"What news? Like the local news or hot gossip kind of news?" Utahime asked as well.

"Hot gossip. This is good news, (Y/N)'s about to get married this coming October." Shoko said happily.

"Really? I'm so happy for her. She deserves that. See this proves that leaving this life behind ensures a happy life." Utahime said.

"That's true, Nanami and I received invitations, Mei-Mei too, so you should check your email too." Shoko said.

A moment of silence and all that could be heard was their breathing and the sound of fingers tapping on screens.

"I got it! Oh she looks so cute in the picture. This guy is so lucky." Utahime exclaimed.

Satoru was frozen in place. You were getting married? Has it really been that long? Why did he feel like his heart just dropped? Either way, he teleported away from that hallway. He left and went back to his apartment. He sat down, no sound was made aside from his breathing anyway. He opened his phone, to check his email, he hasn't changed it in years, so you would still have his contact and yet he saw no invitation, no message. Nothing that would let him see how you were now. Social media wasn't your priority, you didn't post much and even if you did, you blocked him. How were you? How's life? Who were you marrying? All these questions ran through his mind before settling on one more question. Do you still hate him?

Satoru in his youth wasn't the best person to exist. He was cocky, rude and mean. He spoke without consequences because, who could hurt the strongest? He wasn't the best lover, nor was he the best person. Too focused on living his life and treating everything as a game. The only person he took seriously was Suguru, his best friend. They were both special grades, bound to be strong together. You? You were a grade one sorcerer, although still strong, it was nothing compared to them. Suguru would reassure you that it didn't matter that you weren't a special grade, Satoru loves you nonetheless. Love, how funny, he thinks now. He realized how much he loved you too late.

During his youth, he knew that he was attractive, that both men and women wanted him or wanted to be him, he knew he was the best. You two used to fight over the fact that he would shamelessly flirt with them even if you were around. His girlfriend. Yet he ignored them all. Recalling a vivid memory of an argument, he swears he can still hear your voice.

"Satoru, have you no decency? You really have to flirt with that girl? I was beside you!" You said angrily.

"So? You're not my wife, stop nagging me." He said frowning.

"Nagging? Satoru, how would you feel if I flirted with other people with you there?" You asked him.

"You wouldn't, it's not like anyone would bother if it's you." He scoffed.

He just said them because he knew it would make you leave him, he didn't think his words through as you slammed the door to his dorm, just whispering how you were going to Shoko. You didn't talk to him for weeks, he remembers complaining to Suguru, calling you a crybaby. Suguru only frowned. Satoru wasn't blind, he knew Suguru held romantic feelings for you, so did Naoya Zenin, but neither tried anything. Suguru respected you and Satoru too much. Naoya was simply afraid of Satoru retaliating. Suguru only shook his head in disbelief at how callous he was. Suguru knew that he was smart but in matters involving love, he was an idiot. A fool.

"You know Satoru, continue to treat her that way and you'll lose her, sooner rather than later." Suguru said as he looked at him.

"I bet I wouldn't even care." He remembers sayin.

Oh how wrong he was. It was a year after Suguru defected when you and he broke up. He remembers shouting but not what he said. He remembers tears but not his. For nearly half a year after the break up, you remained in Jujutsu Tech, completing missions, until you returned from one, a little more bruised, soul shattered and eyes dull. You ignored Shoko's calls to go to the infirmary, ignoring his presence, you just went to Principal Yaga and after thirty minutes, you left his office and went straight to your dorm.

That was the last time he saw you. Apparently you were sent on a mission that involved two special grades. Though you could handle special grades quite well, handling two after exorcising two grade one curses was too much. The higher ups lied about your mission. You left a letter for Shoko and Satoru, Nanami had quit earlier than you. He remembers seeing the neatly written letter and inside the envelope was his gift to you. A handmade bracelet that he had to ask Shoko and Suguru to help him make. You returned it to him. The bracelet he made to help ask you on a date. Returning his feelings, his love. He scoffs once again, Love?

The tears in his eyes that he didn't know had fallen were messing up his vision, his heart ached badly. He clawed at his chest in hopes for it to go away. Then he saw the last words on your letter.

Though I do not regret our time together, I hate you for shattering my heart.

He had no right to weep the way he did. Just as he has no right this time around to wish that you'd let him see you again and perhaps try to get you to love him. Suguru was right. Losing you was painful but knowing that any chances of rekindling your relationship was truly gone.

"I love you" He whispered to nobody but himself.

"I love you, I'm sorry..." His voice cracked.

"I hope you're happier than you ever were with me."

He let his emotions go and let the tears flow out. Love was the biggest curse, but this was a curse he was willing to bear.

[imabeautifulbutterfly]

Hi beautiful!!!!!!

Goodness I've been over your prompt list so many times. There are so many good ones I don't know which ones to choose 🥵 so here's what I finally decided on! (For now 😉) 11 and 23 with my man Hunter please!!!

Can't wait to see what you create!!!! ❤️

Hello gorgeous! My dear @dragonrider9905 I knew you'd come to me with Hunter. Not that I blame you in anyway, shape or form. Also the GIF has nothing to do with the story ... I picked it because he looked hot in it. LOL

I hope you enjoy it, it's a little short.

I Love You

Warnings: Blaster shot, headache, injury, feelings being a burden, fluff, angst, declarations of love.

Main Master List   |  Star Wars Fic Roulette

You sat beside Hunter, holding his hand waiting for him to come to; the blaster to the chest knocked him out for a good while. Thankfully, his armour stopped any serious damage, but seeing him not responding was driving you crazy.

“He’ll come to, in a little while” Tech offered as he came to check on Hunter. 

“I know. I just … when I saw the blaster hole on his chest plate … I couldn’t breathe … I just need him to wake up.”

“So you can yell at him?”

You glanced up to Tech, smirking, “Maybe. But that’s neither here nor there.”

“Just try not to yell too loudly, he’ll have a horrible headache when he wakes.”

“Then my point will get across even faster.”

Tech shook his head, “You have a strange way of showing your love.”

“I know,” you answered, your smile slowly shifting. It had been something Hunter mentioned over and over again, sometimes you got a little carried away with how much you loved him. Worrying about things you didn’t need to worry about. Putting pressure on him, when you didn’t have to … it wasn’t because you were possessive, or needed to lay a claim on him. It was because you were afraid to lose him. 

You already lost so much, family, friends, home, that when you met Hunter and his brothers, it was a life line you desperately needed. 

“Don’t worry, he may grumble a little but he enjoys the way you shower him with affection.”

“Thanks, Tech.”

He nodded before moving away, and he was right. It was about ten minutes later when Hunter started to stir, “Easy.” You kept your hand on his shoulder, keeping him from sitting up. “You took a blaster shot to the chest.”

“Is that why it feels like Wrecker sat on me?” He groaned out.

“Yeah … listen, I need to say something and I want you to really listen.”

Hunter looked into your eyes ready for whatever you had to tell him, “Okay …” he could never really tell where your thoughts would run to, this could’ve gone one of two ways, you breaking up with him or you declaring your love for him. It was one of the things he did love about you, your unpredictability. 

“I want you to know, the only one who gets to kill you, is me.”

He tried to laugh a little, his head hurting with each jostle, “Not what I was expecting.”

“I’m serious,” you giggled along with him. “I’m the only one that’s allowed to kill you, so next time, duck.” You leaned down and pressed a kiss to his forehead.

“I didn’t get shot because I wanted to.” He clarified, closing his eyes and relishing in the kiss on his forehead.

“I know. I just … Seeing you get hit, the smoke, the hole … I thought I lost you at that moment.” You pressed your forehead against his as you gently cupped his cheek.

“You didn’t. You won’t.”

“I can’t lose you, Hunter.”

“I know, love. I know.” He let out a sigh filled with tension and disappointment.

“I’m sorry for loving you the way I do.” You offered, you tried not to be a burden, but from the way he sighed you could tell, “My feelings were never supposed to be a burden for you.” You pulled back to look at him, “I’ll try to do better. I promise.”

Hunter shook his head as he cupped your cheek, “No. I love the way you love me. Makes me feel special, that I matter. My sigh wasn’t because I was upset with you, I was upset by what you’ve been through already. I don’t want you to lose anything else, either. I promise to be more careful.”

You turned your head and kissed his palm nodding as a tear slid down, feeling a weight lift off your shoulders knowing that you weren’t a burden to him. 

He patted the spot beside him, an unspoken invitation to have you lie down in the space that you had claimed since the first time you both started dating. You smiled as you adjusted yourself, resting your head on his shoulder, as he wrapped his arms around you. 

“I love you, cyar’ika”

“I know. I love you, too Hunter.”

Main Master List   |  Star Wars Fic Roulette

Tag list:

@liadamerondjarin @badbatch-simp24@spicymcnuggies@lady-ren @firstofficerwiggles @darkangel4121 @discofern @kavecika @monako-jinn-stories @ladykatakuri @avathebestx @theroguesully @furyhellfire66 @carodealmeida @ciramaris @sprout-fics @twinkofthedink @dindjarin-mandalorian @ulchabhangorm @littlemisspascal @tortor-mcgee @vodika-vibes @clonethirstingisreal

[lorilane33]

Midnight Musings

Pairing: Echo x Reader

A/N: I think I should start a bingo card for myself with all this fandom hopping I'm doing lol Star Wars is my current hyper fixation, and one special copy paste boy had my soul in his hands.

Summary: You wake up to find Echo not in bed.

Word Count: 1,098

Warnings: This is truly the saddest thing I've ever written, which isn't saying much. But Echo has been to hell and back, and he needs all the hugs in the entire universe. So this was my self indulgent self doing just that.

In a quiet bungalow somewhere on lower Pabu, something suddenly pulls you from the pleasant dream you were having. In the bed you share with Echo, something didn’t feel quite right, but you couldn’t place what it was.

You huff, mildly annoyed at the inconvenience of being pulled from sleep and snuggle deeper into the blankets in hopes of finding sleep again. 

You sleepily reach behind you in hopes of Echo being able to hold you until you fall asleep again, only to find the sheets cold. “...Echo?” you mumble, sleep thick in your voice. Less sleepy than you were mere seconds ago, you now understand what had pulled you from your sleep. 

Your boyfriend was not where he needed to be, and you had a feeling you knew just where to find him. Pushing the covers off yourself, you swing your feet over the edge, sliding until your feet gently hit the floor. 

You start your journey out of your shared bedroom and into the living space, leaning against the doorway. Looking around for his familiar bald head, you find him sitting at the table, head resting in his good hand.

From what you can see, he’s glaring down at his scomp link that rests in his lap. “Honey, are you alright?” you whisper. Some nights Echo had a hard time with nightmares or sometimes it was his survivor’s guilt that did him in. 

In the light of the moon, Echo looks up at you, a shimmer of regret in his eyes as he responds, “I’m sorry, cyare. Did I wake you? I didn’t mean to.” A sad smile lifts at the corner of your mouth as you pad towards him. 

“It’s okay, really Echo. I woke up and you were gone so I thought I’d come find you.” Reaching the table, you place your hands on his shoulders to gently pull him back into a sitting position. “What was it this time, my love? A nightmare again?” 

He sighs and reaches his hand up to hold yours that sits on his shoulder, then shakes his head no. “No, mesh’la. Not this time.” 

Leaning forward you place a kiss to the top of his head. “Then if not a nightmare, what is keeping you awake at this hour, hmm? And if you think of fibbing to me and saying it’s nothing, then you will indeed have another problem to reckon with,” you respond, almost whispering the words into the top of his head where your lips remain. 

You hear him chuckle tiredly at your sass, the sound of his laughter lifting your spirits a little. Breaking the hold of his hand on yours, you slide your hands over his torso, stopping at the chest plate that sits atop his sternum. You feel him sigh, simultaneously in relief and in resignation at your touch. 

“Alright, fine.” The low cadence of his voice soothes you, as you hold him from behind. He reaches his good hand back up to lay over yours again, and you smile into his neck as he answers your question. 

“Cyare, it’s just…I don’t…,” he sighs, struggling putting his feelings into words. “I miss Fives, so kriffing much. The rest of the Domino Squad too, but Fives and I were brothers by choice. The two of us had been together since Kamino. Having to carry on now? Knowing he doesn’t get to? It hurts.”

You feel him shudder in your arms as speaking becomes too much for him, your arms instinctively pulling him closer into your arms. Heart breaking for this beautiful man, you softly respond, “I know you wish you could bring them back, and if it were possible, I’d do it for you in a second.” 

Stepping back, you keep one of your hands clasped tightly in his as you slowly slip around his shoulder to face him. Dropping to your knees, you reach up to caress his face with your free hand. When a tear falls from his amber eyes, you lightly brush it away with a swipe of your thumb. 

You squeeze his hand before continuing, “But I do know that wherever they are, they are so kriffing proud of you, Echo. You may have the scars and some metal parts to contend with now, but you survived. And are all the stronger for it. Your resilience and quiet strength are a couple of the millions of reasons why I have fallen in love with you.” 

A small smile graces your lips as you drop his good hand and gently pick up his scomp link still sitting in his lap. “This old scomp link? Is proof to me every day that you survived and are here with me. I wouldn’t trade that for anything, Echo. And if you need me to remind you every kriffing day that I love you, and that I’m not going anywhere, then that’s exactly what I’ll do.” Lifting it to your lips, you place a gentle kiss against his scomp while retaining eye contact with him. 

His bottom lip quivers, and his eyes blink slowly. You can see the emotions churning below the surface of his beautiful face. Then, you are suddenly yanked up into his lap and into his embrace as he holds you close. 

You place one arm around his neck, pulling yourself level with him. His response is a rumble of emotion, “Thank you, my love. You always know exactly what to say to me to make me feel better. I’m sorry you have to-”

“Ah!” you suddenly place a hand over his mouth. “If I hear another apology out of your mouth, good sir, then I'll have to punch you. And I’d really hate to have to do that, Echo.” A grin breaks out on your face, as you make eye contact with him. 

He looks emotionally drained, but graces you with one of his genuine smiles as you lean forward and place a kiss against his headset. As soon as you move your head away from him, you feel him turn his head and pull you in to press a gentle kiss to your lips.

“You’re not wrong, cyar’ika. I’d hate to have you get violent. Your punches hurt.” He chuckles, and you feel it tingle on your lips. “And for the record? I love you too. Thank you for being so understanding.”

He kisses you again, pulling you close. The two of you continue to sit in the quiet of the kitchen, trading kisses and soft words until the sky outside turns gray; a new day on the horizon.

[tcw-x-reader]

When The World Comes to Pieces

Crosshair x reader x Tech (no clonesest, ew), usual star wars violence, swearing maybe?

"I don't like this.." I mumble as Crosshair and I put our rifles together.

"What do you mean?" Hunter calls from the front, turning his head to look at me.

"I don't know...I feel, uneasy." I say, looking up at him.

"If you hurl on me, I'll kill you." Crosshair says, standing up and lifting up his rifle, testing the weight.

"Duly noted." I reply, moving to the front of the ship.

"Don't worry, when we get back to Kamino, we'll be back in our own barracks." Echo says, I knew he was trying to make me feel better, but the smell in that room only made me sicker. I sigh as I sat in the seat by Wrecker.

"I have a bad feeling about this."

-

As we make our way back to where Caleb said we were needed, Crosshair and I break off from the group and get on top of a rock formation of sorts, aiming our weapons below. We shoot the droids down, one by one, making a path for the others to run through.

"Wrecker's having too much fun with this." I chuckle and Crosshair groans.

"As long as he gets the job done, he can have as much fun as he wants."

"Crosshair, N/n, let's get these tanks moving!" Hunter's voice says through comms.

"You heard the man." I say.

"Sir, yes, sir." Crosshair says, and it almost sounds like he's excited. We both take aim and shoot at the same time, the lines connecting to the tanks and Wrecker goes and starts pushing them.

'Huh? Hey. Stop that. Adjust the stabilizers. We're going over!' We both hear the droid scream through Echo's comm. I laugh boisterously and don't miss the shake of Crosshair's shoulders as he tries not to laugh as well. We both watch the tanks go over and Tech detonate the bomb. Cross and I both run down the hill and when the blast goes off he instinctively shields me before we start running down again. We meet up with them at the bottom, Wrecker pulling me to him and cheering.

"You saw that, right!" He smiles under the helmet.

"I did! That was awesome!" I say.

"Oh please, don't encourage him." Crosshair groans.

"What was it you said uo there again? Hm..Oh yeah 'as long-'" Crosshair brings me to his chest, putting his hand over my mouth as we continue to walk.

"Not. Another. Word." He lets go.

"If you wanted to cuddle, you could've just asked." He rolls his eyes, flicking my forehead.

"You're dead." He hums.

"Well, it's been real." I shrug, he mused.

-

We make our way out of the dust that settles and to the Jedi and their Captain.

"Care to introduce your new friends, Caleb?" The Jedi master asks, I can't help but feel a sense of loss when I look at her. My brow furrows.

"Yes, Master. This is Wrecker, Hunter, Echo, Tech, Crosshair, and Y/n. Clone Force 99." I smile politely.

.

"The Clone War may soon be over." Tech says, and I feel my stomach drop, i subtly grab my side and my chest tightens. Why did I like the sound of that?

"I am referring to the encrypted comm chatter. Clone intelligence is reporting Jedi General Obi-Wan Kenobi has found and engaged General Grievous on Utapau."

"If he captures or kills Grievous, the Separatist command structure will collapse." Echo says.

"And most likely the droid armies along with them." Tech adds.

"-I suggest we focus on the task at hand." The Jedi General says.

"Any orders? Or shall we do what we do?" Hunter asks.

"Let's blow something up!" Wrecker says enthusiastically, making me snort. The Jedi padawan runs alongside us, and yet again, I feel my gut clench. And then...I hear it.

'Execute Order 66.' No.. No, that's not, that can't be right. I turn around and gasp at the Jedi, who's now engaged in a battle with her own troops, the very ones who were defending her five minutes ago. Her padawan runs to her and I hear her yell for him to run, I run up behind him and grab his robes, pushing him back and grabbing my rifle.

"No, stop!" He yells, hitting my gun.

"I won't hurt her." I say. "But you need to run." I say, making my way back to Crosshair and Hunter.

"Are you okay?" Hunter asks, grabbing ahold of my shoulder when I run past.

"Yeah- What was that? Why are they..?" He shakes his head.

"We don't know, for now, we need to make sure that kid makes it." He says, and I nod. He runs down a drift, Cross and I following behind.

.

For a split second, Crosshair hesitates. Out of the corner of my eye, i watch him lift his rifle to where the kid is, Hunter is too distracted to notice. Crosshair shakes his head, clutching at the side of his head, letting the rifle drop. He looks up and we make eye contact briefly, I nod to him, silently checking in. He nods in reply.

All three of us see the kid, Caleb, run to the cliff. My heart stops.

"No!" I shriek as he jumps..and.....makes it. I grab at my chest plate, where my heart is, and sigh. Hunter's hand pats my shoulder before pulling away as the other clones come down. We all silently walk away from them and back to the others.

.

"I don't- What was that? And what..What's..I was.." Hunter sighs.

"You left, N/n, nothing will happen to you. You're a part of this team, and an effective one too-"

"You already have a sniper." I state, making Crosshair smack the back of my head as he walks by.

"Emi. You're a vital part of this team, and a part of this squad, don't ever doubt that." Hunter said.

"Yes, according to the data I've collected, our numbers have accelerated at a higher rate with Emi on missions with us." Thank you, Tech.

"Thank you, boy wonder." Tech looks up at me.

"One day, i hope to understand the odd language you use."

"Funny, i think i could say the same about you." He smiles at me.

"Feeling better?" Wrecker asks, coming in and jostling me in a friendly manner.

"She'd probably feel better if you didn't manhandle her like she's a droid." Crosshair says, making Wrecker pout.

"Stow it, Crosshair." Echo and i say, making Crosshair groan.

"Now there's two of them."

.

Later that night, we're all in our bunks on the ship, I can hear Tech's snoring, and Wrecker's mumbling, and usually that doesn't prevent me from sleeping, but tonight it does.

"N/n, come here if you're planning to worry yourself mad." Crosshair says from the bunk next to me. I smile, getting out of mine and crawling into his, he acts upset, even though he's the one who suggested it.

"I knew you wanted to cuddle." i say, snuggling into him.

"Yeah, yeah." he rolls his eyes, i don't have to see to know. He presses a kiss to the top of my head, running his fingers through my hair. Over the last few months, I'd noticed it become habit for him to do so when he was stressed.

"I saw that look in your eyes, you know...I knew you held back." I say, his hand stills.

"...I wanted to, I heard the order, I wanted to...follow orders." He stumbles over his words. "But I knew you'd kill me if I ever hurt anyone innocent, so I tried." I tilt my head up to him, looking into his guilt-ridden eyes.

"We'll figure all of this out."

"Yeah," he nods, pulling me to his chest again, "we will."

[sir-walton-goggins]

The Ties That Bind Us

Arthur Morgan x fem OC

1.7k words

Summary: Arthur is back to camp way earlier than expected. His wife wonders what possibly could have him back so soon... and in such a bad mood.

Angst + Fluff

Tw child death, tw death

Credit for the header goes to @raevennsge

It had been a long day, and Kris was exhausted when she rode into camp at sundown. She lugged her heavy body straight towards the campfire, where she noticed the silhouette of her husband sitting around it.

‘Is he back already? That’s weird’ the woman thought, perplexed. Arthur usually stayed out for days, even weeks at a time, but now he was back after just a mere day. Something was off.

As she approached from behind, he leaned forward, head bowed, hands conjoined together as if in prayer. There was a dark aura to him that made Kris nervous. She could tell he was upset even before seeing his face.

“Hey,” she cautiously greeted him before laying her hands on his shoulders. Arthur didn’t move.

“Hi.” His tone was tired, forlorn.

“Are you okay, honey?”

No response. Instead, Arthur sighed and sniffled, picking up a pebble and throwing it into the fire. Kris waited patiently, rubbing his broad, tense shoulders.

“I need to be alone” was his lapidary answer. His wife nodded.

“Alright. I’ll be in our tent when you’re ready” she murmured, exhaustion getting the best of her.

While Kris got undressed and laid down to get some rest, Arthur remained perfectly still, sitting on the log alone. The fire was burning into his clear eyes, broadcasting his internal turmoil. He observed it like he wanted to part it and walk through it, to disappear forever. He desperately kept the pain inside his chest, and it jabbed at him mercilessly, slicing his breath short. He refused to let it out at the risk of breaking down, losing his composure. He couldn’t afford it: his composure was all he had now; he was the solid rock upon which everyone in the gang could count on. There simply is no time for weakness, when dozens of people depend on you to survive.

But he wanted to talk. Desperately. He wanted to tell Kris how much he was hurting. But his mind bounced back and forth between doing it and thinking it was stupid. After all, he had no reason to be that upset. It had been long enough now, hadn’t it? He was just being a big baby.

The outlaw had lost count of how long he’d been staring into the crackling flames, inhaling their smoke. The full moon peeked through the naked trees, stars glistening like tiny gemstones on a black evening gown. Everyone else had already turned in.

He should’ve gone to bed, but his eyes were wide open, his chest and shoulders too heavy. He missed Kris.

Arthur poked his head in their shared tent. His wife laid on the cot, sleeping peacefully. She looked like an angel: an halo of dark, wavy hair circling her head on the candid pillow. His chest temporarily felt a bit lighter in front of such a peaceful sight.

Trying to be as quiet as possible, Arthur undressed and climbed into bed next to Kris. He cuddled up to her, nuzzling his face into her shoulder and inhaling deeply. She smelled like home, like his safe place. It was so comforting, he almost forgot all about-

“Arthur…” she protested, making him curse under his breath.

“Sorry, dear,” he whispered. “Didn’t mean to wake ya”. His grip on her waist tightened and he pulled her into a hug. Kris exhaled, melting into his embrace and stroking his forearm. She has missed him, too.

“Wanna tell me what’s going on?” she asked, sleep still heavy and low in her voice.

Silence. Just rhythmical breathing, Arthur’s heavier and more disjointed. He exhaled, burying his face into Kris’s hair.

“Something happened yesterday…” he began. Nervous, he fidgeted with the stitching on Kris’s underwear, pulling at it and twirling it around his fingers.

“Wanna tell me about it?” Kris encouraged him softly.

“Not really…” His mind at fought a dire war between the effort of bringing up something painful and the temporary comfort of burying it down with the rest of his past.

“Okay,” she took his restless hand in hers, squeezing it lovingly. “But I think you should, honey. You’ll feel better after”.

She moved her head so she could look at him in the eyes. “You know you can tell me anything, right?”

The blond nodded. He knew.

Kris smiled and kissed him on the cheek, cupping it and rubbing the coarse stubble with her thumb in a circular motion.

Arthur now felt reassured enough to open up, but he still hid his face in Kris’s thick hair.

“I was passing through this small village…” Arthur gulped, doing his best to spit the words out, where they wouldn’t rot him from the inside out. He paused to recount the scene.

Arthur rode in from the west side of the village, passing right in front of the tiny graveyard. He noticed a bunch of people gathering around an open grave, mourning the loss of a fellow citizen. What struck him the most was the utter silence and reverence in such a big crow: must’ve been someone important. He felt compelled to stop and watch from afar, like pulled into place by an invisible thread. The priest was the only one speaking, sending the poor soul off to their final rest.

As the clergy man droned and read from the Sacred Scriptures, Arthur got off his horse and approached, keeping at a safe distance from the funeral. Curiosity got the best of him, so he leaned out to have a look at the dug up hole in front of the tombstone.

His heart sank down into his stomach. That was too small of a grave.

“Today we lay our dear Ishmael to rest. His life was taken from us too soon, but when the Lord calls, we shall answer, and so now he sits next to His throne, in Heaven, forever safe from earthly suffering.”

Arthur felt all blood drain from his face. He desperately wanted to run, but he couldn’t bring himself to just turn around and leave. He felt like he deserved to sit through this. Like he had to.

Once the priest finished his speech, the undertaker began shoveling dirt on the casket, and it wasn’t long before the tiny body was hidden from mournful eyes forever, six feet deep.

A young woman, who had to have been the little boy’s mom, threw a red rose on the coffin, her face a veritable mask of pain. Two other women had their arms linked to hers, the only force holding her up and preventing her from falling on her knees, wracked by grief. And fall she did; she began to wail desperately, a sound which pierced right through Arthur’s chest and sent a wave of white hot pain straight to his head. Before he even noticed people were staring at him, he was bolting back to his horse and taking off at full speed.

“Oh, Arthur…” Kris sighed, the picture he painted way too real and raw.

Arthur swallowed the knot in his throat. He opened his mouth to speak again, but nothing came out.  

“I…” he paused, feeling his eyes sting unbearably.

“I miss him. Every day” he closed his eyes, tears that had been locked away for too long wetting his face.

Kris held him closer, squeezing him into a hug that she wished could’ve healed all his pain. Arthur wept in his wife’s arms for the first time ever, his deep sadness spreading to her. He never talked about Isaac, ever. It left Kris feeling so shocked that this was even happening. She froze, unable to come up with anything to comfort her grieving husband. She silently embraced him as tight as she could, caressing his hair and waiting for his sobs to settle down. With each one of them erupting from his chest, Kris felt a sharp knife stabbing her heart. Oh, there’s nothing worse of the sound of your beloved crying.

As Arthur calmed down they laid there for a while, entangled in each other’s arms, without speaking a word.

“Y’know,” he broke the silence, voice still broken. “I think this was punishment. I couldn’t save ‘em, and now I’m paying for it.”

“No, Arthur, this wasn’t your fault. Please, don’t blame yourself.”

He insisted, pain permeating his every word. “If I was there, I could’ve protected them.” Kris had never heard a sentence spoken with so much regret. She listened, heartbroken by all the guilt he carried, and felt so utterly powerless in the face of it.

“And now I’m scared I’ll ruin things again” he confessed, pressing his palms against his eyes to erase that poor mother’s face from his memory. “I don’t deserve a second chance.”

“Arthur.” Kris removed his hands away from his face. “Look at me.” She intertwined their fingers together.

“You do deserve a second chance. And you won’t ruin it. Because we are in this together, and I’m not backing down. Ever.”

Arthur looked up at her, unconvinced. “You should be with someone better.” he whispered, breathing it out with all the melancholy left in his lungs.

Kris laughed softly and shook her head. “I probably should, but I won’t” she brought his hand to her lips, “because I wanna be with you.”

Arthur smiled, eyes filled with unshaken love. Here stood his wife, his family, the finest woman he ever met, his second chance at life, at love. A day hadn’t passed where he didn’t feel grateful to be with her, even if guilt and conflict sometimes clouded his judgment. He wouldn’t let his past ruin the precious thing they had together, in the present.

He leaned forward, meeting her lips and rubbing his nose against hers gently.

“Afraid you’re stuck with me, Morgan” Kris joked, actually making him laugh for the first time in who knows how many days.

He cuddled into her shoulder. “I think it’s the other way around, Mrs. Morgan.”

“Mh. We shall see” she snarked, closing her eyes. “Goodnight, dear. Try to get some sleep.”

Arthur obliged, finally feeling lighter. What do you know, Kris was right. Again. He closed his eyes and Morpheus’s gentle embrace lifted him off the Earth, giving him some respite.

[sourcherryandsprinkles]

Interrupting a white veil occasion | Peter Parker x Stark!Reader

Summary: Peter's childhood crush is going to get married to someone else...so he has to speak before it's too late

Word count: 1k

Request: Please do speak now x peter parker <3

—

When Peter heard about the wedding — your wedding —, he swung his way to the top of the highest building in New York and screamed his emotions out. It felt good, but only for a few seconds. The wedding was still happening.

He couldn’t believe his friend who he had been in love with since childhood was marrying this other guy. Peter didn’t really know him, but he hated him. He hated every guy who dated you, which had caused some friction on your friendship over the years.

Like that time Peter purposely ruined your date with the swim team captain. He made up an emergency about someone trying to break into the Avengers tower, but the only person who did a bad thing that night was Peter by lying to you.

‘’He’s a player, he’s gonna break your heart.’’

That night, you made Peter promise to stop sticking his nose in your dating-life.

Swim team captain ended up breaking your heart as Peter had predicted, but Peter let you cry on his shoulder and wrapped an arm around you to stop himself from swinging to that jerk’s house and breaking his perfect jawline.

During the years that followed, there were so many times Peter wanted to confess his feelings to you, but everytime he would chicken out by fear of ruining your friendship. He’d rather love you in secret than lose you in his life.

‘’She’s getting married tomorrow,’’ Ned recalled as they were sitting in their shared apartment, watching the new Star Wars.

‘’Shut up.’’ Peter released a heavy breath. ‘’I'm trying not to think about it.’’

He didn’t say it to hurt Peter and push the knife deeper into his heart. Ned just wanted to remind him that it was happening. That the girl he loved was going to marry someone else tomorrow and he didn’t have much time left before it was too late.

‘’Maybe you should think about it. If you really love her, I think you should tell her….before she says ‘I do’.’’

Twelve hours later, Peter was putting on a suit and running to the place the wedding was held. He didn’t plan to go, but after getting a call from Tony Stark begging him to take his last chance and talk to you, Peter had no other choice but to come.

He didn't want to be a wedding-crasher, but as Tony and Ned had said, this was his last chance to get his girl.

‘’Dad, where have you been?’’ you said as your father opened the door of the room you were hiding in. You had been calling for your father for twenty minutes and no one had been able to find him, not even Pepper.

‘’I was…getting a drink. You know me!’’ Tony flashed you a smile, holding his glass of scotch.

You narrowed your eyes at him. ‘’I think you should slow down on the scotch, Dad. It’s not even 2pm.’’

He waved her off, taking another sip of his drink. ‘’It’s my first drink. It helps with the nerves.’’

You laughed softly. ‘’I’m the one getting married, I should be the one needing a drink for my nerves.’’

‘’I’m nervous about something else….’’ Tony said lowly. ‘’Please don’t be angry with me.’’ He stepped over as your face twisted in confusion, allowing Peter to step in. He was wearing a suit, but the jacket was missing and the shirt underneath had visibly not been ironed. ‘’I’ll just…leave the two of you alone,’’ your father said, then closed the door.

Peter was the last person you expected to see walking through those doors. He had responded ‘will not be attending’ on his invitation, which stung when you opened it.

‘’What are you doing here?’’

‘’The last thing I wanted today was show up to your wedding, but Mr. Stark called and—’’ Peter interrupted himself, needing to get straight to the point now or else he’s chicken out for the very last time. ‘’Don’t marry him.’’

‘’Peter…’’

‘’Don’t say ‘yes’. Don’t marry him,’’ he repeated, stepping closer with pleading eyes. ‘’I am not the kind of guy who rudely barges in on a white veil occasion, but this guy that’s waiting for you at the altar is not the right one for you, Y/N. Even your father thinks so!’’

You rolled your eyes. ‘’My father thinks no one will ever be good enough for me.’’

‘’Up until twenty-three minutes ago, I was not planning on showing up. I was moping in my bed and cursing myself for not speaking up when I had time, but your father called me…and here I am. I love you, Y/N Stark. I’ve loved you since we met at the aquarium under the huge tunnel.’’

It was over ten years ago, but Peter remembered that day as if it was yesterday.

‘’You were there with your nanny and I was on a field trip with my science class. My feet got tangled and I tripped and you helped me up. We didn’t know each other, but when I took your hand and looked into your eyes, I thought you were the prettiest girl in the whole wide world.’’

A smile curled on your glossed lips as a light flush covered your cheeks. Thankfully, it was covered by makeup. ‘’You had glasses back then. And a missing front tooth.’’

Peter scrunched his nose. ‘’Yeah, it was a terrible look.’’

You laughed at the memories. His missing tooth was actually adorable. 

‘’I think you looked cute.’’

It was Peter’s turn to flush. 

If your groom-to-be were to hear or see you, he would throw a fit. The woman he was about to marry was verbally cheating with another men. 

Peter stepped in with shaky hands, your eyes on him. ‘’Please, don't marry him.’’

He wasn't asking you to marry him instead. That would be crazy and way too rushed. 

All Peter was asking was to call off the wedding. 

Your eyes filled with tears and you crumbled in the seat by the large mirror, at loss with your emotions. ‘’There’s hundreds of people out there waiting for me, Pete. I-I can’t not—’’

‘’I know,’’ Peter said, crouching before you, ‘’but these people also want you to be happy and you're not gonna be happy with this guy.’’ 

—

Marvel taglist: @xenasolos @chrizzierbsstuff @ayamenimthiriel @alina02 @turtleshavesoulmates @staygoldsquatchling02 @daemonslittlebitch  @wetwilliam02 @haileyismoo @manofworm @rhydianissuperior @supersanelyromantic @nicangel13 @mxxny-lupin  @sweeterheartxamerica @viridwityy @izzy-laufeyson @kenzi-woycehoski @arunaposeidondottie @liidiaaag @katsukis1wife  @amithesimpoffandoms @acornacreacure @chaotic-fangirl-blog  @hawkegfs @mommyruuetrue @youdontneedtoknowthisinformation  @aabananaa @starrrslove  @angeliod @nmedina8611 @1stevelacyfan  @yourfavdummy @laylasbunbunny  @slytherhoes @pedrosprincess  @luvvtxinityy @Eddiefrickenmunson @wandaswigglywoos @mikaelsonsstuff  @tcddszn  @skyesthebomb @a1mzcruml3y @red1culous  @popeheywardssecretgf

All and more taglist: @spiokybirdstarfish @kenqki @liidiaaag @hawkegfs  @gillybear17  @areaderinlove @acornacreacure @black-rose-29 @fudge13 @cece05 @rosie-cameron @Caxddce @laylasbunbunny @gemofthenight @beautyb1ade  @hi-bored-as-fcuk-rn  @lovelyy-moonlight @mellabella101 @vxnity713  @marzipaanz  @bisexualgirlsblog @queenofslytherin889

[hugmekenobi]

The Bad Batch (10)

Chapter Ten: Common Ground

Gif by @kamino-coruscant

Hunter x femaleJedi!reader

Series Summary: You joined the Batch 8 months ago and everything was going well. But then, Order 66 happened and suddenly the galaxy around you changed. Now, not only do you need to be careful given your new 'social status', but you also need to navigate your feelings towards a certain Sergeant.

Chapter Summary: Your road to recovery begins and a mission has the Batch seeing their ideology challenged.

<Previous Chapter

Genre: Friends (idiots) to Lovers

Chapter Warnings: Canon-typical violence, swearing, mild hurt/comfort, infected wound descriptions, mild illness, Star Wars cleaning supplies being what I require, (most likely inaccurate) Star Wars first aid and it being what I need, the clothes hyper fixation continues (I wish I knew why my brain thought this so crucial)

Word Count: 6.7K

Rating: 18+

Author's notes: Pretty much follow the plot of the show here, not a whole lot extra going on but I'm excited for you guys to read this one cause then we have my favourite chapter next lol. Any new readers, please see Ch8 for explanation of certain warnings that aren't included in every chapter warning because they appear a lot. Enjoy!

“You ready to go?”

You glanced up to see Hunter, armour all back on, looking down as you finished tying the laces to your boots. “Yup.” You grabbed the bag with your ruined clothes and got ready to get up.

“You sure you don’t want my help?”

“Yes, thanks though.” You stood up but put a bit too much weight on your injured leg, much to its protest, and you felt it start to collapse beneath you.

“Easy.” Hunter said as he caught you by the shoulders.

“Okay, so I may need a little bit of assistance.” You admitted begrudgingly as you straightened up, only applying weight on the toes of your left foot.

“Come on.” Hunter tucked his arm around you, making sure to avoid your side injury and acted as a support for you.

Leaning against him (and finding it quite a nice arrangement), the two of you walked down the steps of the ship to join the others as they waited for you. As you all started to walk, you chucked your clothes into the first dumpster you could find before continuing to walk back to Cid’s parlour. You weren’t sure how your debt with Cid was going to be settled but you were sure she would think of something.

--

“How’s the Mantell Mix, kid?” Wrecker asked Omega who was perched on his shoulder.

“Better than ever.” Omega said, dropping a few pieces into his mouth.

“Yeah, it is!” Wrecker said with a laugh as he swallowed it.

“So, when’s our next mission?” Omega asked, with a mouth full of mix.

“With two bounty hunters after you, it’d be wise to keep a low profile.” Tech said, glancing up at her.

“Tech’s right.” Hunter stopped walking just before they reached the entrance to Cid’s and turned you both around, making sure to do it gently, and directed Omega to come down off of Wrecker. “There’s too much heat on us right now.”

“Ha! That never stopped us before.” Wrecker said.

“The kid’s been through enough. She needs a break.” Hunter muttered to him.

Wrecker looked over to where Omega, Tech and Echo were. The latter inspecting the Mantell Mix with suspicion. “She seems fine to me.”

“A break wouldn’t hurt her.” You agreed. “It was pretty rough for her, even if it doesn’t look like it was.”

Hunter nodded at you and made the first move to step down into the parlour, making sure he took his time so you wouldn’t have to strain yourself too hard.

“Time to face my favourite person.” You grumbled as you limped down the stairs.

“Be nice.” Hunter chided playfully.

You snorted just as you all entered the parlour, and you walked over to the bar.

“I got a mission for you boys.” Cid revealed. “What happened to you?” She asked as she saw how you were situated. You were missing a layer and the presence of bandages was evident, plus you were being propped up by the sergeant when you came in and now the bar counter was acting as a means to hold you up.

“I made a friend.” You replied sarcastically.

“Hmph. Well, don’t go dripping blood on my floor.”

“Like it would make it any worse.” You mumbled under your breath.

“What did you say?” Cid narrowed her gaze at you.

Before you could reply, you felt Hunter lightly nudge his hip into you, so you held back your comment.

Hunter coughed. “What’s the mission?”

“A simple extraction on Raxus.” Cid responded.

“Raxus?” You repeated, a hint of disgust in your tone.

“That is the former centre of the Separatist government.” Tech said. “It has since become an Imperial outpost-”

“I’m not interested in a history lesson, Goggles.” Cid said dismissively. “You’re being hired to locate and free Senator Avi Sing from his confinement.” She brought up an image of the senator on her datapad. “My client will meet you at the given coordinates to brief you. Details are on this.” She held up the chip. “Now get going.” She threw it in the direction of Tech, but Hunter intercepted it.

You found the simple action more attractive that you should have but you brought yourself back to the moment at hand which was you were being asked to assist a Separatist. The very concept left a bad taste in your mouth.

“Help a Separatist?” Hunter said, uncertainly as he caught it. “Not gonna happen.” He chucked the info chip back at Cid and left your side to step in front of her.

“Your debt’s still not paid, remember? A job’s a job.” Cid said.

Hunter gestured for them both to move away from the group. “I am not bringing Omega or (Y/N) to a planet swarming with Imperials.”

“So, leave them here with me. I’ll keep an eye on them.” Cid offered.

“I don’t exactly trust you either.”

“Good. You shouldn’t. But if keeping the kid and your girlfriend safe means more money in my pocket, it’s in my best interest to do so, isn’t it?” She said, jabbing him with her clawed finger.

“She’s not my girlfriend.” Hunter objected tiredly.

“Right, and I’m not green.” Cid said, rolling her eyes.

Hunter let out an exasperated sigh. He was not getting involved in this with Cid of all people. “If anything happens to them-”

“Yeah, yeah, Bandana.” Cid said, flippantly as she handed him back the chip. “Just get outta here, would ya?” She walked away from him.

Hunter headed over to let Omega know the plan first. She was already geared up, so he didn’t think this was going to go down too well.

“Ready when you are, Sergeant.” Omega said cheerily.

Hunter kneeled down in front of her. “Not this time, Omega. You’re staying with (Y/N) and Cid.”

“But th-the mission. I’m part of the squad too.” Omega said, a tad irritated.

“Then following orders shouldn’t be a problem.” Hunter said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Stay close to (Y/N) and Cid and don’t leave this parlour.”

“I heard my name.” You called over.

“I’ll deal with you in a minute.” Hunter replied.

“Gee, am I in trouble?” You called back light-heartedly.

Hunter gave you a small smile before focusing back on Omega. “Got it, soldier?”

Omega groaned. “Yes, sir.”

Hunter nodded at her before getting up to walk over to you. He figured you weren’t going to take this well.

“Am I in trouble?” You asked genuinely as you saw the slightly more serious than normal expression on his face.

“No, no.” Hunter assured you. “You’re just uh staying here with Omega and Cid.”

“You wanna run that by me again?” You said, eyebrows raised.

Hunter sighed. Yeah, he’d expected as much. “You’re going to remain here until we get back.”

“Give me one good reason as to why.” You argued.

“I can give you two.” Hunter countered.

“Enlighten me.”

“One being this place is being controlled by the Empire and is filled with people that would love nothing more than to kill you if they found out what you were.”

“The key word being ‘if’.” You disputed.

“Two, and perhaps the most important one, you almost died. If you say, ‘the key word being almost’ I’ll bench you for more than one mission.” Hunter warned as he saw you go to open your mouth.

You held your hands up in mock surrender and pushed down the fact that the demanding tone his voice took was a lot more attractive to you than you cared to admit. “Carry on, Sergeant.”

“You need time to recover, and to pull this off, we need everyone at their full strength that’s not you right now. You’d hold us back.” It was blunt but he figured it would be the only way you would listen to him right now.

You let out a low whistle. “Harsh.” You said, your tone mildly conveying your frustration. “And if I told you being a Jedi meant I could push through and manage it?”

“I’d tell you that if you could hold yourself up, your full weight on your injured leg, without the support of the bar counter then you could come.”

You glowered at him. “Fine.” You pushed yourself off the countertop and applied full pressure on both your legs. “See?” You breathed out, ignoring the fact that your brain was screaming at you to ease up.

“Great. Now try it without Echo’s hand on your back.” Hunter said, crossing his arms.

In your desperate state, you hadn’t even noticed Echo had lent you a helping hand.

“Sorry.” Echo muttered, stepping out from behind you.

As soon as he left you, you felt your leg start to shake so you sat down before it collapsed from under you.

“Well, I think that concludes that.” Tech said.

The look Hunter gave you just screamed ‘I told you so.’ “Don’t say it.” You grumbled at him.

“Sorry, but you’re staying.” Hunter said, decisively.

“Ugh fine. Get out the lot of you.” You waved them away. “But I’d like the record to reflect that I think it’s ridiculous that you were shot too but apparently you’re good to go.” You said to Hunter.

“At least I can stand on my own.” Hunter joshed back.

You stuck your tongue out at him. “Away with you and good luck you guys. Be careful.” You said sincerely.

They all nodded at you before turning around to leave.

You noticed Omega as she watched them leave and it was clear she wasn’t too happy about being left behind either.

“Hey, Tiny, I got a mission for you.” Cid said to her, wagging a sponge in her direction.

“They’re not even two minutes out the door and you’re already at it with the child labour?” You said to her, shaking your head.

“I got one for you too, if you can even manage.” Cid clapped back, tossing a sponge in your direction before chucking one to Omega. “Now get scrubbing.”

If you weren’t so determined to prove that you were able to do such a simple task, you would’ve fought her on the matter more. You stood up and with Omega, began to scrub down the bar counter.

--

“We’ve never been to Raxus before.” Wrecker said, coming with the others to join Tech in the cockpit as the ship travelled through hyperspace.

“The coordinates from Cid have us landing outside the capital city of Raxulon, the home of their Senate.” Tech informed them.

“I can’t believe we’re helping a Separatist senator.” Echo grumbled.

“So, you have said. Repeatedly.” Tech replied.

“I always thought we’d make it to Raxus someday. But not like this.” Hunter said.

A couple moments of silence passed before Echo broke it. “So…are you and (Y/N) going to talk about what she said?” He broached, carefully.

Hunter pinched the bridge of his nose before he looked over at Echo. “You mean am I going to talk to her about something she said while in a delirious state? Funnily enough, Echo, no I’m not.”

“But she said-”

“I know what you’re talking about Wrecker and in case you forgot, she was talking about all of us. You know, her friends.”

“She did look directly at you.” Tech pointed out.

Hunter huffed out an exasperated sigh. Time to bring out the deflections once again. “We go round and round with this but for the sake of argument, I’ll humour you boys. Say what your saying is true, and it mattered to me, I am not going to take the words she said to heart because she was already half dead and just rambling whatever thoughts came to her head. She can’t even remember what she said, and you all would expect me to run with it and have what would be just a horrendously awkward and, quite frankly, a disappointing conversation? You all are her friends and I’m her friend and that’s it. There’s nothing more there.”

“But Hunter-”

“That’s it, Echo.” Hunter repeated assertively. “We’re coming up on Raxus.” He looked out the ship window as they came out of hyperspace. “Our focus here is the mission, nothing else. Bring us in, Tech. We’ll gear up when we land.”

--

You and Omega were both giving the most half-hearted scrubs that you could possibly do.

“Enough with the moping around. You’re bringing the mood down in here.” Cid said as she walked over to you both.

“Ah yes, business is booming.” You said cynically. The only two people that were currently in were her two regulars. You stopped scrubbing and put your head down on your arms.

“Sorree.” Omega added, leaning a cheek against her palm.

“Alright, I’ll bite. What’s wrong with you? Not you.” She added as she saw you sit you sit up and look at her sceptically.

You gave her a fake smile and went back to leaning your chin on your arms as you studied Omega.

“We haven’t heard back from them yet. Do you think they’re okay?” Omega asked.

“They better be for what this job’s paying.” Cid answered.

“I’m sure they’re just busy. That’s all.” You comforted.

“I should’ve gone with them on the mission.” Omega groused, pushing her sponge away. “It’s not fair.”

“I’ve got news for you, kid. Life ain’t fair.” Cid said, gruffly. “You don’t like it. Stop pouting and do something about it. Maybe it you weren’t so helpless those four laser brains wouldn’t have left you here with me.”

Omega glared at her and stormed off to one of the booths.

You just stared at Cid and shook your head. “Wow. You really got a way with kids.” You stepped down lightly off your seat and limped over to join Omega.

“I’m not helpless.” Omega said.

“I know.” You assured her, grunting as you sat down next to her. “Right?” You looked intently at Cid as she walked over to you both.

“Look, kid, I told dark and broody I’d keep an eye on you and keep you safe. I even cut Wisecrack in on that deal and meant it when I said that I’d look out for you.” Cid said.

You chose to ignore the unflattering nickname and instead gave Cid a small but sincere smile. It was the kindest you’d ever seen or heard her.

“Hmm. For how much?” Omega asked, unimpressed.

You turned to look at her as she angled her body away from you both. Maybe a bit more talking out was necessary here. “Hey, Cid, you got anything that can wash some specks of dried blood out?”

“What do you think I’m running here? A drycleaner?” Cid said indignantly.

You darted your eyes down to Omega.

Cid let out a huffy sigh. “I’ll be right back.”

Until Cid came back, you decided you were going to let Omega stew. You wouldn’t get anywhere with interruptions, so you waited in the silence.

“Here.”

You took the rag from her as well as a container that was filled with a bubbling, warm, blue liquid. “Thank you.” You said.

“Don’t take too long, I still got things that need scrubbing.” Cid said before she walked away.

You rolled your eyes but angled yourself to face Omega, but you were still being greeted with her back. “You going turn around for me, kid?”

“Hmph.” Omega grunted.

“Really? You’re going to have the person who nearly died not twelve hours ago come around in front of you and kneel down in that cramped space by the wall, probably aggravating her injuries?” You said, in an exaggerated manner, rubbing your arms to get rid of the goosebumps that had begun to appear. Would it really kill Cid to get some heating in this place? You thought moodily as a shiver ran down your spine.   

Omega sighed and slowly scooted herself around to face you.

“Okay, now we’re getting somewhere. Next step is for you to uncross your arms.”

Omega rolled her eyes but did as you said.

“Wow, you’re almost there. Top tip from someone who developed this skill over the years, any good eye roll should be accompanied by a sigh. Both those elements really gets the point across.”

Omega didn’t say anything.

“Come on, Omega. What’s going on? I’m all for giving Cid a bit of attitude but I’m a bit surprised to see it come from you.” You said gently as you began to dampen her sleeve with the liquid. To your surprise, it was actually working pretty well. You regretted chucking your stuff cause this would probably work on them too but you weren’t going to resort to dumpster diving, you’d find something else.

When she made no move to respond, you stopped what you were doing. “Look, kid. You can either talk to me about what’s bothering you or I can leave you alone and at the mercy of Cid’s chores. I’m fairly sure I heard her mention that the ‘freshers need cleaning. Now, knowing her, she’ll stick me on that, but I can make it that you gotta help me out. I don’t want to but that’s what we’re dealing with here unless you talk to me.” You said, your tone firmer this time.

“But-” Omega began to object.

“Start talking.” You said, working on her top again.

Omega huffed out a breath. “I just don’t get why I wasn’t allowed to go. I’ve helped out before; I don’t understand what was so different about this.”

“Hunter thought, and I agreed with him, you could use a break after everything that happened.” You said kindly as you moved on to the upper part of her arm.

 “But that was decided for me. Don’t I get to at least say how I’m feeling? I can handle missions.”

“Hmm.” You lingered on your thoughts for a moment. On the one hand, Omega was a child. She was all of your responsibility, so you all had to make choices that protected her from unnecessary harm. On the other, she was wanting to be treated as a proper member of the squad and she had been getting that in the more recent times. You all had the chance to express your views or feelings about missions, whether that be personal or tactical, and it was only after that that Hunter made a call which you all would then obey. Omega hadn’t been given that opportunity, not really, and your own past always brought you on the side of giving her more independence and freedom. “You’re right.” You told her understandingly. You finished dabbing at the final stain. “When Hunter gets back, you should talk to him, come up with some sorta deal. I’ll help if you need it.”

“Really?” Omega said, eyes widening in both surprise and happiness.

“Yeah. It’s only fair you get a voice too. It can’t always be me that gives him a hard time anyway.” You added with a grin.

“Thanks!” Omega threw her arms around your neck.

“No problem, kid.” You said, squeezing her briefly. “You’re all finished here too.”

“Oh, good. You’re all sorted out. Now I got some ‘freshers that need cleaning and they’re not going to scrub themselves.” Cid called over to you both.

“I’ve got it.” You said resignedly, grabbing your sponge. As you stood up though, the whole room spun, and you fell back down on your seat. “Whoa.” You said, quietly as you closed your eyes tight to try and re-centre yourself.

“Are you alright?” Omega asked.

“Yeah, just got a bit dizzy. Probably just stood up too fast.”

“It’s not that. You’re running a fever, that’s why.”

You opened your eyes to see Cid standing in front of you. “No, I’m actually kinda cold. Not used to just being in this top.” You provided by way of explanation.

“Then how do you explain the sweat on your brow?”

You pressed the back of your hand to your forehead and sure enough, when you took it away and examined it, there were beads of sweat decorating it. “Huh.”

“My guess, one of your wounds is infected.”

“Nah, can’t be that. Tech cleaned them…” You trailed off as you realised there was a slightly older one that he hadn’t tended to, and it was one you hadn’t been too careful about dealing with.

You peeled the bacta patch away from the wound Wrecker’s shot had caused and sure enough, it was infected. There was increased redness surrounding it and the sight of your stitches had swelled, plus it did not smell the best, especially with the slight discharge of puss that was coming out of it. “Gross.” You complained. “Another top tip, Omega. Don’t use out-of-date med supplies on an open wound in a decrepit and dirty ship. Apparently, the end-result isn’t the best.” You said dismally as you hid you face in your hands. The infection was the least of your worries, Tech was going to have a field day with this. Stupid, stupid, stupid. “And now I gotta wait for Tech to get back and I’ll never hear the end of it.”

“Enough with the dramatics… I’ll get you fixed up.”

You looked up at Cid, your expression nothing short of perplexed. “What?”

“I got some med supplies in the back. You’ll be fever-free before the others even get back.”

“Why?” You said, unable to hide your suspicion.

“Can’t you just accept a gift when it’s given to you?” Cid said irritably.

“So, this is a gift? You’re not getting an extra cut out of this?”

“What I’m getting out of this is I avoid a lecture from Bandana about how I didn’t look after you and I don’t have to deal with disproving glares of the others.”

“Aw and here’s me thinking you cared about my well-being.”

“Keep talking Wisecrack and I’ll leave you to Goggles and his ‘I told you so’ speech.”

“Sorry.” You said shamefacedly. “I appreciate the offer, thank you.”

“Come with me.” Cid gestured for you to get up.

You heaved out a sigh as you stood. “But what about Omega?”

“Those two can watch her.” Cid tilted her head in the direction of her two regulars.

“Dumb and Dumber? You gotta be joking.”

“Oi!” The Weequay objected.

“I’ll be fine. You should just focus on getting better.” Omega said reassuringly.

“Listen to Tiny. I won’t be gone long, and nothing’ll happen. Do you want the infection gone or not?” Cid added.

“Fine. You two!” You shouted over at the usuals. “Anything happens to her while I’m gone or any funny business goes on, see that sword over there?” You pointed over to where your modified vibroblade was (your smaller dagger was still strapped to your good thigh). “I’ll only need to use it once.” When you were satisfied that they’re expressions showed a sufficient amount of fear, you followed Cid into the back, a task that was easier said than done since your perspective still had the room teetered on its side.

--

“Didn’t know this existed.” You mused as you took in the tiny room. All it consisted of was one small bed, a sink, and a bedside table with a couple of drawers.

“Sit.” She shoved you so you were forced to sit on the bed.

“Gee, talk about TLC.” You mumbled under your breath. You inhaled sharply as Cid poured some of a dark brown liquid on your wound. “Little warning next time?” You grumbled.

“You want Tiny alone out there for much longer?”

“No.” You admitted.

“Then you’ll deal with how this goes.”

“Ow!” You complained as she stuck a needle into your arm.

“Quit whining. That’ll sort the fever.”

“You know, you have a charming beside manner. I think you chose the wrong career.”

“Were all Jedi this sarcastic or is it just you?” Cid snapped back as she tidied away the stuff.

“There were a couple.” You said, thinking fondly back to one Jedi in particular. You then started to feel your eyes grow heavy and you found yourself letting out a yawn.

“Yeah, the fever stuff makes you pretty drowsy. You’re better off sleeping until it passes.”

“No, I… gotta… watch… over… Omega.” You said through another yawn as you moved to stand.

“Trust me, you’ll feel better after this, and I’ll make sure she’s safe.” Cid said, pushing you back down.

“But-”

“Stay put.”

“Okay.” You conceded, laying down and lacking the energy to stand back up and fight her. Cid hadn’t killed you and she seemed to care about Omega to a degree so you would give her your trust. “Just find her something to do beside scrubbing, yeah? She’s not just here to be your cleaner.”

“Just you focus on getting through this before Bandana and Goggles show up. For both our sakes.” Cid said, before she walked out the door.

You closed your eyes and found yourself drifting off with no difficulty at all. Your last conscious thought was of Hunter and the rest of the squad. You hoped their mission was going smoothly.

--

Hunter paused with Tech before he rounded the corner. So far, they’d managed to infiltrate the capital building without much difficulty thanks to Tech hacking into their security system and he supposed the droid, who was acting on behalf of their client, had helped to some extent, but he wasn’t ready to ease up on his distrust of the droid just yet which was why he made sure she stayed with him. He’d sent Wrecker and Echo to clear the upper levels. He peered around and saw two troopers guarding the door. “There’s two at the door.” He said to Tech.

“I’m clocking four in the adjacent corridor.” Tech added.

“(Y/N) and I will handle them. You and Omega loop back around.”

“That would be impossible seeing as they aren’t on this mission.” Tech pointed out.

“Ah…right.” Hunter acknowledged. Evidently, he wasn’t used to that idea.  

“Not to worry, I’m getting the hang of this.” The droid said, rounding the corner.

“No, wait.” Hunter hissed but it was too late, the droid was already in the line of sight. He nodded to Tech who then rolled a stun grenade in the direction of the troopers. Once he heard the sound of bodies fall, he stood up, indicating that Tech should follow. As they stepped over the bodies, another trooper opened the door. Hunter acted quickly, grabbing the trooper’s blaster, and using it to hit him in the gut. He then shoved him into a vase, shattering it before slamming his head into another pillar. He watched as the vase on top of it began to teeter and fall, but the droid caught it before it smashed on the ground.

“Do be careful.” The droid tisked, clutching the ornament. “This antique vase was gifted to Senator Singh for his years of service. It is priceless.”

Hunter turned his helmet towards Tech before looking back at her. “Droids.” He said disparagingly. They all then ran through the door to make their way to the Senator. He at least hoped you having a less irritating time back with Omega and Cid.

--

Omega was still cleaning the bar counter, an even more trivial task when you weren’t around but she knew you needed to shake the infection. Then, she heard a laugh behind her. She turned around to see Cid playing Dejarik with the Weequay.

“You got her cornered.” The Ithorian jeered over his friend’s shoulder.

“Oh, yeah, I’m real scared.” Cid said sarcastically as she studied the board.

“Delay all you want; you’re not getting out of this one.” The Weequay taunted.

Cid went to lock in her move when Omega’s voice stopped her.

“I wouldn’t do that.” Omega advised.

“Here that? We got an expert here.” Cid said with a roll of her eyes before she inputted her original move. The move itself resulted in her piece getting wiped off the holoboard.

“She’s done for!” The Ithorian said with a laugh.

“I told you.” Omega said.

“Well, expert, what should I do next?” Cid asked.

Omega walked down from her stool and briefly looked at the board before she locked in the move and watched as Cid’s final piece removed the other opposing pieces of the board.

“You blew it!” The Ithorian complained to his friend.

“Yeah, but you’re the one who said to bet it all!” The Weequay shot back.

“You wanna take this outside?” The Ithorian threatened, leering down.

“Gladly!” The Weequay responded and the two of them left the parlour.

Cid stared at the board. “How’d you know to do that?” She asked.

“It’s a strategy game. I’m good at strategy.” Omega replied simply.

“Hmm.” Cid rubbed a hand along her chin. You had said to find another job for the kid to do. “How good? Enough to, uh, win a few matches for some money?”

“Depends.” Omega said hesitantly. “What’s my cut?”

“Hmm. Thirty percent.” Cid offered.

“Sixty.” Omega countered.

Cid pondered it for a couple seconds. “Deal.”

--

“Senator! I followed your instructions to the letter.”

“I knew you’d come through, GS-8.” Senator Avi said with relief as he rubbed his wrists which the clone with the lighter coloured armour had now freed from the binders.

“And behold. I have saved your most prized vase.” GS-8 said, holding it up to him.

“Great. Now can we get out of here?” Hunter interrupted, looking at the Senator.

“With pleasure.” Senator Avi said as he stood out of his chair.

Tech tapped his datapad and studied the surveillance footage. “An alert has been triggered. Our position has been compromised.”

“Follow us.” Hunter directed to the Senator as he and Tech ran out the door.

When they came out onto a balcony, Hunter could see that the Imperial forces and their tanks were being mobilised. He waited until Echo and Wrecker came out to join them before peering over the left-hand side. “There.” He pointed down. “We’ll seize that tank and blow our way outta here.”

“How do you intend to gain control of the armoured vehicle from up here?” GS-8 enquired.

“Coming through.” Wrecker said gruffly, making his way to the front of the group where he attached a cable to the side of the walker.

Tech and Echo slid down first and quickly commandeered the tank from the Imperial soldiers that were in it. As it powered down, Tech spoke into his comm. “All clear.”

“Impressive.” GS-8 said with mild admiration.

“You can’t possibly expect me to do that.” Senator Singh said sceptically.

Wrecker checked the security of the cable before letting out a groan. “Just don’t look down.” With that, he grabbed the Senator and glided down the cable with him to the inside of the tank.

Hunter grabbed the droid and followed suit.

“Nicely done.” GS-8 complimented.

Hunter hastily made his way to the steering. “Get this thing moving, Tech.”

Tech nodded and put the walker into motion.

Wrecker chucked the unconscious troopers out. “They’ll feel that in the morning!”

--

The walker shook violently and stopped with the impact of the shot.

“The rear axle stabiliser is off-line.” Tech said, shielding his eyes from the sparks that flew off the control panel. “We will need to recalibrate manually.” He told Hunter.

“Get this bucket up and running.” He ordered Tech and Echo. “Wrecker and I will hold them off.” As he said that, he found himself missing you. You would’ve been really helpful right now.

--

Sliding under the advancing Imperial walker, Hunter fired multiple stun blasts in the direction of the soldiers who were shooting at him before he went up to join Wrecker and assist him in disabling that tank. Together, the two of them were able to decommission it but a quick exist was needed since another tank sent a shot in their direction. Tucking and rolling to cushion his landing, Hunter stood back up alongside Wrecker and continued to send stun shots in the direction of the Imperial soldiers, but they had to take cover behind the fallen walker since the Imperial troopers had numbers on their side and Hunter knew they couldn’t hold them back for long. “Tech, how we doing?” Hunter spoke into his comm.

Glancing up at the new walker that was moving steadily towards them all, Tech replied. “I need more time.”

“Freeze.”

Tech and Echo turned with their hands raised as a small squad of troopers walked towards them, their blasters raised.

“Drop your weapons.” One trooper ordered.

Reacting swiftly to the Senator throwing his vase at the head of one of the clones, Tech managed to stun the remaining two soldiers. He looked down at his datapad. “Repairs complete.” He informed Hunter.

“We’re on our way.” Hunter confirmed, firing a couple more shots in the direction of the troopers before he and Wrecker ran back into their captured walker.

As the clone got the walker moving, Senator Singh joined the two clones in the front. “Turn down that alleyway.”

“We’ll be trapped in a choke point.” Tech said warily.

“You’re going to have to trust me.”

Tech glanced over at Hunter, double checking that this is something they were going to do. Only after Hunter gave a nod did Tech do as the Senator instructed.

“Move into position next to that wall. It leads to a subterranean passage.” Senator Singh revealed.

Tech angled the walker into position.

Senator Singh opened the door to the wall. “If you don’t mind, please blast a whole in the wall right here.” He patted the area he was referring to.

“That I can do.” Wrecker said, stepping forward. He placed a charge on the wall and closed the door. The explosion rattled the walker slightly, but it did the trick. As the door opened, they were greeted by a passage.

“Hurry. This way.” Senator Singh directed.

The rest of the squad followed him, Wrecker being the last of them to do so since he placed another charge to seal the passageway shut behind them.

--

Senator Singh paused before joining the others on their ship. “What am I doing?” He whispered to himself. He turned back in the direction of the capital. “I cannot abandon my people.”

“You will, Senator, but not if you are in Imperial custody.” GS-8 said.

“She’s right. Live to fight another day.” Echo advised as he approached the Senator’s side.

Senator Sing nodded, looking back one final time at his home before he stepped on the ship with the others.

--

Loud cheering and whistling were what woke you up. Those sounds were not ones you associated with this place. You rubbed your eyes, stretched, and swung your legs out of bed, finding that you could already put a lot more pressure on your injured leg.

You lightly limped out the room to the main part of the parlour and you were quite taken aback, not to mention a little bit horrified by what you saw. You were taken aback by just how busy Cid’s actually was, you’d never seen it like this, but you were not thrilled by the sight of Omega sitting with a large crowd surrounding her at a Dejarik table as she played against a total stranger. You pulled Cid off from where she had positioned herself next to Omega.

“Glad to see you’re doing better but ease up on the death grip there.” Cid objected.

You kept your hand where it was. “What the hell is this?” You hissed angrily. “One, I’m sure whatever it is, is illegal in some way since she’s a child and two, she’s supposed to be laying low and this looks like anything but. What if one of these goons turned out to be a hunter?”

“I don’t know what you’re complaining about.” Cid said roughly as she removed your hand from the upper part of her arm. “You told me to find another job for her, so I did, and nothing’s gone wrong.”

“But-”

“Plus, she’s already earned enough credits to pay back the debt you folks owe me. If anything, you should be thanking me. I put this partnership together and the kid’s doing just fine.”

You looked past her to see Omega defeat her opponent. She didn’t look to be in any danger and the only out of place thing you could sense right now was the fact that Cid’s was so popular. “Fine, but it stops before Hunter…” You trailed off as you sensed Hunter approach and sure enough, two seconds later, Hunter and the rest of the squad came down the stairs to the parlour, along with two others who you assumed were the Senator they were sent to rescue and his droid. “Shows up.” You finished dismally.

Cid turned to see that Omega had left the table and the clones had made their appearance. “Alright, show’s over. No more bets.” She shooed the onlookers out of the parlour.

You walked over to join your squad, smiling as you saw Wrecker pick Omega up.

“Kid, where’d you learn to do that?” Wrecker said proudly.

“She’s a natural. I’ve never seen anything like it.” Cid said admirably.

“I told you to keep a low profile. This is the opposite.” Hunter said sternly.

Noticing the way Omega’s face dropped, you gently grabbed Hunter’s shoulder to get him to face you. “I wasn’t thrilled either, Hunter, but she made enough money to pay off the debt we owe Cid. We should be thanking her to be honest.”

“Yeah, try showing a little gratitude my friend.” Cid said, walking past him. “You did good.” She told Omega before addressing the Senator. “Senator, glad you made it. Let’s talk payment.” She said, guiding him and his droid towards the back.

Hunter watched them go before turning to talk to you again. “You were okay with all of that?”

“Well… no, but I was uh otherwise engaged when Cid decided to employ her services that way.” You said, shifting your feet awkwardly.

“You know you’re going to have to do better than that.” Hunter said, crossing his arms.

“I may have fallen asleep.” You winced out. “See, the wound I got on my left shoulder on Bracca became infected and I ended up running a fever. It wasn’t too bad and I’m fine now.” You added quickly, seeing the flash of concern in Hunter’s eyes.

“I told you using those medical supplies in that environment was a bad idea.” Tech chimed in.

“Thank you, Tech.” You grumbled as he passed you. “But Cid offered to treat it and I accepted, hoping to avoid the ‘I told you so’ from Tech but obviously that didn’t work out. The thing she gave me made me pretty drowsy. Cid assured me she would watch Omega, but I didn’t know that was what she had in mind. If I had, I would’ve just stuck it out until you all got back, especially cause I ended up with Tech finding out anyway.”

Hunter just shook his head with mild amusement. He could easily believe that the only reason you accepted help was to avoid a telling off from Tech rather than for your own health.

You then noticed Omega start to slowly walk past you guys. “She was helpful, Hunter. She can handle herself. You should reconsider the mission ban.” You added with a whisper before you walked away, tapping Omega on the shoulder to get her to stop before you sat down at the counter, watching their conversation hopefully.

Hunter let out a small sigh and half turned back to speak to Omega. “You really paid off our debt?”

“I wanted to be useful, even if I couldn’t go on the mission.” Omega replied, keeping her back to him.

“Hmm.” Hunter turned around fully. “How about we put those strategy skills to the test?” He walked over the holochess board. “One match. If you win, then no more sitting out on missions.” He sat down at the table and activated the board. He looked back at her, tilting his head in the direction of the other seat.

Omega eagerly ran over and sat down.

“You ready for this?” Hunter asked her.

“Are you?” Omega countered with a smile before she programmed in her first move.   

Your smile was concealed by the cup you were drinking from, but you found that the interaction was one that was making your insides feel all warm and fuzzy. This was the first time you’d really seen them interact on a more normal level, without a threat looming over them and it was something you could get used to seeing.

Next Chapter>

Tagging: @noeasyisnoisy, @tpwkcalli, @fuckoffthanos, @arctrooper69, @graciexmarvel, @flyingkangaroo, @nightmonkeysstuff, @brujaporfavor, @a-streakofblue, @ladytano420

[castieldelamancha]

"No." It comes out quiet and full of grief.

Dean stares at him, from a distance, just a couple steps away, the war room table between them, but he could well be all the way up in the Moon, just by the cold look in his eyes as they meet Cas'.

Sam gives him a confused look, coming to a halt half-way to where Cas is standing at the end of the stairs.

"Dean, it's me, Castiel." He will let them run all the test they have to to prove he is himself. Holy water, silver, whatever it takes, he doesn't care as long as by the end of it Dean is staring at him as he usually does.

Maybe that's too much to ask for, taking into account the way he left on the first place.

They can talk it out, they can fix it.

Sam starts walking again and, as soon as he is close enough, he hugs Cas tightly, "give him some time," he whispers, patting his back, "it's been bad." The cold grip of guilt's hand around his neck is tight, but Castiel makes an effort to breathe through it. Sam steps back, "It's good to have you back."

He hears him, but Castiel doesn't reply, focused as he is on the man on the other side of the room, on his hurt expression, on the way his hands open and close in fist, on how he takes a step forward, unconsciously, and then takes two back when he notices he has gotten a bit closer.

"You don't get to do this, man."

"I can explain-"

"I can't, Castiel," and his name shouldn't sound like an insult but it does, because for that voice he hasn't been Castiel for a long time, he was always Cas, "I can't keep doing this, I let you in and then you are gone, over and over again." He has stepped closer to the table, keeping something between them, and he is leans towards it, forcefully resting his palms against its surface, he lets his head fall down, hiding his face, "you told me you loved and then you were gone." Sam, who clearly wasn't aware of what happened in those last moments, gasps loudly at that, eyes widening as he stares at them, first at Dean, then at Cas. 

"I don't want you to say anything back, we can forget it even happened, I am terribly sorry I keep hurting you like this."

"You told me you loved me," Dean keeps talking, ignoring Castiel or simply too overwhelmed to have heard him, "and you were gone," his voice breaks slightly at the last word, Sam eyes the door, knowing he should leave them, but also aware of how any distraction could ruin this moment, "and I couldn't even fucking say it back." He rises his voice, using his hand to push himself back and away from the table and turning around.

"What?" Castiel mutters. 

"You heard me."

"Okay, that's it, I am leaving you two to talk this out." Sam doesn't give a shit anymore about being a distraction, he needs to get out of here, now. So he does, aware neither his brother nor Cas are paying him any attention.

"Dean?" Castiel dares to take a step forwards, he dares to take another one, and he dares to circle the table to stand right behind Dean. He reaches out and touches Dean's left shoulder, a brief thing that stars and it's over in the blink of an eye,"I would have never left if I hadn't been forced to by the circumstances, I would have stayed."

"I never asked you to, anyway, because i was a coward." Castiel sighs.

"Would you turn around and look at me, please?" At that Dean takes a deep breath and he tilts his head up, staring at the ceiling but, after what feels as an eternity, he turns around, eyes red-rimmed and avoidant, mouth pressed in a thin, tense line. "You won't ever see me again if that's what you want, but I won't leave without telling you that, even if I apologize for what I put you through, I don't regret what I did that day. I had to do it, for the world, and for all of us, and for you. I wanted to give you another chance. And," he makes a pause and smiles, feeling a familiar wetness in his eyes, " I don't regret what I said either." Dean has every right to push him away, to never forgive him.

"You are back for good, then?" Castiel can't help but hold on tightly onto that timid spark of hope in Dean's eyes. He nods a couple times.

"I will tell you all about it later, right now I just want-" he doesn't finish because he doesn't quiet know what he wants, to be with you, yes, to make things right. That too. 

He doesn't finish because a pair of lips pressed against his own effectively cut him off mid-sentence, "I love you too." The words fall from them as soon as they part ways with Castiel's.

[vanemando15]

A New Life

Pairing: Pedro Pascal x Actor Reader

Word Count: 6k

Rating Mature - 18+ ONLY

Genre: angst 

A/n: It’s been a minute. I took a little break from writing. Life has been busy but as soon as I saw Pedro at the Oscars I immediately got inspired to write this fic. Thank you to the amazing @musings-of-a-rose for never allowing me to quit and helping me with this.

Warnings: Just like ao3, “creator chooses not to use warnings.” If you click Keep Reading, that means you agree that you’re the age to handle mature themes. Also by clicking Keep Reading, you understand warnings may not be complete in order to avoid spoilers for the story. 

If you want to be added to the taglist, join here!

The last 24 hours have been a whirlwind. The apartment was pitch black. You had cried yourself to sleep as soon as you got in. After the emotional roaster that you had been on, you finally decide to get out of bed. Walking in a daze, on autopilot you made your way to the kitchen, where you realized that this was no longer how the home that it once was before. After making some coffee, you started packing all your stuff into luggage, waiting for your agent Chloe to come to help you. This time, there was no music pumping or him grabbing you to dance while you were cleaning or cooking. It was just you, alone, in a quiet apartment that you and Pedro once shared.  

After so many years spent together, now that it's over, you were left feeling confused and, honestly, lost.

Ring… Ring… Ring… 

Your phone was blowing up with text messages from Pedro.

Text Message - 11:29 a.m. Pedro - A, please answer me

Text Message - 11:30 a.m. Pedro - A, you left last night without letting me know. 

Text Message - 11:31 a.m. Pedro - A, I know you're upset but please answer me to let me know you're ok.

Text Message - 11:32 a.m. Pedro - Please answer me! I’m worried about you.

Text Message - 11:33 a.m. Pedro - I love you.

You angrily grab your phone and throw it against the wall, letting out your emotions with a loud scream.

“Anna! Are you ok? What happened?” 

Chloe, your agent, opens the door of the apartment and runs towards you, seeing you collapsed on the floor, chest heaving, and in tears. 

“You called me last night. Said that you were heading back from Calgary. Did something happen with you and Pedro? What happened? Why is Pedro calling me to see where you are?” 

Chloe brought you up from the floor and sat you down on the sofa as she went and grabbed some water to help calm you down. 

It was real. It really happened. All the hurt, all the pain was being turned into rage, bubbling up inside of you.

How can you move on from this?

Four years ago……

You never thought you'd give up your stable job in Miami to pursue acting. Being an award winning actress was something you'd always dreamed of, but taking the leap was never in the picture. When one of your good friends told you about an opportunity for a role in a show you took the chance and went to audition for it. They offered you the role on the spot, which was the final push you needed to give your dream a chance. After a couple of roles, you were excited when you got a small part in a new show called The Mandalorian. It wasn’t a major role, but you were to interact with the Mandalorian and bounty hunter, Din Djarin, who is played by Pedro Pascal. You had no clue who Pedro is, but you do know you're more than excited to be in a Star Wars series.

Prior to filming the scene, you were to meet up with Pedro to quickly run through your lines and placement. As you were preparing hair and makeup, he popped into the trailer to introduce himself. 

“Um, hi. Are you Anna?”

“Hi! Yes I am.”

“Oh hi! I'm Pedro. It's so nice to meet you.”

He extended his hand and as you were presenting yours a shock came between the both of you at the touch of his hand sending you jumping out of your seat.

“I'm so sorry! I guess I have too much static in my clothes."

He ran his hand through his hair nervously but covered with a beautiful smile that made your cheeks warm up.

“I just wanted to wish you good luck today and hope to talk to you more."

“Thank you for that. I hope so too."

As he attempted to walk out he slipped on the stairs to the trailer and hit his back on one of the steps. 

“Oh my God! Pedro, are you ok?" You went to go help him, but he quickly got up and acted like nothing had happened.

“No no no, I’m  good, I just wasn’t paying attention! See ya!” Embarrassed, he quickly left the trailer and shut the door. 

You smiled and giggled from just what had happened but carried on finishing hair and makeup before they called you up. 

After a long day of shooting, your scenes were done and finally were heading home where a bowl of cereal and a pair of pjs were calling your name. As you were getting closer to your car, you noticed a strange person pacing themselves back and forth by it. He was wearing thick square glasses with a dark blue long sleeve crew neck sweater, khaki shorts with colored stripe socks, and sneakers. If that didn’t give out sketchy stalker vibes then what will? The nerves started kicking in as you started reaching for your pepper spray inside your purse. 

From afar you started raising your voice to give a fair warning.

“Umm hello, whoever you are! I just want to let you know that I have pepper spray in my purse and I'm not afraid to use it?” 

“Hi Anna! It's me, Pedro."

Relieved but a little confused, you looked around expecting to see someone else. But the only people in the parking lot were you and Pedro.

“Ummm, hiiiii! Were you waiting here for me or someone else? Because I saw that you were walking back and forth by my car?”

“Shit, sorry to scare you like that. I mean yeah I was actually waiting for you”.

Taken back by what he just said “You were?”

He started laughing but in a cute flirtatious way. “Actually, I asked my assistant to ask when you were done filming so that I could track you down. I wanted to see if I could take you out for dinner."

Shocked, you let out a small chuckle. "Are you serious? Why me? Wait - how long have you been waiting for me?"

“Half an hour." He replied.

“Pedro, you should have gotten my number!" You laughed.

His fingers brush his mustache nervously .

“I think we clicked this morning and we hit it off when we were shooting. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you so I had to track you down."

“I think we hit it off as well. But next time get my number. Don't be getting all stalker mode.”

He let out the biggest laugh that made you smile.

“So is that a yes?” he asks as he puts on the cutest puppy face to try and convince you.

“Oh no, how can I resist that puppy face? Of course I would love to go out to dinner with you."

He took you to a Cuban restaurant in LA because you had mentioned to him during takes that you were home sick and missed your mom’s cooking. Not wasting any time you ordered a rum and coke as soon as the waiter came in. Not sure if this was a first date you were in sure need of liquid.

“Rum and coke?” Pedro asked.

“Yes, it's my go to drink and plus I'm a little nervous,” you replied. 

He chuckled “Nervous? Would it be weird if I'm kinda nervous too?.” 

Shocked and taken off guard you quickly lift your glass and chug half of your drink. 

Well this should be fun, you thought. 

“So tell me why are you single?” he bluntly asked you as he picked up his beer. He looked so relaxed asking you such a personal question.

“Straight to the hardcore questions I see, Mr. Pascal.” You jokingly tell him. 

“Life has been complicated for me and the cards never aligned with me. It’s hard to find someone to settle down with in this city.” you explained to him.

Pedro pushes his glasses back “Well….. maybe we can change that.” 

“Maybe we will.” as you looked at him while taking your drink. 

The night went on as the both of you were telling jokes, talking about each other's lives, interests and you come to find out that the both of you have a lot in common. Flirtation was on high alert between the both of you. 

While waiting for the check he popped open his phone and scooted close to you and brought you close to him. He turned on the camera of the phone and put the selfie mode and the both of you got together cheek to cheek and took a picture. 

“What is this for? Just in case you murder me and you have an alibi? Plus do you know that you are taking video and not camera?” you joked. 

“Oh crap I always do this wrong.” He quickly changes the photo mode and takes the picture. As he took out his wallet to pay the bill he presented his other hand to you and said “To answer your question I want to take a picture of us because it would be something that we can look back on as a reminder of our first date.” The biggest smile came from you as you believed he was hinting something to you.  

The two of you made your way through the neighborhood towards your apartment complex. 

You arrive at your doorstep, turn to him with a twisted smile, not sure what to do next. 

“Well this is my place. Thank you for tonight Pedro. I really had a good time tonight.”

Pedro smiled at you “I had an amazing night too, Anna. It feels good to go out with someone new that I can get to know and maybe more.” As he inches closer to you the keys from your purse slipped out as you were searching for them. Pedro grabbed them and his wrist accidently brushed your ankle and you instantly gulped, his touch made you weak in the knees.

He presents you your keys and his hand brushes your palm as he places the keys on your hands “I believe you need this.” 

“Clumsy me,” you blush. 

Pedro slowly approaches you once more “Just a little clumsy but it's cute.”

He places a soft short kiss and slowly retreats back a few inches and the both of you are stuck looking deep into each other's eyes. Without hesitation, you grabbed the back of his head and pulled him into an intense kiss. His energy matches yours by the roughness and gentleness that the both of you were having. He gently grabbed your neck and pulled you even more to him and the kiss grew to become more passionate. The both of you fall back against your apartment door. Your hands glide through his curls. You tease him by slightly biting his lower lip and in return he wanders his hands all over your body. The intensity was getting fierce between the both of you. When all of a sudden-

“Umm excuse me Miss?” The apartment complex security interrupted the moment. 

Your lips departed from his and the both of you started giggling as Pedro placed his chin on your forehead to brush out the embarrassment as the both of you waited for the security guard to leave.

Letting go of his hand, you placed a soft kiss on his cheek “I gotta go but thank you again. I hope for more soon.” 

You open the door, walk in and slowly turn back to him “Good night Pedro.”

Your life was never the same after that date. 

While your relationship with Pedro flourished, so did both of your careers. After the first season of The Mandalorian, Pedro went on to do several movies while you got several acting jobs that gave you the status per the tabloids of “Rising Stars to Watch”. After 2 years in the business you finally scored your big break in the role of a lifetime. You were cast as a series regular in Law and Order SVU. Filming for the show was done in New York which meant that you had to move from Hollywood to New York. This was a secret that you wanted to share with Pedro but you were waiting for the right time to share it with him. 

New Year's Eve 2019…

Pedro’s best friend Oscar invited you and Pedro to spend New Years with them in his apartment in New York. This was going to be the perfect opportunity to share the good news with Pedro. On the night of the party right before the clock struck 12, you pulled Pedro to the side and finally told him about the casting news and he couldn’t control his excitement. He grabbed you and twirled you around as the clock was striking 12 and in that moment he told you the words that you were waiting for him to tell you. 

“I love you A.”

You ran your hand across his little curl that was hanging in his face and you repeated the words back to him, “I love you.” and he gave you the most passionate kiss. 

He asked you to move into his apartment because he didn’t want you living alone when he had a place that he could share with you. Moving in with your famous boyfriend was a big step in your relationship but you felt that things happened for a reason so you accepted his offer to move in with him. 

One of the things that you loved and respected about Pedro was that he didn’t share his personal life events in social media. But he was so excited that he asked Oscar to take a picture of the both of you and in that moment, he posted the picture with a cop and heart emoji next to it. 

For the next three years, New York was your home for personal and work. Life for you was going exponentially well. Hard work was finally paying off when after two seasons you received your first Emmy nomination for your role in Law and Order. As your professional life was increasing in fame you were in an amazing relationship with an amazing man. Pedro was becoming the leading man in Hollywood with roles from The Bubble to The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent and he became the top notch actor when he was cast in the leading role of a lifetime as Joel Miller in The Last of Us. 

Crazy schedules between the both of you became the new norm for the both of you. Even though you had gotten used to the hectic schedule, it was taking a toll on your relationship and the spark wasn’t there as it used to be. While he was in Calgary filming, you had decided to go visit him because you had the weekend off. You wanted to speak to Pedro about the concerns you had. 

It was a cold spring day when you arrived in Calgary. You had called his assistant to check his schedule so that you could surprise him. They led you to his apartment that he was staying at in Calgary and you just waited for him to arrive. It was going to be a while until he arrived so you took advantage and took a nap. 

The next day….

You were awoken by the sound of a key entering the door knob. You quickly react and look at your watch and it shows 6am the next day. What had turned out to be a couple of hours ended up being the next day. You were only going to be there 3 days and you just lost one whole day. 

As he walked towards the living room he saw you on the sofa and was shocked by your presence.

“Babe? What are you doing here?” 

Slowly getting up from the sofa, you gave him a kiss to greet him. “Well, I came to surprise you and I had asked your assistant what your schedule was and she had told me that it was only a couple of hours of shooting so I decided to wait here for you. I laid down and I fell asleep.” 

Pedro looked tired and just wanted to go to sleep. 

“Yeah we had a long shoot and we finished a couple of hours ago. I just came straight here.”

Bothered by his response “Did your assistant tell you that there was something for you at the apartment?”

“I mean they did but I didn't know it was you. Why didn’t you just call me?” 

“Well you barely called or text me today, Pedro, or I would have just told you.”

Pedro slumped himself into the sofa and didn’t look at you. It had been almost a month since the last time the both of you had seen each other. 

You got up and faced him: 

“Ok something is going on. Pedro, is something wrong with you? Are you ok?”

It was in that moment as tired as he was that he told you that he thinks that the both of you need space. He felt at the moment that with everything going between the both of you and careers that it was best that you take some time apart to concentrate on your careers. Asking when he came to that realization and he expressed that he had been thinking about it for a couple of months but didn’t want to break your heart and never had the moment to tell you. Unexpected by the words and really shocked that he wanted to end the relationship, you didn’t wait to react. You quickly grab your stuff and leave the apartment without saying a word to Pedro and head back to the airport to catch the first flight back to New York. 

You hadn’t shed a tear yet since the bad news and you were just building it up inside until you arrived at the apartment. 

Current day… 

“Ready to go A?”

“What? Umm yeah. I'm just grabbing my purse.”

Slowly passing your finger on the frame that held that selfie picture from your first date. The last tear you would shed comes down your cheek and was quickly wiped away as you place the frame back on the stand. 

“I’m ready. Let’s go Chloe, I need to get out of this place.”

Four years of memories all cramped into luggage. You took one last look at the apartment as you unclipped the apartment key from your keys and placed it on the table stand. Not leaving a note was the best thing you did. Before you shut the lights and closed the door, you took one last look and quietly said “Goodbye old life” and shut the door. 

3 months later ……

Award season had commenced and you were busy attending the majority of events. Solo of course. Pedro hadn’t mentioned to the media about the breakup and neither did you. Every red carpet you attended, when a question was asked about him, you would just lie and say he was busy filming in Calgary and that was the reason he couldn't attend. With every question that was asked about him, you would swallow your emotions and try your best to not let it get to you.

The Emmys finally arrived and it was the event you had been anticipating. It ended up being the best night of your life because you won the Emmy you were nominated for. While everyone was expecting Pedro to be there, you brought your assistant as your date to the awards show. Looking beautiful in a gorgeous gown, you walk up the stairs to the podium to accept your award. In your speech, you were able to thank everyone - friends, family, cast, and agent, but no mention of Pedro. You returned to your seat where you would look at your phone which had endless missed calls and text messages but the one text or call that you really wanted never came in. Disappointed as you were, it wasn't going to let you drag the night. Arriving back to your hotel at 4am from celebrating in the after parties, right before you jump into your bed, the phone dings with a new text message. When you take a look you were surprised by who it was:

New Text Message 4:30am - Pedro - “Congrats A! You deserve it. All my love. P”

The message was there staring back at you. Should you text back? Should you not? Every single question arises from this one text from him but in the end you shut the phone off and went to sleep. 

The next two months you were filming in Venice for a new movie with Bradley Cooper. Keeping busy keeps you focused and not thinking about Pedro. A month into filming you had seen Pedro’s instagram that he was also in Venice filming a new commercial for a video game. But while the temptation was there for the both of you, neither one texted or called each other to meet up. While the gossip columns were creating rumors that there was an off screen romance with Bradley Cooper, and that he was your rebound from Pedro, you were always to laugh when you would hear such ridiculous rumors. 

You were asked to be a presenter at the Oscars, which was an amazing and exciting opportunity for you. Looking your best was your number one priority. Valentino had called you up and wanted to dress you for the event which made you excited, but also more nervous about going. When they presented you a rough draft of the dress, you were amazed by the presentation of the dress and how it showed off all your curves, which was exactly what you were looking for. 

A week before you were told that the last batch of presenters were announced, lo and behold, Pedro Pascal is one of them. In the height of his fame, between all his projects, of course he would be a presenter. A knot in your stomach came about from the news.

Will he speak to me? 

Will he bring someone? 

Oscar Day…

Oscar prep day was mayhem. You spent the whole day prepping. Immense pressure was building up as this was a once in a lifetime event and you wanted to look your ultimate best. Nerves were starting to creep as you settled in behind the SUV. Your hands were slick with sweat from nerves of going to this and at the same time seeing Pedro for the first since the breakup. As the SUV arrived at the Roosevelt Hotel, you felt like throwing up. Not only were you nervous about being here, you were tormented by the fact of running into him after so much time. As the driver walks around to open the door, one word pops out as you slowly whisper to yourself.

“Showtime”

The door is open and the whole audience looks at you and starts screaming and shouting your name. As you walked to the carpet you put on the biggest smile and wave to the crowd. 

Chloe had prepped you on what to do and where to go on the carpet. It felt like a video game that you had to battle through and get to the finish line. The finish line was the champagne carpet. Making your way through the red carpet, you took pictures with your fans and made your way through the interviewing portion. Still feeling overwhelmed and starstruck, the nerves kick into high gear when you arrive at your first reporter. The typical questions were asked:

“How are you doing?”

“Who are you wearing?”

“Who are you excited to see?”

The first two sets of interviews went by like a breeze. The champagne carpet was getting closer and closer as you finished each interview. No personal questions had been asked, but you were dreading the questions that would come from Entertainment Tonight. They would typically ask gossip questions and it wasn’t so much about the fashion. The interview started smooth:

“Anna, you look stunning. One of the best dressed of the night! I’m sure everyone’s jaws dropped as soon as you walked on the red carpet.”

“Well, thank you for that. It’s all the work of my amazing team that helped me get ready.” 

“Are we riding solo tonight?” - the question she was dreaded to be asked.

“Well, by date if you mean this nice Bulgari necklace that came along with the bodyguard then no I am not riding solo.” The interviewer laughed at your response and followed up with another question.

“Speaking of solo, there has been speculation that you and Pedro were possibly back together since the both of you are here today. Is that rumor true or should we put the rumor to rest?” 

You instantly cringed.

“Well I didn't know that he was coming tonight. Whatever happened between myself and Pedro is for us to keep private. It was a mutual decision to just stay friends. I am sure we will bump into each other tonight and we will be able to catch up. I know he has been busy the past couple of months so it will be great to see him.”

The reporter turned to the camera while you stared at her in the background “Well guys, there's a shot for you now. Good luck to all.” You giggled at her comment as she turned back to you.

“Before you go, I want to congratulate you on the movie you are doing with Bradley Cooper.” 

“Oh thank you.”

“I heard there was a romance. With everything that has gone with your personal life, how did you get ready for this role?” 

“With everything that has changed in my life the past year, whether professionally or personally, I have been able to use that experience and incorporated that into this role. Filming this movie has been a learning experience and being around veteran actors like Bradley has helped me become a better actor.”

“Well, that is going to be an amazing movie and I cannot wait to see it! Thank you so much and have a great evening.”

The interview concluded and a huge relief fell off your shoulders. The champagne carpet was next and then you are home free. The Champagne Carpet was just all photographers flashing lights and screaming your name to take different angles of you. Carefully, you walked to where there was a star placed on the floor which was where you were to stand. Everyone was completely mesmerized by your appearance. The stunning silk red beaded dress hugged all your curves. The dress featured a leg slit that was bound to make people’s jaw drop. To finish your look, you wore a matching necklace along with a pair of red stunner heels. As you posed for pictures, the paparazzi started screaming for your attention.

“Lady in red! Hey Anna over here!”

“Anna! Anna! Over here please!”

Feeling in the moment, you didn’t care who was calling your name. You made sure that every angle was taken of you and your gorgeous dress. 

As you were finalizing the last couple of shots, a change of phase was done and all of sudden the name you didn’t expect to hear was starting to be shouted. 

“Pedro! Pedro! Pedro!” 

With a smile on your face as pictures were taken of you, you just felt frozen and wanted to quickly get out of there. There he was, a few feet from you. You felt your blood was rushing from your head to your heart. Seeing him for the first time since the day you ran out of the Calgary apartment reminded you that whatever life you had shared with him in the past was just the past.

Taking a quick glance you saw him looking remarkably handsome. His hair was slicked back. He was wearing a fitted black tailored tuxedo with a white stand-collar shirt. Rings? Were those rings he was wearing? He reminded you of Dieter Bravo role with the rings. He had a ring on his left hand like a wedding band. Did he get married? Your chest started to compress on thinking that thought and not knowing if that was true. Did he come with a date? His wife? 

In a split second, you swallowed a sigh of relief.

“Javiera, big smile! What is it like coming with your brother?”

“Javiera! Pedro! Over here!”

Chloe noticed that you were trying to get out of there and quickly called your name before you cracked under pressure. You noticed from the corner of your eye that Pedro was starting to head to you and Chloe grabbed you so fast to take you out that Pedro didn’t catch your attention. 

“Anna, everything ok?” Your eyes wandered again back to Pedro as you saw him still taking pictures.

“Yeah I’m fine. Let’s go inside.” You nodded your head as it made you believe your flat out lie you were telling yourself. The last thing you wanted to do was to give the press newsworthy gossip. 

Luckily, they placed the both of you in different areas in the theater so there was no interaction between you. During the ceremony, you would engage and fangirl with all the celebrities that you met. Despite trying not to cross paths with Pedro, you had an overall good time at the ceremony. 

Few hours later, after the ceremony 

If there was an after party that one had to be invited to, it was the Vanity Fair party. You made your way through the carpet and into the party. Once you were given directions and you were inside the party, you headed straight to the bar to grab a drink.

“Rum and coke please?”

As you were waiting for a drink a strong hand grasped your wrist. You instantly turned and were taken back by who was in front of you. 

“Oh shit did I scare you? I'm so sorry.” Pedro directed you. 

Completely off guard, you grinned at him. In that moment, you really wanted to fall into his arms and give him the biggest kiss, but held back. Though you were still hurting from the breakup you were still in love with him. 

You laughed “No way! You didn’t scare me.”

He started getting giddy and sounded nervous as he complimented how you looked. As the place started getting crowded, Pedro moved closer to you.

“How have you been? I know we haven’t spoken since that day. I have been wanting to reach out but I figured you didn’t want to talk to me.” 

Looking directly into his eyes and not wanting to let your emotions out, you respond to his comment to be as real as it could get.

“I've been fine. Keeping myself busy with work.” 

“I noticed. Your movie with Bradley looks amazing. I’m really proud of you. You have come so far from being an extra on Mando.”

You gave him a meaningful smile. The music started getting louder and it was getting difficult to talk or hear each other. Pedro got even closer and now he was inches from your face. He slowly moved his lips over to you and whispered “I would like to catch up with you if that’s ok with you? Save me a dance ok?” 

It was clear both of you wanted each other.  As he gradually touched your arm a shock came across the both of you. 

“Ouch! Are you ok A?”

Rubbing your arm from that tingling sensation you laugh and smile at him.

“I guess we always shock ourselves.”

The party was electric. Champagne was flowing from wall to wall. Award winners were showing off their new accessory to everyone who was in attendance, while you enjoyed partying it up on the dance floor. Pedro was sitting close by and his eyes were on you as you danced with everyone in your vicinity. You knew he was watching, so you took the chance to dance the best way that would attract his attention. His close presence wasn’t going to let you ruin your night. The DJ was on point with the music that they were playing when all of a sudden the dj drops “Let’s Go Crazy.”

Shit, Oh no! This is one of his favorite songs!

Right when the first verse commenced, you felt a strong grip grab and turn you around.

“Can I have this dance?” You nodded. He grabs your wrist and pulls you into him. The both of you sway to the rhythm of the music. You place your arms around his shoulders, bringing you closer to each other. Everyone is for sure looking at the both of you. As the music continues, both of you had your eyes locked on each other. Things were heating between the both of you. His lips looked so delicious and you want to take a bite of it. The tension between you was orgasmic, making you breathless when the song abruptly ends.   

“Can I kiss you?” He asks. You nod your head up and down. He lays his hand on your side and brings you closer and places his lips on yours. It had been seven months since you last kissed him and yet this kiss felt like the first time he kissed you on that first date. 

Backing away from him you realize this was wrong. 

“I miss you A,” he quietly told you.

Seemingly confused, you let go of hands. He was probably talking nonsense. It was clear that the both of you wanted each other and alcohol was not helping the situation. He inched closer towards you again and glided his hand down your back, his fingers warm where your skin was exposed, pulling you closer to try and kiss you again. 

“I can’t do this.” 

Picking up your dress, you headed outside to get some air. The air felt crisp as you placed your hands on the edge of the balcony rail looking out to the flashing LA lights. Your chest started compacting. Breathing was becoming shorter. The lights were starting to become extremely bright and you were losing sense of what was going on with you and started to feel like you were going to faint. 

Were you losing your mind? 

Were you having a panic attack? 

Did you drink too much? 

Don’t make a scene at the Oscars. You can’t be on the front page. 

Placing your hand on your chest, you quickly tried to calm yourself when suddenly Pedro saw and quickly ran towards you. 

“Hey, hey! Look at me. It’s me. It’s me. Breathe, baby girl! Breathe, baby girl!” He slowly placed his hands on your cheeks as you looked into his eyes to calm down. The breathing started to slow back down, the flashing lights started to dim and come back to normal. Pedro grabbed you carefully and sat you down as he went to grab you some water. After a couple of breaths, you felt reality slowly coming back to you. 

He hands you the glass and sits next to you. 

“Are you ok?’’ 

You nodded. 

“What happened? Did I do something wrong? Was it the kiss?” 

“No, no. The kiss was ….” you paused and turned to look at his gorgeous face. “It was amazing. It reminded me of when we first kissed. But it just felt wrong.”

He slowly grabs your hands and your fingers intertwine with his. 

“I miss you, A. What I did was a mistake. I shouldn’t have let you go.” His eyes are pleading and wide just like a lost dog wanting to be loved again. 

Your heart starts to race. “P, I don’t think I can do this again.” 

“Why not?” As he continued to plead to you. “You don’t love me anymore? That kiss that we had back there showed me that there is still something between us. Don’t you want that again?” 

“Pedro, you decided to end this relationship. When I came back to New York I cried for you. I didn't know what to do or how to feel about myself.” Your heart starts racing even more and the tension is rising but you didn’t want to make a scene in front of people, so you hold yourself together. 

“Look. I didn’t come to this event hoping to see you after all this time. I just can’t deal with this. You're just too late Pedro.”

As you start to walk away from him, he grabs you once again. “You don’t mean that A,” he tells you with his glossy eyes. “I wasn’t thinking right when I told you that.” He doesn’t make eye contact with you. “I was just tired and overwhelmed by everything going on with my life. This show is brutal and kicking my ass but I want it to be perfect. I just lost myself in it. Everyday I woke up and I felt out of place. I feel empty inside and it's because you aren’t with me.” 

Visually upset, you rush towards him. “P, you could have talked to me, told me how you feel. I could have taken days off from the show to be together. But you didn’t do that. You just decided not to be with me. Four years! Four years of growing and experiencing life moments together and all for what? I don’t want to be with someone that can’t be open and then leaves them high and dry when things become difficult. I just can’t do that and I'm done with this.”

Wanting to get out of there, you quickly pick up your dress and started heading back towards the party, when you feel a hand pulling your shoulder around, spinning your whole body the opposite direction. His lips pushed against yours and his hands rested on your cheeks. You pull back after what felt like an eternity and look at his face. What you saw were sad eyes that made your heart ache. “A, I need you, I love you and I’m sorry.” You just needed to say it back. 

Say it. 

Say it.

You need him, you love him and you forgive him. 

But you don’t want to get hurt again. You slowly give his hands a slight squeeze and let them go.

“I love you P but I just can’t.” Your voice cracks as a tear finally gives way and slips down the side of your face as you walked past him, leaving Pedro all alone in the balcony as you disappeared into the crowd.

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[orangez3st]

Dream Currents

Captain Rex × OFC Force Goddess

— Chapter 13: Swim

Tags: teen & up, f/m, gen, hurt/comfort, childhood friends, romantic friendship, fluff, pre-star wars: the clone wars, clone cadets (training in kamino), very rex-centric, rex whump, the worst is probably sw curse words (tell me if I should add more tags!)

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“Somebody come chill my nerves and tell me that’s seawater.”

“What, you sodium deficit?”

“No you di’kut. Just saying that I’m hoping that’s part of Sho’cye. Y’know. Seawater.”

“That… I don’t know what to say. Why?”

“So we don’t drown! Sho’cye won’t let us drown, right?”

“Vod, that’s like, four meters deep.”

“And we’re six feet! Who says we ain’t drowning!?”

“That’s what the training is for, di’kut!”

Six-Seven shakes his head at the interaction, albeit a little amused. So much dependency to the deity. One may say too much to the point of being religiously devout.

The longnecks have been practically scribbling whatever happened down and interviewing around as well, and Six-Seven finds himself in the interrogation chamber every once in a while. Funny only after four years of pulling scientific research and whatever the kriff their endeavors are, they’ve given up and eventually labeled it as unexplainable mass supernatural phenomenon. Which is funny, since they think the clones are non-sentient, thus aren’t capable of experiencing supernatural phenomenon. Which is funny, because suddenly the decommission under the reason of defection wasn’t even presented, and still is. Financial waste much, that, eh?

They’ve studied brainwave patterns, and even went as far as monitored a number of volunteers as they slept despite the argument that this ocean deity dream occurs at random times. Sure, they did the probability math and whatnot, but no dice.

Hilarious.

What makes it even funnier is that Sho’cye was playing along. It’s becoming known that she deliberately avoided manifesting in the volunteers’ heads at that stretch of research period, while at least some forty thousand of their brothers had been dreaming at the same time. The Kaminoans look like they need a hell of a break from unexplainable mass supernatural phenomenon. Even a gracious little porg spread more incriminating gossip that it’s a thing that has to do with some pissed ancient deity their ancestors once worshipped. The command batch calls dibs on that. Six-Seven calls louder.

Combat water survival training involves several of those… water stuff. Now, Six-Seven and the other thirty-five cadets are to execute one of those today where they’ve got to swim about 25 meters across the pool with their kit on while trying to keep their sidearm out of the water. Get it watered and you’re gunned down, because your blaster won’t work after its little swimming recreation in the water. Simple as that. And the plastoid armor provided for battle itself weighs about forty kilograms – an additional forty kilograms to their average seventy-eight kilograms body weight. And they have to reach the edge of the swimming pool in record time – what a blast!

Kitted up, Six-Seven steps onto the ledge, the weight familiar on his skin. He’s got to be used to it, and he has. Though nearly labeled as a forty kilogram nuisance, he should be able to keep it in his head that that forty kilogram nuisance is equipped with life support systems. Black body glove – the others have been affectionately calling it just ‘blacks’ – clings like a second skin underneath the armor, supposedly held against extreme weather and pressurized to give them protection for a temporary stretch of time in the vacuum of space. I mean, it’s thoughtful as it’s beneficial, but seriously; let’s hope we don’t ever get to that scenario.

“Men! On my mark,” bellows the trainer, tapping away in his datapad. Not long after, the countdown begins.

“Three. Two. One.”

Six-Seven is very much aware of his built that’s slimmer than most, even though he’s pretty sure he spends as much working out solely for his muscle mass as the others do. That maybe you’re a defect just-joking talk sometimes starts getting into him, and the blond hair on top of his head ain’t helping – he’s starting to feel hyper-aware. It’s bad. It’s bad – for his mental health and stuff but hey, that’s what the enhanced stress inhibitor thing he’s got in his genetics for, right? He can always laugh along and brush it off so long not let it get into his head!

So, he’s slimmer, thus lighter in weight, and the forty kilogram nuisance isn’t dragging him further deep into the pool unlike the others who took the jump with him. He’s been through the sim a lot of times, just like the others. Six-Seven blinks – and allows his mind to snap into automatic focus.

He kicks his way up, arms flailing in a calculating rhythm to maintain his upper body above water surface, left arm raising the standard DC-15S high above the water. Still dry – good. Palm’s a little clammy from anticipation, but otherwise, all clear. Gaining vision through his HUD where surrounding terrain notifies him with Water – 23.4 meters to nearest dry land in big bold letters, Six-Seven wades forward in a steady breaststroke. As he goes, the weight of the kit drags him down the way it does compared to sans armor. Competitively, the others fall slightly behind – due, or more like thanks, to his accumulated lighter body weight – so he chooses a calmer approach, chasing his own speed without having to violently flail his limbs around and waste energy.

His helmet – this karking bucket. Dragging his upper body down like a damn bucket of pebbles. But this armor, he’s heard, is the good osik. Again; a forty kilogram nuisance with life support systems.

Water – seawater [32 ppt]  – 13.6 meters to nearest dry land.

Oh. It really is part of Sho’cye after all. Look at that salinity level reading. He didn’t know this helmet could do that.

Wizard.

One thing he less favors from this sim is how sore his arm with the blaster is going to be. Though, he relishes the nonstop stroke – a marvelous chance to exercise cardio without being on a treadmill, for one – and enjoys the good sore and exhaustion afterward.

He can’t resist it – the itching, gnawing need to check on the men. It’s not a squad sim, though, but… I’m actually gonna be assigned to that Captain position, right? Doubt chews part of his brain and grants anxiety in its place for that thought alone. With a grunt of dismissal and between raises of his head above the water, as much as his HUD can take, he tries to catch glimpses of the guys who jumped in with him. They’re okay. One or two are a tad behind, but they’re pushing through. All good. He huffs a breath of relief as he swiftly falls back into a steady rhythm of leg-kicking and arm-circling. If only there wouldn’t be a something something chasing us in the water and threatening our supposed retreat…

Water – seawater [32 ppt] – 3.0 meters to nearest dry land.

Great. He’s almost there.

Wonder if Sho’cye actually gains entertainment from this training. Must be a giggle. Everything is new and amusing to her – for a goddess Maker knows how many eons old.

Okay. Steady now.

Water – seawater [32 ppt] – 0.4 meters to nearest dry land.

Six-Seven exhales loudly in his helmet, the last ounce of energy propelling his legs forward for his elbows to finally prop himself up on the edge of the pool, blaster ready, and fires into the moving targets in his section. His own heartbeat thunders in his ears, the exhaustion getting into him as the heart rate monitor on the top left corner of his HUD shows 76 bpm – a strong, steady tempo that holds consistently in all his water training. As soon as all the dummies fall with bull’s eye blaster scorched marks, he shouts an enemy cleared! to mark the end of his part while scrambling onto his feet, the DC-15S still clutched close to his chest and the armor dripping with water.

The others do the same, falling just a couple of seconds behind him. When the timer completely stops as all get onto their feet, helmets are completely off, followed by heavy breathing of cardio exhaustion. Six-Seven allows himself a satisfied chuckle. Damn that always feels good. He’s been taking a little more liking to water. Maybe his time with Sho’cye does something in that regard?

The trainer clears his throat, his voice bellowing through the overhead speakers. “CT-7567. Top marks. Well done.”

“Again!” exclaims a cadet just two sections to his right. “Of course it’s Six-Seven again.”

“I think you’re just jealous, vod,” another pats him on the back, a grin stretched across his face.

What, because he’s slimmer? Lighter in weight? Agile? Capable to move faster and think faster than the others? A CC knockoff? Because he’s to be a Captain?

“Psshh, no,” the former waves off with a laugh, later approaching Six-Seven with an appreciative glint in their mirrored amber brown eyes. “Hey, vod, Sho’cye been giving you a boost to those lanky legs of yours?”

Six-Seven shrugs. “Try to maintain a steady rhythm and focus. That’s literally just it.”

Another walks by him and bumps his helmet into his. “Yeah, but you’re lighter than us. That’s gotta do something.”

Six-Seven merely shakes his head, swallowing his pride and preserving his humility. “Think so, too,” he mutters, joining the others who begin grouping to march away from the spot as another round is about to begin for their other brothers on the other side of the pool. “Good work, vode,” Six-Seven says a bit louder for the whole group to hear and gets tossed grunts of acknowledgment his way.

The one next to him tilts his head. “Eh. Not sure about being 3 seconds behind you as good work, but I’ll take compliments from a soon-to-be captain.”

“Hey now,” Six-Seven laughs.

“Yeah, vod, you’re that good. We’d be proud to see ya captain-ing your way outta this facility and into the battlefield,” someone behind him praises, “Sho’cye gotta bless ya with extras or something.” A few cadets laugh in admiration and jest.

He doesn’t know anything about blessing extras, but stars, even if Sho’cye would gift him a beach pebble she’d randomly pick up from the shoreline, he’d be grateful. And if it’d do something to his favor, he’d better hope it is the blessing extras.

[Content] [Start] [Prev] [Next] [AO3] [Spotify]

Word Count: 1,686

[queen-of-the-avengers]

In The Before

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Female!Reader

Word Count: ~1.5k

Warnings: angst, character being dusted

Request by anon: Angst with steve and vixen . Both gone off the track after accords vixen goes with steve and all else went good both layed low even married in secret . Angst comes in the form of Fucking thanos  , its the fight at wakanda shes next to steve while everyone is on the feild when the dust settle grim reality that the bad guy won . Both bucky called to steve but before he steped bucky disapeared . Vixen walked found steve to her horror steve sees his wife vixen disapear while whispering "i love y-" she turned to ash before finishing. 

Summary: The fight of your life is here and you'll do anything to protect Vision and the stone in his head. However, you've never faced an enemy like Thanos before.

Squares Filled: "This isn't a back alley. This is war." (2020) for @star-spangled-bingo

Cat and Mouse Masterlist

Author’s Note: i didn't go into too much detail about the fight at Wakanda and with Thanos since we've all seen Infinity War and we all know how the fight goes.

x

This dingy and run-down apartment isn’t the best place you’ve lived in but it’s a roof over your head. Right now, you and Steve will take what you can get. It’s been tough after the fight about the Accords. Tony made half the team fugitives so you and Steve are living outside the country against the law. If you’re caught, the government will treat you like hard-core criminals and lock you up for good.

You’re on your own here.

You take the microwavable food from the kitchen and walk over to the table where Steve is. He hasn’t looked the same since the big fight with Tony. He looks broken, a shell of the man he once was. It breaks your heart to see him this way, and it hurts even more knowing the team is broken up. A team that once stood together to fight what others couldn’t is now disassembled.

“You should eat something,” you say and place the food in front of him.

He looks up at you and gives a half smile before taking a bite. He misses his friends. He hates how the entire situation played out and wishes he could go home.

“How are you feeling?”

“Me? I’m doing alright.”

“I mean with Hydra. No trouble with them?”

“Not since I left Wakanda.”

It’s true. You’ve been free from their mind control for a few years now. It’s been so quiet inside your head, and you welcome the silence even if you didn’t at first. Bucky hasn’t been with you two since the Avengers broke up, but you keep tabs on each other since he has the same fears as you. What if Hydra got ahold of you again? Could they put that back inside your head? Could you be a puppet again?

Zemo hasn’t been seen since you let him go. You haven’t had the desire to go after him like you promised you would. Seeing the fear on his face when you caught him was punishment enough. He will always be looking over his shoulder for you since you can come from anywhere, and that’s enough to satisfy you right now.

“How are the others? You were gone all day,” you ask and eat.

“Buck is doing as well as he can. He’s still having nightmares. Nat and Sam are helping him through it. Wanda and Vision are still off the grid. Nat has regular check-ups with them so I’m not too worried.”

“I’m glad she has someone like Vision. He gave up what he believed in to be with her. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is.”

“I know it’s rough right now, but we’ll find a better place than this. I’ll give it a few years before we can go home.”

“Believe it or not, this isn’t much different than the missions I went on. Bucky and I used to stay in places like this. Though, if we’re going to continue to live here, then we need a proper bed instead of a mattress on the floor.”

Steve laughs at this. “We’ll get one together tomorrow.”

After dinner, you two head to bed together. It’s another rough night but you make the most of it. In the morning, Natasha calls the phone you reserved for emergencies only. Wanda and Vision are in trouble. Bruce and Tony are in trouble in New York. Apparently, someone named Thanos is on a mission to get all six Infinity Stones, and one of them happens to be in Vision’s head.

Vision and Wanda are located in Scotland so that’s where you and Steve meet up with Nat, Bucky, and Sam. Two of Thanos’ children are after the stone in Vision’s head, but they can’t take on all six of you at once. Wanda and Vision did most of the fighting before you were able to get to them, so your team made the finishing move that caused one of them to be stabbed by his own spear. They left back into their alien ship before leaving.

“What the hell is going on? Who were those people?” you ask.

“I don’t know but they want the stone. Vision has been injured,” Wanda panics.

“What are we going to do?” you ask Steve.

“We go home.”

Looks like you’re going home after months of leaving it behind. You’re not sure what you’re going to walk into when you touch back down in New York, but you have to be prepared for anything. However, nothing prepared you for what you came across. Dr. Strange, Tony, and Peter have been sucked into an alien spaceship that was trying to take the time stone.

It doesn’t matter who you’re talking to or not, Earth needs defending from everyone available.

Thanos tried to get Vision’s stone once and failed, so you know he will be back with more reinforcements later. The only place on Earth that might be able to handle the fight is Wakanda. They are more than happy to assist your team in the fight that is likely to come.

“How are we going to do this? They’re not going to stop until they get that stone.”

“What if we remove it from Vision? He’s more than the stone, anyway. Can he survive without it?” you ask Shuri.

“It’s not going to be easy but I think I can separate the stone from him. It’s going to take time.”

“How much time do you need?” Steve asks.

“As much as you can give me.”

“Alright, Wanda, you gotta stay up here and protect the stone. You’re the only one with the power to do so. The rest of us are going to be on the field. They’re not going to go easy on us so we aren’t either. This isn’t a back alley. This is war,” Steve says.

“You heard him. Let’s go,” T’Challa says and walks toward the door. “Someone, get his man a shield!”

You along with everyone else line up on the battlefield just as alien ships come crashing to Earth. They try to hit the Wakanda barrier but explode on impact since they can’t get through it. Most of the ships land outside of the barrier, and a bunch of alien dogs come rushing out savagely. They try to get through the barrier but are killing themselves when the barrier slices right through them. For every five that are killed, one of them gets through.

This is going to be the fight of your life, and you channel your inner Vixen for this fight. You use every weapon at your disposal, every skill Hydra beat into you, and every gun that is handed to you. You’re giving the aliens everything you’ve got but it doesn’t seem to be enough. Only when Thor comes from wherever he was, does the fight seem fair. He has a new axe that replaced the hammer his sister broke, and he uses it to kill as many aliens as he can.

At one point, Wanda is forced out of her hiding space to help in the fight, and that’s when Thanos strikes. He sends the two aliens whom Wanda fought in Scotland to grab the stone. Most Wakandans stay in the field to keep most of the aliens busy while your team heads to the other side of the place where Vision is.

“Hey, are you okay?” you ask Vision and go to his side.

“He’s coming whether we like it or not. You should all get out of here.”

“We’re not leaving you. Eyes up, everyone,” Steve says.

It didn’t take long for Thanos to come with the time stone. He must have persuaded Dr. Strange to give it to him, but it’s unlikely he did it without violence. Steve tries to fight Thanos and loses. Natasha and Bruce try and they fail. T’Challa tries and fails. Bucky, Groot, and Rocket try and fail. You try and fail.

The only person stopping Thanos from getting the stone is Wanda, and she uses her magic to keep him back as she uses her magic to destroy the stone. It’s breaking her heart to hurt the one she loves but it has to be done. The stone must be destroyed so that Thanos can’t use it.

However, he has the time stone so after Wanda successfully destroys the stone, Thanos puts it back together just so he can steal it. He kills Vision right in front of Wanda and acquires the stone. He does what he set out to do years earlier.

He snaps his fingers.

Thor managed to lodge his axe into Thanos’ chest but that doesn’t stop Thanos from actually snapping his fingers, and then he disappears using the space stone. Your team is left to pick up the pieces after the big war.

“Is that it? Did we lose?” you ask and stand up.

Silence befalls Wakanda. Thanos got what he wanted. There is no need for the fight any longer. The alien dogs that are still alive retreat. Something doesn’t feel right. Thanos wanted to wipe out half of the universe.

“Steve?” Bucky says.

You and Steve look at him and see him turn to dust. You look to your right and see Groot turn to dust. Wanda turns to dust. T’Challa turns to dust. You look down and see your hand start to turn to dust.

“Steve?” you gasp and look at him.

“Y/N? No!”

“I love y--”

You turn to dust completely, leaving Steve and the remaining Avengers all alone.

x

Follow my library blog @aqueenslibrary​​​​​​ where I reblog all my stories, so you can put notifications on there without the extra stuff :)

[padawanlost]

Hello, I am so very glad that you're still here. I need to say, that attack is of the clones has always been my favorite star wars film. I watched it over and over when I was a child. It's so romantic, the soundtrack is beautiful, the prequel actors are all such lovely people, and it breaks my heart that it's so hated. I don't get it, I thought the original movies were corny and shallow, and I live and breathe for old films.

I am sorry, I just love that movie to death, and it makes me so very sad that people are so awful. Your blog always brings a great deal of comfort when I want to go in my make-belief world and I'm very grateful.

Hello! Thanks for the kind words. I’m glad I’m still here too :) Returning made me realize how important the prequels are to me and how much I missed it.

I totally understand the feeling. I’m total ROTS fan but before it came out no one on this earth would’ve been able to convince me that Attack of the Clones wasn’t the greatest movie ever! It has Hayden and it’s peak Anidala….it has Across the Stars, one of the most iconic pieces of music ever written. People used to make fun of it but without it we wouldn’t have had so much of what we have today in terms of characters, worldbuilding, quotable moments, etc.

Honestly, I love the movie and I can’t think of anything negative to say about it. The only reason I don’t love it even more is because Revenge of the Sith exists and apparently I’m a sucker for pain and suffering. And nothing hurts more than Episode III.

[jordosprout]

Howdy! It's @stars-n-spice with asks for the Bad Batch Ask Game :D 1, 12, 22, 24, and 40! 🩵💫

Hii! Thanks for sending asks I've been needing to explode about Bad Batch all day

Favorite thing about the show?

I am super indicvisive so there's a few-

I really love the familial dynamic with the Batch it's very comforting

I enjoyed seeing how they changed their armor throughout the seasons

I loved researching the armor modifications they have

The community is very creative and skilled

The humor was well written and so was Crosshairs growth!!!

12. Which Batcher do you think would be your best friend?

Best friend would probably be Tech (not just cause he's my favorite) because I love listening to people ramble. Also because he is blunt and direct which would make interacting with him easy for me. I'm relatively quiet and enjoy calm people and parallel play. But on that note I can see Wrecker being up there too. Physical touch is a huge part of my love language and he definitely shows it's his as well. I can imagine him giving big hugs after rough missions. Honestly I'd love to play games with Wrecker, he has amazing reactions and such a sweet personality.

22. Which Batcher inspires you the most?

Crosshair absolutely. He shows that people can change for the better, and that if given the opportunity, you can heal. I hope someday we get some sort of media showing his healing process/journey.

And Tech (lotta these answers are going to be Tech I'm so sorry). He shows that autism isn't evil. That someone can be successful, strong, and smart while being autistic. That someone can be loving, and that expressing emotions differently doesn't mean they aren't felt. I love hearing his point of view on Crosshair joining the Empire, how you can understand why someone does something without agreeing with it.

24. Do you have any hot controversial takes?

I personally don't think Tech being brought back would lessen his sacrifice. I dunno if that means he simply finds his way back to the others or something else. But I don't think someone needs to die in order for their sacrifice to mean something. Hell doing something knowing you could die is already enough. I will always always believe he's alive, even if he canonically isn't. Personally as mentioned in other posts, I am not diagnosed with autism, but online screenings and outside opinions lead me to believe that I am autistic. And with that said, I related to Tech. Him being shutdown when he was excited or wanting to say something, him not displaying emotions in a way that others understood, and so much more. Him 'dying' was a huge betrayal to me. I finally found a character I could relate to in Star Wars, and he was taken away so quickly. And it felt like there was not enough talked about on that part. It could just be me feeling hurt by it and wishful thinking. But losing Tech was awful.

40. Favorite scenes?

TAY-0 getting obliterated

Tech's little head tilt when TAY-0 says he repairing him wrong

Tech and Omega's cave scene

Crosshair meditating

Big hug with Cross, Wrecker, & Hunter

Wrecker showing Omega her own place on the Marauder

Cross, Hunter, & Omega's hug

"You're as bad as Hunter" "Oh, I'm much worse"

"That's not her ugly side?"

Tech getting excited while a zillo about to kill him

"It is an unscheduled study break"

"My left femur has been fractured by approximately 150 kilograms of pressure... so no"

Most of it is Tech and all of the soft sides of Bad Batch, and there is a lot. But at the end of the day, this show has made me so happy (and sad) on so many different occasions.

Sorry for all the extra yapping

[txmbstone]

Hi lovely!!

Will you write a head cannon about Curly Bill Johnny Ringo hurt the reader's feelings...🙏💕

Ooo we already starting this one out strong. I’m such a sucker for anything angst (just ask my cowriter on our other blog I’ve got emotional breakdowns to a science at this point) so this was such a fun one to do. This is going to be a female centered POV

Curly Bill Brocius

Since you’d met, he’d always claim you were the one for him. There wouldn’t have been any other

You always believed him. He always seemed so head-over-heels in love just seeing you walk up to his tent, compliment your every outfit no matter how dirty or torn it was, calling you his starlight every chance he could. Nothing you could have done would have turned him away

It seemed you both were in it for the long haul

Until you caught him in a brothel with another woman

She was everything you weren’t

Where your skin was calloused from years out on a ranch, she was smooth as butter. Where you were stout and toned, she was thin and delicate.

You heart sunk and shattered when he uttered your nickname to her

You couldn’t take it any more, turning on your heel and racing off into the night.

You couldn’t believe him. After everything you shared, all you’d done, every silly little fight and every dance he swept you up in was nothing but a lie. Every memory shared under the canopy of the stars, whispering futures of fortune and fame to the heavens, and he had thrown it all away

Johnny Ringo

Johnny was never an emotional man. So much more reserved compared to the loose cannons the Cowboys were infamous for. But not your Johnny. Never. Always the reserved man, the first to arrive and the first to leave. Never sticking around too long where he knows he wasn’t needed. It’s just how he was.

You loved him for it. Loved how he was the eye in the hurricane the Cowboys would bring through Tombstone. He was the roll of gentle thunder after a flash of lightning, the wind coaxing the beginning flames of a forest fire.

You only ever saw his resolve break when Billy died.

You try to lure him back to the tent, back to the comfort of your arms, and it’s a war to fight back the sinking in your heart when he shoves you away.

“Get off me. Can’t you see I don’t want you here?”

Fuck…that…

That hurt more than any bullet could

You don’t bother to shoot back a snarky reply — your heart and pride too wounded to even conjure up one — instead choosing to brush at dirt you know isn’t there on your coat and spin on your heel back to your tent.

You know he didn’t truly mean it. He never could. Not after he promised you the sun and stars. The heavens and the earth. But the anger, the hate, that flooded his features towards you was too much for your already fracturing heart to bear.

Wow this one feels like it kind of sucked. Writing has been hella difficult lately, so I’m sorry this isn’t as good as I could have made it to be. I am working on a few projects so hopefully those will redeem me

[barmadumet]

Ahsoka Episode 5 Spoilers Below!

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Okay, I’m going to do something I never do, and I don’t think ever have done – I’m going to do the “take” thing – put my opinion online. I don’t like to do this, because I feel like there is ALWAYS someone opposed, and I just don’t want any bad energy revolving around my beloved escape from reality.

For the last twenty-two hours, I have been profusely hitting the ❤️­s on other posts, jumping up and down and hugging people, and basically just doing the equivalent of shouting, “ANAKIN!!!” but I’ve yet to really try to discuss Episode 5, because, quite frankly, it’s just been too freaking emotional for me! I have all these feelings that I don’t know how to sort out, and I've honestly felt like I could burst into tears at any given moment, all day long. I went through this with the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, and I remember I felt literally insane for a WHILE. Perhaps, I should’ve written something like this back then – writing is my outlet, after all.

So, here we go. . . I don’t have many followers, and I know many people won’t read this, but I just need to get it out!

A couple of weeks ago, my dear friend, Wibz asked me, “What kind of story do you like? What kind of fic do you like to read?” I replied sappy, mushy, hurt/comfort, of course. I told her I like dialogue – dealing with emotional ups and downs - HEALING. I told her I liked fix-its and time travel, and I specifically said I like seeing into ‘what could’ve been’ scenarios, and I mentioned by name the movie, “It’s A Wonderful Life.” And the thing I really love about that movie is the ability to visit the past. I like stories that take us back – and not just as a flashback, but a present character being able to look at their past and reflect. You probably know where this is going by now, but the way we finally got our long-awaited Clone Wars ‘flashback’ couldn’t have been more perfect in my opinion.

And the thing that has made me the most emotional through all of this was simply seeing that first battle in live action. I will admit, upon viewing the first two episodes of Ahsoka, I felt the show might’ve been better presented in Rebels animation. Well, I can now, happily admit I was wrong.

We saw the brutal beginnings of the Clone Wars at the Battle of Geonosis in Attack of the Clones, and we see the heart-breaking conclusion and the end of the war in Revenge of the Sith. My personal opinion is that we have been very fortunate to get a great show about the time in between, however; being short, animated (directed at a younger audience) episodes, there are emotional aspects that are rushed through and not fully explored. If you’ve read my insanely long fix-it fic, then you know that it carries through these Clone Wars episodes that I love so very much, BUT in writing it my own way, I was able to put in all the drama I wanted to see – the breakdowns, the tears, a deeper look into the trauma of fighting in a war. And yes, there have been some amazing Star Wars novels that do this, but again, seeing it in live action. . . seeing just how young Ahsoka really was, seeing her mourn the injured and deceased clones. Having her and Anakin address the fragility of life and getting to hear that conversation about it. . . Now the viewing audience has a grasp on just how bleak this time period was. I didn’t know how bad I needed to see this – a human turned Togruta actor conveying those destroyed expressions and defeated body language. The impact was more than I expected, and it wouldn’t have been the same in animation.

The other super tear-jerky part for me was the theme of ‘Live or Die’ ‘Fight or Die’ . . .I can’t let myself get into too much detail about this, but if you know me, and you know my story, then you know. Great. I’m crying again 🤷🏻‍♀️ This was just such a powerful message for ANYONE struggling in any aspect of their life, and it sincerely helped me to rise another day, and will be a continued reminder, probably for a while.

You all know how much I love Anakin (and Obi-Wan), and so much of the hype is revolved around his character right now, but this personal journey we find Ahsoka on is truly beautiful to me. I was honestly uneasy about the way Ahsoka was portrayed, thus far, in our other series. She didn’t feel like Ahsoka to me. I accepted and understood that her character had been through much in her short life, and that much time had passed since we last saw her and she would've evolved, but overall, I honestly (😬) didn’t much enjoy what we got of her in live action. I kept my expectations for this show at the minimum. I try not to predict what might happen in canon Star Wars, because I never want to set myself up for disappointment. I strive to go in with an open mind and a clear head and just enjoy the show. But I’ll admit, I was hopeful for Ahsoka’s character development in this. . . and so far, I find myself satisfied. It has now been acknowledged how severely Anakin’s turn impacted her – that was a necessity in my opinion, because of course it did. And it’s still unfathomable to me, but I feel like we got to witness her getting her closure with Anakin 😭 At the end of episode 5, I was finally getting the Ahsoka vibes I was longing for. And let’s not ignore just how ’Ahsoka’ she was in the past scenes with Anakin! I was in awe of how her different animated fighting stances over the years translated into live action. It was her! And this is probably a great time to also mention: that was Anakin, too! In the beginning, we saw him on that World Between Worlds walkway training Ahsoka – the orchestrated footwork, the lack of aggression . . . It felt like the Anakin we see in the lightsaber kata training video Ahsoka watches in Rebels! We have not seen this in live action! We have not seen Anakin as a Master to an apprentice! 🥹 And again, I didn’t know how bad I needed that. Later, when we are taken back onto that WBW walkway, we see him fighting like we’ve seen in Revenge of the Sith. It’s Vader! And he’s so pissed and intends to kill! I won’t spend too much time gushing the way most already have – the Sith eyes, the flawless ROTS attire we already loved given back to us, and the Clone Wars look brought to life. . . the hair 😍 Just seeing him, Hayden Anakin, fight in a Clone Wars battle in live action! So strong and mighty 💪🏻 with such determination and sensitivity. . . with just the right amount of cockiness 😉 He’s perfection. And I think this is noncontroversial opinion everyone would agree with lol.  

And maybe you do or don’t agree with this part, but I feel Anakin’s appearance was 💯 open to interpretation, and I think that’s GREAT. This character means so much to so many people, and there is never a way to satisfy everyone when it comes to storytelling. Everyone had/has different opinions of how this should’ve been handled. Was Anakin a Force ghost? Was the entire encounter all in Ahsoka’s head? Was Anakin something else entirely? Was he Vader? Maybe you have an answer to this question and you are certain in your theory – that’s awesome. I think that’s the way it should be. We get to “make things the way we want them to be” WITH CANON! 👏🏻 I am not yet certain of what my own theory is. I’ve watched it four times, and I am still processing it all. One thing for sure, I’m glad the WBW was involved. Again, if you know of my preferred way to ‘fix-it’ then you know what that means to me 🥰

I think I’m done 🫣 I just needed to release these feelings! And I feel we are so blessed. I still can’t believe this really happened. And I am so thankful to get to share in the joy with all of you 💖 Okay! I think I’m ready to talk now if y’all want to talk! 🤭