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dindjarindiaries · 4 months ago

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Senator's Shadow - Chapter 8

summary: You, Hunter, and the squad head to your home village for a fight that could put an end to this crisis, no matter whose side wins.

pairing: hunter (the bad batch) x fem!reader

rating: mature (18+)

tags: bodyguard romance, forbidden love, fluff & angst, emotional & physical hurt/comfort, canon-typical violence, injuries & blood, trauma, eventual/mild smut

word count: 7.115k

chapter 7 ⟸ series masterlist ⟹ chapter 9

chapter 8 ⟹

You checked yourself over in the reflector as you secured your belt in place. Putting on your combat gear was like returning home, bringing you back to the truest and most familiar version of yourself. You were beginning to miss the simplicity of it more and more.

And Hunter’s earnest gaze on you made it all the more appealing to have on.

You smiled before you threw him a glance over your shoulder. He was leaning against one of your bedposts, his arms crossed and his eyes busy with the sight of you. You shook your head fondly and turned back to the reflector, reaching for your gloves before your holsters.

“It still makes me laugh.” Your tone was lighthearted as you pulled the leather over your hands.

Hunter’s voice was even lower than usual. “What does?”

You huffed and grabbed your first holster. “The fact you like this look more than the gowns.”

Hunter hummed, and the sound gave you pause for a moment. “I like both.” You bit back a smile and tightened the straps around your thigh. “But I get the feeling you prefer this look, and it’s that confidence that makes this… well, attractive.”

You beamed and sheathed your knife. He was getting better with his vulnerability already. “Thank you, Hunt.” You grabbed the second holster.

“I like that name, too.” You looked up for a moment to see Hunter approaching you, his helmet left behind on your bed. “The last time you said it…”

“I remember.” You raised your brow at him. “We can’t go down that road right now. We’ve already indulged enough.”

Hunter raised a hand to your chin, his stare searching yours with a breathless mixture of admiration, affection, and desire. “I’m not sure it’ll ever be enough.” He released a mirthless chuckle. “Not when I know what I know now.”

Your ears burned, and the shyness forced you to look down at the holster in your hands. “I understand.” You attached the top part of the holster to your belt. “I just have to put my people first.”

“I agree.” Hunter stopped you for a moment, his gloved hands covering yours as he nodded. “I can take it from here.”

You grinned as he secured the straps of the holster to your thigh. It was the same one he had fixed back in the ballroom what felt like ages ago. So much time together, with so much danger, really made it pass differently.

Once he was done, Hunter rose back to his full height. You holstered your blaster and set your gloved hands on his shoulder to push yourself high enough for a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you, Sergeant.” You pulled away with a deep breath, allowing yourself one last smile at the sight of his flushed cheeks before forcing yourself to focus. “Is the squad here yet?”

Hunter nodded and gestured with his head to your bedroom door. “They got here a minute ago or so.”

You returned his nod and stepped away to grab your hood and mask. “Do you have your poncho?”

“Yeah, it’s in my pack.” Hunter had gone to grab his helmet, which he held under his arm as he joined you once again. “You ready to get started?”

You nodded, and though you portrayed the true strength and determination you felt, you were still grateful for the reassuring touch of his hand on your back as the two of you headed into the suite. Hunter went for the doors as you stood by the holotable, waiting for Echo or Tech to plug in the plans they had all been working on. The doors opened when Hunter activated them, and he ushered his squad in with a wave of his head.

Wrecker nearly tackled the others to get in first. “There you are!” He laughed and all but ran over to you, wrapping his arms around you in a tight embrace that took your feet off the floor. You laughed in surprise and joy as you tried your best to reciprocate the unexpected gesture.

Hunter’s voice was strained with both worry and embarrassment as he spoke up. “Wrecker, put her down.”

“Aw, don’t get jealous, Hunter.” Wrecker set you down and squeezed your shoulder. “She’s one of us, now. She deserves all the same greetings.”

“I wasn’t…” Hunter clearly decided better than to argue, and he sighed as he closed his eyes and shook his head.

“You don’t greet me like that,” Crosshair insisted, setting a toothpick between his smirking lips as he made his way over.

You giggled at their brotherly bickering. “Thank you for the warm welcome, Wrecker.” You gave him a quick hug of your own. “It means a lot that you’ve all accepted me.” Your stare found Hunter’s with ease, and your smile grew. “And accepted us.”

“We knew it was coming,” Echo assured you.

“Echo is right,” Tech agreed, even as he attended to the holotable. “Neither of you were very subtle with your blossoming relationship.” He paused, his brow furrowed in severity. “Though I am sure you are aware of the rules that—.”

“That’s a later problem, Tech.” Hunter clearly wanted to move past this topic, and his reddened face was evidence of that. “Get those plans up. We’re on the clock.”

Tech focused back on the holotable, and soon, your home village appeared in blue holographic light. The fighters’ camp was outlined in red, and a few dots were scattered throughout the village. You crossed your arms and studied it as Hunter started to explain their findings.

“These are the main targets we’ve identified inside the village.” He pointed at the circle in the middle of the village. “They’ll want to hit the Republic outpost the hardest. Our guess is they’ll strike around it to divert the outpost’s forces, then they’ll move in to claim the outpost.”

You raised your brow. “What do they want with the outpost?”

“To make a statement.” It was Echo who answered your question. “To them, it’ll prove that the Republic isn’t capable of protecting Eirus, and that it’s time for new leadership.”

You shook your head. “That outpost is barely fortified. They won’t be able to prevent this whatsoever.”

“That’s why we’re here.” Hunter’s tone was both confident and hopeful, and it lent you some necessary strength. “We’re going in three groups. Two groups are gonna reinforce the perimeter, and one group is gonna hold down the outpost.”

You nodded. “I like that plan.” You tightened your grasp on your arms. “What are the groups?”

Hunter let out a soft sigh. “I want Wrecker and Crosshair together, one down low and one up high.” He looked across the holotable at Echo. “Echo and Tech need to stick together in case there’s any data we need them to retrieve.”

You started to smile at him. “Well, Sergeant, I guess that leaves me and you.”

Crosshair snickered. “Surprise, surprise.”

Hunter ignored his brother and nodded at you. “We’ll take the outpost.”

You returned his nod. “That’s exactly what I was thinking.” You moved your hands to your hips and let out a steady exhale. “Have you spotted Lii Alvani or any of his associates?”

“Just the ones we memorized for the banquet,” Echo spoke up. “No sign of Alvani. I doubt he’d get his hands dirty, anyway.”

You shook your head. “I wouldn’t be so sure.”

“As far as the ones who’ll be coming here tonight while we’re gone…” Hunter sighed and shrugged, “we’re not sure. We got nothing useful out of the attackers in the brig, considering they were rogues.”

“They won’t send anyone important.” You tapped your fingers against your hips and caught Hunter’s gaze. “They’ll all know what choice I’m making. They won’t want to waste any of their best fighters.”

Hunter’s jaw tightened before he looked away from you. Your heart ached at the pure worry etched within the knit of his brow as he went on. “Our biggest goals on this mission are to minimize the damage from the attack, keep the villagers safe, hold down the outpost, and…” he paused, his stare finding yours again, “protect you.”

You raised an eyebrow at him. “That’s not as big of a priority as the other three.”

Hunter lifted his chin. “This is a protection job, and we’re going to follow through on that objective.”

“Not if it comes at the cost of the other three.”

Wrecker looked between the two of you with a grimace. “We can do ‘em all no problem!” He glanced pointedly at Hunter. “Just don’t fight again.”

You relaxed a bit to chuckle at him. “We’re not fighting, Wrecker.” You crossed your arms again and nodded in Hunter’s direction. “Your sergeant is just protective.”

“We are well aware,” Tech remarked.

You smirked as Hunter’s face began to flush once again. “Has he always been like this?”

Wrecker, Crosshair, and Tech all answered in unison. “Yes.”

Hunter rolled his eyes, though he maintained his severity. “I have every right to be. Those fighters would gladly see you dead.”

You softened, offering him a more reassuring nod as your arms fell to your sides. “I’ll be fine.” You searched his gaze, pleading for him to understand you as he always did. “But the safety of my people comes first, always.”

Hunter circled his jaw as he held your stare, but after a few moments, he nodded. You smiled. Of course he would understand; there was no doubt he would do the same for his squad.

“Is there anything else before we get going?” You were already setting your hood and your mask on.

“That’s really it.” Hunter and the rest of the squad were following your lead in sliding their helmets on and slipping their hooded ponchos over them. “You know we like to keep our planning to a minimum.”

“I do.” As Hunter got closer to you, you pointed two fingers against your temple. “On the outside, at least.”

Hunter tilted his helmet, but he said nothing as he instead looked around the group. The squad was fully ready to go, each one properly concealed by their dark ponchos as they waited for his order. Hunter nodded at them. “Let’s head out.”

Hunter led the way, and you joined him at his side as the others brought up the rear. Once the group had entered the darkness of the secret passageway, a gloved hand brushed yours, and you smiled as you took it. Your fingers laced through his, and you let him hold on tight for comfort. His other hand was holding his torch, guiding you through the way ahead.

You only let go once you reached the other end and stepped out into the humid twilight. Even though Hunter was still leading, the path to your village was utterly familiar, and you didn’t have to look to him for guidance. The closer you got, however, the more your dread began to build, attempting to dwindle your hopes of keeping your home safe.

When you looked around you, those hopes returned, because you weren’t alone. Clone Force 99 was more than capable of seeing this mission through with ease. You smiled to yourself and nodded.

Hunter held up his fist to stop the group as you made it to the perimeter of your home village. Just seeing it filled you with a mixture of emotions too powerful to process all at once, especially with the knowledge of what was about to happen there—all on your accord. This time, you made the move for Hunter’s hand, and he accepted it without missing a beat.

“It’s time to split up,” Hunter announced to his squad. You caught Echo’s and Crosshair’s visors drifting down to your entwined hands before they shared a look. “Echo and Tech, start at the opposite side of the village. Wrecker and Crosshair, hold your position here for now. We’re gonna need Crosshair on the lookout for us so we can get to the outpost undetected.”

Crosshair offered a two-fingered salute before he began to climb. Wrecker stood his ground below his brother’s position and nodded. “Don’t have too much fun without me.”

Hunter tilted his helmet at him. “No promises.” You smiled at Hunter reciprocating Wrecker’s playful energy. It was like watching his familiar self re-emerge, if only for a moment.

You and Hunter turned to face Echo and Tech, who waited for Hunter’s nod to set off. Echo gave your shoulder a gentle squeeze before he did so. Your chest warmed at his silent support.

“Ready?” Hunter’s voice was gentle as he gave your hand a soft squeeze.

You summoned all the strength and resolve you had built up over the years and nodded. “Ready.”

Hunter returned your nod. “I’ll be right here.”

You beamed at him. “I know.”

Hunter tilted his helmet before he released your hand to hold his blaster. You did the same, following his lead as he charged towards the village and stuck to the shadows. Once you reached the first structure, Hunter lifted his fist and spoke into the comms. “I’m detecting a path, Crosshair, but I need you to pick up on anything I don’t. There’s a lot of activity here for me to sort through.”

“Understood.”

Hunter lowered his hand to the ground and splayed out his fingers, waiting a beat before he drew up some of the dirt between his fingers. He motioned to the way ahead, and you nodded before following him. You acted as his shadow, staying no more than a foot or two apart as you snuck through the infrastructure.

It was much denser than the smaller village you had protected before, but you knew this place a lot better. Hunter’s ability to sense hidden threats was the only reason why you weren’t leading the way.

But he still didn’t know everything.

“Here.” Your voice was a curt whisper as you reached forward to grasp Hunter’s arm and pull him to the right. The two of you were enclosed in a narrow alleyway, one that twisted at the end into a path you remembered well. Hunter’s helmet started to tilt at you, but you set a firm hand on his covered chestplate. “Before you get any ideas, this is just a shortcut to get us through the busiest part of the village undetected.”

Hunter lifted his gloved hands in surrender. You chuckled and tapped his helmeted cheek before leading him ahead. Your pace slowed as you approached the bend, your back getting closer to the nearby wall as you looked to Hunter for guidance.

He nodded. “It’s clear.”

You returned his nod and stepped out into the bend, holding up your blaster as you did so. The two of you were nearly at the next bend when you heard Crosshair’s voice in your earpiece. “Stop.”

You froze where you were, and Hunter did the same alongside you. He lifted his fingers to the side of his helmet. “What is it?”

“Hostiles ahead, guarding the end of the bend.”

You cursed as Hunter looked over his shoulder. “Can we backtrack?”

“Negative. They’ve started guarding the way you came in.”

Hunter’s visor found your gaze, and his tensed shoulders told you everything his eyes would have. “Do you think they saw us?”

You pressed your lips together in thought. “It’s possible.” You shook your head. “But if they did, we would probably already be cornered.”

“They don’t know you’re there.” You hadn’t realized Hunter was keeping his comm engaged. “They’re facing outward, not inward. You’ll have to find another way out.”

Hunter looked up, and he nodded to himself before he said one last thing into the comms. “We’ll go up.” He lowered his hand and grabbed the grappling attachment from his belt. Once he had fixed it into place, he opened his left arm to you. “Hold on tight.”

You smiled and followed his gentle order, regardless of the fact you had a grappling attachment of your own on your belt. Your arms wrapped tight around his neck as he shot the line up and got you to the top. Sure, you had to stay focused on this mission, but having this self-indulgent moment of closeness to him was nicer than you could say.

Hunter was just as hesitant to put space between you once you got to the top of the building. You gave him a once-over and watched the stall in his chest before he focused on removing the attachment from his blaster. You shifted your own focus to your surroundings.

“I’m not seeing anyone up here.” You stayed low as you scanned the nearby rooftops. The outpost stood apart at the heart of the village. Thankfully, this wouldn’t be your first time infiltrating it, and having a higher angle on it would make it even easier—if you could maintain your position.

Hunter’s own visor looked around the area. “Same here.” He lifted one hand to your back to keep you low and close, and the other found the side of his helmet. “Crosshair, do they have anyone up top?”

“Negative. Their focus is on the ground assault, for now.”

Hunter nodded. “Good. We’ll keep the high ground.” He was about to drop both his hands, much to your dismay, until a new voice crackled through the comms.

“Hunter, I have tapped into their comms.” You and Hunter exchanged a look as Tech spoke, and even through his helmet, you could picture what expression he wore underneath. “They have a team en route to the planetary capitol. It will not be long before they discover that the senator is absent.”

“And that she’s here.” Hunter exhaled a breath that he tried, and failed, to keep steady. You took a hand and set it on his armored thigh, which was crouched down next to yours. “We’ll want to be at the outpost by the time that happens.”

“That is precisely what I was about to propose.”

Hunter kept his visor fixed on you as he began to give his orders. “We need to draw the forces out of the outpost. Echo, Tech, Wrecker, it’s time to have some fun. Crosshair, hold off until Wrecker needs reinforcements. We need your eyes.”

Wrecker was clearly happy to get the fight started. “Hah! Bold of you to think I’ll need reinforcements, Sarge!” You smiled to yourself and shook your head.

Hunter continued like the protective yet confident older-brother-turned-sergeant he was. “If you need to fall back, head to the outpost. We’ll reinforce it together.”

“We read you loud and clear,” Echo assured him. “Be careful in there.” His tone was laced with newfound amusement. “And stay focused.”

You hid your face against Hunter’s covered shoulder for a moment as you chuckled with him, and despite the fact you were alone, your ears began to burn in sweet embarrassment. Crosshair, as usual, didn’t miss a beat. “That mission’s already failing.”

“Speak for yourself.” Hunter was just as quick with his retort. You had to fight back another laugh. “Your eyes are supposed to be on our surroundings, not us.”

“And you’re clear for now. You wouldn’t want me getting bored up here, Hunter. That’s when I start firing shots.”

“Not this time.” Hunter’s tone, which had been amused before, reverted back to severity. You lifted your head up and reveled in the feeling of his hand brushing down your back before it fell away. “That’s an order, Crosshair.”

A sigh crackled through the comms. “Yes, sir.”

Hunter’s other hand lowered from his helmet as he focused on you again. He gestured with his head to the rooftops that stood between the two of you and the outpost in the distance. “Ready?”

You nodded, and that was all it took for Hunter to lead the way. The buildings in the village were all close together, which meant that leaping from rooftop-to-rooftop was no more than hopping over a small hurdle. Still, after each jump, Hunter glanced back to make sure you were okay. It filled your chest with that familiar, comforting warmth he always brought you, long before he had truly caught your affection.

Hunter raised his fist to stop you when you got to the last rooftop. He lowered himself even more in his crouch, and you did the same. When you made it to his side, you followed the invisible trail of his visor, observing the ragtag guards who were pouring in their measly numbers out of the outpost.

“Just like I told you.” Your voice was a whisper as you shook your head. “Barely fortified.”

Hunter shuffled even closer to your side. “Who’s responsible for them?”

You snorted. “The Prime Minister, technically. He’s supposed to be the liaison between them and the Republic.” Your free hand tightened into a fist. “I stopped receiving their requests for further aid and gear a month ago. That’s when I knew things were getting worse, and fast.”

Hunter’s fingers spread gently over your closed fist, relaxing it underneath his touch. “Well, we’re here, now. We’ll make things right.” His visor turned to you as he nodded. “This ends tonight.”

You blinked slowly up at him. “I’m glad we’re on the same page about that.”

Despite the sweetness of his reassurances, your stomach turned. The chrono was ticking relentlessly in the back of your mind, especially with Tech’s warning about the departed hunting party. You would be found out soon, and when you were… well, that was the part of the plan no one else was privy to.

Not even Hunter.

But for now, your only objective was to protect your people from this Separatist-fueled attack. You could focus on the other part of the plan when the time was right.

“They’ve cleared out.” Hunter was reaching for his grappling attachment again as the shadows of the setting sun made it even harder to see. His heightened senses obviated the need for sight. “The boys really got to work fast.”

“Either them or Alvani’s forces.” You holstered your blaster and lifted your brow. “Let me guess. ‘Hold on tight?’”

Hunter huffed and held his arm open. You clung to him even tighter than before, selfishly needing the proximity. Hunter aimed his blaster up at the elevated rooftop of the outpost and took the shot, getting the two of you to the top with ease. Before he took you over the edge, he managed to press a finger against his helmet. “Is it clear up here, Crosshair?”

You waited a beat. “Affirmative.”

Hunter wasted no time helping you up before he followed. You pulled your blaster as soon as your feet had touched the stone, lowering into a steady crouch as you scanned the area. Hunter did the same once he had joined you again, but he brought himself to stand slightly in front of you. One hand held his blaster as the other acted as reinforcement with his blade drawn.

“Okay, Sergeant.” There was a lilt of teasing to your tone. “What next?”

Hunter was all business. “This is the best place for us to be positioned. We can reinforce whoever’s left without them knowing.” He spared a glance back at you, and even in the darkness of the night and the shadow of his hood, there was a glint of light that caught his visor. “But let’s do a sweep around the perimeter up here, just to make sure we’re alone.”

You nodded and followed his lead. Hunter guided the two of you around the square rooftop, which was solely made up of narrow stone pathways. The center of the outpost’s square shape plunged downward, and at a certain point, it was separated from the rest of the galaxy by a large piece of transparisteel. The outpost had clearly been constructed with the intent of looking beautiful rather than being functional.

Considering Eirus was once a planet that swore peace above all else, that wasn’t a surprise. You scoffed under your breath at the mere thought. How far all of you had fallen, thanks to Lii Alvani.

Once you and Hunter had completed your sweep, he stopped you with his hand raised before he activated his comm. “We’re all set here, Crosshair. Get down and reinforce Wrecker.”

“Finally.” It was perhaps the most excited you had heard Crosshair this entire mission.

You chuckled and began to relax as you raised your brow at Hunter. “He’s about to be in his element.”

Hunter tilted his helmet. “They all are.”

You grinned and hoped that Hunter could sense it somehow behind your mask. “And you?”

His posture relaxed. “Well, you’re here, aren’t you?” There was the amusement you had been looking for earlier. “You know the answer.”

You pretended to check something on your blaster. “Then you should say it.”

Hunter hummed thoughtfully. “I don’t think that’s necessary.”

“Why not?”

“Because.” He sheathed his knife and pointed two fingers in your direction. “That ‘contusion’ on your neck speaks for me.”

Your face began to warm underneath your mask as you shook your head. The smile you wore faded as the reality of your surroundings contrasted with your sweet teasing. Knowing what you were hiding from him started to weigh your shoulders down.

Hunter must have grown just as anxious. “Tech,” he said with a hand lifted to the side of his helmet. “Anything new on the comms?”

“I…” there was blaster fire in the background, “... am a bit preoccupied at the moment. If Echo would be so kind as to provide me with cover…”

Echo was quick to chime in. “I’m working on it!”

You snickered as Hunter shook his helmet. After a few more heartbeats of silence, Tech returned. “Tuning in now.” You only had time for one unsteady breath before he spoke again. “It seems they are making haste. They have reported that they are only a few standard minutes within the capitol.”

Hunter cursed. “They must’ve used bikes.” He nodded to himself. “Keep me updated, Tech.”

“Affirmative.”

You closed your eyes and hung your head. The weight of what you knew was too much. To act like everything was okay around Hunter, especially with the vulnerability the two of you had shared not even a full day’s time ago, was something you could no longer do. With a light sigh, you dared to speak. “Hunter…”

“No.” You looked up to meet Hunter’s visor. He had repositioned himself in a flash, his entire front facing yours as he crouched down on one knee. “Don’t even think about it.”

Your jaw tightened. “Fighting isn’t going to end this. There’s a reason why they want me here.”

Hunter’s free hand held tight to his knee. “Don’t…”

“They don’t realize it yet, but they’re giving me a chance. When the time comes, I have to take it.”

“A chance to what? Let them have a clear shot at you?”

“No.” You remained gentle as you reached forward to set your hand over his. Your stare never strayed from his visor. “It’s a chance to reach my people. No diplomats, no half-truths, nothing like that standing between us. Just my voice and their ears.”

Hunter’s fingers danced underneath your grasp in an uncertain rhythm. “But we can fight. That’s why you brought us here.”

“Because I thought fighting was the solution. That’s what I’ve always known.” You shook your head, pleading for him to understand—just like he always did. “But it won’t work. They’ll only use it against me.”

Hunter’s visor lowered. You lifted your hand to the side of his helmet.

“You know it’s true.” You leaned close enough to rest your forehead against his helmet. “You’ll have to let me go. Okay?” You nodded at him. “I’ll be fine.”

The breath Hunter exhaled was shaky at best. “And if you’re not?”

You smiled at him, despite the fact he couldn’t see it with your mask. “I don’t have to worry about that.” You gestured with your eyes to the comlink on your belt. “Because I’ve got Clone Force 99 reinforcing me.”

Hunter’s deflated shoulders rose. He looked as if he was about to speak, but he stopped himself, his helmet turning away from you as his hand wrapped around your wrist and lowered it. He spoke before you could even question him. “They’re coming.”

You steadied yourself with a breath and nodded, raising your blaster. “How many?”

Hunter gave his helmet a tilt. “Hard to tell.”

Your heart plunged into your stomach. The goal wasn’t to win the fight, but you had to hold them off long enough to keep the outpost secure. It was vital that Hunter and the squad had this outpost when you turned yourself over to them.

Your plan formed quickly. “Let’s split up.” Hunter was about to protest when you held up your hand to stop him. “You take one side of the perimeter and I’ll take the other. We won’t be far from each other.” You gestured with your head to the nearest stone railing. “We just have to cover as many angles of their approach as possible.”

Hunter sighed before he nodded. His gloved hand took yours and gave it a gentle squeeze before he ran off. You watched him for a moment, amazed by his willingness to comply with your orders, before you walked up to the railing. Pressing your back against it, you reached for your scope attachment and locked it in place. Only then did you turn and position your blaster at the ground below.

All you could see were shadows, but after a minute or so of watching, those shadows began to move. You clocked at least a dozen of them on your side alone. You uttered a curse, but hesitated on the trigger. Your hands found your comlink and activated it. “Hunter, I’ve got some company over here.”

“Yeah, me too.” Hunter paused, and you held your breath until he responded. “Hold your fire until they engage.”

“Copy that.” You maintained your position, your blaster set to stun and your finger flexing over the trigger as you waited.

Suddenly, they all stopped, holding their positions and waiting just like you were. You furrowed your brow as an eerie chill scuttled down your spine.

You reached for the comm again. “Hunter…”

“Same thing over here.” Hunter projected his usual reassurance and confidence, but there was an alarmed undertone to his words. “Tech, anything new to report?”

“They have not yet reached the capitol.” Tech’s tone was just as matter-of-fact as usual. “Though they have been given an order not to move in on the outpost until they can confirm the senator’s whereabouts.”

You aired your stunned thoughts into the comm channel. “They know I’ll be here.”

Of course they knew. Many of these fighters were the same ones who had fought with you for years, who had made battle plans with you, and who had followed your orders. They knew you would want to be at the heart of the action.

It was all a trap, and you had allowed Hunter and his squad to run directly into it.

“New plan.” The urgency in Hunter’s voice proved he had reached the same conclusion as you. “All of you need to fall back to the outpost, now. There’s plenty of action waiting for you here.”

“Oh, yeah!” Wrecker continued to bring light to an otherwise dark situation. “We’re on our way!”

Echo matched Hunter’s own severity. “We copy, Hunter.”

It was a race against the chrono. If the rest of the squad wasn’t at the outpost before the team at the capitol discovered you were missing, then they would have to fight their way in. You fought hard to keep your focus on the unmoving shadows below, but the guilt of your oversight was making it extremely difficult.

If something happened to Hunter and his squad, it really would be your fault.

“Hey.”

You nearly jumped out of your skin when you heard Hunter’s modulated voice just behind you. After blinking a few times, you spun around to face him, your brow furrowed as you gave him an incredulous once-over. “What are you doing? You’re supposed to be—.”

“They’re not going anywhere.” Hunter set a hand on your shoulder. “You need me more right now.”

Your gaze and your head both fell at his words. You tried to think of something to say, to deny that the overwhelming dark cloud of guilt and dread was looming over you, but nothing would form on your tongue. Hunter’s hand rose to your chin, and just like he often did, he tilted your head back up to face him.

“This isn’t your fault. We made this plan.” Hunter nodded, holstering his blaster in favor of holding your face between his gloved hands. “We’ve known the risks this entire time. And honestly, the higher the stakes, the better for us.” He gave his helmet a quick tilt. “This isn’t the first time one of our plans hasn't worked out. But we still have a one-hundred percent success rate, and that won’t end here.”

There were no proper words to describe how meaningful his reassurance was. You held his wrist with your free hand. “Thank you.” You gave it a gentle squeeze. “I still have to give myself up, though.”

Hunter tensed. When he spoke, it was with a heavy exhale. “I know.”

“They want me to fight, and I can’t give in to them.” You huffed a self-deprecating breath. “I’ve played right into their hands enough times already.”

“Only because they were taking advantage of the fierce loyalty you have to your people.” Hunter’s visor lowered for a moment. “Now, you get to do things on your own terms.” His helmet’s stare found yours again. “You protect your people, and we’ll protect you. Just like we signed up for.”

You searched his visor for a moment before you nodded. “You’re right.”

You smiled as you steadied yourself with a breath, but you quickly became more serious again. The what-if of everything going wrong, despite the faith you had in Hunter and his squad to protect you, was getting too real. There was more you had to say.

The comm went off before you could even part your lips. “Hunter!” Tech sounded both out of breath and alert. “They have… arrived at… the capitol. The order is… being given… now!”

Hunter pulled away and reached for his blaster as you leaned over to look at the forces below. Sure enough, they were all starting to advance once again, causing you to curse under your breath.

“All of you, go up high. The senator and I have the roof secure. We’ll hold them off on our own until you get here.”

“And then?” Crosshair wasn’t even struggling for breath.

Hunter didn’t answer right away. His visor caught your gaze before he nodded and set his hand over your back. “Stay focused on the present.”

You returned Hunter’s nod, and only then did he return to his position. You set yourself back up along the stone wall and took a deep breath. It was so easy to prepare yourself for this fight, but knowing what would come next made your chest tighten. When fighting was all you knew, could you really change the tide with just your words?

You at least had to try. You owed your people that much.

As soon as you saw the first flash of blaster fire below, you pulled your own trigger. Blue circles of bright light streamed from your blaster, illuminating the darkened night as many of them found their targets. Some of the fighters began to look up, causing you to duck behind the protection of the wall as live rounds fired in your direction.

You found your rhythm quickly. One heartbeat, two heartbeats, three heartbeats, then rise. Steady the blaster, align yourself to the scope, then open fire. Keep going until you were spotted again. Crouch down, move along the wall, and repeat. One, two, three. Rise. Steady. Fire. Duck. Repeat.

It was all you could focus on until the sound of footsteps landing on the stone surface drew your attention over your shoulder. Every muscle in your body was tense and ready to fight, but when you identified Crosshair first and Echo second, you relaxed. The relief that washed over you was nearly enough to make you physically fall backwards.

“Senator,” greeted Echo with a nod. “The other two should be—.”

“Right behind you, as always.” Tech didn’t miss a beat even as he surveyed the rooftop around you. “Seeing as your speed is never quite ideal.”

“Yeah,” Echo huffed, “because it’s too fast for you.”

“That is not what I was—.”

“Who cares?” Wrecker was the last to join the fray, and he gave Tech a shove from behind. Tech tripped a few steps and shot him a look. “We’ve got some fightin’ to do!”

You sighed and lowered your mask as you looked upon the four of them. “Not exactly. All I need you to do is help Hunter reinforce from up here.”

Crosshair was the first to sense your unspoken words. “And what will you be doing?”

You answered him just as Hunter rounded the corner. “Turning myself in.”

Echo stepped forward. “You what?”

“That strategy is not sound,” Tech insisted. “The likeliest outcomes will be either your capture for ransom or… swift death.” It was the first time you had ever heard Tech hesitate before speaking.

“You don’t have to do that!” Wrecker punched his fist into his hand. “We can take ‘em!”

You at least smiled at that. “I know.” The ticking chrono in the back of your mind made you go on faster. “But I’ve done enough fighting. I may have failed in diplomacy with Eirus’ representatives, but… I haven’t even given my people that same chance.” You nodded at the group of men standing before you. “I have to have faith in them and try.”

Silence sat amongst the squad for more heartbeats than you expected. Echo was the first to move, his visor looking beyond you. “And you’re okay with this, Hunter?”

You turned your head to look at the sergeant, who sighed before lowering his hood and removing his helmet. “I am.” His brown eyes were focused on his squad as he spoke to them. “It’s the senator’s choice to make, just like I said before. We’re standing behind her no matter what she chooses.” Hunter’s stare found yours, telling you everything he couldn’t. “Tell us what you need us to do, and we’ll do it.”

You beamed at him, despite the fierce desperation clawing at your chest. What you wanted to do was to stay here with him and the squad, if only to keep all of you at ease—but that wasn’t what you needed to do. “Set yourselves up around the perimeter of the courtyard at the front of the outpost. That’s where I’ll surrender.” You glanced at the rest of the squad and nodded. “I’ll give you a signal if I need you to engage.”

“And if you don’t signal us in time?” Crosshair pressed.

You lifted the corner of your mouth. “I trust your instincts.” You bowed your head at all of them. “Thank you, and best of luck.”

Echo walked up to set a hand on your shoulder. “You’ll need it more than us.” He gave your shoulder a soft squeeze. “But we’ll see you on the other side of this.”

You nodded, smiling in appreciation of his optimism. With a heavy breath, you turned around to face Hunter. His stare had never once left you, and though you could see devastation and dismay clearly in his dark eyes, he continued to project strength and determination. You closed the distance between the two of you, stopping just in front of him and searching his gaze.

Hunter nodded as dutifully as ever, but when he spoke, his voice was low. “Be careful.”

You returned his severity. “You too.”

You didn’t give yourself enough time to mind your audience as you reached for his face and brought his mouth to yours. You kissed him hard, knowing it would soften the harsh edges of his fierce worry for you. He kept you close, his free hand wrapped around you in a way that made you wish he would never let go.

But the truth was that you didn’t have enough time as it was. You pulled away and let your stare linger on his own before you forced yourself away from him. Your eyes squeezed shut and your fists tightened as you fought the urge to run back to him.

This was what you had signed up for when you accepted your appointment as senator. The right choice always seemed to be the hardest one, and there was no guarantee it would even pay off. But you had to try.

You descended the staircases to the lowest level of the outpost, lowering your hood and making sure all your weapons were put away. Once you arrived, you heard the sounds of the blaster fire still ringing out.

One inhale, one exhale, and one chance.

“Stop!” You raised your voice as loud as you could to be heard over the chaos.

Instantly, the forces within the outpost stopped firing, their heads whipping around to face you with pure shock. Thankfully, the collective halt of their attack stopped the others as well. You stepped forward and nodded in reassurance at those you passed.

“Stand down.” You waved a hand to gesture to their weapons. Each soldier stared at each other before obeying. You focused back on the way ahead as you stepped out of the building and raised your hands in surrender. “There’s no need for fighting.” You looked around the fighters, who kept their blasters raised at you. “I’m here now. Let’s talk this through.”

“At last.” The voice was so chilling it turned your blood to ice in your veins. Every muscle in your body went rigid as you watched a new shadow emerge from the darkness. “We’ve been waiting for you, Senator.”

The light of the outpost shined on the figure, but you didn’t need the visual to confirm that you were staring into the eyes of Lii Alvani once again.

chapter 7 ⟸ series masterlist ⟹ chapter 9

hunter tag list: @zenrobbins0021 @cw80831 @yunggoblin @maddiedrmr @Molmcb @jellybeanstacey0519

senator’s shadow tag list: @violetlilly2020 @callsign-denmark @dindadjarin

#well! idk what to say except buckle up yet again #hunter bad batch #hunter tbb #tbb hunter #hunter #the bad batch #hunter x reader #hunter bad batch x reader #hunter tbb x reader #tbb hunter x reader #senator's shadow #dindjarindiaries

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