Archive of Our Own ^beta

"Am not" Hunter practically growled the words out

"You're sweet on her" Crosshair grumbled with a nose crinkle and a pointing of his toothpick towards his brother

"What's going on?" Wrecker asked as he sat down with the group

"Nothing" Echo quickly answered

"Crosshair is accusing Hunter of having feelings for your dear jedi friend," Tech explained then added quietly "although I don't see the point in dregging it up as there is nothing to be done about it with the jedi code in the way"

Wrecker grinned and said that lovely name, your name

"-Is she coming back soon or what?" he finished reaching over the table to poke Tech

"I do not handle the briefings Wrecker. Ask Hunter"

"Yeah, Hunter...when's your girlfriend coming back?" Crosshair sneered

"Quiet" Hunter hushed and turned towards the door, just in time for a knock.

The batch looked at one another. There was only one person who knocked, and what a silly knock pattern it was

You waited until you were told it was clear to open the door, before you did so. You'd always did, ever since accidentally walking in on them in various states of undress.

You walked in with a bounce to your step and a smile on your face.

"Hello Boys~" you beamed "Miss me?"

You were promptly scooped up in the whirlwind that was Wrecker. He laughed loudly as he spun you, you screeching in laughter as you clung to him tightly.

Crosshair narrowed his gaze on Hunter then jabbed him in the shoulder

"What"

"Don't think I don't notice" Crosshair grumbled with a scowl

You began to explain the task the 6 of you were to complete, all the while still perched in Wrecker's giddy hold.

This wasn't the first time nor the last you'd be assigned to the bad batch. You normally were pretty odd, although well liked, among the jedi of the order and you got along well with the batch. Crosshair tolerated you and even would withhold the really nasty comments. But, you were most drawn to Hunter. And they all knew how Hunter liked being near you, despite his determined denials of the fact.

Hunter really tried to keep his composure. To not bend or break to your sweetness, he was a solider and had his troublesome brothers to keep an eye on. One that would keep them all alive for the next mission.

And yet, every time you were with them... he couldn't help but relax a bit on the reigns. Couldn't help but trust you to get his brothers back safe and sound. Couldn't help but let you take some of the responsibility off his shoulders.

But he would definitely try to.

"Hey"

Echo huffed as you blubbered on and on. You were barely making coherent words at this point and had stopped making sense hours ago. Your beloved trooper had long since stopped trying to stop you from crying and had decided to just comfort you as you worked through what was bothering you.

In hindsight, he could have seen this coming. You'd been more critical of your appearance, more unsure of yourself and your thoughts, opinions and decisions. You'd been talking about changing your hair and you'd been more watchful of other ladies and how they were.

Echo shook his head and pulled you in close, tucking your head under his chin and rocking you gently back and forth. The two of you were on your shared bed and you were currently in just your undergarments. Your sorrow-burned flesh pressed up against his comforting bronze one. The two of you had just taken turns in the shower and were about to go to bed when this came about. When Echo caught you hatefully looking at your reflection.

"Mesh'la..." he cooed only to get a weak slap

"I am not" you grouched through your cries

"You are" he echoed stubbornly "I have never seen anything as beautiful as you."

He nuzzled his cheek against your crown as you squirmed spitefully. But your weak spiteful lashing out was less frightening to the ARC trooper than a tooka was. So with a soft scoff he held onto you tighter

"Who told you that you weren't? You're my beautiful Cyare...I'll fuck them up"

The words made a small smile sneak onto your lips for a moment before you willed yourself to stay upset. You didn't want to giggle at how silly he sounded saying such profanity, you wanted to wallow until you felt better

Echo let his body drop to the side onto the mattress, taking yours with him as a squeak erupting from your lips, and crawled above you.

You shrunk into the mattress as he caged you between his beautiful bare torso and the soft sheets

"Hmm...?" he hummed as his hand smoothed over your thigh "Who said these thighs were anything but heaven?"

Your face burned and you shied away from the intensity in his gaze as his hand continued up.

"This soft belly? Who told you it wasn't comfortable and adorable?" his hand ghosted across your stomach eliciting your flesh to pebble "Or these perfect  breasts? I will not stand for my favourite spot to lay against being talked about poorly"

You squirmed as his hand caressed the swells of flesh on your chest before his touch danced across your collar

"Here? Are you sure they weren't complaining about all the marks I leave instead? Mmm?"

"I-I..." you glanced away feeling small and flustered as the blush coated your ears and reached the top of your breasts

"It couldn't be this face. The face that is nothing short of artwork" he whispered with a tender gaze. As if the very idea someone thought ill of you would cause him to shatter and turn to dust.

You began to cry anew under his praise and adoration. But your boyfriend only wrapped his arms around you and peppered you with sweet, gentle kisses

"I love every tiny inch of you..." he murmured against your lips before he pressed a kiss there "Don't wish to be anything than what you are...I love you just as you are. I'll prove it, and I'll prove it to you over and over until you can't even think a single inkling of a thought like those ever again" he swore as he lowered himself against you and pulled the blankets up to cover yourselves for the events to come.

You leaned down, peeking around your wide brimmed sun hat, to peer at the bespeckled eyes hidden behind a datapad. The gentle breeze ruffling your skirts around and behind you but never threatening to move past your shins.

The object of your fascination, and adoration, seemingly ignoring your attempts at gaining his attention to continue reading whatever the dimly glowing screen held.

Your painted lips pulled into a pout at the soft rejection.

The evening was beautiful. The grass and leaves swayed with the lazy breeze, the sun dipping low into the horizon with a fantastical display being left in its wake. The air was rich with the smell of roasting meat and fish, laughter carried right along with the scents to where you stood. And there, there even light-bugs began to flicker once in a while to make it seem as if the very stars themselves were amongst you.

And yet, all Tech wanted to look at was his silly datapad.

"I can see you feigning displeasure, you realize" he mumbled out, though his eyes still never left the damn contraption

"If you can see that, then why can't you pause whatever it is you're doing and enjoy the scenery?" you asked with a slight huff

"A sunset is the same on most planets. Since yours has but a singular sun, then the sunset will be the most common. I have seen many like that" he reasoned

Always with that reason of his.

"But I haven't been on those planets, now have I?"

You weren't sure if the bait would be taken, the logical brother out of the group was normally the kind to ignore such things. But would he this time?

"Of course you were not on those planets. That would have made our introduction here quite delayed. Had we known each other far prio-"

"Tech, just look over here for a moment. Would you?" you asked with an amused eye roll

With a huff, and a stubborn minute of delay, the clone of your heart finally broke his gaze with the screen and glanced over's the datapad.

Had you not have spent the last couple of months befriending the stand-off-ish man, you might not have realized the awe in his expression. The eyebrows just disappearing at the top of his glasses, the way his eyes widened just the littlest bit, how his lips parted only a fraction, or how he'd almost entirely let the datapad's altitude fall to his hip as he took you and your backdrop in.

"Finally, and here I was thinking that I might lose the sunlight entirely before I could get you to look" you teased with a grin

Tech seemed to still be in a bit of a stupor. His mind having short circuited at the sight before him. Sure he understood that you were objectively beautiful, Wrecker liked to call you that all the time - in fact. But he'd never thought that sunlight could make your skin glow like your Epidermis layer created the light itself. He never thought that your hair could look as if it were dancing in an intricate and classified dance known only to your skirts, it's partner for the routine. He never thought that irises could sparkle like nova crystals or that he could feel the very warmth of your smile - something that was made of bone radiating into him a heat it could never possess.

"Well~? Pretty, huh?" you teased striking a pose

"A-actually...pretty would be the wrong choice of descriptor for what I am seeing"

You frowned a little but waited for him to continued.

When he fussed with his glasses and said no more, you gently pressed

"Then what would you call it Tech?"

"Well, first of all...I'm not sure I have settled upon the proper description quite yet...m-may I list what I have ben considering?" He glanced up at your briefly before his eyes adverted back to the grass below

"I'm all ears" you nodded

"Well, you only ha-"

"Your list" you smiled with a slight brow raise

"R-right, of course you know how many ears you have." he muttered to himself before be took a breath and looked at you once more.

You patiently waited as his eyes roamed across your form and its features. You were always patient with him, and he always appreciated it. He never felt like he had to hurry his own pace along to match another's. You simply, and effortlessly, matched his own

"Awe inspiring," he blurted out then glancing away, he continued "beautiful, captivating, enchanting, gorgeous, heart-racing, no wait...jaw-dropping, mesmerizing, stunning..." he suddenly got a lot quieter, hunching into himself more before he added "indescribably breathtaking is the most sufficient way for I to describe what I see when looking at you in this moment while taking into considering what it is that you do to me as well."

It was your turn to stare, slack-jaw. Your lashes blinked several times in awe and surprise at his admissions. Your cheeks bloomed in a deep rose hue while your lips pressed together tightly before they crawled into a wide smile.

"Do...do you mean that...?" you whispered

"Did I not sound genuine...?" He asked more so to himself rather than you. His brown eyes shifting to the sky as if the answer was hiding within it's darkening shroud.

"N-no!" you stammered with a laugh "I was just surprised"

You smiled and closed the few feet difference so that you were now standing next to one another.

The sun's warmth had dipped behind the ocean and the stars were being hung across the atmosphere like decorations from a festival. The silver of a moon ascending into the canvas of sparkling jewels.

"May I make an entirely self-indulgent request of you, in this moment?" Tech asked watching as your form now was illuminated on either side. One by the last of light left behind by the sunset and the other bathed in the silver breathe of the rising moon. It was another beautiful sight he would be grateful to you for having shown him.

"Of course" your eyes creased with your pleased smile "You can ask anything you'd like, I can't promise I'll know the answer though."

Tech chuckled softly as he faced you fully

"I do believe that, this one time, this is an answer that only you will be able to give"

You highly doubted it, but you'd humour him. So with a soft, barely even noticeable, nod of your head, you encouraged him once more to say what it was he needed to

"I should very much like to kiss you, and I am asking for your permission to commence such an act" his question and admission were barely above a whisper. Words held back with a slight worry of your possible rejection

"You may" you approved, pressing one more step closer "Kiss me" you softly ordered

But just as he leaned in and was about to, your hat flapped up into the wind. Tech's hand shot out past your cheek to snatch the woven fabric with lightening fast reflexes he had trained to have. The action had him already leaning into your space and with both of your surprise melting away, he leaned further in.

Your right hand reached back to help him guide your hat back onto your head, while the left gently latched onto his forearm. Your eyes fluttered close as you felt his right arm settle around your back daintily. All of which proceeded the featherlight press of his lips to yours. But your heart soared at the action and when he began to pull back, you yanked him right back into your part and waiting lips.

"Alright"

You jumped a bit at the sudden booming voice. Head whipping around, your gaze landed on your giant of a boyfriend. Confusion bubbled within your form, one brow raising and frown still evident on your lips

Wrecker all but dropped the crate in his hands and sat on the bed next to you

"You've been all quiet an' mopey for weeks. I waited but, you didn't come t' me. Now, I'm asking..." He sighed with a slight pout on his lip "What's going on?"

You felt your eyes burn a bit and you promptly looked down at the floor. If you couldn't see the hurt in his gaze, then it wasn't there - or so a childish, hurt part of your mind argued.

Your boyfriend was always patient with you and your depressive bouts. He'd also told you, countless times, to come to him when you had issues. But, sometimes it was hard to get the words across...

Your beloved clone huffed softly and reached an arm around you, pulling you into his side but not forcing any more out of you.

"I want you to be happy, Mesh'la" came the soft words "I want t' help with whatever's going on...but I can't do that if ya don't tell me..."

You nodded silently in agreement, letting your weight settle against him and closing your eyes. They burned with tears you'd yet to shed, but yearned to do so.

"Did one of my brothers say something...?" He asked in a hushed tone "I ca-"

"No" you croaked "No, nobody said anything"

"Oh"

He hummed as he thought...then turned back to you

"Are you missing your home-world? We co-"

You cut him off again with a prompt headshake

"Oooookay..." Wrecker drew a deep breath, mind racing to figure out what he could try and worm out of you next.

But you relented.

"My birthday's in a few days" you practically whispered the words, pulling your knees to your chest

"Your birthday...?!" Wrecker gasped in excitement "Why didn't you..."

The words died in his throat as he glanced back to you and saw how you were curling up into yourself. You were upset, he knew it. He always noticed how you acted when you were upset and your mind was spiraling out of control.

He frowned and wrapped his other arm around you, twisting his form so that he could pull you into his lap comfortably.

"What's wrong with your birthday? It's a good day" he urged

"I just...so many bad things happen on my birthday..." you mumbled.

You turned and hid your face against his chest. You wanted to disappear and not be found, but curling up small and hiding within your beloved's arms would have to do.

Wrecker wasn't going to ask what 'bad things' entailed, he could imagine. Instead, his arms tightened about you in an attempt to soothe

"Well, that's the past birthdays. This birthday is different" he gently argued, a smile adorning his face

"And how do you know?" you grumbled

"Because I'm here for this birthday!" Came the bright, beaming cheer.

You couldn't help but let out a soft snort.

"Don't make promises, a million and one bad things could happen between now and then" you replied sourly

"They could..." he mused, then kissed the top of your head "But I'll be here. I'm not going anywhere"

The tender words tugged away the last of your defenses, your tears slipping down your cheeks as you clung to him.

Wrecker let you cry for a few minutes in silence before he rocked side to side to gain your attention.

"What do you want to do for your birthday?"

"I...I don't know" you hiccupped

"Then we'll think of something!" he smiled then put his hand to his chin "Let me think..."

You sniffled and rubbed at your eyes

"We could go n' have a day out! Go to one of the cities and just walk around? We don't have a lot of credits, but we'll find something nice!"

"It's going to be hard with the Empire being dicks"

"Nahhhhh" he drew the word out with a grin "We'll just wear disguises, it'll be fun"

You peeked up at him as he continued on

"We can go just us. Or...Or we can take Omega with us! You love spending time with Omega!"

He seemed rather excited planning this outing that you weren't entirely sure you wanted...

"Hunter won't want her to go" you pointed out softly

"Well, I'll talk to Hunter. It's a special occasion. Plus, if he's so worried then Tech can keep tabs on us all" he shrugged, though that big smile never faded

Wrecker kept rambling on and on, firing out all these ideas and plans that you could do

"-and if you two get tired, I'll just pick you both up and carry you!"

"You seem really excited" you sniffled, looking up at him

"Well yeah, it's the day you were born...! It's one of my favourite days" Wrecker leaned over, delicately wiped away the stray tears in your lashes then kissed your forehead "Because of that day, I get to hold you. And carry you, and hug you, and kiss you and...well, a lot of things"

His cheeks burned a little at his last words, but the happy and loving look remained.

You weren't sure how to respond, sometimes the sheer amount of love was overpowering. But it was always genuine. So with a gentle nod you let a smile sneak onto your lips

"Thank you, Wrecker"

"Ahw...it's nothing." he snickered, kissing your cheek sweetly "But you're welcome!"

"Maybe..." you fidgeted with your fingers shyly "Maybe we can have everyone hang out for my birthday..."

As if Wrecker's smile couldn't get bigger, now he practically was vibrating in excitement

"THAT SOUNDS GREAT!" he yelled excitedly "We'll all have a great day for you! The whole batch!"

You nodded, letting out a soft giggle.

Your own lips casted down at the edges, regardless to the giddiness you were feeling second-hand for the couple.

You watched on from a distance as your eyes caught a trooper, whom you didn't know, race to his, assumed, girlfriend. The two spun about in each others arms, he picked her up and she still looked up at him with a love-struck grin.

Despite working for the GAR, with an entire army of relatively tall men,  you'd long since given up on the idea of being tossed about playfully. But what hurt more to give up on, was the ability to be so small and cute... to be able to, even while in one's arms, crane your neck delicately up to meet their down-casted loving gaze.

You were on the taller side for women and while you weren't the same size as the general clone, you were not nearly short enough to be getting grins shot down to you, or need to tip-toe to kiss their lips...honestly it infuriated you so.

You then heard your name called

Turning your face to meet forward, you met the gaze of one sergeant Hunter.

"Are you coming...?" He asked with a brow raise

You flushed a little in embarrassment but nodded a bit forlornly

"Sorry"

Hunter gave you a soft nod of his head and continued to lead you to his squad, the bad batch.

You'd worked with them in the past, on the odd occasion but never as closely as you would be this time.

This time, you'd be travelling with them to a planet for you to collect some specimens for the scientists in the labs. This wasn't your favourite task, but it was definitely one that got you to visit new places.

Hunter then paused at the ramp for the ship, the marauder, and turned about

"Alright, before we get on board. Crosshair's been even more grouchy than normal, so don't be upset if he just snaps and makes jabs the whole time. He's...I dunno...got something to work out. Wrecker is absolutely buzzing to talk to you so when you get in, bank for the right so he doesn't just slam into you-"

You let out a soft laugh

"I'm not kidding, he'll send you flying" he frowned then rubbed the back of his neck "Other than that...if you need help come get me or Echo."

You nodded as you committed it all to memory

"And...uh...sorry in advance" he grumbled as he began ascending the ramp

"For what?"

"We're not used to being stuck with women for an extended time like this. You'll have to be mindful of that - We'll all be trying our best though"

You scoffed slightly but understood, most of the troopers didn't have a whole lot of experience with other species or even just other people before their deployment. And even then, they'd only meet people in passing as they were forced to keep up fighting.

The second you stepped foot unto the ship proper, you heard a loud bellow of your name, and heeding Hunter's advice, and banked right...unfortunately, someone happened to be standing there. You let out a surprised cry as you tumbled into the individual and landed in a heap on the floor

The man you'd taken down with you, sat up with a huff then straightened his goggles

"Well that was quite the entrance...I was unaware that dramatic entries that were hazards to those around you were on your recommendation documents"

You gawked at the bespeckled man then turned to Hunter and back to Tech

"Are you for real right now?!"

"Of course, I am for real. Are your psych analyses faulty?" he grumbled in an insulted way

"What?" you frowned in confusion as you shoved your body up to its feet "It was an accident, calm down"

Tech huffed at you but stood and dusted himself off, gingerly picking up the device that he'd dragged to the floor with him.

"Sorry about your thingy..."

His brown eyes glanced to you, as if evaluating you, then nodded curtly in response. He then slunk further into the ship while you promptly got scooped into a crushing bear hug.

"I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE HANGING OUT WITH US THIS TIME!" Wrecker beamed brightly

"Y-yeah...me too" you wheezed out

The rest of the trip to the planet seemed to go well, only a few times did you have a hiccup with the forwarned grouch and his verbal daggers. But as you stood on the planet surface, collecting one of the plant samples...you couldn't help but get distracted by the view...

Tech:

• Good luck getting anything done
• He's gonna want a proper plan, blueprints and a solidified project outline
• You cannot and will not deter from this agreed plan
• You also can't do this without him
• He gets super upset the one day you thought you could do some sanding without him to just keep it moving along
• He's got so many projects...but this one he gets to do with you
• So it's special but he's still gonna focus on his stuff too
• Is a pro at electrical, like a god
• Is pretty good at everything else as well
• Like to the point he's going around behind you and redoing everything you did
• Doesn't care for painting as he finds it a waste of his time compared to the other parts of the project
• Perfectionist to the max
• Its never gonna be good enough because he's gonna think of a way to make it better or get the task done more efficiently
• You'll probably bicker over this because of his constant 'improvements'
• Funny cuz you had to agree that you wouldn't alter the plan
• Is more function than fashion so he won't care if it's not pretty if it does its job
• Hence why the paint is the worst part for him
• Might tech-splain things to you
• He's not doing so maliciously, he really thinks he knows it better and has to help you out
• Will get really upset if Crosshair shows up and moves any of his perfectly organized mess
• You are also not an exception to that rule
• Gonna be a lot of watching him work
• Not a big praiser if you do something well on your own

Crosshair:

• He's not a handy man
• He hates every second of every minute that you're forcing him to work
• Forcing is a strong word but its the one he chooses
• Will broodily do what you ask but in the most slow, annoying and procrastinating way possible
• His goal is to get you mad enough that you'll just take over the task and let him leave
• Unwanted 2 cents will be weighed in on every single thing you do
• "You're not angled enough for that drill"
• "That's not gonna stay on the wall"
• "You think that's hammering?"
• He will not take over if you sass him back about your 'incompetence'
• Will sand the putty to perfection if you're not there to witness him actually helping
• Will argue you on anything just because he can
• Will hold things up for you because he doesn't want you to get hurt
• But he ain't gonna admit it damn it!
• Will promptly call one of his brothers if he thinks they can do a better job than either of you and that it will get him outta helping
• Wants this shit over with because then you'll stop paying attention to it instead of him
• Will go in and clean up if you fall asleep exhausted from working on said project
• Will move your tools around so they're not where you left them
• He's just being an ass because he can
• He also finds it hilarious to watch you have a crisis because you remember leaving it 'right there'

Hunter:

• Is mildly handy
• As in he knows a pretty decent amount of things and is good at it, but that knowledge is very surface level
• Like yeah he can wire a socket but the breaker?
• Yeah, he has no idea how that works
• He'll call his brothers for help / advice before anyone else
• If his brothers can't help then it'll be research time
• Whatever it is you need done, will be figured out
• Doesn't like paying people to do the work because 1) they ask too much money and 2) he can just learn to do it
• Woodwork is his greatest skill
• Gets pretty into the process but you're gonna have to go over the plan with him first
• Otherwise how is he gonna know what you're trying to get accomplished?
• Really enjoys the project because he can just have quiet time with you and you're making something together
• Isn't a fan of the power tools because they hurt his ears so he'll opt for the manual-tools at any chance
• Sometimes he'll just let you handle those pieces and excuse himself until you're done with the noisy ass machinery
• Other times he'll bring in super headphones or his helmet to cancel out as much noise as possible
• Is really proud of any and all progress you make
• He's proud of his own work, but he's prouder of yours
• Will not hesitate to praise but it won't be excessive
• Will carve little words or messages that are hidden as things get built
• You don't need to know about them, it's enough for him to know he's left them for you across all your projects and tasks

Bonus!!!!

Omega:

• She tries so hard
• She just wants to help you with whatever it is that you're doing
• It doesn't matter how slow you go or what you allow her to do or not do, Hunter is going to be hovering and watching her like a hawk
• You won't let her use the power tools but you'll let her use the manuals
• She's very excited to learn / do anything
• A million questions and ideas
• She'll rush off in .05 seconds to get one of the others if she thinks they're better at the task
• Will tend to ferry you items as you work and crowd you because she needs to know everything you're doing
• When you let her putty and paint she's having an absolute ball of a time
• You'll have to sand like crazy and do another coat of paint...but she's happy
• Dance parties will take up a lot of time
• You don't even mind
• There will also be dramatic lip-syncing and singing as you two work together
• She measures everything a hundred times before she gives it to you to cut - no, she's not cutting...are you crazy?
• Then just before you bring the saw down, she'll snatch it and run to measure one last time
• Is so proud of it when its done she's absolutely buzzing in excitement and will happily yack the ear off of anyone who'll let her

It was late now, technically it wasn't even the same day anymore, but to you it was just really late at night. You never counted it as "tomorrow" until you woke up and you were far from falling asleep! Your boyfriend, on the other hand, was not keen on your decision.

He had been desperately trying to settle down, knowing that the morning would bring a quiet reprieve the two of you were granted from his brothers. But also well aware that it would be one that wouldn't last long. But his attempts to dissuade you from this course of action came to no avail.

You were far too excited.

Far too wide awake.

All of it to his chagrin.

He frowned at you while you continued to bubble little fits of boisterous yet endearing giggles. He had to give it to you, you at least were keeping them down enough that you wouldn't wake the others - although now that he thought of it, Hunter was probably biting his sheets to keep himself from barking at you to go to bed like an angry father.

The ARC trooper bit his lip to stop his own grin rising to his cheeks with that mental image.

His warm eyes drifted back to your form. You were bundled in most of the blankets and practically were hiding within them. There was just a little circle of an opening where he could see your mirthful eyes and gleeful lips stretched wide.

With a gentle eye roll he whispered to you once more

"Mesh'la, please, it's way past lights out...we both have to sleep. Otherwise we'll waste our day away from the boys by sleeping in!"

You pouted a bit, but little giggles were still slipping through. Times like this made Echo wonder what kinda of life you'd had before them and the empire to have such an ability to be unabashedly happy with childlike purity.

With an amused roll of his eyes, he leaned over and brought his face in close to your own.

"Alright, for the last time...good, night" he smiled at you, eyes drifting around the happiness in your face before he pressed his lips chastely to the tip of your nose

"Echoooo~" you snickered once more

"Ah, ah, no more giggling. We have to sleep or else we aren't going to have fun tomorrow. Too bad~" he mused in faint disappointment "I was gonna do something really romantic and surprise you"

You snuggled closer and beamed up at him, Echo barely keeping to his role

"What...? For me...? Really?" your eyes practically twinkled like stars at the idea

Deflating a bit at your utter adorableness, your lover pulled you in close. Your form pressing to his with a squeak.

"If you go to sleep right now, I will romance your socks off. The sweet nothings spiling into your ear will make a Sith-blade look pale"

You nodded with a grin then took a deep breath and snuggled as close as you could get. Finally sharing the blanket you'd been hogging.

Just as you both started to drift to sleep, there was a loud scoff

"Really Echo??? That was the worst thing I've ever heard. Just throw romance out the window, you couldn't charm the pants off a tooka - oh wait-"

"Crosshair, shut the hell up. She's not giggling!" Hunter's rushed whisper-yell made Echo chuckle deeply

So Hunter HAD been suffering...

He couldn't wait to tell you in the morning...and then fulfill his promises

Anxiety flooded your system. Your veins thrummed as your ears pounded - your heart racing faster than a Kaadu with the promise of tlickweed. You could feel the very muscles under your skin tingling, as if they were power lines - taut to the point of almost snapping with lightening trapped within. Your vision was a bit blurred and your breathing picked up to accommodate for the rate your heart was going. Sweat began to fill at your pits, under your breasts and at the top of your lip.

You were officially panicking.

Not terribly far from you, Hunter picked up on the sudden distress within you - not only could he practically feel the anxious behaviour as if it were his own...but your dear batch-er was very good at details, and he knew you well. This was not something to let you work out on your own, this was your body crying for help.

Your beloved slowly stood from his seat at the computer interface, and made his way to you. He wanted to get to you as soon as humanly possible - but was not willing to risk scaring you in such a heightened state. Using the full length of his legs, Hunter was behind you soon enough and with a soft call of your name he made his presence known.

You turned, face riddled with surprise, only for shame and guilt flood your visage before you quickly spun back around. A desperate attempt to hide from his view

"Hey," Hunter reached out and took your wrist in his hand, his other wrapping around your middle to pull you close "Hey, listen."

"But-"

"Listen to me..." he implored in a whisper

He waited until you stopped struggling and wriggling in his hold.

"Fine...I'm listening" you huffed with a pout forming at your lips

"Everything...is going to be...alright" he hushed

He pulled you further back until your spine pressed to his chest, his face dipping forward a bit to kiss your neck at the perfect angle - the perfect spot to leave goosebumps prickling across your skin in response. And he gleefully and selfishly felt his chest swell with pride at the pebbled surface fly across your flesh.

You whined softly, but let out a deep sigh

"You don't know that" your urged softly, as if your words held too much gravity to be said in a single note higher than it already had

"Yes, I do" Hunter whispered in soft and sweet tone, the hand holding your wrist guiding it to your middle so that both his arms were around you. So he could hug you tightly to him.

You were silent for a moment, as the cacophony of emotions ran about your mind and soul. Your eyes closing to try and desperately hold back the tears that began to fill your lash line. And unknowingly, you began to lean further and further back - as if you were subconsciously trying to sink into your lover's chest.

"Everything...is...its just so much" your words came out like a whimper, voice cracked from the weight of your emotions

"I know" he confirmed softly, his face leaning forward so that his cheek could rest against your own "But, you're not alone in this"

You silently, leaned your head to the side to touch your cheek to his - earning you a soft hum of delight and his arms to tighten their hold just a bit to give you a gentle squeeze

"You're not" he urged "You have me...and you'll have my brothers ready to help too"

"That'd be a waste of their time" you mumbled softly

"It wouldn't. I know you think that you could just slip away and nobody would notice - I do know how your brain works in these times, you know" he smiled softly "And it's wrong"

you let out a half-hearted scoff, pulling one of your arms up and out of his hold to rub your eye

"If you looked so much as remotely distress all of them would be ready to throw down" Hunter pointed out softly "Tech might not be very affectionate the way most people are, but he always peeks at you when you're struggling with a task. Barely an hour later and I'll see him tinkering and editing it so that next time it's easier for you"

You raised a brow in suspicion, but let him continue

"Echo has relaxed a lot more since you've been around to help with everything, and he's always the first one to ask if you need anything when there's a supply stop." he rocked your forms side to side softly as if the gentle sway would help shoo your negative feelings "Wrecker will watch you with Omega and is just so elated that she has a formal feminine role model - not to mention he takes every opportunity to ask if you've got enough 'your stuff' to make you feel comfortable. And I really think he loves running off to go shopping with your and Omega"

A small snort of a giggle wriggled past your lips. Your shopping outings were always chaotic but a lot of fun.

"Then there's Omega." Hunter let out a sift sigh "You know...I think she actually loves you more than I do"

Another giggle erupted from you, his one hand reaching across your torso to wipe a tear trail from your cheek.

"She follows you like a duckling, she watches everything you do and tries to emulate it, and i wish you could see the twinkle in her eyes whenever you so much as show up in the vicinity. You're the first person she says goodnight to and the first one to get a hug in the morning." he let out a chuckle "She'll talk about your non-stop, even about things we all know and about situations we were present for. The little girl adores you with every fiber of her being"

you carefully turned in his hold, your lover removing his lean into you to give you a better chance at doing so

"And you..." you whispered, gaze tender and vulnerable

You watched his tattoo distort as a loving smile not only spread across his lips but reached his eyes and creased them as well.

"And me." he agreed "But you always had me. Right from the moment I set eyes on you"

You felt your cheeks warm at his admission and you looped your arms around his neck - his own pulling you in close to his chest once again, although this time you were facing him

"I'm sorry" you whispered

"Nothin' to be sorry for" your beloved commando soothed

"I was being silly, emotional" you pressed

"No, you were just overwhelmed. A life on the go isn't easy - especially one where you're a fugitive" he sighed, feeling guilty for having pulled you into this life

"I chose to be here, Hunter. I chose to be with you...all of you" you smiled softly, leaning in to kiss his cheek

"I don't think you were aware of the consequences" came the soft grumble, though his lips couldn't fully pull down - pleased by your affectionate display

"Well, you did kinda come crashing into my office like a tornado, packed half my belongings and began towing me away" you offered, feeling lighter by the subject

"Yeah...that...that wasn't very respectful of me, I should've explained better-"

"You were sprinting off Tipocca with Omega and your brothers" you defended

"Most of my brothers" he corrected quietly

you nodded softly and pulled him in for a hug

"It wasn't the last conversation you'll have with him. I may not know everything, but that much I know." you comforted "Given a better chance, he'll choose you - he'll choose all of you"

"Us" he corrected you once again "He'll choose all of us"

you made a bit of a face as you tried to think up a quick response

"You're part of this family too" Hunter cooed, placing his hand on your cheek "Cross can handle 2 sisters, I'm sure he'll get along with you and Omega much easier than us four"

"And why's that...?"

Hunter only smiled knowingly, but when you opened your lips to protest his lack on words...

"THERE YOU TWO ARE!" Wrecker's voice boomed happily "Been lookin' everywhere for you!"

"I did mention they were likely still on the marauder" Tech grumbled fixing his goggles

"We're...not...interrupting somethin', are we...?" Echo asked slowly, his brow cocked and his golden hues darting between your forms - taking stock of you both

Before you could answer, you name came ringing out as a cheer and only half a heartbeat after did Omega collide into you. Her arms wrapped around your hips and her cheek pressed against the small of your back

"I missed you...!" she beamed and quickly shuffled to the side to tear your arm from Hunter and began to tug you towards the hatch "You gotta see this! I found the most beautiful and weird thing..! And you'll never believe what it's called! Its th-"

Hunter smiled affectionately as he watched omega cart you off, only to notice his brothers staring

"What?"

"He's got it baaaaaad" Wrecker snickered

"Precisely," Tech agreed turning to walk right back out of the ship "Good thing you all have me here to keep this operation running, with Hunter fueled on hormones and emotions now-"

Hunter gawked as his face flushed darkly, then turned to Echo for help

"Pfft." Echo quickly turned his head to the side and held his hand over his mouth

"I hate. you. all"

You usually didn't go with the batch on missions. Usually, you'd meet the squad of eccentric commandos at the location designated for your joint mission then continue from there. Even on the mission you rarely stuck right next to them, opting to camp at the far side of their encircling bedrolls and tents. There was no real reason for it - it was just what you had always done. You'd never though much past such a fact...until tonight-

You stared at the hotel bed before you, pain still shooting through your side from where the blaster bolt had struck you. Beside you, the biggest of the four towered as he too looked at the singular bed

"Ah...I....I can sleep on the floor" he dragged out with a touch of embarrassment in his tone

"That's not fair" you sighed

"You're hurt" he insisted

"You're hurt more" you countered, gesturing to the binded bandages across his torso - some peeking from between his armour

Wrecker huffed, a childish looking pout crossing his features as he tried to think of another point to make

"This is nonsense" you shook your head and turned your gaze back to the offending furniture.

It wasn't a nice bed by any means, but would do the job for the night and appeared relatively clean. And it was definitely bigger than you needed - probably bigger than Wrecker was used to as well.

"I can call Hunter, he can fi-"

"We're not exactly on home turf here" you pointed out softly

Wrecker deflated a bit at the reminder.

"Right...getting the staff mad will cause a scene we cant afford..." the commando mumbled with his ever growing pout

"We're both adults..." you sat down on the mattress then patted the other side of the bed "we can sleep in the one bed"

"Together..." Wrecker's tone questioned your idea, though he still did as you non-verbally asked and rounded to the other side

"Yes" you nodded

"It...won't get you in trouble...right?" he asked as he settled himself down, the mattress shifting with his weight

"In trouble..." you mused in confusion "Why would it get me in trouble?"

"Well..." he nervously chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck instinctually but winced as it pulled at tender muscles "C-Cross said that Jedi can't touch clones at bedtime - that's why you never sleep with us"

You couldn't help the silly grin that pulled at your cheeks

"He said that?"

"Yeah!" Wrecker nodded "Said the teachin's why you won't fly with us either...!"

You let out a soft snort at the idea

"...he lied, didn't he...?" the large clone groaned, putting a hand to his face "I knew it sounded like...well not right!"

You swiveled in your spot beside him and began tugging softly at the latches of his armour

"There's no rules against where I sleep, with whom I sleep next to or whom I fly with" you explained as you continued

Wrecker let you undo his armour, piece by piece, glad to have it off him and set to the side.

Your gaze quickly tracked the wounds across his chest where bacta had been applied - as each location had darkened the bandages.

"So why not?"

"huh?" you blinked, tilting your gaze up to meet his

"Why didn't you?"

You could see the confusion and vague hurt emanating from his form at the idea you willingly wouldn't join him and his brothers.

"I...just didn't" you shrugged, the question leaving you void of an answer for him

"But its dangerous!" he protested "I know you have the saber and the force..." he wiggled his fingers as if that is what made the force work "but!"

You watched as he paused and glanced at his lap, looking sheepish

"But...?"

"Well, I was worried...'bout you" Wrecker confessed softly "Every time..."

Wrecker peeked at you, then grabbed the hem of your robe - not daring to formally grab at you during such a vulnerable exchange but seeking that physical connection as he always did.

"Every time you didn't come with us, I'd worry about you. I'd peek out of my tent just to make sure you were right where i saw you had bene when you went to bed. I tried to stay close as i could...but I didn't want to get you in trouble - or make you uncomfortable"

You could feel your chest grow warm as your heart swelled at his sweet admissions and caring nature.

"Thank you" you whispered as you felt heat gather in your cheeks

"Ahw...it's...it's nothin'" he mumbled looking embarrassed

You peeked at his crude bandages then fished out the spare aid kit you kept with you

"Alright, let me take better care of those wounds" you resettled beside him and reached for the first bandage's tie

"Uh...its alright" The sweet commando insisted "Really, I've survived worse"

You gave him a look

"Wrecker, whether you have or not isn't in question. The fact is, I can't just let you stew in barely dressed wounds. I may not be a healer - but I know how to clean and dress injuries..."

Wrecker fussed a bit but inevitably let you take care of him. Let you delicately pry the bandages from his blacks and gingerly over the holes that exposed his skin and clotted wounds. Let you pull his shirt from him and then let you clean each painful location across his torso.

Wrecker hissed as you put the last patch on, it happened to cover the most painful looking one out of the group, but you could tell by how taut his muscles were he was trying his best to stay still for you.

Suddenly feeling an overwhelming urge, you leaned in and kissed next to this particular wound.

"There, now it won't hurt - promise"

Wrecker stared at you wide-eyed and jaw ajar as you pulled back and fished out more patches

"Uh- but..." his voice called your attention to return to his confused face "you got em all"

You stifled a giggle as he gestured to his new bandages - he thought you were fishing more out for him.

"I need your help" you explained softly as you handed him the sterile patch and the bacta solution.

You then hiked up the side of your robes to expose your upper thigh and hip - where you'd been shot earlier

"I can't see it very well, so...you'll have to help me"

"ah....okay...." he paused looking a bit unsure "I don't usually do this part"

You then walked Wrecker through cleaning and bandaging your wound properly - well as proper as you two could manage without being medics.

To his credit, he was very good with his hands and the fine motor abilities needed to do so as painlessly as possible. He didn't mess up placing the bandage nor secured it too tightly - both which you did accidentally to him only a short time ago.

The moment he was done, Wrecker looked at you then at the bandage, then back again as if waiting for something - or perhaps debating something...it was hard to tell

But then he leaned over and pressed a delicate peck against your skin before pulling up quickly and mumbling "so it won't hurt anymore" just as you'd done for him.

Both your faces were hot but with the bandaging complete, you both set to fixing the bed up for the night. Ensuring the door was locked tight and all grimy parts of your attire set to the side until tomorrow, the two of you settled into the bed to go to sleep.

You had just gotten ready for bed, gone through your whole bedtime routine and gotten your jammies on - but one last thing needed to be done.

Passing through the small outdoor hallway, you made it to the little common room that was at the middle of the sweet cluster-house of the batch. Quickly spotting Wrecker nodding off in the armchair, you made your way over. Sometimes he'd fall asleep before making his way back to his room-

You rounded the back of the chair to the front only to smile as you saw Wrecker indeed falling asleep and Omega curled up on his lap. Her eyes closed, hand grasping his shirt and legs flung across his own.

"Shh"

You turned your head to see Hunter setting a book to the side table, one of the three once-clone-cadet's asleep against him, while the other two were asleep against each other.

"Everyone's out-cold from story time, huh?"

Hunter rolled his eyes affectionately then pointed towards one of the rooms

"Not everyone..." He sighed softly, then met your gaze to study you for a second before asking - "mind checking in on him...?"

"...me...?" you asked, but nodded "Sure, I can check on Cross"

You just began on your way when Hunter called your name quietly. So you paused and turned back to him

"He's less on edge when you're around. Bet he's more comfortable with you over us - ya know...since...everything"

You nodded softly and gave the commando an understanding smile

"Don't worry Hunter, I'll peek on him"

Except it didn't go as planned...considering Crosshair was not actually in his room. You began searching the home's layout only to find him stalking back into his room - WITH YOUR PILLOW!

Bewildered and a bit annoyed, you chased after him

"Crosshair...!"

The silver haired man glanced at you then rushed into his room.

Upon reaching his bedroom, you found Crosshair at his bed, seemingly waiting for you to enter.

"....sooo...."

Crosshair then suddenly turned and tossed your pillow on the bed, next to his own. When you just watched on in confusion, he then dramatically ripped the blankets back to expose the mattress. He turned back to face you, his gaze meeting your own, and then just stared at you expectantly.

You could tell he was being impatient and stubborn, the look in his eyes displayed all his internal fighting. On whether he should demand further or finally ask you to get in - although asking would involve him allowing his walls to come down far further than he liked.

"Yes...?" you asked coyly, crossing your arms and leaning your weight on one hip "Something you wanna ask me...?"

The sniper was quiet for a few moments, just staring at you before he sighed and broke eye contact to glance to the side.

"...No..." he grumbled, shifting his weight from one foot then the other

You watched his anxious behaviour for a few moments, hoping he'd work through whatever this was quickly... but as time continued to tick on, your patience for the situation began to wane as your want for an answer grew.

"Cross"

He huffed and crossed his arms, but said nothing else at your attempt to wrangle his full attention back to the matter at hand

"Fine. I'm going to bed, i was just trying to find you so I could say goodnight" you mumbled stepping closer and reaching past him for your pillow

However, before you could grasp it, Crosshair snatched it back into his hold and held it to his chest

"Crosshair!" you exclaimed in disbelief "I need my pillow"

"Then you'll just have to be where the pillow is" he grumbled, pressing the bottom half of his face to your pillow

You looked at him in further disbelief at his behaviour

"Cross-"

"Too bad, you sleep here now." he grumbled.

The commando then began crowding you to his bed. And continued to herd you that way until you lost your footing and your ass hit the mattress

You let out a breathy laugh utterly bewildered but not upset as you watched as he rounded to the other side of the bed quickly. He gathered himself in the bed as well and shimmied in close. You let him grasp your middle and tug you back - in close. Crosshair then shoved your pillow into your chest before he buried his face right against your shoulder, ensuring his expression would be obscured by the angle.

You laid there a little unsure what to do with his sudden demanding of attention and comfort. This wasn't exactly something he normally did, although if ut was something in the norm for him...it definitely wasn't a side you normally saw. But just as you parted your lips to ask him for an explanation of what was going on...he whispered against your skin-

"I just can't seem to sleep without you"

The tone he used was soft and vulnerable, something that still felt odd coming from him. But with everything that had happen since he'd returned to you and his brothers - everything that undoubtedly happened in his time on that maker-awful planet... you couldn't blame him.

Since his return, you had always opted to sleep nearby him - just to make sure he was safe and wouldn't run away, if nothing else. Although, if you were totally honest, you did so mostly because you wanted to be close to him after so much time forced apart...

Part of you was terribly flattered that he had found comfort in your sleeping nearby...so much so in fact that he needed you - and was able to say such a thing to you. But another part of you focused on his lack of sleeping in general. Just how many hours did he lay there quietly pretending to rest when in fact he could not?

You tried to turn and face him, to try to get some clarity of this new development between you both, but his hold upon you wouldn't allow you to peer at his face. With a few more futile attempts, you let out an annoyed huff.

Knowing he wasn't going to give in to your want this time, you drifted a hand down to cover his own, that were settled on your middle, then followed your other to hold onto his arm snugly...

You went to speak, to assure him that what happened wasn't his fault - not truly...but your voice hadn't followed. With a deflating sigh, you turned your face a smidge, just enough to press your cheek to the side of his head - it was awkward and uncomfortable trying to gift this gesture... but you didn't mind in this particular moment. You'd suffer a little bit just to get your feelings across...

Crosshair let out a soft, shaky breath and his arms curled tighter, his body following suit as he held you similarly as a child would hold their stuffed animal.

Without words, the silence deafened you both...leaving each breath, heartbeat, and movement within the sheets to reverberate through your forms with increased importance and depth.

As the two of you continued to lull further into the silence and comfort that surrounded you both...you came to the conclusion that...you didn't need to say anything. At least, not for now. The comfort that seeped in around you sufficed to sum up all that needed to be said, all the feelings that had been left unspoken - like splintered ends of a long red ribbon, now felt as though they had been folded in neatly and melded back to a cohesive piece. One that before you may have never thought could occur - but one you were terribly happy to have been mistaken.

Echo stared down at you for a moment, as you continued to curl further into yourself and tried to disappear into the dirty lower Coruscant alleyway. He was surprised to see you'd somehow escaped the purge and survived this long, let alone on Coruscant. Your clothes were drenched, tattered, splattered in who-knows-what, and your person was absolutely filthy, looked sickly and barely looked as if you contained a shred of life.

Echo thought you had died, that you'd been in the temple with the rest of them. That you were forever lost and he'd never see you again. He had wrestled with his tender feelings for you for so long, that he almost felt like it was wrong for him to act upon them now. And he'd tried to bury them, tried to cope with those wretched feelings just like he'd tried to cope with his trauma - of what had been done to him. While he'd worked through the latter to a point of acceptance and strength...the former had been left in loose threads that would always lead back to you. Back to a life he thought he'd never be blessed to see again.

He glanced around briefly, making sure nobody was around before he crouched before you and held out his hands - er his hand and scomp.

Your gaze was downcast and far away, undoubtedly you'd disassociated into a far comer of your mind, where you felt safe. Where you could pretend nothing bad was happening.

He'd called to you softly, let your name tumble sweetly from his pale lips and the sound dance to your eardrums in a way that used to give you a jolt of giddy delight. But this time, there was nothing...no response to his calling - not even a twitch of the lip

Echo sighed softly and gently took your hands, his thumb rubbing against the back of your right hand. He ignored the slight jolt that occurred under your skin but it did not escape his notice.

"Come here," he urged softly "I'll take you somewhere safe"

your gaze grew a bit focused as your eyes settled on his hand, on the gentle rubbing his thumb did, on the comforting feel it provided

He tried to give you a half-baked smile, situation weighing heavily but still wanting to reassure you, before he dropped your name again.

"Come on, let's get you out of those wet clothes..." he whispered "Let me take care of you"

He reached forward with his scomp and used it to tilt your chin up, delicately forcing your eyes to meet his. Those orbs of liquid gold that were so sincere and so heartbroken for you.

Tears welled in your eyes, the very eyes you though had run dry long ago

"E-echo" you blubbered out with a creaky voice

"Shhhh" he hushed, feeling his heart break further for you.

He leaned in and gathered you in his arms, guided your own around his neck and hefted you up by your thighs. Then, he held you in a tight embrace for a few moments, pressing his face against the side of your head and relishing the feel of finally having you in his arms. And as you clung tightly to him, as if he were a life preserver in an endless ocean, and buried your face against his neck...Echo couldn't help but a small bundle of pride bloom in his chest that you had deemed him safe...even after everything that'd occurred and all your time spent apart.

"I'm taking you with me, no more being apart...okay?" he whispered to you

You didn't answer formally, just clung tighter and cried harder.

Echo hugged you tighter then peeked out of the small alleyway and upon seeing the coast was clear, quickly departed with you.

"Why do I feel like you actually enjoy getting yourself in danger?!" You yelled between shots with your blaster, only peeking at the commando a total of twice.

"I don't enjoy it, my brothers and I just have a magnet for it!" he yelled back, annoyed with your antics

You ducked back behind cover and gave him a disbelieving look

"Oh yes, just you and your brothers are magnets for trouble. Totally don't make the worst decisions ever and have a little girl in your care that has the exact same issue" you sassed, but then you quickly glanced about noticing something unfortunate "OMEGA'S GONE"

It was as if someone had pressed a panic button and loud blaring sirens were going off. Suddenly everyone was rushing out coordinates and if they'd seen her or not - honestly, it was giving you a major headache.

"Where was the last you saw her?" Hunter asked having dove to your side to hide with you "You said you'd keep her right with you"

"I can't babysit it-" you gestured wildly to him and vaguely where the others were "-you all outta her!"

Hunter groaned and hung his helmeted head for a moment

"Alright, look. We'll keep the blaster-fire at bay, you...you find the kid"

With an extremely displeased look on your face, you agreed. You just knew, deep down in the pit of your soul, it'd be just your luck to die via blaster shot looking for a guy's sister-daughter. Now wouldn't it.

"You're lucky I love you!" you yelled out and then continued to grumble as you crawled through the debris "Blonde, blonde, blonde - come on kiddo..."

You carefully searched about, narrowly avoiding blaster fire as you hunted down the tween - only to fall right on top of her

"Don't hey me, what are you doing down here?!" you huffed, not really mad just stressed beyond belief

"Hey...!" she whined rubbing her head

"Being stuck, I couldn't get out when I fell in" she grumbled

"Why? Doesn't look too tall" you mused gathering yourself and having to jump to reach the ledge of the small alcove

"Because I can't jump" she mumbled looking away

To this confusing admission, you turned about to see her leg all banged up. In an instant all frustration left your system as concern flooded it in the very same moment. You couched next to the girl and gingerly pulled the debris from around her ankle and leg

"Oh....oh sweetie..." she cooed softly in pity

Despite her stubborn attempt at holding them back, which was honestly amazing with how much pain she should be in, a flood burst out and she began wailing

"Okay, just one second honey" you said in a soft and caring tone, quickly getting her leg free and then delicately pulling her to your lap.

It took some very careful maneuvering and even further gentle prodding to ensure her form was safely settled in your hold in a way that would not injury her further

She clung to you and wailed harder

"Alright, its alright" you soothed, petting her hair as she sobbed into your neck "Such a strong girl, you did so good."

Reaching into your belt you pulled up your commlink

"I'm going to need a pick up for a very bruised flower here" you called quietly "We're in a bit of a precarious situation and Omega is hurt - she's very upset so if you boys could finish off those goons and get over here ASAP, that'd be great"

"Omega's hurt?!"

"Where are the coordinates?"

"How far are you two, think you can wave an object or something to give us a b-"

"Enough" Hunter huffed as his brothers promptly went into protection mode, then called your name "-give us cords, we'll be right there"

"I'll do what I can here" you promised then held Omega tighter "Alright, your brothers are coming just hold on okay?"

You had been pacing like a madwoman. Back and forth, back and forth

"Would you just sit down...?!" Phee huffed

The liberator of ancient wonders had promised to stay with you while the Batch went to Tantiss to re-collect Omega, although ready and willing to charge in after her would-have-been brothers in laws to rescue their sorry butts.

"Never realized how much of a worry wart you are. Ya know, might be better if you just sit down and relax. Being all high-strung and twitchy ain't going to help anyone" she then added when you opened your mouth to protest, "Or make them come back to us sooner"

You pouted, crossed your arms and plopped down in the seat beside her with a huff.

Your friend and glorified babysitter smiled knowingly and just patted your knee

"They'll be alright. Soon enough you'll have your big guy back and beaming down at you every chance he gets" she soothed

Your cheeks bloomed in heat, embarrassment flooding your system and wanting to defend yourself from such a claim bubbled up like an eager volcano - however she pulled up the comm and called out

"Oh booooys~?" she practically sang into the receiver "How's that test of mine going for you?"

"Miss Phee, this is ridiculous!" Deke huffed

You snorted softly as the trio of once-cadets and Phee began a back and forth over this 'very important training' she was giving them. You'd only been partially paying attention, but it had something to do with puzzles and treasure - the point was to keep them occupied while Wrecker, Crosshair, Echo and Hunter were gone and dealing with Tantiss. And if they were occupied, they would go charging in after their older brothers - er guardians? Who exactly was the formal "guardian" for them?

Thankfully, the guys had been gone for almost 36 hours already without the boys really catching wind and hopefully you could keep it that way until they returned - if they returned, your mind taunted

"They're fine" Phee whispered taking your hand and teasingly swinging it with hers "Just you wait and see, I've got a knack for this kinda thing"