Griffedeloup

She knew he was asleep, and she knew it was just an involuntary physical reaction, but that knowledge didn't stop her from getting very warm from her head to her toes.

His hand had also moved. It had started on the outside of her shirt, lightly resting against her mid-section. But now he'd moved it under her shirt and was holding onto her breast. Not tightly, just enough to feel it. And boy, did she feel it.

And most noticeable was how aroused she was. That must have started before she woke up, because there's no way she got that wet in the minute since she woke up. His leg was still in between hers, and she hoped he wouldn't be able to feel just how excited her body was.

She needed to move a little, because her muscles were starting to ache. But she didn't know how to move her legs without waking him up or rubbing against him more.

But it had to be done, so she shifted just a tad. And immediately she felt him hold her a little tighter, and his legs squeezed hers just a bit. It was almost as if he was trying to keep her there, but she was pretty sure he was still asleep.

Shoot, she thought. I'm going to have to wake him up...I can't stay like this much longer.

She shifted her body enough that she was lying on her back instead of on her side. His hand was no longer holding her breast, but was laying across her chest, a bit heavily if she had to be honest. There's no way she could lie like that for long either, she'd start getting claustrophobic if she couldn't move his arm.

So, she moved it down to where it was resting below her breasts, and that helped some. She then turned onto her right side, so she was facing him.

At that point, he started moving more. He mumbled something she couldn't make out and pulled her in closer again. A soft smile spread across her face. She loved how much he liked to cuddle, even when asleep.

She moved her hand, so it rested on his arm, very lightly. She didn't really have a plan; other than she needed to touch him. She needed to feel his skin beneath her fingers. If it woke him up then she'd deal with what came next, but she couldn't stop at this point.

At first, he didn't wake up. She moved her hand slowly up and down his forearm, then up to his bicep and shoulder. Without opening his eyes, he said, "Watcha' doin' there?" It was a line from a commercial that always made her laugh, and he did it with the goofy accent even.

She quietly chuckled, and said, "I'm sorry I woke you up."

He opened his eyes and said, "That's okay. I don't mind being woke up that way. But...what are you doing?"

"I'm touching your arm."

He said, "Yeah, I know that." He paused, taking a breath. "I guess my question is, why?"

She hesitated and said, "Because I woke up, and I couldn't get back to sleep, so my hand was just drawn to your arm. I'm sorry. I'll stop."

He gently stopped her from moving her hand and quietly said, "No, now, hold on. I didn't say you needed to stop. I like it. The reason I ask is because I'm wondering...is there anything else you'd like to do?"

Oh no. This is what you get, Wren. If you'd left well enough alone and gone back to sleep...

But his bare skin was calling to her.

She was silent for what felt like a long time. Her mind was racing; she didn't know what he wanted her to say. She didn't know what she wanted to say. She didn't really know anything at this point, her brain was very muddled.

She whispered, "I don't know. I'm sorry, Hunter. I really don't know." And all of a sudden, she felt a wave of emotion wash over her, and tears started to sting her eyes. She shut her eyes tightly to stop them. Before she could stop herself, she let out a quiet noise, not quite a sob, but close, that he recognized. She burrowed her head into his neck.

"Wren?" She could hear the surprise in his voice. "Wren, hey, are you okay? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to tease you. I'm sorry." He tried to get her to move her head away from his neck.

She shook her head and said, "You didn't do anything wrong." Then she couldn't stop herself...she got even quieter and said, "I love you." She was definitely crying at that point, although still quietly. She felt so ridiculous, but she couldn't stop herself.

Hunter pulled back so he could see her face as he brought her head out of his neck. He put his hand on her cheek, and said, "Hey, why are you crying?"

She sounded exasperated, "I don't know! I just got really emotional all of a sudden. It's not you. I'm so sorry."

He put his forehead to hers and stayed there until her crying stopped. Then he kissed her forehead and said, "Now, what did you say to me while you were crying? I think I know, but you were kind of hard to understand, and I don't want to assume..."

Wren let out a big shaky sigh. She ducked her head into his neck again and said, "I said I love you."

When he spoke, Wren could tell he had a smile on his face. "I thought that's what you said. Well, that works out well, because I love you too."

She started to speak, and he knew what she was going to say, so he hurried on. "I really do. I've wanted to say it for a while, but I didn't want to spook you, so I've been waiting for the right time. And I'd say this is the perfect time."

He kissed the top of her head and rubbed his hand up and down her arm and back. He ran his fingers through her hair and kissed her cheek. He could feel her tears, so he wiped them away with the back of his fingers.

She felt her pulse quicken, but said, "I hope you didn't feel like you had to say that just because I did. Or because I was crying."

"Hey, look at me." He waited until she looked into his eyes. "When I say I've been wanting to say that for a while, I'm not joking. I've known I loved you since our first date. I just didn't know how you felt. And then, even if I thought I knew, I didn't want to push you."

Relief and joy coursed through her, making her almost giddy. She reached up and took his face in her hands, then pulled him down to her and kissed him more intensely than she'd ever kissed him before. And he reciprocated immediately.

As they continued, he tentatively opened his mouth and ran his tongue very lightly against her lips. She startled just a little...he hadn't done that before. But then she realized she liked it. So, she opened her lips just enough that he could slide his tongue inside and touch hers.

She turned her head a little to deepen the kiss even more. He made a low growling noise in his throat. His nose was pressed against hers, as he pushed towards her, as if he wanted to make sure there was absolutely no space left between them.

They continued until they had to stop to catch their breaths. But they still didn't get too far apart. She kept one hand on his face and moved the other to the back of his neck, running her fingers through his hair. She pressed her forehead to his. It was a little embarrassing how she was gasping for air, as if she'd just run the 100-meter dash. He didn't seem as out of breath, but it was obvious he was affected as well.

"Wow", she said.

"Yeah, wow," he replied.

And then they were kissing again. Just as intensely as before. He started to very lightly push her back, causing her to lie down. He was still lying next to her, but as he leaned on his arm, he bent his head over hers. His hand started moving up and down her body. From her face down her neck, down her side, around to her backside where he kneaded her soft cushiony ass. He did love her ass and took every opportunity to tell or show her so.

Then he started kissing his way across her jawline towards her ear. Once there, he kissed behind her ear, and she actually felt a shiver run throughout her body. That had more of an effect on her than just about anything else they'd done. It was definitely a sensitive spot. The noise she made would have been embarrassing if she was thinking clearly. But she wasn't.

He heard the noise, and immediately his cock responded by twitching against her leg, and he answered with a guttural groan of his own.

"Hunter..." she whispered.

He kept kissing behind her ear and then took her ear lobe into his mouth. He sucked and very lightly nibbled on it, and she thought she was going to lose her mind.

"Hunter!"

That time it came out sounding a little frightened, so he immediately stopped. He pulled back quickly and looked into her eyes.

"What? Are you okay? Was that too much?"

She was breathing heavily, and her whole body was on fire. She didn't know if it was too much or not. But she did know she'd never felt like that before. It was so intense, and she started getting scared.

"I'm sorry..."

"No, no. Don't be sorry. I should be sorry; I should have checked in with you before then."

"No, Hunter. You're totally fine. You're perfect, in fact. And I don't want to stop. I really don't..."

"But..."

"But...maybe just pause for a second and let me wrap my head around what's happening."

"Okay, okay, yeah, that sounds good." He breathed out in one heavy breath and rolled over onto his back. He laid his arm over his eyes.

Wren looked at him and felt so much love. He had immediately stopped when he thought she sounded frightened. She didn't even have to say stop. In fact, she's not sure she would have said stop. She's not sure she actually wanted him to stop. She just knew she was a little scared, and that was her reaction.

She turned over on her side and looked up at him. She lightly traced her fingers along his bicep. He shivered and she saw goosebumps form on his skin, so she immediately stopped. She didn't know what she should do. She thought maybe she should keep her hands off him and let him breathe for a little.

So, she asked. "Hunter, are you okay?"

"Yeah. I'm okay, sweetheart. I'm just trying to calm myself down a little. I didn't mean to get so worked up so quickly. I'm sorry."

"No, really, you have nothing to apologize for. You didn't do anything wrong at all. Everything was so right. I just got scared", she said again.

"Hey, I don't want you to be scared of me," he said as he opened his eyes and looked at her concerned.

"No, YOU didn't scare me. I scared me. My reaction scared me. I was so lost in what you were doing and how it was making me feel, I couldn't think. And that scared me. I've never felt quite like that before."

"Okay..." He took a breath. "Would you like me to go home?" He didn't sound angry or upset, it was a genuine question, and she could tell he really wanted her to be honest.

"No!"

"Okay. Would you like me to go to the couch?"

"No... I don't want that either."

"Okay, so what do you want? I'll do whatever you want." At that he reached his hand up and ran his fingers down her cheek. She leaned her face into him.

"I...I... whew...okay, I would like to pick up where we left off. I really really liked that. The kissing and stuff, especially around my neck and ear."

"Okay..."

"And after we do more of that, I think I'd like to..." She was so embarrassed, she said it in a very quiet whisper, "...do what we did at 99's..."

As she said that she immediately hid her face in her pillow.

"What?" he asked.

"Uuuggghh!" came the muffled response from her pillow. "I can't say it. And if I can't say it, then I shouldn't do it."

He rubbed her back and got closer to her face and said, "Wren, I just didn't hear you. Can you say it again, just a little louder? I promise I'm not going to laugh or judge. I want to make you happy, sweetheart, just tell me what you'd like."

She still didn't lift her face out of her pillow, but she did speak up a little.

"I'd like to...you know. Do what we did at 99's." Then she took the other end of her pillow and brought it over on top of her head, so he couldn't see her at all.

He was kind of glad she wasn't looking at him, because he did break out in a smile, and he wouldn't have wanted her to think he was making fun of her. Because he wasn't. He just thought she was so adorable he couldn't hide it.

"Wren, can you look at me?"

"No", came her muffled reply, still hiding in her pillow.

He rubbed her back again in slow soothing circles, just trying to comfort her. He knew this was incredibly hard for her, and he wanted to try to do everything right, so he didn't scare her away from wanting to do this sort of thing. He felt a sense of responsibility, as her first sexual partner, to try to make it as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. As he continued to rub her back, he wracked his brain, trying to think of the best way to handle this.

"Wren," he said very quietly, barely above a whisper.

Nothing.

"Wren...sweetheart. Can you please...come out of your cocoon?"

He could hear her giggle a little, and he knew he was getting through to her.

She moved the part of her pillow that was on top of her head, and then she turned her head, so she was facing his direction, but her eyes were still closed.

"Okay, that's good. Can you open your eyes now?"

He didn't sound patronizing or like he was talking to a child, and she appreciated that. She knew he cared for her so much, and he only wanted what was best for her. And she knew he wanted to make her happy and feel good. If she could just get over this hurdle.

Quietly she said, "Okay. Okay. I will."

And then she opened her eyes and looked at him in the dim light. She saw more love in his eyes than she thought possible, and it just melted her heart.

"There's my girl. Thank you." Then he bent down and kissed her forehead, and she closed her eyes.

When he pulled back, she was looking at him with tears in her eyes.

She said, "I don't know how you put up with me."

"Hey! Don't say that! I'm not 'putting up' with you! I love you, and I enjoy every bit of you. You are the kindest, sweetest, funniest, AND cutest person I've ever known." He booped her nose when he said 'cutest' and she laughed quietly.

"Well, I think you're a little biased."

"Nope, I'm not gonna hear it. You are everything I've ever wanted in a partner, and I'm so lucky to be with you. Now...might I have the honor of dry humping with you?" And he had a smirk on his face.

She covered her face and laughed...a nice, hearty laugh that did his soul good to hear. He pulled her hand away from her face as he bent his head down to kiss her again. It was a soft but searching kiss. He explored her mouth with his tongue and nibbled on her bottom lip. She whimpered at that, and they both felt his cock twitch.

He said, "Did you feel that?"

"Yeah."

"You do that to me..."

Then he shifted his body, so he was on top of her, but with most of his weight on his forearms on either side of her shoulders. He bent his head down and kissed her again, and as he did, he rolled his hips into hers. The jolt of electricity she felt through her body made her gasp quietly.

He pulled his head back, and looked intently in her eyes, but he didn't say anything. She could tell he was silently asking her if she was okay, so she nodded.

Then he rolled his hips again. Then again. And again. She was already breathing heavier, and she closed her eyes and put her face in his shoulder.

"Please don't stop", she whispered.

"I won't."

The hard bulge in his shorts dragged against her core, especially her sensitive clit. Even though there were three pieces of fabric between their skin, she still felt it. His cock made its presence known, even when fully covered.

His breath came faster as well. He was kissing her face and her neck. Opened-mouth kisses with plenty of tongue along her neck, jaw, ear, and cheek. When he was at her ear, he was whispering, but she couldn't concentrate on the words. But she knew it was dirty. And hot. So hot.

The pressure inside her kept building. All she could manage to say was a whispered, "Oh my god, oh my god...oh my god...I'm...I'm..."

He was just as quiet. "What? What are you gonna do? Can you say it?"

She whimpered but wasn't sure she could say the words. She opened her eyes and looked into his. The heat and desire there pushed her enough to say hoarsely, "I'm gonna come. Please don't stop."

He closed his eyes and his head dipped a bit as he tried to collect himself. He wanted to make this nice for her, but he was quickly losing control.

"There is no way I'm going to stop until you're done. Just tell me if you want something else..."

Her throat was dry and stinging from her heavy breathing, so it came out in a rough whisper, "No, this is perfect. It's perfect. Fuck, fuck, fuck!" And with that, the band inside her snapped. They rode out her orgasm, and he didn't stop moving until she did.

She was trying to catch her breath, but after a few seconds, her eyes flew open, and she said, "You didn't...you didn't come, did you?"

"No, but that's okay, that was even better than coming...to see you like that."

"But-"

"No, really. This was about you."

She gave him a small smile, moving some of his sweaty hair off his forehead. "I appreciate that, but what can I do to help you?"

"You don't need to do anything. This will go away," and he motioned to his very erect penis in his sweatpants.

Wren was quiet for a minute, listening to their breathing slow. She said, "Well, we know I'm not ready to actually have sex. And I don't think I'm ready to do anything with that yet," and she pointed to his erection. "But..." She was nervous, but she pushed ahead. "Would you want to masturbate with me here? Maybe I could kiss you or touch you somewhere else while you take care of little Hunter there?"

She could feel her face burn with embarrassment, but she tried not to look away, because she really wanted him to know she was serious. She would do what she could to help him find release.

"Is that dumb? Is that really silly?"

"No! No, Wren, that's not dumb or silly. That sounds amazing. You just caught me a little off guard. I didn't expect that." He smiled and said, "But I'd love that." He gave her a very sweet kiss.

She made sure he was lying all the way back before she leaned over him and started kissing him again. Then she palmed him through his sweatpants, hearing him groan, but she didn’t go any further than that. He was so hard; she didn’t see how it couldn’t be painful.

“Can I take your pants off?”

He said, “Are you sure you want to?”

“Yes, I only mean take them off, I still won’t touch...it,” she said with a shy smile.

Hunter chuckled at that; she really is adorable. “Go ahead,” he said.

She hooked her fingers under the waistband of his sweatpants. He lifted his hips just enough to give her a little space, and she pulled them slowly down to his ankles. As she went past his cock, it sprang out in all its glory. She paused long enough to look at it. It really didn’t look as scary as she expected. It was actually kind of cute. Not cute enough to touch yet, but cute, nonetheless. He used his feet to remove his pants the rest of the way and tossed them aside.

After his pants were totally out of the way, she took in the sight of his whole body, lying naked in her bed. She never would have thought this possible even just a month ago. He was strong and dark with a sheen of sweat covering much of his body. She took her hand and ran it along his abs, feeling the soft hair trailing down there. His skin quivered beneath her fingertips.

She crawled back up and kissed him like she was starving for him. When she pulled back, just a bit, she looked into his eyes and whispered, “Touch yourself.”

Hunter closed his eyes and groaned. Just hearing her say that…his sweet and inexperienced Wren. It was almost enough to make him finish without ever touching himself.

She kissed his jaw, feeling his stubble, then up to his ear. She knew how delicious his mouth felt on her ear, so she wanted to see if she could get a similar response from him.

She began by kissing behind his ear, then taking her tongue and licking where she’d kissed. She moved to his ear lobe, took it in her mouth and sucked. The growl that emanated from deep within him sent what felt like an electrical shock directly between her legs. She thought she could probably have another orgasm, just by listening to him make that sound a few more times. She began trailing her kisses back down his neck, focusing on his pulse point, inhaling his scent.

She was getting a little lost in what she was doing, but she did notice his hand hadn’t moved to his cock yet. She took his hand from where it was laying on the pillow above his head and slowly moved it down to his erection. She didn’t touch his cock herself but rather placed his hand there. At that point he seemed to remember what the plan was. As she kissed his neck down to his collar bone, she cast her eyes downward. She saw him grasp his length and start slowly moving his hand up and down. He ran his palm over the tip where his pre-cum had leaked and used that as lubricant.

With his eyes closed, he continued to work his cock at a leisurely pace, his breath becoming quicker and needier.

He said, “My god, you are so good to me.”

She kissed further down his body and ended up at his chest. She licked over one of his nipples, and he hissed. She took it in her mouth sucking and licking. She could tell he was pumping his cock much quicker now, chasing his release.

“Oh my god, Wren, fuck, fuck, fuck, FUCK…I wanna fuck you so bad, sweetheart.”

She paused her activity for a second while that sunk in. She looked at his face, and he still had his eyes closed, his free arm laid over his eyes. She decided she would just ignore what he said and assume it was in the heat of the moment.

Although she didn’t really doubt that he did want to have sex with her, she also assumed he was okay with not doing it yet. He said he was.

She kept kissing across his chest and then moved down to his firm belly. The skin twitched beneath her touches.

“Oh god, oh god, I’m so close, I’m so close. God, you're amazing. I love you.” When he said that, he took the hand that was across his eyes and brought it to the back of her neck. He pulled her up to his mouth and kissed her. Hard. It was all teeth and roughness. But she reciprocated, because she was caught up in the moment just as much as he was.

“I love you too,” she said against his lips.

Then he finished with a strangled groan. Her lips were still on his, but soon after she pulled away so he could catch his breath. He laid still for a minute, and his breath finally started evening out. She just waited, lying next to him, with her head barely resting on his chest, because she wanted to give him as much space as he needed.

She stood up and said, “Hang on just a second, I’ll get a washcloth.”

She went into the bathroom, got a washcloth, and soaked it with warm water. She quickly cleaned between her legs. Then she got another one, wetting it as well, and grabbed a towel. She brought them back to the bed and began cleaning his cum off his cock, stomach, and hand. His eyes were still closed while she cleaned him, but he made a small humming sound of contentment.

After she was done, she took both the cloth and towel back to the bathroom. When she returned, Hunter pulled her down next to him, holding her tightly.

She asked, “Are you okay?”

“Mmmmmmm.”

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

He nodded.

But then her mind went to what he’d said…I wanna fuck you so bad.

Does he? Does it bother him that they haven't? She doesn’t want to cause him stress by taking things so slowly.

“Hunter…”

“Hmmm?” his eyes were still closed.

“Do you remember what you said a few minutes ago?”

He opened his eyes and looked at her warily.

“I remember saying a few things. But there are probably also things I said that I don’t remember. I lost my head for a little bit there. Which one in particular?”

“You said you want to fuck me so bad. Is that true? And if so, is it a problem for you, that I’m needing to take things so slowly?”

Hunter took his time to really think about his answer. After a few moments, he said, “Wren, I do want to fuck you, because I love you, and I want to be as close to you as I can. Because you turn me on more than anyone ever has. Because I find you so sexy, that I even picture myself fucking you sometimes when I’m jerking off. And I especially will now that I know what your face looks like when you orgasm.”

As he was talking, he caressed her covered breasts and then moved down her side and stomach and rested on her hip.

She knew she was blushing at what he'd said, but she couldn’t deny it made her feel proud that she could make him feel like that.

“But wanting to fuck you and needing to fuck you are two different things in my mind. Yes, I want to fuck you, at some point, but it doesn’t have to be right now. I don’t NEED to fuck you. I can wait until you are ready, no matter how far down the road that is.”

He looked at her with incredibly soft eyes and the slightest smile on his lips. He pushed some hair out of her eyes with his hand.

“Does that make sense? Does that help ease your mind?”

Wren broke out in a huge smile, because she couldn’t think of a time when she had been happier than she was right then.

“Yes, it does help ease my mind. I really don’t know how I got so lucky.”

She reached up with her hands and one caressed his cheek and the other moved some of his hair off his forehead.

“I don’t think any other man in the world could make me feel as safe and loved as you do. Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me. It’s my pleasure.”

He leaned down to kiss her lips softly. Then he turned her onto her side, and lay behind her, as they had started the night. He would always be her big spoon.

It didn’t take long for both to fall asleep and not wake up until the sun was streaming in the windows.

Tag List: (Let me know if you'd like removed, it won't hurt my feelings!)

@transactivecybermemory, @griffedeloup, @eclec-tech

@lightwise, @votedprettybythecommittee, @indigofyrebird

@frostycatblr-fandom-files, @delicioustacocollector, @ladysaturnsdust, @antisocial-mariposa

@youreababboon, @merkitty49, @noblelightfighter

“Hey! What are you doing here?” you ask, stepping aside to let him into your apartment, unaware of the wide smile on your face.

“I was on my way to the bar when I passed Mayr. He said you’d closed for a few days, so I figured I’d see if you were here instead. How long will the place be closed?” he says, but doesn’t move from the doorway.

“Tonight and tomorrow. Why? If you want a Kork that badly I’ve got a few in the fridge,” you say. His face lights up.

“I’ve got you to myself for a whole day then?” he says, barely containing a smile. You lean forward and kiss his cheek.

“And a whole night. You got big plans for me?”

“Yeah, actually, if you’re okay with it,” he says and you laugh a little.

“Anything is better than watching the same holo show for the fifth time. What will we be doing?”

“I’d like to surprise you! Wait here for an hour or two?” he replies, then jogs down the nearby stairs without waiting for your answer. Whatever his plans are, he’s certainly excited about them.

You’re on the verge of dozing off while trying to read when you hear another knock at the door exactly two hours later. You yawn and stretch before returning to the door. Once you’ve confirmed that it’s Gregor with a quick check of your intercom camera, you open your door and step aside to let him in.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” he says, moving towards your kitchen table and setting a few things down on it: a heavy-sounding rucksack and an equally heavy insulated cooler. He rolls his shoulders, then returns to your side, shuts the door, and holds you by the waist before leaning in and kissing you deeply, humming against your lips. Eventually, the two of you break apart, slightly breathless.

“So this is all for me?” you ask, gesturing to the table.

“Remember the first night I stayed over?” he asks in return. You chuckle.

“Mhm, and the next morning,” you say before kissing him again. He pulls back and smiles at you.

“You said something about me taking you out, before-,” he says, leaving the sentence open-ended. You pick up what he was getting at right away, and kiss him a third time.

“Finally gonna do it, huh?” you say, giggling.

“After-,” he says pointedly, “I do something for you.”

“Which answers my original question,” you say, and he nods at you.

“I, um, don’t have much, so I can’t do what I really want for you,” he says, but you softly interrupt.

“You know I don’t need anything fancy, Gregor. All I want is you,” you say, making him blush.

Once you’ve packed an overnight bag upon Gregor’s insistence, you follow him out of your apartment building. You automatically head towards his place, thinking that he’s finally going to have you over for once, but he softly grips your shoulder and stops you. Confused but curious, you keep pace with him as he instead goes around the side of your building to where the residents speeders are parked. He approaches a speeder bike that you recognize.

“It’s Mayr’s, yes,” he says, confirming this. “He’s agreed to let me borrow it overnight,” he continues while loading your things and his onto the back of it. He climbs into the pilots seat, and you slide into the spot behind him, eager to see where this is going.

It’s slow, moving through town, but once you reach the outskirts of the surrounding desert, Gregor opens the throttle and you both practically fly across the sand, you wrapping your arms around his waist and holding on tightly as he navigates the dunes into the late afternoon.

After a twenty minute ride that would no doubt have been a multiple-hour hike, he finally slows, then stops the bike. He sets the kickstand, then dismounts before turning around to help you do the same. Once you’re on your feet, he stands behind you and asks that you close your eyes.

You trust him, and do as he says. He then takes you by the hand and leads you up one side of a small sand dune and down the other. A breeze blows through your hair and after a few more steps, Gregor releases your hand and tells you to open your eyes. You do just that and find-

It’s a campsite. There’s a small, two-person tent set up already, and a quick peek inside shows you that it’s filled with overstuffed pillows and multiple soft blankets. Not far outside of the tent, there’s a fire crackling already; four poles are also set up, marking a perimeter around the site with twinkling lights. The last thing you see is a portable camp stove, ready to be used.

You were never really one for camping, but Gregor has done such a good job of making the site warm and inviting that you can’t help but smile at him.

“I wondered where you’d gone,” you say, grinning at him. “You did this all for me?”

“Anything for you,” he says, kissing you softly on the lips. “Go ahead and settle in while I get dinner started.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do all that by yourself,” you say, but he chuckles and stops you.

“Maybe not, but I want to,” he says before gently prodding you towards the tent.

You obediently sit in the space between the tent entrance and the edge of the fire, watching as Gregor fishes out a large pan and a few tools from the rucksack, then pulls two thick steaks out of the insulated cooler, along with whatever else he plans to use to cook them.

“Don’t tell my boss,” he says sheepishly, then starts to work. You simply giggle at him.

After a few minutes, you start to hum, a slow, familiar song, as he works. You turn to watch the sun set, and unconsciously start to sing aloud.

How was I to guess, I’d still be on your mind?

Enough to bring you here and prove I wasn’t right.

You’re startled, for just a moment, when you hear Gregor’s gravelly voice join yours, then continue.

We don’t need to know, the future isn’t ours.

It takes him a moment to get his footing, then his dulcet tenor blends with your high alto tone, the two of you not quite harmonizing, but still sounding lovely together.

When we both let go, I’ll hear you in the bars.

As the two of you continue the song, you stand from your place near the campfire and walk over to where Gregor is standing, meeting his eyes. He sets the steaks to the side of the camp stove so that they won’t burn, then takes you by the hands and starts to dance with you.

So won’t you stay, ‘til the morning?

I’ve been frozen since that night you sang with me.

One more day for you to hold me.

‘Cuz I don’t know when I’ll see you again.

Your voices fade out just as the sun dips under the horizon, then your lips meet in a passionate, soulful kiss.

The warmth in your chest is suddenly overshadowed by a loud rumble from your stomach, and Gregor steps away from you with a soft chuckle before he returns his attention to the cooking.

His attention isn’t redirected for long, as less than five minutes later he’s sitting beside you between the tent and the fire, handing you a plate and cutlery.

You take your first bite, and it’s the best thing you’ve ever tasted.

Sated from the excellent meal, you and Gregor spend the next hour or so side by side at the mouth of the tent, quietly telling each other stories and generally enjoying the peace. The moon is almost fully eclipsed by now, its normally yellow-white surface a deep red. To get a better look at it, Gregor stands and turns off the lights surrounding the campsite, and you get to your feet. The both of you walk a little ways away from the bright light of the fire and watch as the cosmic event reaches totality. The entire moon is deep red, casting a similarly red light over everything.

“I’ve never seen one like this, have you?” you ask, transfixed by the night sky.

“If I have, I can’t remember,” he says, and you both chuckle a little.

Gregor steps closer to you and takes your hand, weaving his fingers between yours. You look up at him with a soft smile, and after a moment, he cautiously pulls you closer and kisses you. You close your eyes and reciprocate, humming lowly against his lips. He moves his hands to your shoulders and holds you tightly against him as the kiss deepens. After a short time, he slots his knee between your thighs. This is new, but you have a good idea of what he wants.

You grind yourself against his leg, moaning quietly as the friction of your clothes against your clit hits you just right. Gregor groans at the display before holding both sides of your head and kissing you deeply. Feeling bold, you drag a hand along his body and stop at his groin, turning to cup his growing bulge and making him break away and curse under his breath.

There’s a second of silence in which your eyes meet, and the two of you immediately come to an unspoken understanding.

The both of you stumble your way back towards the tent, neither of you wanting to take your hands or lips off of the other for too long. On the way inside, Gregor whips off his shirt and throws it aside into the sand where it is quickly forgotten.

You lie on your back and beckon Gregor to come closer, and he does. His legs are resting on the tent floor between yours, and he’s caging you between his forearms as his elbows rest even with yours. You reach up and run your fingers through his hair, scratching lightly along his scalp and making him shiver.

“You’re beautiful,” he says, his voice a low groan as he dips down to nip along your pulse. You respond with a soft moan at the feeling of his lips on your delicate skin.

After a minute or so, you begin to run a finger along the waistband of his pants before slipping into it and brushing against the base of his cock. Gregor gasps your name and pulls away just enough to meet your eyes. He grips your hips, hooking his hands into your own waistband and breathing heavily, the unspoken question hanging pointedly between you two.

He softly says your name, his voice trembling with a mix of desire and nerves. You reach up and cup one side of his face, and he relaxes into your touch.

“Gregor, I’ve been wanting this since the first night you took me home,” you whisper.

“So, I can- that is, we-,” he says, stumbling over his words. It’s endearing, and your heart swells with affection for him. You sit up and kiss him, stopping his nervous babbling, then speak once you pull away.

“You’ve kept me waiting long enough,” you say with a giggle. “So, yes. Please.”

“Thank you,” Gregor says, slipping your pants down your legs with little effort. Once they reach your ankles, you kick them off, sit up just enough to whip your shirt off, then lie back in just your bra and matching panties, which happen to be in his favorite shade of yellow. He stares down at you and licks his lips.

“When did you get these?” he asks, his tone almost reverent as he softly traces around the lace cups of your bra.

“As soon as you mentioned the color,” you say, smiling at him. “I’ve been saving it for this.”

“You spoil me,” Gregor says before eagerly shimmying out of his pants, leaving himself clad in just his red boxers.

“You did all of this for me, I’m the spoiled one” you say, quickly waving a hand around to indicate the campsite. “Let me fix that,” you continue.

In response to Gregor’s look of mild confusion, you grab him by the shoulders and, with some effort, roll the two of you until he’s laying on his back beneath you. You dip your head down and capture his lips with yours while your hands roam his body, making him groan into your mouth.

You respond by breaking away and kissing downwards along his torso, moving your body until your face is even with his groin. When he feels your hot breath ghosting through the fabric of his boxers he props himself up on his elbows to get a better look at you. He whispers your name and you smile at him, hooking your fingers into his elastic waistband.

“Say please,” you say, your voice a soft purr in the semi darkness.

“Yes, please yes,” he responds, and in a quick movement, you pull the last of his clothing off, tossing the garment over your shoulder with a grin.

“Good boy,” you say, and his hips jerk upwards just enough to be noticeable. You hold back a giggle and resume kissing his body, making your way along his cock at a teasing pace.

Gregor flops onto his back and grabs at the blankets beneath you both, whining softly.

You decide to stop drawing it out and begin to lick up and down his shaft, lavishing your tongue around his cockhead and enjoying the subtle taste of his precum. His hips jerk upwards again and you interpret this as permission to continue; you take his cock into your mouth and throat, swallowing around him and fighting your gag reflex as he goes deeper.

You glance up at him and see that his eyes are closed with a blissed out expression on his face. You chuckle, making your throat vibrate softly around him, and he curses under his breath. You begin to bob your head up and down, drawing the most sinful moans and gasps out of him as you steadily pick up the pace.

It doesn’t take long before his legs are twitching and he holds the sides of your head, threading his fingers through your hair as he keeps you in place. Knowing how close he is, you obediently stay put and hum around him while he fucks your throat.

“F-fuck, ‘m gonna-,” he gasps. He tries to pull away, but you tap at his hip, signaling that he doesn’t have to, and he whines. “Good Maker, you’re so-,” he says.

Whatever you are, you never find out, as Gregor interrupts himself with a deep, long groan as he cums. You swallow it all, letting nothing go to waste and even continuing for a moment after his cock stops twitching. You relish the overstimulated hisses and grunts coming from him above you, but stop before it gets to be too much.

You sit back, his cock slipping out of your mouth as you move. You’re about to ask if he’s alright, but you don’t get a chance before he reaches down and grabs your shoulders, suddenly pulling you upwards and kissing you hard, humming against your lips. You kiss him back with just as much fervor. He surprises you when his tongue slides along yours, clearly not caring about what was just in your mouth, and you press against him, wordlessly begging for more.

Gregor knows you well, and in response he drags his hands along your sides and over your back before undoing the clasps of your bra. You break the kiss long enough to slip your arms out of the straps and throw it over your other shoulder. You lean back down for another kiss, but Gregor stops you, instead holding you in place.

He suddenly sits upright, holding you in his lap as he slouches down enough for his mouth to be even with your breasts. His hot breath against your skin makes you shiver, your nipples hardening and peaking in anticipation. Seeing this, Gregor leans in and wraps his lips around your left nipple, running the tip of his tongue along it at random intervals while he gropes at your other breast. Your breathing grows heavier with each of his movements, and when he softly bites down and sucks your nipple between his teeth, you whimper out his name and grasp his shoulders, your fingers digging into his skin.

Gregor repeats this with your right nipple, and as he works it over with his mouth and tongue, one of his hands slips between your legs. He cups your heat over the thin lace of your panties and notes that you’ve soaked through them. He slips a single finger under the wet fabric and traces it along your slit, making your hips twitch against him. You moan his name, then take it upon yourself to take your panties off for him.

Now that the two of you are bare, Gregor begins to finger you, sliding two digits into your dripping pussy and working your swollen clit over with his thumb. You reach down for his half-hard cock, but he stops you with his free hand.

“Let me return the favor,” he says, whispering into your ear.

You meet his eyes again and nod at him, eager to see what he’ll do to you. Gregor gives you a soft kiss and slips his hand away from your core, making you whine in his absence. He gently but firmly takes hold of your shoulders and turns the two of you around before laying you down on your back, his hand cupping the back of your head until it hits the pillow beneath it. He then moves backward to the point that his face is even with your pussy, imitating the position you were in only moments ago.

You open your legs as widely as you can to make room for him, and he rests a hand on each of your knees. He runs a hand up and down one thigh as he kisses and nips his way down the other one, making his way to your core. He stops for a second and simply stares before taking a breath and diving in.

Gregor's tongue slides between your lips and into your pussy, and he groans as he tastes you from the source for the first time. He slurps away at you, the deft movements of his strong tongue making you moan and arch your back as your toes curl.

After a long while, he sits up a little bit, panting, and switches tactics. He leans back down, but rather than continuing to eat you out, he slides two fingers inside of you and rubs tight circles against a soft spot near your entrance while his mouth focuses exclusively on your clit. He licks along the underside a few times, enjoying the way the bundle of nerves bounces against his tongue before taking it softly between his lips and sucking you off as he continues to finger you.

You’re squirming under his touch, right on the edge and gasping for breath, then Gregor begins to hum against you, the vibration of his lips around your clit sending you over the edge. You, out of habit, hold a hand over your mouth to muffle the sound of your orgasm, but Gregor uses his free hand to pull it away, allowing you to vocalize your pleasure freely, and loudly. You come with a shout of his name, neither of you noticing the way your voice echoes in the surrounding desert, and you squirt for the first time in your life, soaking his face as he continues to suck at your clit.

Only once you relax, boneless and struck dumb by the force of your orgasm, does he stop. He sits up, looking quite proud of himself, and you can’t help but laugh a little at him.

“You continue to spoil me, my love,” you say without thinking. Once it processes what you just implied, you sit up, an anxious knot in your gut. You look over at Gregor, and he looks back at you with a wide smile and a shake of his head.

“You too, my love,” he says, smiling at you.

“Come here,” he continues, patting his lap before leaning back on his elbows and stretching his legs out. Your eyes are drawn to his hard cock, twitching slightly in the air, and obey, straddling his hips. You lift yourself up, then grip his cock with a hand, holding it in place while you carefully sink down onto it. You grimace at the way he stretches you, and once you’ve seated yourself entirely onto him, Gregor softly cups your face, concerned.

You assure him that you’re okay, and after taking a moment to adjust to him, you begin to move, circling your hips and grinding down against him, rubbing your clit nicely against his pelvis and making yourself moan. Gregor holds his hands to your hips as you move and stares, spellbound, at the spot where your bodies are joined.

Once you’re comfortable enough to start moving in earnest, you shift your weight onto your knees and raise yourself off of his cock before dropping back onto him. You bounce like this a few times and curse while Gregor moans in satisfaction at the new sensation of your heat surrounding him. He digs his fingertips into your skin and starts to match your motion with upwards thrusts of his own. The sound of skin on skin is obscene, but it spurs the two of you on until the tent is filled with wet slapping and your combined gasps and moans.

Just as your legs begin to burn from the effort you’re putting in, Gregor sits up, wraps his arms around you, and moves you onto your back again, all the while continuing to piston himself in and out of you.

Lying down, you wrap your arms around his shoulders and your legs around his hips, trapping him closely to you before crushing your lips against his. Now focusing on depth rather than speed, he kisses you back as he desperately fucks into you, making your entire body slide back and forth in time with his thrusting.

You feel a familiar tightening sensation in your lower belly and break away with a loud curse and moan of his name.

“Fuck Gregor, I’m so close,” you whine.

“Then come with me, mesh’la,” he says, panting.

He takes a hand off of you, licks his thumb, and reaches down before circling it around your clit as he keeps thrusting. You cry out and clamp down around him, inadvertently scratching him as you rake your fingers down his back while you come. He responds with a shout of his own and grabs your hips again, his fingers digging into your skin hard enough to bruise as his hips stutter before stilling completely. His entire body locks up for a few seconds before he collapses downward, his head resting heavily against your chest as the two of you gasp for air.

“Hey! What are you doing here?” you ask, stepping aside to let him into your apartment, unaware of the wide smile on your face.

“I was on my way to the bar when I passed Mayr. He said you’d closed for a few days, so I figured I’d see if you were here instead. How long will the place be closed?” he says, but doesn’t move from the doorway.

“Tonight and tomorrow. Why? If you want a Kork that badly I’ve got a few in the fridge,” you say. His face lights up.

“I’ve got you to myself for a whole day then?” he says, barely containing a smile. You lean forward and kiss his cheek.

“And a whole night. You got big plans for me?”

“Yeah, actually, if you’re okay with it,” he says and you laugh a little.

“Anything is better than watching the same holo show for the fifth time. What will we be doing?”

“I’d like to surprise you! Wait here for an hour or two?” he replies, then jogs down the nearby stairs without waiting for your answer. Whatever his plans are, he’s certainly excited about them.

You’re on the verge of dozing off while trying to read when you hear another knock at the door exactly two hours later. You yawn and stretch before returning to the door. Once you’ve confirmed that it’s Gregor with a quick check of your intercom camera, you open your door and step aside to let him in.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” he says, moving towards your kitchen table and setting a few things down on it: a heavy-sounding rucksack and an equally heavy insulated cooler. He rolls his shoulders, then returns to your side, shuts the door, and holds you by the waist before leaning in and kissing you deeply, humming against your lips. Eventually, the two of you break apart, slightly breathless.

“So this is all for me?” you ask, gesturing to the table.

“Remember the first night I stayed over?” he asks in return. You chuckle.

“Mhm, and the next morning,” you say before kissing him again. He pulls back and smiles at you.

“You said something about me taking you out, before-,” he says, leaving the sentence open-ended. You pick up what he was getting at right away, and kiss him a third time.

“Finally gonna do it, huh?” you say, giggling.

“After-,” he says pointedly, “I do something for you.”

“Which answers my original question,” you say, and he nods at you.

“I, um, don’t have much, so I can’t do what I really want for you,” he says, but you softly interrupt.

“You know I don’t need anything fancy, Gregor. All I want is you,” you say, making him blush.

Once you’ve packed an overnight bag upon Gregor’s insistence, you follow him out of your apartment building. You automatically head towards his place, thinking that he’s finally going to have you over for once, but he softly grips your shoulder and stops you. Confused but curious, you keep pace with him as he instead goes around the side of your building to where the residents speeders are parked. He approaches a speeder bike that you recognize.

“It’s Mayr’s, yes,” he says, confirming this. “He’s agreed to let me borrow it overnight,” he continues while loading your things and his onto the back of it. He climbs into the pilots seat, and you slide into the spot behind him, eager to see where this is going.

It’s slow, moving through town, but once you reach the outskirts of the surrounding desert, Gregor opens the throttle and you both practically fly across the sand, you wrapping your arms around his waist and holding on tightly as he navigates the dunes into the late afternoon.

After a twenty minute ride that would no doubt have been a multiple-hour hike, he finally slows, then stops the bike. He sets the kickstand, then dismounts before turning around to help you do the same. Once you’re on your feet, he stands behind you and asks that you close your eyes.

You trust him, and do as he says. He then takes you by the hand and leads you up one side of a small sand dune and down the other. A breeze blows through your hair and after a few more steps, Gregor releases your hand and tells you to open your eyes. You do just that and find-

It’s a campsite. There’s a small, two-person tent set up already, and a quick peek inside shows you that it’s filled with overstuffed pillows and multiple soft blankets. Not far outside of the tent, there’s a fire crackling already; four poles are also set up, marking a perimeter around the site with twinkling lights. The last thing you see is a portable camp stove, ready to be used.

You were never really one for camping, but Gregor has done such a good job of making the site warm and inviting that you can’t help but smile at him.

“I wondered where you’d gone,” you say, grinning at him. “You did this all for me?”

“Anything for you,” he says, kissing you softly on the lips. “Go ahead and settle in while I get dinner started.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do all that by yourself,” you say, but he chuckles and stops you.

“Maybe not, but I want to,” he says before gently prodding you towards the tent.

You obediently sit in the space between the tent entrance and the edge of the fire, watching as Gregor fishes out a large pan and a few tools from the rucksack, then pulls two thick steaks out of the insulated cooler, along with whatever else he plans to use to cook them.

“Don’t tell my boss,” he says sheepishly, then starts to work. You simply giggle at him.

After a few minutes, you start to hum, a slow, familiar song, as he works. You turn to watch the sun set, and unconsciously start to sing aloud.

How was I to guess, I’d still be on your mind?

Enough to bring you here and prove I wasn’t right.

You’re startled, for just a moment, when you hear Gregor’s gravelly voice join yours, then continue.

We don’t need to know, the future isn’t ours.

It takes him a moment to get his footing, then his dulcet tenor blends with your high alto tone, the two of you not quite harmonizing, but still sounding lovely together.

When we both let go, I’ll hear you in the bars.

As the two of you continue the song, you stand from your place near the campfire and walk over to where Gregor is standing, meeting his eyes. He sets the steaks to the side of the camp stove so that they won’t burn, then takes you by the hands and starts to dance with you.

So won’t you stay, ‘til the morning?

I’ve been frozen since that night you sang with me.

One more day for you to hold me.

‘Cuz I don’t know when I’ll see you again.

Your voices fade out just as the sun dips under the horizon, then your lips meet in a passionate, soulful kiss.

The warmth in your chest is suddenly overshadowed by a loud rumble from your stomach, and Gregor steps away from you with a soft chuckle before he returns his attention to the cooking.

His attention isn’t redirected for long, as less than five minutes later he’s sitting beside you between the tent and the fire, handing you a plate and cutlery.

You take your first bite, and it’s the best thing you’ve ever tasted.

Sated from the excellent meal, you and Gregor spend the next hour or so side by side at the mouth of the tent, quietly telling each other stories and generally enjoying the peace. The moon is almost fully eclipsed by now, its normally yellow-white surface a deep red. To get a better look at it, Gregor stands and turns off the lights surrounding the campsite, and you get to your feet. The both of you walk a little ways away from the bright light of the fire and watch as the cosmic event reaches totality. The entire moon is deep red, casting a similarly red light over everything.

“I’ve never seen one like this, have you?” you ask, transfixed by the night sky.

“If I have, I can’t remember,” he says, and you both chuckle a little.

Gregor steps closer to you and takes your hand, weaving his fingers between yours. You look up at him with a soft smile, and after a moment, he cautiously pulls you closer and kisses you. You close your eyes and reciprocate, humming lowly against his lips. He moves his hands to your shoulders and holds you tightly against him as the kiss deepens. After a short time, he slots his knee between your thighs. This is new, but you have a good idea of what he wants.

You grind yourself against his leg, moaning quietly as the friction of your clothes against your clit hits you just right. Gregor groans at the display before holding both sides of your head and kissing you deeply. Feeling bold, you drag a hand along his body and stop at his groin, turning to cup his growing bulge and making him break away and curse under his breath.

There’s a second of silence in which your eyes meet, and the two of you immediately come to an unspoken understanding.

The both of you stumble your way back towards the tent, neither of you wanting to take your hands or lips off of the other for too long. On the way inside, Gregor whips off his shirt and throws it aside into the sand where it is quickly forgotten.

You lie on your back and beckon Gregor to come closer, and he does. His legs are resting on the tent floor between yours, and he’s caging you between his forearms as his elbows rest even with yours. You reach up and run your fingers through his hair, scratching lightly along his scalp and making him shiver.

“You’re beautiful,” he says, his voice a low groan as he dips down to nip along your pulse. You respond with a soft moan at the feeling of his lips on your delicate skin.

After a minute or so, you begin to run a finger along the waistband of his pants before slipping into it and brushing against the base of his cock. Gregor gasps your name and pulls away just enough to meet your eyes. He grips your hips, hooking his hands into your own waistband and breathing heavily, the unspoken question hanging pointedly between you two.

He softly says your name, his voice trembling with a mix of desire and nerves. You reach up and cup one side of his face, and he relaxes into your touch.

“Gregor, I’ve been wanting this since the first night you took me home,” you whisper.

“So, I can- that is, we-,” he says, stumbling over his words. It’s endearing, and your heart swells with affection for him. You sit up and kiss him, stopping his nervous babbling, then speak once you pull away.

“You’ve kept me waiting long enough,” you say with a giggle. “So, yes. Please.”

“Thank you,” Gregor says, slipping your pants down your legs with little effort. Once they reach your ankles, you kick them off, sit up just enough to whip your shirt off, then lie back in just your bra and matching panties, which happen to be in his favorite shade of yellow. He stares down at you and licks his lips.

“When did you get these?” he asks, his tone almost reverent as he softly traces around the lace cups of your bra.

“As soon as you mentioned the color,” you say, smiling at him. “I’ve been saving it for this.”

“You spoil me,” Gregor says before eagerly shimmying out of his pants, leaving himself clad in just his red boxers.

“You did all of this for me, I’m the spoiled one” you say, quickly waving a hand around to indicate the campsite. “Let me fix that,” you continue.

In response to Gregor’s look of mild confusion, you grab him by the shoulders and, with some effort, roll the two of you until he’s laying on his back beneath you. You dip your head down and capture his lips with yours while your hands roam his body, making him groan into your mouth.

You respond by breaking away and kissing downwards along his torso, moving your body until your face is even with his groin. When he feels your hot breath ghosting through the fabric of his boxers he props himself up on his elbows to get a better look at you. He whispers your name and you smile at him, hooking your fingers into his elastic waistband.

“Say please,” you say, your voice a soft purr in the semi darkness.

“Yes, please yes,” he responds, and in a quick movement, you pull the last of his clothing off, tossing the garment over your shoulder with a grin.

“Good boy,” you say, and his hips jerk upwards just enough to be noticeable. You hold back a giggle and resume kissing his body, making your way along his cock at a teasing pace.

Gregor flops onto his back and grabs at the blankets beneath you both, whining softly.

You decide to stop drawing it out and begin to lick up and down his shaft, lavishing your tongue around his cockhead and enjoying the subtle taste of his precum. His hips jerk upwards again and you interpret this as permission to continue; you take his cock into your mouth and throat, swallowing around him and fighting your gag reflex as he goes deeper.

You glance up at him and see that his eyes are closed with a blissed out expression on his face. You chuckle, making your throat vibrate softly around him, and he curses under his breath. You begin to bob your head up and down, drawing the most sinful moans and gasps out of him as you steadily pick up the pace.

It doesn’t take long before his legs are twitching and he holds the sides of your head, threading his fingers through your hair as he keeps you in place. Knowing how close he is, you obediently stay put and hum around him while he fucks your throat.

“F-fuck, ‘m gonna-,” he gasps. He tries to pull away, but you tap at his hip, signaling that he doesn’t have to, and he whines. “Good Maker, you’re so-,” he says.

Whatever you are, you never find out, as Gregor interrupts himself with a deep, long groan as he cums. You swallow it all, letting nothing go to waste and even continuing for a moment after his cock stops twitching. You relish the overstimulated hisses and grunts coming from him above you, but stop before it gets to be too much.

You sit back, his cock slipping out of your mouth as you move. You’re about to ask if he’s alright, but you don’t get a chance before he reaches down and grabs your shoulders, suddenly pulling you upwards and kissing you hard, humming against your lips. You kiss him back with just as much fervor. He surprises you when his tongue slides along yours, clearly not caring about what was just in your mouth, and you press against him, wordlessly begging for more.

Gregor knows you well, and in response he drags his hands along your sides and over your back before undoing the clasps of your bra. You break the kiss long enough to slip your arms out of the straps and throw it over your other shoulder. You lean back down for another kiss, but Gregor stops you, instead holding you in place.

He suddenly sits upright, holding you in his lap as he slouches down enough for his mouth to be even with your breasts. His hot breath against your skin makes you shiver, your nipples hardening and peaking in anticipation. Seeing this, Gregor leans in and wraps his lips around your left nipple, running the tip of his tongue along it at random intervals while he gropes at your other breast. Your breathing grows heavier with each of his movements, and when he softly bites down and sucks your nipple between his teeth, you whimper out his name and grasp his shoulders, your fingers digging into his skin.

Gregor repeats this with your right nipple, and as he works it over with his mouth and tongue, one of his hands slips between your legs. He cups your heat over the thin lace of your panties and notes that you’ve soaked through them. He slips a single finger under the wet fabric and traces it along your slit, making your hips twitch against him. You moan his name, then take it upon yourself to take your panties off for him.

Now that the two of you are bare, Gregor begins to finger you, sliding two digits into your dripping pussy and working your swollen clit over with his thumb. You reach down for his half-hard cock, but he stops you with his free hand.

“Let me return the favor,” he says, whispering into your ear.

You meet his eyes again and nod at him, eager to see what he’ll do to you. Gregor gives you a soft kiss and slips his hand away from your core, making you whine in his absence. He gently but firmly takes hold of your shoulders and turns the two of you around before laying you down on your back, his hand cupping the back of your head until it hits the pillow beneath it. He then moves backward to the point that his face is even with your pussy, imitating the position you were in only moments ago.

You open your legs as widely as you can to make room for him, and he rests a hand on each of your knees. He runs a hand up and down one thigh as he kisses and nips his way down the other one, making his way to your core. He stops for a second and simply stares before taking a breath and diving in.

Gregor's tongue slides between your lips and into your pussy, and he groans as he tastes you from the source for the first time. He slurps away at you, the deft movements of his strong tongue making you moan and arch your back as your toes curl.

After a long while, he sits up a little bit, panting, and switches tactics. He leans back down, but rather than continuing to eat you out, he slides two fingers inside of you and rubs tight circles against a soft spot near your entrance while his mouth focuses exclusively on your clit. He licks along the underside a few times, enjoying the way the bundle of nerves bounces against his tongue before taking it softly between his lips and sucking you off as he continues to finger you.

You’re squirming under his touch, right on the edge and gasping for breath, then Gregor begins to hum against you, the vibration of his lips around your clit sending you over the edge. You, out of habit, hold a hand over your mouth to muffle the sound of your orgasm, but Gregor uses his free hand to pull it away, allowing you to vocalize your pleasure freely, and loudly. You come with a shout of his name, neither of you noticing the way your voice echoes in the surrounding desert, and you squirt for the first time in your life, soaking his face as he continues to suck at your clit.

Only once you relax, boneless and struck dumb by the force of your orgasm, does he stop. He sits up, looking quite proud of himself, and you can’t help but laugh a little at him.

“You continue to spoil me, my love,” you say without thinking. Once it processes what you just implied, you sit up, an anxious knot in your gut. You look over at Gregor, and he looks back at you with a wide smile and a shake of his head.

“You too, my love,” he says, smiling at you.

“Come here,” he continues, patting his lap before leaning back on his elbows and stretching his legs out. Your eyes are drawn to his hard cock, twitching slightly in the air, and obey, straddling his hips. You lift yourself up, then grip his cock with a hand, holding it in place while you carefully sink down onto it. You grimace at the way he stretches you, and once you’ve seated yourself entirely onto him, Gregor softly cups your face, concerned.

You assure him that you’re okay, and after taking a moment to adjust to him, you begin to move, circling your hips and grinding down against him, rubbing your clit nicely against his pelvis and making yourself moan. Gregor holds his hands to your hips as you move and stares, spellbound, at the spot where your bodies are joined.

Once you’re comfortable enough to start moving in earnest, you shift your weight onto your knees and raise yourself off of his cock before dropping back onto him. You bounce like this a few times and curse while Gregor moans in satisfaction at the new sensation of your heat surrounding him. He digs his fingertips into your skin and starts to match your motion with upwards thrusts of his own. The sound of skin on skin is obscene, but it spurs the two of you on until the tent is filled with wet slapping and your combined gasps and moans.

Just as your legs begin to burn from the effort you’re putting in, Gregor sits up, wraps his arms around you, and moves you onto your back again, all the while continuing to piston himself in and out of you.

Lying down, you wrap your arms around his shoulders and your legs around his hips, trapping him closely to you before crushing your lips against his. Now focusing on depth rather than speed, he kisses you back as he desperately fucks into you, making your entire body slide back and forth in time with his thrusting.

You feel a familiar tightening sensation in your lower belly and break away with a loud curse and moan of his name.

“Fuck Gregor, I’m so close,” you whine.

“Then come with me, mesh’la,” he says, panting.

He takes a hand off of you, licks his thumb, and reaches down before circling it around your clit as he keeps thrusting. You cry out and clamp down around him, inadvertently scratching him as you rake your fingers down his back while you come. He responds with a shout of his own and grabs your hips again, his fingers digging into your skin hard enough to bruise as his hips stutter before stilling completely. His entire body locks up for a few seconds before he collapses downward, his head resting heavily against your chest as the two of you gasp for air.

It was mind-boggling to her, because at this point in her life, with her anxieties, she'd practically given up. So, to shift into this mindset, of truly believing Hunter wanted to stay with her, and that he cared about her enough that he didn't want to be with anyone else, made her shake her head sometimes.

But she knew it was true. He was very genuine. There was no reason to doubt him. His family had accepted her, even his father. It took very little time for 99 to adore Wren and be grateful to her for all she'd done for Hunter.

When they returned from their weekend trip, Wren said good-bye to everyone else, giving Omega a warm hug, and stayed in the driveway with Hunter for a few more minutes.

"Thanks again for going with us. It means a lot to me, that you would do that, because I know you were nervous." He said this quietly as he took her hand in his, running his thumb along the back of her hand.

"Thanks again for asking me to go with you. It means more than I can say, that you would ask me to meet your dad." She squeezed his hand.

He leaned forward as she tilted her head the little bit needed to meet him halfway. He felt that kiss through his whole body, and it warmed him. He became so emotional, he had to pull back and take a deep breath.

"Are you okay," she asked.

"Yeah, definitely. Just...I'm just feeling a lot right now, and I don't know how to say it." He gave her a small smile as he looked up from where he'd been staring at their hands.

"Well, then maybe you could show me," she reached up and threaded her fingers into his hair, pulling his head forward very gently.

"I could do that," he said with a small smile.

He kissed her again, with purpose. He stepped even closer, so their bodies were pushed against each other. His hands were on both sides of her face, holding her as if she was the most precious thing in the world to him. She ran her free hand up his back, feeling the dense muscles flex as he moved.

She was starting to feel lightheaded, and needed a breath. She pulled her head back gently, and he took the hint.

"Sorry, I got a little carried away." He looked sheepish and almost embarrassed.

"No, that's perfectly fine. I just couldn't breathe," and she chuckled. "Plus, I guess we're out here in your driveway for God and all your neighbors to see."

"Yeah, we should stop." He still had his hands on the sides of her face and he was looking into her eyes. "Even though I really don't want to." He gave her one more quick kiss before dropping his hands and totally stepping back.

She dropped her hands to her sides and took another deep breath. "To be continued?" She couldn't believe she said that, but she really loved the thought of continuing what they were doing, but in private.

"Yeah." It sounded like a low growl. "Definitely to be continued."

She felt her face get hot, and she turned and walked to her car. As she opened her door, she looked at him. She made a split-second decision and hurried back, giving him a quick hug, before hurrying to her car, getting in, and shutting the door.

He had been caught off guard when she hugged him, not even hugging her in return. But as she began to back out of the driveway, he waved and gave her a warm smile. As she started down the street, she saw him wave again. She gave him an enthusiastic wave out her window, before driving on. Then she took an even bigger breath and let it out slowly. Wow, that was fun.

She was already wondering when she could see him again, and he was thinking the same thing as he walked on into his house.

Over the next month or so, things stayed about the same between them. They would meet for lunch once or twice a week. They would get together at least one time over the weekend. They'd either go out to eat, or to a movie, or to play putt-putt golf.

Wren was really enjoying the time with him, and she thought he seemed to feel the same way. But she was starting to wonder if it was time to move things forward a little bit. They kissed quite a bit. They had what she would call make-out sessions whenever they were at her place. Usually if they'd gone out somewhere, when he took her home, he'd go in for a little bit and they'd sit on the couch together, talking. And kissing. And snuggling. It was better than Wren could have hoped for.

But it was getting harder for her to stop. She didn't know if he felt the same. He didn't push to go further though. They'd never gotten as far as they did the night they were at 99's. But she started daydreaming a lot about how she might bring up the subject to him. She didn't think she was ready to have sex with him. As much as she wanted to, she just knew she wasn't ready for that. But she wanted to try what they'd already done at least. But how do you bring that up? She was so nervous.

It seemed natural the night they stayed at 99's. Because they were already in bed together. But how do you get from making out on the couch, to in bed, without just saying, do you want to go to bed. And she didn't know if she could say those actual words.

Then one Thursday night Wren was watching TV, and she heard a text come in. She looked, and it was from Hunter. She felt a little jolt of excitement run through her.

H: Hey! Do you have plans tomorrow night?

W: You're funny. Do I ever unless you're involved? 😉

H: Well...Omega is gonna be spending the night with a friend, so I don't need to be home at any certain time...

W: Oh really?

H: Yeah...I was wondering if maybe we could do something...like watch TV and hang out or something...

W: Yeah, I'd love to! Maybe we could get pizza?

H: Sounds good...I can bring the pizza with me when I come.

W: Okay, just come over whenever you want to. I'll be here all night, of course. 😊

H: Okay, I'll see you tomorrow. Lookin' forward to it.

W: Me too. ♥

She was so excited at first...he could be there as late as he wanted!

But then she really thought about it...he could be there as late as he wanted...how long would he want?

Did he mean he wanted to spend the night? Is that what he was saying?

As soon as that thought crossed her mind, she felt the heat begin in her chest and spread throughout her body, up into her face. She had to take off her hoodie and throw her blanket off her legs. She always got a flash of heat when her anxiety hit.

What was going to happen? She was immediately nauseous. The thought of Hunter spending the night made her almost giddy with happiness. But also so nervous she felt like she might pass out.

It was going to be a long 24 hours until he came over for pizza, a movie, and...whatever else he had in mind. She could barely concentrate on anything, so she just decided to go to bed early. She would want to get up earlier in the morning, so she had time to do a thorough job of shaving and grooming. Just in case.

Just in case what? Even thinking about that made her scared as hell. She re-read the text conversation at least 10 times before she finally fell asleep.

Friday arrived, and Wren's anxiery was through the roof. She did take extra time in the shower to shave and trim. Just in case. Just in case... Good lord, she didn't know if she could do this. Whatever this ended up being.

Time at work creeped by. She kept getting startled by her coworkers, because she was in her own little world. The world where she might actually have sex tonight. With Hunter.

Did she want to? Was she ready? They'd been seeing each other for 6 months at that point. They'd made out quite a bit the past month. But anytime she thought she might be ready to go further, her anxiety got the better of her. Hunter didn't act like he minded.

Her head started to spin and her vision started to gray out when she thought about him coming over later on.

After work, she went home and cleaned the bathroom, not knowing if he would be using the shower, and ran the vacuum in the living room and bedroom.

At 6:00 she got a text.

H: I'm leaving home now. I'm going to pick up the pizza then come on over. Should be there in less than half an hour.

W: Okay, looking forward to it.

And that wasn't a lie. She was looking forward to it, she just didn't add that she was also a nervous wreck.

About 20 minutes later she heard Hunter's truck pull into the parking lot. Then within a minute she heard a knock on her door.

She took a deep breath, got up, and unlocked the door. She opened it and stepped to the side so he could carry in the pizza box and some sodas.

When Omega asked him if she could spend the night with Hera, Hunter said yes without giving it much thought. It certainly wasn't the first time.

It wasn't until about 15 minutes later that the thought hit him...it would be Friday night. He didn't have to work the next day. And neither did Wren.

At the thought, he smiled. He wouldn't need to be home when Omega went to bed. She was old enough that she didn't need him to tuck her in, but he could tell she still enjoyed it. He wanted to be able to experience that as much as possible, before she got too old and didn't want him to anymore.

Plus he wasn't ready to explain why he didn't come home from Wren's. So this would be the perfect opportunity. He just wasn't sure for what.

After they were done eating and were watching a movie, Hunter was on the couch with Wren's head in his lap. He had been running his fingers through her hair for the past 15 minutes, and she was close to falling asleep.

They hadn't discussed what was going to happen tonight beyond the movie.

They watched The Princess Bride (Wren's choice, because it's her go-to movie when she's stressed.) After that was over, they watched a little bit of the Great British Bake Off channel. That was just so they would have something to watch, because neither of them wanted to move from the spot yet.

At around 10:00, Hunter made a big show out of stretching both his arms and making a loud yawning sound.

"I'm so tired!"

"Oh, really?"

"Yeah, it was a hard day today."

"Well, did you want to go to home?" Then she paused, and he could tell she was struggling with something. "Or...did you want to go to bed...here?"

Hunter looked at her, really looked at her, enough that she felt like she needed to look away, because the eye contact was so intense.

He quietly said, "What would you like me to do?"

She replied, "What would you like to do? Or maybe a better question is what would you like me to like you to do?"

He looked at her with a little bit of confusion, then broke into a smile.

He shook his head as he said, "Wren, you are something else." He chuckled and went back to "petting" her hair.

She tried to swallow away the lump in her throat and calm her pounding heart. "Well...I don't know what to say. I think I would like for you to stay. But I also know myself, and I know I might get a little freaked out at some point. And I don't want you to have to deal with that."

He said, "What do you mean? Deal with what?"

"Deal with me getting scared and anxious and possibly having an anxiety attack and getting dizzy...all that good stuff you've had to deal with for six months, but this might be a whole 'nother level."

"Hey, come here." With that he lightly tugged on her arms to let her know he wanted her to sit up with him. She did and leaned into his side with her head on his chest and his arms around her waist.

He laid his cheek on top of her head. "Wren. I would like to spend the night here. With you. But I can sleep on the couch if you'd prefer. Or I can sleep in the bed, but not touch you at all. Or I can touch you, but stop at whatever point you want to. It is totally up to you. But I would really like to stay. I want to be able to wake up in the morning and see you first thing. It's my favorite thing. Whether it's next to me in bed, or from my spot here on the couch. Whatever you are comfortable with."

How could she say no to such a sweet request? She felt like her heart was about to explode, she cared for him so much. She was pretty sure she even loved him, but hadn't actually said that out loud yet (or even truly admitted it in her own head.)

And it's not like they hadn't slept in the same bed before. They did it 2 nights at 99's. That still seemed different though. There were 6 other people in the house at that time. She knew they had to be careful and quiet. But now, they were in her apartment all by themselves. And they could be all night.

She finally said, "Okay, I'd like you to stay. And I'd like you to sleep in bed with me. I'm not sure about any other stuff though. I definitely know I'm not ready to have sex yet, so I don't want to seem like a tease. Is it being a tease if I want you to sleep with me, but not really sleep 'with' me?"

"Wren, you are the furthest thing from a tease. Don't worry about that. I know you're not ready for sex yet. And to be honest, I'm not sure I am either. Things haven't gone all that well for me in that area in the past, and I'd rather not push anything."

At that, he turned his head and kissed the top of hers. "That being said, I do love the thought of more cuddles. All night."

She looked up at him with a smile, and he had the sweetest, most gentle look on his face. She said, "I would love some cuddles. Let's go."

As she stood up, she looked around and said, "Did you bring an overnight bag?"

He said, "Well, I didn't want to presume..."

She rolled her eyes good-naturedly at him.

"...but I do have it out in the truck."

She laughed and smacked him on the arm. "So you were just going to go home if I didn't ask you to stay?"

"Yeah, definitely. I don't want to pressure you about anything."

She stepped closer to him, and put her arms around his waist. She looked in his eyes, then at his lips, and back to his eyes. He smiled and they moved towards each other for the softest kiss.

But then his arms went around her waist and pulled her as close as he could. He kissed her again. And again. And again. It was as if he couldn't stop. They both started quietly laughing against each other's lips. After one more kiss, she pulled back enough to look at him and said, "Maybe you should go get your bag."

"Okay, I'll go get my bag." And he kissed her once more before letting her loose and walking towards the door. She watched him walk out, and reached up to touch her lips with her fingers.

When he came back inside, he locked the door behind him. He said, "I thought I would use the bathroom, brush my teeth, change clothes, and all that. Is that okay?"

"Sure, sounds good."

Hunter walked down the hall into the bathroom and shut the door. Wren followed him but went into the bedroom at the end of the hall. She found the clothes she sleeps in and changed into them quickly.

She heard the sink water turn off, then the door opened, and Hunter walked on down the hall to the bedroom. He was wearing some gray sweat pants. And no shirt. Seeing his muscles like that again was a little overwhelming. He wasn't overly large, but he was in really good shape. He just looked strong. And he had actual abs. He didn't look starved though, he had a thin layer of cushion over his mid-section, but she could still see those abs underneath.

She really tried not to stare, but he caught her looking anyway. He smiled a little as he put his bag down on the floor. He walked over to her and pulled her into his arms.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

"Good, really good", she answered. She laid her head on his bare chest and could feel the soft hair against her cheek. He smelled like cinnamon toothpaste.

He pulled her tightly against him. The friction against her breasts made her nipples stiffen. When she pulled away to walk to the bathroom, she saw him looking at her chest.

"Hunter, did I just find out you're a breast man?"

He laughed, "Well with you, it's a hard choice between your tits and your ass!"

She laughed as she walked away, "Oh listen to that sweet talk." She went on into the bathroom and could see in the mirror her face was flushed red. Of course it was!

She took a few deep breaths. Then she brushed her teeth, and finished her nightly routine. She opened the door, shut off the light, and went back to the bedroom. Hunter was laying in the bed with the sheet pulled up around his chest. She figured he could see the disappointment on her face when she saw he was partially covered this time.

He patted the open side of the bed while looking at her. She turned off the light and the room was mostly dark except for the shining of the outside lights coming in the window. She went to the bed, and crawled in next to him, but without touching him. Not yet. She was on her right side, looking at him. And he was on his left side looking at her.

"Well..." he said.

"Well..." she replied.

Then they both laughed again.

Hunter said, "Okay, let's not make a big deal out of this, okay?"

"Yeah."

"We're just sleeping in the same bed, that's it. We've already done that. Twice."

"Yup." But we're here alone this time, she thought to herself. That's the difference.

Wren then said a little timidly, "Wanna spoon?"

"I would love to."

So she turned over and then scooted herself back towards him. He scooted himself closer to her, until his chest was pressed against her back, and his head was above hers but still on the edge of his pillow. His breath blew lightly on her hair, and he put his right arm over and around her waist. He pulled her even closer, as close as she could be.

She felt...loved.

She moved her top leg towards her side of the bed just a bit more, and he was able to lay his leg in between hers, so they intertwined a bit. She could feel his penis in his sweatpants, but it wasn't hard. She would try not to move her hips around too much so she didn't accidentally stir him up. She didn't want to be a tease. Even if he knew she didn't mean to be, his body might not understand.

Once they were settled, he sighed and she felt a big breath on her head. She took her right hand and reached behind her a little to touch his thigh. She rubbed it lightly, just wanting to feel him beneath her hand. His free arm was under her pillow, so she moved her left hand under there as well, and held his hand.

Even though she was nervous, she was also so happy. This was a huge step for her, and she was able to do it. Maybe her heart would stop racing at some point.

She was honestly exhausted. The worry of the day had caught up to her, and she could feel her body finally relaxing and making her sleepier. She didn't know how long before she fell asleep, but it couldn't have been more than a minute or two.

To be Continued...

Tag List: (Let me know if you'd like removed, it won't hurt my feelings!)

@transactivecybermemory, @griffedeloup, @eclec-tech

@lightwise, @votedprettybythecommittee, @indigofyrebird

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@youreababboon, @merkitty49, @noblelightfighter

She put her hand on his, stopping him, and whispered, "Maybe we could leave it open."

He looked at her with confusion.

She pointed her thumb over her shoulder to the bed and continued, "It will be less tempting to do something if the door is open. It would make me even more nervous about someone hearing us than I was last night. So, I think it would be better."

He took his hand off the doorknob, smiled, and said, "Whatever you want is fine with me." He very lightly ran his hand over the small of her back as he walked past to get to his bag. He pulled out a pair of shorts and a T-shirt.

Wren also picked up her shorts and T-shirt she'd left on the bed that morning. They turned their backs to each other while they changed. But Wren couldn't help but sneak a look at his back. Seeing the muscles ripple as he pulled off his jeans and put shorts on instead was hypnotizing. Then right below that was his ass in those gray boxer briefs. She felt her face heating up, so she pulled her eyes away. She couldn't take a chance on him seeing her ogling him. He wouldn't let her live it down. Especially since she was so adamant about them not doing anything physical tonight.

She pulled the covers back and crawled into bed, lying on her back with the covers pulled up to her chin. She watched him turn the light off.

When he laid down next to her on his back, she said, "Okay, we're going to be good tonight."

He turned his head towards hers. "Hey, I'm always good. You, on the other hand..." He ended with a teasing smile.

"Hunter!" she hissed.

He chuckled that deep gravelly chuckle she'd grown to love. It always gave her chills.

"I'm teasing you." His smile grew wider, and he kissed her cheek. "I swear, I'll behave. I mean, look at this...I'm wearing a T-shirt and shorts, for God's sake. I don't know the last time I wore so many clothes to bed."

She laughed as quietly as possible.

"Okay, good. And thank you." She twisted a little further so she could give him a quick kiss on the lips. "Now that's it. Good night." She quickly rolled to the opposite side and laid her head on the pillow.

"Do you think you can control yourself if we spoon?" The teasing tone was still there, and she also heard the smirk in this voice.

"Oh, mister, you're cruisin' for a bruisin'." She giggled. "Yes, I can control myself!"

He laughed quietly again, "Okay, good."

They moved into their favorite position. He started to move his hand towards her breast, and she took hold of it with her hand. She pulled it to her chest, but outside her shirt. "Hand stays outside the shirt, okay?"

She looked at him over her shoulder, and he had a very pronounced pout. She lifted her eyebrows at him.

"I just think it'd be best. I'll even blame myself for that one. If you touch my bare breast, it will be much harder for me to...be good." She was sure she was blushing at that point. Thank goodness it was mostly dark.

"Okay, as long as you realize YOU'RE the problem here, not me." He laid his head on the pillow as she huffed.

"You're a stinker!" she whispered. "Good night!"

He laughed again, "G'night, Wren. Sleep tight."

"You too." And she patted his hand.

And they did sleep. Even though she'd had a wonderful time getting to know 99 and hanging out with the family, it was a lot for her. And she was mentally and physically exhausted.

Hunter heard her breath even out not even a minute after they settled down. He couldn't stop another smile from spreading across his face. This was everything he'd been hoping for these past few months, since meeting Wren. This is what he wanted. For them to be able to tease each other, to laugh and have fun. For her to be okay with him touching her like this. For her to trust him fully.

And for her to meet 99. He really thought she seemed like a part of the family now, and it brought him a peace of mind he hadn't known in a really long time. And in his mind, they were going to stay together. Forever. He thought it seemed like that's what she wanted as well, now that she'd been able to overcome the worst of her fears and anxiety.

He knew there would still be plenty of struggles, and he would need to be ready to reassure her when she started doubting him or herself again. But he was prepared for that and knew their relationship could survive it now. He had no doubts about her or them. What a wonderful feeling. It was like a comforting hug that put him to sleep quicker than he was used to.

The next morning, Wren stirred first. They had barely moved from the position they fell asleep in, and his arm was still draped over her waist with his hand resting on her mid-section. But Wren needed to go to the bathroom, and it really couldn't wait.

As much as she wanted to stay there with him as long as possible, it was not possible.

She slowly began moving his hand away from her body and scooching herself towards the edge of the bed. She was able to maneuver away from him without jostling him too much, so he was still asleep when she stood up. She had to bite her tongue so she didn't yell out loud at how cold the wooden floor was on her bare feet. She found her socks where she'd tossed them last night and put them on as quickly as possible, trying not to fall over as she did so while standing.

It was a relief when she had both socks on and her feet were much warmer. She also changed out of her shorts and into the sweatpants she'd brought for lounging. She wasn't ready to walk around in front of 99 and his sons in her sleep shorts yet. She didn't know if any of them would be awake, although she was pretty sure she heard quiet sounds from the kitchen. Hunter said 99 and Echo both were early risers, so she expected it was at least one of them.

She didn't need to go all the way down to the first floor though. There was a bathroom on the 2nd floor, and that's where she headed.

After using the bathroom, she exited, wondering if she should go back upstairs and try to enjoy a little more Hunter time, or just go downstairs. She thought maybe she should go down, just in case 99 was there. They would be leaving in a few hours, and she wanted to spend as much time with him as possible.

She slowly made her way down the stairs, trying to avoid creaky ones. As she turned the corner and could see in the kitchen, she saw 99 and Echo sitting at the table, drinking their coffee.

99 saw her first and his face lit up at the sight of her. "Wren, good morning!"

"Hi, guys." She looked at the opposite side of the table where Echo was drinking from his mug. He nodded back at her, not taking his lips off his warm mug.

"Did you sleep well last night?" the older man asked, and she could tell he was genuinely interested. He's not one to just say things for small talk purposes.

"I did! I don't think I woke up once, which is very unusual for me. It's a surprisingly comfortable bed."

"Good, good. Hunt still asleep?"

"Yeah, I didn't have the heart to wake him up. He seemed to be resting so well."

"That's good, he could use the extra sleep," Echo added.

Wren smiled at him, but then she wasn't sure what to do with herself. Should she sit down with them? Should she go to the living room? Should she go back upstairs? She was starting to feel awkward and conspicuous when 99 spoke up.

"Wren, would you like something to eat? I can make you some sausage and eggs and toast. Or I have bagels and cream cheese."

Wren's ears perked up at that. "I am always in the mood for a bagel."

He started shuffling to the refrigerator, pulling out a package of bagels. "They're just plain, I hope that's okay."

"Perfect," she said as she took the package from him.

"The toaster is right there," he pointed to the counter by the fridge. "And the cream cheese is in the fridge if you want some."

"Okay, thanks, 99. I appreciate it." She took out one bagel, putting it in the toaster. Then she got in the fridge, grabbing the cream cheese. She also got a knife out of the silverware drawer and waited patiently.

At that point, she heard more footsteps on the stairs.

"Good morning, everyone," Tech's voice was quiet and he sounded like he was still half-asleep.

They all greeted him, and that seemed to open up the floodgates of activity. Before long, everyone but Hunter was in the kitchen, and it was getting crowded. Wren was spreading the cream cheese on her toasted bagel. After she was finished, she said to 99, "Is it okay if I take this to the living room?" She wasn't sure if he had rules about food in there.

"Absolutely, feel free to take it anywhere. Did you want something to drink? I have some individual bottles of orange juice in there if you'd like." He pointed at the fridge again.

"That does sound good," and she went back towards the fridge to grab one. She had to weave her way through all the grown men and Omega, running smack into Wrecker's broad chest at one point. "Sorry, Wrecker!" she said with surprise.

"It's okay, Wren! What did you need?" Wrecker's big smile always brought her joy.

"I was just going to get an orange juice," she said quietly.

"Oh, I'll get that for you," and he turned around, opening the fridge and grabbing a small bottle of juice for her. "Here you go," he handed it to her.

"Thanks, Wrecker." She smiled at him and he nodded. Then she quietly moved out of the kitchen away from the madness. She walked to the living room where it was nice and quiet.

That's where Hunter found her when he came down the stairs about five minutes later. He'd gone there first, because he had a feeling she wouldn't be where all the noise was coming from.

He leaned against the door jamb with his arms crossed. She saw him out of the corner of her eye and turned her head. She felt her breath catch when she saw him. She was still struck by how handsome he was. She didn't know how long it would be until she wasn't surprised about that. Probably never, she thought and tried not to smile.

"Watcha' smilin' about?"

Oops, guess I didn't stop my smile.

She shook her head, "Nothing really. Just happy to see you." She held her hand out towards him.

He pushed off the wall and walked towards her. He was still wearing his shorts and T-shirt, and she couldn't help but look at his toned legs.

"Excuse me, ma'am. My eyes are up here." He pointed to his face, but he had the shittiest smirkiest smirk on his face.

She pulled her hand back and covered her face with it. "Stop," but she was chuckling.

He plopped down on the couch next to her, bumping her shoulder. "Wanna touch 'em?"

"God, Hunter. What is up with you? You are a stinker lately." She tried to sound stern, but she couldn't keep the smile out of her voice. She shoved her face into his upper arm, trying to hide the blush.

He picked up the hand that she had stretched out to him and held it in both of his. Then he laid it on his thigh. Very high up on his thigh. She lifted her eyes to his face, and he was looking at her with what could only be described as a gleam in his eyes. And an adorable grin on his lips. He looked 10 years younger.

So she took the bait, moving her hand so she was cupping his thigh, fingers moving up just a bit. She saw his eyes get a little wider. "Didn't think I'd call your bluff, did you?" she whispered.

He bit his bottom lip as he looked at her. He brought his hand up to the side of her face, threading his fingers through her hair as it fell forward. He caressed her cheek with his thumb and then began pulling her head towards his. He did it slowly and gently enough that she could have easily pulled away if she wanted. But she didn't.

She went willingly, and let out a happy little sigh when his lips pressed against hers. It was a very sweet and soft kiss, and she wanted more. A lot more. But right then they could hear footsteps coming their way and Omega's voice calling out, "Wren? Are you in here?"

Wren pulled back reluctantly and licked her lips, loving the taste of him. She heard him groan very quietly and deeply in his chest. She pulled her hand off his thigh and sat back where she'd been.

"Yes, Omega, in here." She heard Hunter sigh, and she couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face.

"Oh, Hunter, I didn't know you were up!" Omega said as she rounded the corner. "Oh, did I interrupt something?" Omega had a mischievous smile on her face.

"No, kid, you didn't. I was just saying good morning, and now I'm going to get something to eat and some coffee." He patted Wren's knee as he stood up, ruffling Omega's hair as he walked past. She swatted at his hand, but he was quicker than her and chuckled. Big brothers!

Then she went to the couch and plopped down next to Wren, leaning her head on Wren's shoulder.

"Did you sleep well?" Wren asked.

Omega nodded. "I love it here."

"I can see why, it's really nice. And 99 is so sweet."

"Isn't he?" Omega lifted her head and gave a big smile. "He's the kindest person I've ever known."

"You're all really lucky to have him in your lives."

"And now you have him in your life," the girl responded.

"Yeah, I guess I do. I'm very pleased about that."

"I can tell he really likes you and is happy you're with Hunter. He worries about all of us, and he had been pretty worried about Hunter. I think this will really help ease his mind. He knows Hunter is the happiest he's been in a long time. Definitely since what happened to Fives..."

The girl trailed off and a shadow crossed her face. Wren reached out, taking her hand and squeezing.

"Well, I'm glad I can help in some small way."

Omega brightened a bit and said, "Not just a small way. A big way!" She held her arms out as wide as she could.

"Okay, I think you're exaggerating, but thank you." She patted her leg. "Have you eaten?" Wren asked her.

"Yeah."

"Should we go out there anyway, and see what's happening?"

"Yeah, let's go." Omega hopped up, pulling Wren's hand as she went.

As they got to the kitchen doorway, Wren saw Hunter leaning against the counter drinking his coffee. She could see the smile in his eyes above the mug. He winked at her, and she felt her face get warm. Good lord, I am so down bad for that man.

Crosshair stood up and said to Wren, "Here you go, I'm done. You can sit."

"That's okay, Crosshair-"

"Don't argue. Sit." He gave her a look, but ended it with the tiniest bit of a smile.

"Okay," she whispered, smiling back. It made her feel good that even he was starting to joke with her and make her feel like part of the family.

Before long, Hunter came over with his coffee and stood behind her chair, lightly rubbing his hand along her shoulders. "Dad, what things can we do for you before we leave today? Anything need repaired or fixed or do you need help with anything? You have a whole bunch of strong guys who are at your beck and call for three more hours." He smiled at 99.

"Well, now that you mention it...could someone change the bulb in my porch light?"

Wrecker said, "On it!" He wouldn't even need a ladder. He went out, and Wren heard him rummaging around in a closet, she assumed to get a bulb.

"Okay, that's one. What's next?" Hunter continued.

99 continued listing off little jobs that are too difficult for him to take care of himself. Hunter knew he wouldn't have brought anything up to them himself, because he doesn't want to be a bother. But they weren't going to leave without getting him squared away. They can't get it across to him that it's not a bother, they love doing things for him.

Each son had a small job to do. Hunter went outside and reattached a part of the gutter and downspout that had come loose in the last wind storm. He got the ladder and tools out of 99's garage and made quick work of the task.

Crosshair went down in the basement and rearranged some totes and boxes and neatened up the place. 99 had tried to do it after Christmas, when he put the decorations away, but some of the shelves were too high for him to do all he wanted. They try to get him to stop going down in the basement to get those decorations. They tell him they can come and help put them up when it's time and take them down afterwards. But it's something 99 still wants to do himself if he can. And he can for the most part, just not the heavy lifting part.

Tech worked with 99's computer, making sure everything was up-to-date, bookmarking a couple of websites he thought he would like.

Echo went out in the yard and took care of some bushes that had become overgrown and were starting to block the side door to the garage.

And last but not least, Omega and Wren worked on straightening up a couple of his closets. The one near the front door that was usually used for coats had accumulated quite a bit of other stuff. And then the utility closet needed some help too. He'd recently stocked up on some things and there needed to be room made before they could put them away.

Wren also cleaned the tub and shower in his downstairs bathroom. It was hard for him to lean over to really get it as clean as he'd like. And even though the shower in the upstairs bathroom is only used when his kids visit, Omega still went up and cleaned it.

99 walked around watching everyone as they worked, thanking everyone at least ten times each. They were all as happy as could be to do things for him, and he was happy visiting with everyone.

After a quick lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, they started gathering their stuff up to head home. Wren actually felt a tug at her heart at the thought of leaving. She'd enjoyed being around their dad so much, and she knew they didn't get to visit him nearly as much as they'd like. She'd try to make sure at least Hunter, Omega, and her came up sometime in the next month or two. Sometimes they just needed someone to push them to make a little bit of time to visit, and Wren would be glad to be that someone.

She gave him a hug as they were leaving, and his embrace was strong and tight for someone who looked so fragile. He whispered in her ear, "Thank you again, Wren." When he pulled back to look in her eyes, there were tears in his. Wren had to fight to not cry at the warmth and love radiating from him. Not just for the guys and Omega, but for her too. She promised she would see him again soon, and she felt a lump in her throat as they began pulling away and she watched him waving at them from the porch.

Hunter was in the back seat with her on the ride back, Omega taking the front seat this time. He said, "Are you okay? You look sad."

"He's just so nice," she said with her eyes burning. "A truly lovely man. It just made me sad to see him standing there alone, watching us all drive away."

"Aww, Wren, he's okay. We talk to him regularly, all of us. And our cousins visit him. And he has friends and is very active. He's okay, I promise." He took her hand and squeezed it.

"I know, I don't know why I'm being so silly." She quickly wiped her eyes and looked out the window.

"Hey, you're not silly." He reached for her chin, turning her to face him. "You're a kind and compassionate person. And you care deeply. It's one of the reasons I like you so much."

He didn't care if all his siblings could see, he bent his head to kiss her gently. She reached up and threaded her fingers in his hair. Then she jumped when they heard a honk.

They turned to see Crosshair in the car behind them acting like he was going to throw up.

"Oh my god," Wren whispered, but she couldn't stop the quiet laugh.

"He's such a dick," Hunter added. Then he flipped him off through the back window.

"I saw that Hunter!" Omega said loudly from the front seat.

Hunter turned to look at her and said, "You didn't see anything." But he winked at her, and she smiled as she turned around.

Wren just put her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes. She definitely felt like part of the family, and she couldn't be happier about that.

Tag List: (Let me know if you'd like removed, it won't hurt my feelings!)

@transactivecybermemory, @griffedeloup, @eclec-tech

@lightwise, @votedprettybythecommittee, @totallyunidentified, @indigofyrebird

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@youreababboon, @merkitty49, @noblelightfighter, @chaicilatte

He replied, "Hot chocolate sounds good to me also." He dropped her arm and began moving towards the cupboards.

"Can I do it? And you can just sit and watch them?"

"You don't have to do that-"

"I would love to. Really. Just point me in the right direction."

Wren was amazed at how comfortable she felt with him. There were no nerves, no anxiety, she wasn't self-conscious or embarrassed about anything. She had always been more comfortable with older people, and he was one of the sweetest she'd ever met.

"Well, I just use instant. It's in that cupboard there." Her eyes followed where he pointed, and she moved to get out the container. "And the measuring spoon I use is in that drawer." She located the one he was pointing at and began reading the directions.

"And the mugs are in the cupboard above you." She reached up, opening the cupboard to find an assortment of mugs.

"Do you have a favorite?" she asked him.

"I usually use the one that's hand painted there. Omega made that for me." He had a smile on his face as he said it.

She pulled out the brightly colored mug with "99" written on it along with hearts, stars and butterflies. "Oh, this is beautiful! She did a great job."

He smiled his agreement. She added water to the mugs and put them in the microwave to heat up. Then she took them out, scooped the right amount of powder in, and stirred thoroughly.

He said, "I have little marshmallows if you want some."

She shook her head saying, "I don't usually add any. But if you'd like some, I'll get them."

He pointed to a cupboard, and when she opened the door, she saw the bag without too much trouble. She carried it to the table, setting it next to him. Then she went back to the counter, picked up the mugs, and carried them to the table as well. She sat across from him.

He reached into the bag, pulling out a few marshmallows and putting them in his drink. He turned the opening in the bag towards her and said, "Are you sure?"

She said, "Yeah, I don't need them in my drink." After a slight hesitation, she said, "But I do like them. Would it be okay if I just ate a few?"

He said, "Of course! Help yourself," with a big smile.

She loved his smile. It was crooked, as one side of his face drooped just a bit. But it was one of the most natural and beautiful smiles she'd ever seen. It was hard not to smile back.

They both turned towards the window to watch what everyone was doing outside. Hunter seemed to be in charge, but Crosshair was talking a lot as well. They split up into two sides. Wrecker, Omega, and Hunter on one side, Echo, Tech, and Crosshair on the other.

It didn't look like they were playing a very organized game, but there was a lot of laughter and Wren could tell they were having fun.

"You're sure you don't want to be out there with them? Looks like fun."

She looked 99's direction and shook her head. "No, I'm fine here." Then she looked back outside, her eyes naturally finding Hunter and watching him more than anyone else.

After a minute of silence, 99 said, "I want to thank you for what you've done for my son."

Wren startled and looked his way. "What?"

"Hunter. I can see such a change in him. And I know that's because of you. I can see the way he looks at you. The way he touches your arm or hand. I've never seen that before with him. He hasn't been much for affection or touching. That's changed a little bit since Omega came into our lives. But I still never thought I'd see him be so free and easy about touching someone outside the family. Not with all his siblings around. And I've never seen him look at anyone like he looks at you. I can tell he thinks the world of you."

She could feel her face heating up and knew she was getting red. She looked down at her mug, playing with the handle. She held it up to her lips, blowing a bit before taking a drink.

He waited patiently.

She glanced up at him, and his kind eyes were encouraging. "Thanks." It came out almost as a whisper.

"Well...like I said, thank you. You've obviously touched a part of him no one ever has before. His heart has opened up."

She couldn't help the smile that broke across her face. "That's so nice to hear. Thank you so much." She paused, not sure how much to say. "Please know, I think the world of him too. I still can't believe he wants me in his life at all, let alone..." She motioned around, as if saying, let alone bring me to meet his family. Even as comfortable as she was with 99, she couldn't look at him much when saying all that.

But when she was done, she glanced up at him. His smile couldn't have been bigger. He reached over and patted her hand. "Life has been a struggle for Hunt. None of the boys or Omega have had an easy time of it. But being the oldest of his batch, he always took on extra responsibility and pressured himself to take care of the rest. Even after they came to live with me, when he was around twelve. He still couldn't give up that role, that older brother/fatherly role. Not for a while anyway. It took me a few months to break that wall down, so he would let me in and let me take care of them. All of them, including him.

He still tried to mother hen the other boys after I adopted them, but the older they got the more the others started trying to get him to stop that. And he finally realized he could just be a kid too. Just like them. I was there to be their dad; he didn't have to be anymore. And it made quite a bit of difference in his personality. He laughed more, joked more, played more. He still wasn't affectionate, especially not with me, but he was changing in many ways. He was still quiet, more serious than the others, he studied everything and everyone. Making sure everyone was okay when they weren't looking, since they got irritated when he tried asking them to their face."

Wren was absolutely enthralled by all he was saying. She'd forgotten anything was going on outside. She loved hearing about Hunter as a child. It explained a lot. Why he still felt responsible for his siblings more than he needed to. He'd done that so long as a kid, the habit was hard to break. Even after they were with 99.

"It was hard for him to leave for the Army and leave the younger boys at home. He was worried about them. But we all assured him they'd be fine. If he wanted to go, then go. And he was a great soldier, a great scout. He could have made a career of it, but life had other plans."

He got more somber than she'd seen him up to that point.

She quietly said, "I'm sorry about Fives. I've heard a lot about him. He sounded like an amazing guy."

There were tears in his eyes when he looked up at her. "He was. He really was. He could make anyone laugh. Even Hunter. He'd tease him, and Hunter would act like he was so mad. But I could tell he loved it. He always seemed to feel freer when Fives was around. It broke all of us when Fives died. It was hardest on Echo, of course, being his twin. But it affected Hunter in a way none of us expected. And he just couldn't go on the way he had been. He couldn't stand to be away from the rest of his siblings; afraid something would happen to them also. It's what finally caused him to break and have to come home. And that was quite an adjustment for everyone. Then Omega showed up in our lives, and that girl saved him. She gave him something to focus on other than his grief about Fives and about the loss of his life as he knew it."

"She's a cure-all for so many."

"That she is. She's the sparkle these guys needed."

At that they both looked out the window. They could see Wrecker pick up Omega, who was carrying the ball, and carry her down the yard and across the "goal line" they'd created with a garden hose. She was laughing so hard they could hear her inside. And Wrecker was twirling her around, cheering that she scored. It was honestly one of the cutest things Wren had ever seen. And all the guys had smiles on their faces, even those on the other team.

They continued to play as Wren and 99 kept talking. He asked about her...about her job, her family, her life up until that point. And she didn't feel like he was being nosy or rude. He was just interested in her, as someone who was part of the family now. She could feel his genuineness and caring.

By the time the rest of them came back inside, Wren was so at-ease with the older man, she felt like she'd known him her whole life. Hunter came directly over to her, placing his hand on her shoulder, leaning down to kiss the top of her head.

"How are things in here?" He had a smile on his face, but she could tell he was concerned. But she also saw the relief in his eyes when he saw her big smile.

"We've had such a good time. Haven't we, 99?" She reached over and squeezed his hand.

"We certainly have. You did good, Hunt, you did real good."

Wren felt herself redden a bit, but she still looked up at Hunter with a smile so bright his heart jumped.

There was a lot of activity swirling around the small kitchen, and Wren could feel herself tensing up a bit. Hunter said, "Would you like to go in the living room now? We're in for good."

"Yeah, that sounds good." She stood up, reaching for 99's mug. "Are you done with that?"

He nodded, handing it to her. She took it and hers over to the sink, washing them before putting them in the drainer.

Hunter was standing near the doorway leading into the hall and reached out his hand to her when he saw she was done. She took it as she got closer and gave it a squeeze. They walked into the living room and headed for the sofa. No one else had gotten that far yet, so they sat on the far end, Hunter up against the arm and Wren in the crook of his arm, leaning into him. She rested her hand on his mid-section and closed her eyes.

Even though she really enjoyed her time talking with 99, she was still ready for some quiet time. Hunter put his hand over hers as it rested on him and lightly traced the back of her hand.

He leaned down slightly to kiss the top of her head. "You're sure you're okay?"

She could hear the concern in his quiet voice. "Yeah, I'm really fine. Just a little tired. I just need a couple of minutes to chill, and then I'll be great." She was mumbling by the end, and her eyes were closing.

Before long, Omega came looking for them. When she looked around the corner, Hunter put his finger to his lips, asking her to be quiet. He looked down at Wren, and her eyes were still closed. He thought it sounded like she might already be asleep.

Omega nodded and walked back out to the kitchen. He could hear her say, "Wren is asleep." It sounded like maybe the others were settling down at the table, so maybe it would be a few minutes before anyone else came in.

The next thing he knew, he heard voices and shuffling of feet, and he realized he had been asleep. Everyone was coming into the living room.

"Sorry, son, my back was starting to bother me sitting at the kitchen table," 99 said quietly to Hunter.

"That's okay, Dad. I didn't mean everyone had to stay out there. How long have we been out?" He looked around as if looking for a clock.

"It's been an hour!" Crosshair said. "You'd think you guys got no sleep."

Hunter could hear the smirk in his voice, and he quickly looked at him. There was a snicker from Wrecker, and a deep chuckle from Echo's direction.

"Knock it off, guys, you know how she feels about that."

Crosshair leaned towards him and whispered, "Then maybe you should be more careful about your nighttime activities." At least he made sure Omega and 99 couldn't hear.

If looks could kill, Crosshair would be dead on the floor after Hunter looked his way. He whispered, "Enough."

"I don't know what you're all whispering about, but I can tell by Hunter's tone that you'd better stop before someone really gets mad," their father interceded.

There were multiple mumbled Sorry Dads.

At that point, Wren started to stir, and Hunter removed his hand from where it was lightly stroking her hair, so she could move freely.

"Oh no, how long did I sleep?" She was still groggy, and Hunter's pulse jumped a bit at how her voice sounded rougher when she just woke up. Had he told her how nice he thought her voice was? Even if he already had, he needed to again.

"Not long, only about an hour." He spoke quietly to her, moving some hair out of her face.

She sighed loudly and dropped her head back to his chest. "I'm sorry! I hope I didn't keep anyone from doing something they wanted to because of it. I could've gone upstairs if I really needed to nap. But I'm okay now."

She heard 99's gentle voice say, "You're fine, Wren. We were out in the kitchen visiting and just did come in here. You haven't kept us from anything. But you're welcome to go nap if you'd like. I understand how difficult it is to sleep in an unfamiliar bed. And that old bed of Hunter's probably is not the most comfortable thing."

She felt her face start to heat up as she thought about what happened in that old bed last night. What is wrong with me, why would I do that! 99 is so nice, and I did that in his house!

She tried to sound normal when she said, "Oh, the bed is fine. I'm used to worse when I visit my parents. Everyone here can attest to the fact that I fall asleep while watching TV or sitting around all the time. It's just something I do."

He smiled at her as he turned back to the TV.

After a minute of quiet, 99 said, "What would you like to do this evening, Omega? Is there a movie you want to watch? Or a game you want to play?"

The girl's eyes brightened, "Could we play Trivial Pursuit?!"

There were multiple groans around the room. 99 said, "Hey now, why all the groans, that sounds like a fun idea." He looked around at his sons with a look that bordered on disapproving. Or as disapproving as 99 could muster anyway.

Wrecker said loudly, "Tech will just win, like he always does!"

Tech looked up from his phone, "It is not my fault I know more of the answers than you, Wrecker. I will sit out if you would prefer."

"No!" Omega exclaimed. "I want everyone to play! Wren, do you play Trivial Pursuit?" The girl turned excited eyes her way.

"I actually do! I enjoy a good trivia game." She didn't just enjoy Trivial Pursuit, she always won. It's just something she was good at, knowing mostly useless information.

"Yeah?" Hunter asked. "You'll play with us?" He smiled at her.

"Yeah, if it's okay with everyone else." She looked around quickly.

Crosshair shrugged, Omega bounced a little in her chair, Wrecker and Echo smiled, and Tech said, "This is wonderful. It will be nice to have another person. The more the merrier."

She nodded her head in agreement, and patted Hunter on the thigh.

"You actually look excited," Hunter said quietly, putting his hand on hers and rubbing gently.

"I am! I love the game." She looked up at him and could tell he was coming closer for a kiss. She obliged with a quick peck.

The rest of the afternoon passed quickly and pleasantly. They watched TV, they visited, and there was a lot of laughter. Now that Wren had been around them as much as she had, she was getting to the point where she really enjoyed observing all the different dynamics between the siblings. Even though there were squabbles now and then, it was 100% apparent that each one of them would lay down their lives for each other. And they all adored Omega more than anything else in the world.

The girl sat on the arm of 99's chair, being sure not to sit on his legs and hurt him. He held one of her hands in both of his. Wren practically teared up at the sweet picture.

She felt Hunter looking at her, so she looked up quickly. "What?"

"Nothing, just glad you're here, that's all." He lightly bumped her shoulder with his.

She smiled back and whispered, "Me too." She bumped him back.

Supper was mostly made by Echo and Omega with help from Wrecker. 99 stayed in the kitchen with them, supervising. The rest of them were watching TV quietly.

Then after supper, Wren volunteered to help with the dishes. She wasn't comfortable helping with the cooking yet, but she could help clean up. So her and Hunter washed dishes with Omega chattering at them from the table the whole time. She already had the Trivil Pursuit game set up and was looking through the question cards.

Wrecker walked in and said, "Hey! You're cheating!"

"No, I'm not!" Omega said back.

Wren noticed Hunter immediately turn to intervene. "Hey, it's not really cheating, Wrecker. She's just looking through the questions. And you're going to put those cards at the back of the box, right, Meg?" He lifted his eyebrows at her.

She quietly said, "Yes." It was obvious that was not her original plan. It still wasn't technically cheating, just studying.

Omega stuck her tongue out at Wrecker, and he did the same back at her as he went to the fridge for a drink.

Hunter walked back to Wren, who was washing while he dried, and gave her a small smile.

"Crisis averted, good job." She smiled back at him.

"Thanks," he responded. "It's always something." They both chuckled.

Once all the dishes were washed, dried, and put away, Omega ran into the living room to tell everyone to come back to the table. They all slowly trickled in. It was obvious Wrecker and Crosshair were simply humoring Omega and 99.

Omega and Wren were probably the most excited. Wren was really looking forward to playing.

They played teams since there were so many of them. Hunter with Wren, Echo with Omega, Crosshair with Wrecker, and Tech with 99. And actually, every team did pretty well. Between the two people, each team would know at least half of the answers.

Of course Tech knew most of the answers, especially in the Science & Nature, History, and Geography categories.

But to the surprise of almost everyone there, Wren got just as many right as Tech did, just in different categories. She excelled in the Entertainment, Sports & Leisure, and Art & Literature categories. And she held her own in Science & Nature as well.

It's not that Hunter didn't think Wren was smart before that, but he didn't realize how smart she was in this type of thing. She downplayed it. "It's just useless information, you know...trivial. It doesn't mean anything. I just watch a lot of TV and movies, I was exposed to a lot of sports knowledge by my older brother, and I took a lot of Literature classes in college, because I liked books. You'll notice I'm not great with history or geography. And I really should know more science than I do, since I got my degree in Biology, but I have a terrible memory."

Tech spoke up, "You should not sell yourself short, Wren. You are doing very well. I am quite impressed."

She felt herself blush. She looked down, playing with some of the plastic wedges. She quietly said, "Thanks, Tech," quickly glancing up at him. He nodded at her with a small smile. She felt Hunter's hand squeezing her thigh. When she looked at him, he nodded at her and patted her leg, before pulling his hand back.

Tech and 99 did end up winning, but Hunter and Wren were only one wedge short. The history one, of course! Hunter was no good with history either. But everyone had a good time.

Wren couldn't remember the last time she'd had so much fun. She was so proud of herself for her good showing, and she could feel Hunter's admiration. He seemed to be having trouble keeping his eyes off her. She could feel herself getting warm, and she was hoping the others weren't watching them. She didn't want to be embarrassed, she loved that he was admiring her, but she had issues with being the center of attention. Anyone's attention. Even Hunter's sometimes.

She was glad when the others started getting up from the table and putting the game away.

Omega said, "Wren, you were so good at this! That was awesome."

"Thanks, Omega. I probably just got lucky, next time I bet it won't go as well."

"I doubt that," Hunter said quietly. He stood up, but before walking away, he leaned down. His hand went to her back, and he kissed her cheek.

Wren could hear the guys talking to each other and 99 in the other room. She could hear more than one of them saying good night. As 99 walked past the kitchen, he stopped in the doorway and said, "Good night, guys. I'm going to bed."

"Good night, Dad," from Hunter.

"G'night, 99. I had such a nice time with you today." She stood up and only hesitated a second before reaching out to him.

They hugged each other, and he said, "Thank you, Wren." He walked on to his room after they parted. Omega was by his side, making sure he made it okay. Even though he was there by himself all the time, she still didn't want him walking too much without help.

After everyone else was either in the living room with the TV or in their rooms, Hunter put his arms around Wren from behind. He rested his chin on her shoulder, snuggling his head to hers. She put her hands over his, and they stayed like that, not saying a word, until Omega came back down the hall.

"You going to bed, Meg?" Hunter asked.

"Yeah, I'm ready."

Hunter and Wren stepped away from each other, and Hunter brought Omega in for a hug. He kissed the top of her head and said, "Sleep tight. We'll see you in the morning. We'll be leaving tomorrow right after lunch."

She nodded. After she stepped out of Hunter's arms, she gave Wren a hug also.

"G'night, hon. I hope you sleep tight."

Omega beamed up at her, "You too. Thanks again for coming with us."

"My pleasure." She gave the girl one more squeeze before turning her around and giving her a gentle push into the hallway.

Omega turned and waved at them after starting up the stairs.

"Did you want to go to bed?" Hunter asked.

"I think I'm ready. I'm really tired."

"Okay, let's see who's still in the living room.

They found Wrecker, Echo, and Crosshair finishing up a movie they'd started earlier. Tech had already gone to bed. They both said good night.

He put his arm around her shoulders as they reached the stairs, and they walked up the two flights together.

Tag List: (Let me know if you'd like removed, it won't hurt my feelings!)

@transactivecybermemory, @griffedeloup, @eclec-tech

@lightwise, @votedprettybythecommittee, @totallyunidentified, @indigofyrebird

@frostycatblr-fandom-files, @delicioustacocollector, @ladysaturnsdust, @antisocial-mariposa

@youreababboon, @merkitty49, @noblelightfighter, @chaicilatte

“Not getting involved,” Crosshair muttered, already lining up the next shot.

The blaster cracked again and the fruit vanished in a puff of pulp. He stared at his empty hand, then sighed. “I’m no good at this stuff.”

“At what?” Crosshair asked dryly.

“Sayin’ things. Feelings.” Wrecker swallowed hard, rubbing the back of his neck. “This time it’s… different.”

Crosshair finally looked at him with a long, assessing expression. “I know.”

Wrecker blinked. “You do?”

“I’m not stupid.”

Across the dock, you moved between the stalls, a woven basket tucked against your hip. 

Barefoot as always, the warmth grounded you to the island the way shoes never could. You looked peacefu, mauve tone catching the sunlight in soft, shifting gleams. White markings curved across your cheeks and brow like elegant strokes; your montrals rose tall and striped, lekku swaying gently with each step, one draping over the curve of your teal crop top, the patterned hip sash brushing your thigh. 

You were done shopping for the day, ready to head back home when your foot caught a slick patch of spilled water.

Before you could lose your balance, a huge hand steadied you instantly. “You need any help?”

Your heart gave a quick thump at the familiar voice. “Wrecker—!” The basket tipped, weight shifting.

“I’ll take that as a maybe,” he teased, already lifting it from your hands with that big, easy grin.

Heat bloomed under your skin. “Thanks, muscles.” If he’d been any less strong, the basket might’ve slipped. Instead, he swallowed hard and smiled like you’d just handed him a medal.

Curious, he peeked inside the basket. “You cookin’ a feast?”

“Trying to,” you said. “Used to do it a lot back home. Figured I’d pick it back up.”

“Smells good already.” His gaze dropped to your bare feet, then flicked back up. “Hey, don’t your feet hurt? Walkin’ around like that all day?”

You smiled softly. “The ground and I are friends. Shoes just get in the way.”

Wrecker stared for a second, then nodded like that made perfect sense in his world.

An impulse bubbled up before you could second-guess it. “Actually… maybe you’d like to have dinner with me tonight?”

He froze. “Like…me and the guys?”

You stepped a little closer, hands folding behind your back as the sun warmed your skin. “I was thinking just us. If that’s okay?”

Wrecker’s knees nearly gave out. “Yeah,” he quickly.. “Yeah, absolutely.”

You paced your small kitchen, flustered heat prickling your skin as you stirred the pot. “Okay, think, Grandmother always said a pinch of that spice first, then the herbs… or was it the other way around?” You muttered to yourself, tasting a spoonful and grimacing, “No, that’s not right.”  

Your stomach twitched with nerves, as you rummaged for ingredients. 

“Get it together. It’s just dinner. With him.” A soft trill escaped your throat as you wiped your brow, hoping it would all turn out okay.

Once the food was simmering safely, you slipped away to change. The outfit decision had been circling in your mind all afternoon as each option felt too much or not enough.

Eventually, you settled on something that felt like home and something that honored Shili without being overly formal. You stared at yourself in the mirror, fingers smoothing out your robe, wondering if Wrecker would like something more or something less. 

The knock came sooner than expected, jolting you from your thoughts.

Wrecker filled the doorway, clutching a small bundle of wildflowers. He’d cleaned up nicely; a smart button-up shirt tucked into his trousers, top button undone for a relaxed look (his expression said otherwise), sleeves rolled to his elbows showing his muscular forearms.

“For you,” he spoke, suddenly shy.

Your smile bloomed immediately. “They’re beautiful. Thank you.”

He couldn’t look away. The lantern light of your apartment caught your eyes. Soft, opalescent, swirling lavender into pale pink and cool blue. It stopped him cold. “You look… really pretty,” he breathed quietly.

You ducked your head, pleased. “Thank you. Uh, come in, watch the step, it’s a bit uneven.”

He ducked under the frame carefully, then stood there like he was afraid to move shoulders hunched a little, hands clasped in front. His size made the cozy space feel even smaller, but he was trying so hard not to loom.

You noticed right away. “Hey, relax. You’re not going to break anything. Make yourself at home. Sit, or help me stir if you want.”

Wrecker rubbed his neck, chuckling nervously. “Yeah? I don’t wanna mess up your place. I’m kinda… big.”

You laughed softly. “So? I like that about you. Besides, my home’s meant for company. No point in a pack mentality if everything’s too fragile, right?”

He eased a bit at that, shoulders dropping as he followed you in.

Once seated for food, dinner passed in easy warmth with conversation flowing like the ocean outside. You raised your cup first. “To good company?”

“And good cookin’,” Wrecker added, clinking his cup to yours.

He asked about Pabu first, but soon circled back to you. “So, Shili, right? Tell me more. What was it like growin’ up there? All those stories about packs and feasts sound kinda nice.”

You leaned in, eyes lighting up that he seemed interested. “It was everything. Warm all the time, like Pabu. Endless fields, hunts at dawn. My family was close; we cooked together for the whole pack. These recipes?” You gestured to the plates. “From my grandmother. She’d gather us kids around the fire, teaching us to season by feel. I fumbled through it earlier, talking to myself like a fool, trying to remember stuff.”

Wrecker grinned, taking another bite. “Well, you nailed it. Bet you miss that, the family thing. Being alone here must feel… off.”

You nodded. “It does, sometimes. Togruta aren’t made for isolation; we thrive on closeness, sharing space. Pabu’s welcoming and everything, but it’s not the same.” you shrugged, taking another forkful of food. “I’ve adapted, though. What about you? Clones, squads… that sounds like a pack too.”

He chuckled, setting his fork down. “Yeah, kinda. Me and the boys have been through everything. Missions, explosions, you name it. But it’s different now, settlin’ down. I like it, but… I dunno, sometimes I feel like the big guy who sticks out.”

“You don’t stick out,” you say gently. “You fit. Right here, at least.”

When you served dessert, there was a shift. Knees brushed beneath the table, fingers lingered when passing plates. He fed you a bite of fruit, watching your reaction like it was the most important thing in the galaxy.

“You’ve got really pretty eyes,” he blurted out softly. “Hard not to get lost in ’em.” You hid your smile behind your hand, bashful and giddy.

“Would you like a drink on the balcony?” you asked, voice a little lighter than you felt. “The sunset view is to die for.”

“Yeah. Yeah, I’d like that.”

He stood to help clear the plates whilst you poured two glasses of rum and carried them out together. The balcony chairs were low and wide, cushioned with woven mats that smelled faintly of salt and sun. You settled side by side, close enough that your bare arm brushed his sleeve.

You were right, the view was beautiful. The sky had gone molten gold at the edges, bleeding into deep rose and violet over the water. Waves rolled in slow, steady breaths below, and the air carried the warm scent of blooming night flowers. 

For a while neither of you spoke and Wrecker kept glancing over at you.

The first time you pretended not to notice, sipping your drink and letting the rum warm your throat.

The second time you felt the shift of his gaze like a brush of heat along your cheek, but you kept your eyes on the horizon, lips curving just a fraction.

The third time you turned your head slowly, catching him mid-stare. You raised one brow, playful. “Like what you see?”

Without missing a beat, he answered, voice low and sure. “Absolutely.”

Your cheeks heated instantly, skin deepening to a richer shade under the sunset glow. You ducked your head with a soft giggle, lifting your hand to cover your mouth again out of habit.

Wrecker moved before you could hide completely. His large hand caught your wrist gently, “Don’t,” he murmured. “You shouldn’t hide your smile. It’s pretty.”

The words landed soft but heavy, stealing your breath for a second. You lowered your hand, letting him see the full curve of your lips, the way your delciate sharp canines peeked just a little when you smiled for real.

“Thank you,” you said quietly. Then, because it felt only fair, “Yours too. Your smile, I mean. It lights up everything.”

He looked almost surprised, like no one had ever said it back to him. His thumb kept tracing lazy circles on your wrist.

Next thing you knew, his fingers slid down, threading through yours. His hand dwarfed yours completely - calloused, scarred, strong—but the way he held you was careful, like he was afraid of holding too tight. You squeezed back, and for a long stretch of minutes you just sat like that: hands linked, watching the sky bleed into dusk.

Eventually Wrecker spoke, “Why’d you ask just me tonight?”

You shifted slightly, fingers curling over one of your lekku and holding it closer to your shoulder as if for comfort. You took a slow breath before answering, “I… thought it was obvious,” you admitted, staring at where your fingers laced with his. “That I like you. A lot.” 

You risked a glance up at him; his eyes were fixed on you, soft and wide. “I thought maybe I read the situation right. That you… liked me too.”

The words hung there, vulnerable in the quiet.

Wrecker didn’t look away. His thumb resumed its slow stroke along the back of your hand.

“Yeah,” he said after a second, rough around the edges but honest. “You read it right. Been tryin’ to figure out how to say it for weeks. Didn’t wanna mess it up.”

It was like music to your ears.

“You’re different. Special. Not just pretty—though kriff, you are—but the way you are with people, with the island, with everything. Makes me feel like I could just…be me.”

Your heart gave a hard thump and you leaned a fraction closer.

“I feel the same,” you whispered. “With you, I… I just want to be near you. I don’t want to be alone tonight, Wrecker. Maybe not ever, if that’s okay.”

He exhaled like he’d been holding his breath for months. “More than okay.”

The sunset had faded to deep indigo now, stars beginning to prick through. You tilted your head, meeting his gaze fully, your eyes swirling with soft colour in the dim light. “So,” you begin, voice barely audible, “what happens next?”

Wrecker’s free hand lifted slowly, hesitating before he cupped your cheek. His thumb brushed the white marking along your jaw with reverence.

“Whatever you want,” he murmured. “I’m right here.”

Wrecker’s thumb traced one last slow circle over the back of your hand before he let go lift his other palm to your cheek again, cradling it like something priceless. “Can Ikiss you?”

You didn’t trust your voice right then. You only nodded, eyes locked on his as you leaned across the small space between the chairs.

The first press of his lips was tentative. Just a soft peck, warm and brief, like he was testing if this was real. You felt the faint tremor in his breath against your mouth.

Then another. Longer this time, lingering.

And another.

Until the pecks melted together into something deeper. Your lips moved in gentle rhythm, tasting the faint sweetness of rum and fruit still on his mouth. His left hand slid from your cheek to cup your jaw fully.

Your own hand found his knee, steadying yourself as much as him.

His free hand drifted higher, fingertips grazing the striped length of your lekku where it draped over your shoulder.

You shuddered with a sharp, involuntary breath. Wrecker pulled back instantly, eyes wide with worry. “You okay? Did I—?”

You shook your head quickly, cheeks hot. “I’m okay,” you whispered, voice a little breathless. “They’re… sensitive. In a good way.”

He searched your face for a long second, then exhaled, the tension easing from his shoulders. His fingers stroked the base of your lekku now in deliberate yet feather-light touches. “Like that?” he murmured.

You nodded, biting your lip around a small, pleased sound.

For another minute you stayed like that. Kissing slow and unhurried, hands exploring in gentle arcs. His fingers learned the texture of your lekku, stroking from base to tip in long, soothing passes that sent warm sparks down your spine. Your palm slid a little higher on his thigh, feeling the muscle tense under your touch.

Eventually you drew back just enough to speak, lips brushing his as you did.

“Wrecker…Do you want to take this inside?”

His breath hitched. He tried to play it cool, but the ache was already there, straining against his pants and impossible to hide completely.

“Yeah,” he rasped, nodding once, then again like he needed to convince himself. “Yeah. Please.”

You rose first, fingers still tangled with his, and guided him back through the open doorway into the warmth of your home. The lighting had dimmed to a soft amber glow, casting long shadows across the room. You paused near the sturdy dining table and leaned back against its edge.

Your fingers drifted to the ties of your flowing robes, brushing the fabric in a slow, deliberate slide. Not pulling exactly, just tracing the neckline, letting it slip a fraction lower to reveal more lavender skin and the delicate curve where your collarbone met shoulder. A silent invitation. Just for him.

Wrecker crossed the room in two strides, towering over you. His chest rose and fell faster than before; you could feel the heat radiating off him, smell the clean salt-and-sun scent that clung to his skin. He stopped close enough that his breath fanned across your face.

His hand came up slowly, knuckles grazing the soft fabric at your shoulder you just touched. He hooked two fingers under the edge and tugged ever so gently, easing it down one arm, then the other. The robe loosened, pooling at your elbows, baring the smooth expanse of your torso to the lamplight. Your skin glowing warm, white markings curving elegantly over your ribs and hips.

You looked up at him through your lashes, voice a husky murmur. “I’ve been feeling so hot all evening…”

Wrecker’s eyes darkened, pupils blown wide. A low rumble vibrated in his chest—half laugh, half groan. “Then I should help you out of these,” he answers, voice thick. “Can’t have you uncomfortable, mesh’la.”

His lips found your neck as his hands worked. 

He kissed the sensitive spot just below your jaw first, open-mouthed and warm, then trailed lower along the column of your throat. Each press of his mouth sent little jolts through you and your head tipped back on instinct. 

He sucked lightly, just enough to make you gasp, and his fingers slipped beneath the remaining ties of your robe, loosening them until the fabric whispered to the floor in a soft heap.

Cool air kissed your bare skin, but his body heat chased it away instantly. His palms slid up your sides. His huge, tough hands spanning almost your entire waist. His thumbs brush the undersides of your breasts in a slow, almost worshipful sweep. He groaned against your neck when he felt how hard your nipples had already peaked.

“Kriff… you’re beautiful,” he breathed, “So soft. So perfect.”

One hand stayed at your waist while the other cupped the back of your head, fingers placed gently into the base of your montrals. The touchdrew a needy whimper from you. Your hips rocked forward without thought, pressing against the hard ridge of him through his pants.

He hissed softly, hips jerking once before he reined himself in. “Easy,” he murmured, though his own voice shook. “Wanna take my time with you.”

But his mouth was already moving again; kissing down the slope of your shoulder, then lower, lips brushing the swell of your breast. He paused there, breath hot against your skin, waiting for permission.

“Yes,” you whispered. “Please.”

Soft pen-mouthed presses along the curve, tasting the warmth of your lavender skin like he was memorising every inch. Then, his mouth closed over one nipple, slow and careful, tongue circling once, twice, before he sucked softly. So softly you felt the pull all the way down your spine. A sound escaped you, high and trembling, something between a gasp and a sob. It was tender, almost too tender. 

Worshipped rather than claimed.

Your head arched back, montrals brushing the wood as your neck stretched long. One of your legs lifted on instinct, hooking around his lower back, heel pressing in to draw him impossibly closer. The movement made your sex grind lightly against the hard line of him through his pants, and he groaned low into your skin, the vibration traveling straight through you.

Wrecker eased you down fully onto the table, the wood was cool beneath your back. He straightened just long enough to look at you as you spread out beneath him, lekku fanned across the surface, lavender skin flushed deeper at your cheeks and chest, opalescent eyes half-lidded and glowing softly. Hunger flickered in his gaze 

But as promised, he didn’t rush.

His fingers went to the buttons of his shirt. One by one they came undone, revealing the broad, scarred expanse of his chest. The fabric slid off his shoulders and then he was back over you, caging you gently with his arms braced on either side of your head.

His mouth returned to your breasts like he couldn’t stay away. This time he wasn’t quite so careful. His tongue hungrily flicked over one peaked nipple and then sucked harder, drawing it deep into the wet heat of his mouth. 

He rolled the other between his thumb and forefinger, a gentle pinch that made your hips jerk. You whimpered, hand flying to his shoulder to anchor yourself. Your nails dug lightly into the muscle there—not to hurt, just to hold on as pleasure coiled tighter in your belly.

You moaned his name and he answered with a rough exhale against your skin.

“Mesh’la…” His voice cracked on the word. He kissed a slow path back up your chest, your throat, until his forehead rested against yours. “You feel so good. Too good. Tell me if it’s too much.”

Your leg tightened around him, pulling him closer until there was no space left between your bodies.

“Not too much,” you whispered, voice trembling with want. “More. Please.”

His hips rolled against you deliberately, grinding hard enough that you both gasped. One of his hands slid down your side, palm flattening over your hip. The other stayed at your breast, kneading softly while his mouth found yours again. The kiss was deeper now, tongues sliding together in lazy, heated strokes.

Wrecker broke the kiss just long enough to murmur against your lips, “Gonna take care of you. Promise. Just… let me feel you like this a little longer.”

Wrecker’s mouth crashed back to yours with a new edge but still gentle in its care. You met him eagerly, tongues tangling in wet, languid strokes, tasting each other like you’d both been starving for it. His hand cradled the back of your head again, fingers splayed wide through the base of your montrals. You couldn’t help but moan into his mouth, the sound swallowed by the kiss.

He broke away just long enough to breathe, forehead pressed to yours, voice wrecked. “Need you closer.”

Before you could answer, his arms hooked under your thighs and back, lifting you like you were made of air.

He cradled you against his broad chest as he carried you through the open doorway to your bedroom. Your legs wrapped loosely around his waist, lekku draping over his shoulders like warm silk. You buried your face in the crook of his neck for a moment, inhaling the scent of him, heart hammering.

He eased you down to sit on the edge of the low bed, mattress dipping under your weight meanwhile Wrecker stood between your knees.

Your hands moved on instinct, flying to the waistband of his pants, fingers fumbling with the clasp. You looked up at him through your lashes, opalescent eyes swirling with heat. The look you gave him was pure want and adoration.

He watched you, throat working on a swallow.  You tugged the fabric down, freeing him in one careful pull. His cock sprang free. Heavy, thick, already flushed dark and throbbing hard in your palm. The size of him made your breath catch; no surprise, really, but seeing it and feeling the velvet heat sent a fresh pang of arousal straight to your core.

You gasped softly, thumb brushing over the slick tip. “Wrecker… you’re huge.”

He let out a shaky laugh, hand coming up to cup your cheek. “Yeah… sorry if–"

“Don’t apologise,” you whispered, stroking him slowly from base to head, feeling every ridge, every vein. “ You’re wondeful. And I want it. I want all of you.”

His hips jerked once into your grip. “Kriff… you’re gonna kill me sayin’ things like that.”

You smiled sharp canines glinting and then gave his cock a playful little slap against  your breast. The smack made you both groan. You did it again, lighter this time, watching his eyes darken as the head left a faint glistening trail across your lavender skin.

“Like that?” you teased, voice husky.

“‘Like everything you do,” he rasped. “But if you keep that up, I’m not gonna last long enough to make you feel good.”

You tilted your head, pressing your breasts together around his length. “Then use them. Fuck my tits, Wrecker. I want to feel you.”

He exhaled roughly, hands coming to cup the sides of your breasts gently at first, then firmer as he guided himself between them. The heat of him as well as the drag of his cock sliding through the soft valley made you whimper. He rocked forward with slow controlled thrusts, watching himself disappear between your breasts, the head bumping your chin on every upstroke.

“Maker, look at you,” he murmured, voice thick. “So soft around me.”

You leaned forward just enough to flick your tongue over the tip when it crested, tasting salt and heat. He shuddered, hips stuttering.

“Careful,” he warned, half-laughing and half-pleading. “You’re too good at this.”

After a few more slow slides he pulled back, breathing hard. His hands slid to your hips, urging you to lie back. You did, scooting up the bed until your head rested on the pillows, legs parting instinctively.

Wrecker crawled over you, clearly being careful not to crush you with his weight which made you smile lovingly at him. He chuckles softly, relaxing before bracing on his forearms so he hovered just above. His cock dragged a hot, wet line up your body as he moved: over your stomach, leaving a slick trail. 

he settled between your thighs, thick length resting heavy against your folds, not pushing in yet—just grinding slow and deliberate, coating himself in your wetness.

His lips began to move lower, mapping the white markings along your ribs, the dip of your waist, the sensitive curve of your hip. When he reached the apex of your thighs he paused, looking up at you with dark, reverent eyes.

“Can I taste you?” he asked, voice rough. “I just wanna make you feel so good.”

Your breath hitched. You nodded quick and eager as your legs fell open wider. “Please.”

Wrecker settled between your thighs like he belonged there. His big hands slid under your hips, lifting you gently so he could drape your legs over his broad shoulders. The first brush of his tongue was slow, flat and warm, lapping slowly along your slit from bottom to top. You gasped, hips twitching up toward his mouth.

He groaned at the taste, low and hungry. “So sweet… been thinkin’ about this for so long.”

“Wrecker…”

Then he dove in properly. His tongue circled your clit in slow, firm strokes, sucking lightly, then harder when your fingers tightened in the sheets beneath you. He alternated from long licks to quick flicks, then sealing his lips around the sensitive bud and sucking with gentle pulses that made your back arch off the bed.

Soft trills and whimpers spilled from your throat as pleasure coiled tighter and tighter. “Wrecker! Oh stars, right there-.”

He hummed against you, the vibration sending sparks through your core. One thick finger pressed at your entrance before sliding in to the first knuckle, then deeper when you rocked down to meet it. He curled it just right, stroking that spot inside while his tongue worked relentless circles on your clit.

Your thighs trembled around his head. “Don’t stop, please don’t stop.”

He didn’t. He added a second finger, stretching you gently, pumping in time with his mouth until your whole body tensed, breath coming in short, desperate pants.

You came with a broken cry. Back bowing, core pulsing hard around his fingers as waves of pleasure crashed through you. Wrecker worked you through it, slowing his tongue but not stopping, lapping softly until you were trembling, oversensitive and practically boneless beneath him.

When he finally lifted his head, lips shiny and chin wet, his eyes were dark with awe.

“You’re so beautiful when you come,” he whispered, crawling back up to kiss you, letting you taste yourself on his tongue but his fingers still very much in your pussy.

You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him down until his weight settled over you, comforting and solid.

“Need you inside me,” you breathed against his mouth. “Now.”

Wrecker kissed you through the aftershocks, swallowing the last soft whimpers that spilled from your lips. His fingers stayed buried inside you for a moment longer, curling gently until your thighs stopped trembling around his wrist. Only then did he ease them free, bringing them to his mouth to taste you one last time with a low, appreciative groan.

He shifted, rolling to lie beside you on the bed. The mattress dipped deeply under his weight as he pulled you against him with your back to his chest. One thick arm bands around your waist to hold you close and you could feel his heart against your spine, the hard length of his cock resting heavy along the curve of your arse.

He nuzzled into the crook of your neck,“You’re so beautiful and make so many pretty noises,” he murmured, voice rough with want as you purr in pleasure.

You arched back into him instinctively, “I need you inside,” you whispered again, reaching back to guide his hand down between your thighs. “Please, Wrecker… want to feel you stretch me.”

He exhaled shakily against you, the sound almost pained with how badly he wanted it. His free hand wrapped around the base of his cock and he lined himself up carefully at your entrance as you raised your leg. The broad head nudged your folds, parting them slowly, teasing the sensitive rim without pushing in yet.

“Tell me if it’s too much,” he said, serious even through the haze of lust. “I’ll go slow.”

You nodded, breath hitching. “I trust you.”

He pressed forward. Inch by careful inch.

The stretch was immediate and intense. Your walls fluttered around him, trying to accommodate his girth as he sank deeper. A soft, broken moan tore from your throat; your head fell back against his shoulder, montrals brushing his cheek. Wrecker froze the second he felt you tense, one hand sliding up to cup your breast, thumb circling your nipple in soothing strokes.

“Easy, mesh’la,” he breathed, “You’re takin’ me so good. Look at you… so tight around me. Feels like everything.”

He rocked gently once he was halfway in, letting you adjust and letting your body soften around him. Each shallow thrust pushed him a little deeper until finally, he was seated to the hilt, hips flush against your arse and cock throbbing deep inside you.

You both groaned in unison.

He started moving then. Long, languid strokes that dragged every thick inch along your walls, pulling out almost to the tip before sliding back in with a wet, filthy sound. The slap of skin on skin filled the quiet room. His pelvis met your arse with each measured thrust, the lewd squelch of your arousal coating him unmistakable.

“Stars, listen to that,” he rasped against your ear, voice needy. “Hear how wet you are for me? So perfect. So wet and hot and mine.”

His hand stayed at your breast, kneading softly, rolling your nipple between his fingers in time with his thrusts. The other arm kept you locked against his chest. Possessive but gentle; holding you like he never wanted to let go. 

You moaned louder, hips rocking back to meet him, chasing the deep grind of his cock against that spot inside you that made stars burst behind your eyes.

Your hand slipped down between your legs, fingers finding where you were joined. You felt him sliding in and out, stretching you wide on every inward stroke. The sensation was obscene and intoxicating. You traced the base of him as he pulled out, feeling how soaked he was, how your lips clung to him like they didn’t want to let go.

Then your fingertips found your swollen clit, and you started rubbing slow circles, matching the rhythm of his thrusts. 

Wrecker felt it immediately. The way your walls clenched harder around him when you touched yourself. “Kriff—yeah, touch yourself, sweetheart,” he groaned, hips stuttering for a second before he found the pace again. “Love feelin’ you squeeze me like that. Show me how good it feels.”

Each deep thrust punched a soft cry from your throat. His hand left your breast to join yours between your legs. He didn’t take over, just resting there and feeling you work your clit while he filled you over and over.

“Could love you like this all night,” he moans after a few minutes. He had shifted just slightly, angling himself enough to lean over and kiss your lips. “My perfect girl. So good for me. Gonna make ya come again… wanna feel ya pulse around my cock.”

Your fingers sped up, slick and frantic now, chasing the edge while he rocked into you steadily, kissing and moaning against his lips. 

“Wrecker… I’m close…”

“I’ve got ya,” he murmured, against your mouth. “Let go for me, mesh’la. Come on my cock. Let me feel it.”

With one more deep thrust, harder this time and grinding against that spot, you shattered.

Your orgasm hit like a wave walls clamping down hard around him in pulsing waves. You cried out his name, fingers still circling your clit through the aftershocks, milking every last tremor.

Wrecker groaned low and broken, hips stuttering as your release dragged him right to the edge with you.

“Gonna…fuck. Where do you want me?”

“Inside,” you cried, voice breaking with need. “Come inside me, please, Wrecker—I want to feel you fill me.”

He groaned deep in his chest, the sound raw and desperate. “Mesh’la…” He eased out of you slowly. You whimpered at the sudden emptiness, but he was already moving, strong arms guiding you with tender strength.

“C’mere,” he murmured, sitting up against the headboard and pulling you into his lap. “Wanna see your face.”

You straddled him face-to-face now, knees bracketing his hips on the crumpled sheets. His hands settled at your waist as you sank down onto him, the stretch even more intimate this way. Feeling every ridge as he filled yu completely. Your arms wrapped around his neck; his came around your back, holding you flush to his chest.

“Like this,” he whispered, forehead resting against yours. “Just like this. You’re so perfect… takin’ me so sweet.”

You rocked together slowly, the gentle rolls of your hips meeting his careful upward thrusts. The rhythm was unhurried, loving, each slide drawing soft gasps from you both. Your breasts pressed to his scarred chest, nipples brushing his skin with every movement.

“Wrecker…” You moaned his name like a plea, nails grazing his back lightly.

He kissed you then. Slow tongues sliding in lazy tandem with your bodies. “I’ve got ya,” he breathed into your mouth. “Gonna fill you… gonna give you everything.”

The words sent fresh heat pooling in your core. You clenched around him, hips circling tighter, chasing the building pressure. His hands guided you, lifting you just enough to sink back down over and over but never rough. Just always reverent. 

Your whole body melted into him, the intimacy overwhelming from the skin on skin, your hearts pounding in sync and his massive frame enveloping you like safety.

“I’m close—” he gasped, sweaty forehead pressing to yours.

“Cum for me baby,” you beg quietly.

Your soft command was all he needed as he came with a shuddering groan. Hot spurts filled you, thick and warm, spilling deep until you felt every twitch. He held you through it, arms locked around you, whispering praises into your ear: “So good… my perfect girl… love feelin’ you like this…”

You stayed wrapped together as the aftershocks faded—his cock softening slowly inside you, cum dripping lazily where you were joined. Eventually he slipped free, but he didn’t let go. He eased you down beside him, pulling you half onto his chest, one leg tangled with yours.

“That was…”

“I’ve got you,” he murmured, voice soft and soothing now. “You did so good for me.”

He pressed gentle kisses to your shoulder, your neck, the base of your lekku. “You okay?” he whispered, nuzzling into your body. “Need anything?”

You shook your head weakly, turning just enough to tuck your face into the crook of his neck. “Just… stay. Hold me.”

“Always,” he promised, arms tightening around you. “Never lettin’ go.”

Awake, your entire body was awake as you stared at Crosshair. Waiting for him to tell you more about Saw Garrera. Your heart was beating as fast as it did when you woke up from scary nightmares. But this wouldn’t be a nightmare, would it? No, this would be something so much more horrendous.

You could feel it.

Almost sense it as if the air in the ship itself was getting heavier with the impending dark truth that was about to finally be revealed.

You stared at him, wondering where he was going with this. “How so?”

Crosshair sighed while looking down at your hands. “From what the others told me after they were brought in, anytime they got close to escaping or freeing more of their captured brothers, Saw would show up and fuck up everything.” His head shook. “Even the rebellion had issues with him. They’d get close to finally liberating a planet or village and Saw and his people would come in and simply destroy everything before walking away. They left…so many people without homes.” And so many children without parents.

“I bet the Empire didn’t like that.” You could only imagine what they’d done in retaliation.

“They didn’t.” Far from it. “I heard horror stories from some of the boys that came in.” Terrible stories. Crosshair's head turned away from you, the memories of the emptiness in his brother's eyes as they spoke about it. The sniper opened his mouth to move on but you stopped him.

“Please, Crosshair, tell me the stories.” You wanted to know it all. To share in those horrors.

“Doll, please.” He reached up and cupped your cheek. “There are some things you do not need to know. This is one of them.” There was no way he could subject you to that information.

Your head shook quickly. “Tell me Crosshair. I’m a big girl, I can handle it.”

How could he tell you that information? He tried so hard to think of a way to get you to give up on the topic, but he couldn’t. Not when you looked at him with those determined eyes. Crosshair swallowed before shifting to fully sit on the floor, one of his knees pulled up to his chin. “There was a small unit of clones that came in one night. Their Commander was placed in the cell next to mine. When he walked by me I could see the emptiness in his eyes. He’d seen something terrible. Something that shocked him so horribly it pulled him out of his programming.”

A lump began to form in your throat as something nauseating began to appear in your stomach. “What was it?”

Crosshair ran a hand over his face, fighting back actual tears. He heard the squeak of the chair and ruffle of pants before feeling you sit next to him. You placed a hand on his knees and were no doubt giving him a concerned look. “They were on some outer rim planet looking for a refuge camp. Intel was that some war criminals were there and the Empire deemed it of the utmost importance to find them. Took only a few hours to find them…well the adults.”

“The adults?” Why did he say it like that?”

“Yeah. The adults.” He shifted and crossed his legs, his fingers now picking at the ankle of his pants. “They’d hidden the children, the clones didn’t understand why at first, but they soon would.” Crosshair swallowed. “Their commanding officer ordered all of the adults bound and lined up. Twelve adults…all Twi’leks.” Your face took on a look of realization that tore at his heart. You shouldn’t hear this but he knew you wouldn’t let him stop now. “One by one the commanding officer worked down the line demanding to know where the children were…and one by one they fell when they didn’t answer. It took 7 of them dying before one finally revealed the location of the children in hopes of protecting his own family.”

Your bottom lip trembled. “They killed the rest of them, didn’t they?” When Crosshair didn’t look at you, you knew the answer. You took a deep breath to center yourself. “What happened to the children, Crosshair?”

“When they found them, they were shocked by just how many were actually there. 19 Twi’lek children. 13 girls and 6 boys.” His head shook as he remembered the way the clone commander yelled in his sleep. “The woman that was with them was killed as well. They did it in front of the children to establish dominance.” Crosshair shifted once more. “All the children were transported to the base camp and placed under surveillance.”

Standing, Crosshair walked over to the console and stared out the window. Already his stomach was twisting. “The Clone Commander went later that night to check on them after his break. Worried about how they were adjusting. Found the tent empty.”

You stood and stared at Crosshairs back.

“He went over to the Commanding officers tent to ask where the hell they were and…heard noises from inside followed by a cry. He ran in and…” Crosshair had to fight down the vomit bubbling in his stomach. “Saw one of the girls, no more than 14…” he couldn’t finish the words.

“Oh god.” No! No no no! It couldn’t be going the direction you thought it was. “What about the others?”

“Sent to where they’ll be of use for their kind, apparently.” Vomit came up his throat but he fought it down. “Clone shot his commanding officer right then and there. Grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around the poor kid and tried to escape with her. When his men stopped him and asked why he’d done it. He explained what he’d found. The others revolted with him. But they were all captured.”

“And the girl?” Please let her be okay. Please let her have escaped.

Crosshair shook his head. “He doesn’t know. They took her away.” The sniper turned and looked at you. “Killed himself after a week of being there.”

Tears streamed down your face at the information. To think the Empire was that horrible. Children. Actual fucking children! “We need to find them, Crosshair. We need to.”

He turned and looked at you. “Doll, that was over a year ago. The likelihood of ever finding them is…” Crosshair couldn’t look at you. “Almost impossible.”

Your head shook quickly, unable to give up. “No, you have to find them. To save them. They’re children, Crosshair. Children.”

Crosshair grabbed your shoulders and tried to steady you. “I wish I could tell you that we’re still trying to find them, but I can’t. There isn’t enough of us to look for the children and save our brothers and help the rebellion. There just isn’t.” Not to mention enough credits and even then? So many of the clones just wanted to move on after all the shit they’d been through. After everything they’d done. After…66.

“P-please.” Your eyes watered at the thought of everything those poor kids were no doubt going through. If they were still alive. “How could…how could all of this be allowed?” How could the galaxy be so cruel!

“Because the Empire is far more horrible than anyone could have realized. Trafficking, drugs, corruption, even genocide.” Crosshair let out a long breath. “And honestly? So was the Republic just…not to this point.” After all, slavery had still been rampant as was trafficking. If anything it was better hidden.

Crosshairs hands on your shoulders tightened a little making you focus back on him. “Does Saw know his actions have caused all of this?” Although, something told you he did. When your sniper nodded, you bit back a scream of anger that wanted to escape. Instead the anger turned into hot tears and ran down your cheeks. “What else?” You managed to choke out through the angry tears.

“Doll, you don’t need to know the rest.” Already he’d told you too much. Shit that he’d never be able to take back. Shit that would no doubt cause you nightmares like they caused him.

“I know there’s something else, Crosshair. Something that…that made you have nightmares.” You swallowed. “You called out to Tech on one of our first nights together. Cried out that you were sorry…that you didn’t mean to make them lose him.” The secret you’d held from the beginning finally left your lips. His face went pale and you shook your head quickly. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I just…. I wanted you to tell me when you were ready.”

You’d heard him one night? Crosshair sighed and wiped his hand across his face. “Doll…” The door opened and Echo stepped in. He looked up to ask what the hell Echo was doing but the domino twin stopped him.

“It’s time she knows about what happened that day, Crosshair. It can’t be danced around anymore. If you won’t tell her I will.” He hated that it had come to this but you deserved to finally know. Echo feared that if this was kept from you any longer…it would drive a wedge between you two.

The Sniper sighed for a few long seconds before finally nodding. “I’ll…I’ll tell her.”

-*-

Echo passed you a canteen of water and took a seat in the pilots chair. He’d fill in any parts that Crosshair didn’t know for the sake of accuracy. Besides that, he’d let the sniper take the lead on this. He watched as you settled on the floor next to Crosshair who had his back against the steel door of the cockpit. Your hand slid into the snipers and Echo realized he’d never seen Crosshair so nervous. So scared.

“Hemlock had made it his mission to find Omega. He needed her. She was the catalyst, the final piece of the puzzle that they needed. For what? I have no clue. But they desperately needed her. Hemlock tried everything he could to get me to give up their safe houses, encryption codes, anything to get ahold of them or track them.” Crosshair looked down at your hands. “Including strapping me down and…torturing me.” Your hand squeezed his tightly at the word and he gave a squeeze back.

“Oh Crosshair." The words left your lips in an almost sob. Your poor Crosshair. Your poor sweet Crosshair.

Echo watched the way you looked at him, the way your eyes watered at the continued information on what he’d gone through. You loved him deeply. Far deeper than Echo had expected.

“It’s okay, Doll.” He sighed. “I escaped. Emerie loosened my restraints. Can’t say for sure if she knew what she was doing or not. But it gave me that chance.”

“Still feel bad about stunning her?” Echo asked casually while looking over the scanners.

Crosshair shrugged. “No. If she’d let me go then she wouldn’t have been an ally for Omega. Wouldn’t have helped us buy time and survive as long as we did.” Even if it did end in her death. She was a clone, a soldier until the end. She helped her brothers and sister survive until their liberation. “Managed to get to a communications station and get a transmission out to one of the old comm channels we used before the end of the war. Sent out a singular transmission before Hemlock captured me again.”

You looked between the two clones. “What did you say?”

“Plan 88.” Hummed Crosshair. “The Seeker. It means that someone was targeting them. Targeting Omega.”

“Took us a few days, but Tech found that transmission and it told us that Crosshair had been possibly arrested.” Echo spoke while leaning forwards in his seat with his elbow on his knee. “Can’t lie, we had to weigh the options on going after him.” Echo saw you open your mouth to ask why, but he raised his hand to stop you. “Crosshair explained his…experiences to you. Right?”

“Yes.” You spoke softly while looking at Crosshair. Looking at those brownie colored eyes that made your heart flutter. Eyes that continued to look at you with worry and fear in them. “He did.”

And you still were madly in love with Crosshair. Echo couldn’t hide the smirk that crossed his lips. Never had he imagined that someone would love the Sniper so fiercely. “With the fact that Cross had tracked us for months in the beginning and had been aggressively loyal to the Empire for so long, we worried that it was a trap. That he was trying to lure us out.”

“What made you go?” It was understandable that they didn’t trust him after everything you’d heard. But obviously something had made them go get Crosshair, what was it?

Echo sat back and shrugged. “He’s our brother and we don’t leave a brother behind. No matter how much of a di’kut they are.”

‘Brother’. It made you smile to hear that even through everything that Cross had done to them, they still thought of him as a brother. Your hand squeezed Crosshairs gently ready to listen to the rest of what happened. “What happened next?”

-*-

The next hour would be spent with Echo explaining everything that had happened leading up to Eriadu. Each word made your heartrate increase as you unknowingly grew closer and closer to the disaster that was coming. The name Eriadu was familiar to you. How? You couldn’t remember. But it was.

“We thought we had everything figured out.” Sighed Echo. “We hated going in without a solid plan. Never did we expect to run into others with their own plans.”

You swallowed before speaking. “He was there, wasn’t he?”

Echo nodded solemnly. “He was.” His leg began to bounce. “Color us surprised to see him there. Of course, Saw wasn’t there for intel.” He watched your face shift. “No, he was there to wipe out the entire conference.”

“Which would mess up your plans.” Which meant they wouldn’t have been able to find Crosshair or the others.

“Exactly” sighed Crosshair as he squeezed your hand. Hearing all of this had made him despise Saw fully. “ He set off the bombs and blew the tracker that had just been placed on Hemlocks ship off.”

The air in the cockpit seemed to become heavy, like something horrible was about to be revealed. You shifted uncomfortably, moving closer to Crosshair. Echo looked out the window, almost like he was watching a distant memory play out.

“We were already on the tram making our way back to our ship, fighting off some stormtroopers that had followed us in. Saw was determined to blow that place. We needed to get Omega to safety, plus we’d done what we needed to do. The tracker was placed.” The domino twin adjusted in his seat before continuing. “We’d just cleared out the tram when the tram suddenly stopped. The explosion had killed the electricity for the tram. We were close to the other side. Maybe about 3 minutes by tram away.”

Crosshairs hand tensed in yours making the air in the room even more unbearable.

“Tech…” Echo swallowed, the memory beginning to become too much. “Tech was the only one who could get the power going again. He made the decision to walk across the rail over to a conduit box. Was roughly a quarter of a click away. Took him maybe a minute to get to the box, 3 minutes to get the electricity back up and another minute to get back to us.” A long breath left the clone. “Or it should have.”

“Oh no.” You gasped softly. Now you realized why Eridau had sounded so familiar to you. This was it wasn’t it? When they’d lose Tech?

“He was makin his way back when all hell broke loose for us. Had fighters all over us. Doing their damndest to take us down. We were fighting them off the best we could with just our blasters. Our main goal was to get Tech back on the tram and get the hell out of there.” The memory flashed across Echo’s eyes as a few tears ran down his cheek. “He was almost in and a shot hit the back tram car. It disconnected and began to fall with Tech on top. He was able to grapple onto it but….but he was hanging off of it now. Dangling in the air as more fighters and a tram full of troopers were heading towards us.” More tears ran down his cheeks. “Wrecker was holding the falling car up…and Tech. But they were coming and with that car still connected, the one the rest of us were in couldn’t go. Tech…he knew that.”

“No.” Came as a whisper from you, tears running down your own face and Crosshair holding your hand tight.

A shuddering breath left Echo. “Wrecker could see it in his eyes. Tech knew what needed to be done for the good of the team. To give the rest of us a chance to escape. To save Omega.”

You swallowed hard. “Plan 99.”

Both men looked at you in surprise. Echo nodding and speaking first. “Yes, how did you…”

“Crosshair…his first night in my room at the inn…he said it. Followed by Tech's name.” It had been one of the first nightmares you’d actually observed from him. You looked at Crosshair, into his sad chocolate eyes. “You mentioned it once back at the base as well.”

A long breath left Crosshair, understanding that you’d actually heard some of his nightmares. “I see.” His hand slowly began to release yours.

You wouldn’t let that happen though. Instead you tightened the hold and scooted closer to him. “Keep going, Echo.”

His eyebrow raised at you but after a moment, he nodded. “Plan 99. A simple plan that meant one of us was sacrificing ourselves so the rest would survive. He didn’t let us argue, there wasn’t time. The other tram was close and firing at us as were the fighters. We were outnumbered and…it had to be done.”

“Omega watched it happen, didn’t she?” When Echo nodded once more, you sighed. “Stitches kept saying that Omega was having some intense nightmares when you returned with Crosshair. That the poor girl was really shook up by everything that had happened.” You remembered how exhausted Stitches looked. How she seemed ready to collapse but was fighting her damndest to stay strong for Wrecker and Omega.

“I’m not surprised by that information. She watched Tech sacrifice himself to save all of us just to have to do the same thing to protect us three.” Echo’s eyes had shifted to his scomp. “She tell ya about that?”

“Yeah.” You rested your head on Crosshair's shoulder. Making it as clear as possible that you weren’t leaving his side. “About a week after Crosshair left with you and Hunter to go help Rex. I was watching her while Tech and Wrecker had a date night with Chai and Stitches.” Something the four had desperately needed at that point. “She was sleeping in my living room and started crying out. Helped her talk through the nightmare and that’s when she told me everything that had happened after Tech’s death. How he’d died during the mission and she’d volunteered to go with Hemlock in exchange for Wrecker and Hunter’s lives. Omega said that she’d lost one brother that mission, she couldn’t lose another. But…she never told me how Tech had died, just that he had.” Now you understood why. No doubt Omega blamed herself in some way. The poor child.

It made sense why Crosshair blamed himself for Tech's death now and why he hated Saw so much.

The auto-pilot pinged loudly indicating that the ship was drawing close to Pabu and would need to be taken over for landing. Echo took a moment to compose himself before turning to focus on landing, giving you and Crosshair a small bit of privacy.

You turned and faced the clone beside you, your hand reaching up and cradling his cheek gently. Thumb running across his tattoo, you sighed softly. “Cross?” You whispered, wanting this conversation to be just between the two of you. “You know none of that was your fault, right?” His eyes shifted away from yours with shame in them. “I mean it, Crosshair. Techs supposed death wasn’t your fault.”

“But if I hadn’t…” He began.

“Stop.” Your other hand raised to his lips and silenced him with one delicate finger. “You were doing what you thought was right. You sent a warning to protect your sister. How could you have known any of this would play out the way it had?”

“If I had captured Saw in the beginning.” He looked back at you, eyes glossy.

Sadly nothing was guaranteed if Saw had been captured in the beginning. Perhaps some things were in fact written in stone. Certain events that had to play out the way they did. “Someone else could have blown up the base. Or Omega could have still been captured. Maybe you would have captured the others in the beginning as well. Maybe you would have died. There’s too many ‘What if’s’ and ‘If only’s. But no matter what, this isn’t on you.”

A shaky breath left the Sniper as he listened to you. Were you right? Was all of this really not his fault?

The ship landed with a gentle thumb and you looked up as Echo awkwardly stood from the pilot seat. “Come on, let’s go home?” Your eyes had returned to Crosshair. “Warm shower, good food and our warm bed?”

Crosshair stared at you. “What about…the rest?”

Did you want to hear the rest? Hear how Saw had escaped him and the chaos that had been his monthlong mission? Yes. You wanted to fully understand what had led Crosshair to be that crumpled mess that you’d found when you arrived at the clone base. But looking at this man, this man that had somehow become your everything, you realized that whatever needed to be revealed next could wait. All you wanted to do now was take him home and hold him close. Let him know that everything was alright and that you still cared deeply for him.

“Another day.” You spoke softly while standing, your hand extended to help him up. “You’ve shared so much, Crosshair. Thank you. Let’s go home for now?”

The sniper stared at you in surprise. You don’t want to hear the rest right now? You wanted to wait? You wanted to go home and…sleep next to him still after everything he’d shared?

Why?

Why did you still care about him? How were you not terrified or sickened by him? He’d done horrible horrible things that he’d never be able to atone for. Yet you still wanted him there.

How was he so lucky? What divine force was allowing him to be worthy of you? Perhaps this was all a dream and he’d wake up back in his destroyed room on the base with you still safe on Pabu waiting for him? Even if it was, Crosshair would savor it.

He took your hand and stood before pulling you into his arms. “Thank you.” Left him in a shaky whisper. “Thank you for not giving up on me.”

You sighed softly and nodded against his chest. Hearing him admit to thinking you’d give up on him nearly destroyed your heart. You wouldn’t give up on him, never. Taking a small step back, you looked up at him and smiled softly. “Come on, I think we all could use showers.”

-*-

You and Crosshair walked down the hill towards the inn, your hands entwined and a silence hanging between the two of you. What exactly did either of you say to each other after the last few days? After everything you’d learned. So much pain and so much suffering. A part of your mind couldn’t stop thinking of the poor children Crosshair had mentioned. How they’d gone missing and most likely trafficked into such…horrible things.

“What would you like to eat when we get back to the inn, Cross?” You carefully broke the silence, testing the waters.

Crosshair shrugged, his memories of all the events rushing around his mind. His worries and fears on if you really did still think highly of him pulling at him. You squeezed his hand and he looked at you, being pulled from his thoughts. “Hmm?”

“I asked if a sandwich would be okay. I’m exhausted and just want to shower and lay down with you.” You stopped walking and raised your hands to his cheeks. “Talk to me? What’s going on in this head of yours?”

His eyes closed as he let out a long breath. “There’s still more I haven’t told you and I just…I can’t figure out how after everything you’ve learned, you still want me by your side.”

“Crosshair” You hummed his voice sweetly. “ It would take something massive to change how I see you.”

“But…” He began but your finger was placed over his lips.

“But nothing. Everything I’ve learned has finally given me a glimpse at what you’ve gone through. Given me a better understanding on how I can help you.” You moved your hand down to his chest and gently pressed over his heart. “I can’t lie to you, a lot of what you shared broke my heart and terrified me. But only because you’d had no choice in almost all of it. You did what you thought you were supposed to do.” Your head shook for a moment. “You were simply following orders. Yes, you did some horrible things but look at you now. You’re making up for it and you’ve accepted that what you did was horrible. That is what shows me what kind of man you are, Cross. Your past doesn’t define you.”

How? How the hell had he managed to meet someone like you? What deity deigned him worthy enough to have you placed in his life? Crosshair raised his hand to your cheek, swallowing at the way you somehow continued to see him as a worthy man and not a monster. “I’ll never understand how you see me as worthy of you, Doll.”

You stood on the tips of your toes and moved closer to him, your bodies now pressed together. “Because, you saw yourself worthy of freedom. You chose to fight back against the Empire in the end.” Slowly, your fingers began to stroke against the spot over his heart. “I see you as worthy because you see yourself as worthy. Even if your mind doesn’t see it, your heart does. I knew it the day you arrived at the end. I don’t know how I knew it but…I did.” You stared into his warm eyes. “There’s a saying that goes ‘When you know your worth, you attract better things.’ Perhaps that’s why you made the decisions you made. That’s why things played out the way they did and why we were brought together.”

Crosshair stared at you, unable to breathe.

You were so beautiful and caring. An almost pure heart in this rough galaxy. A beacon of security and safety to him. His new happiness. Once his happiness came in the form of cleaning his blasters or relaxing next to Tech as his brother rambled on about something. But now that happiness was with you. He swallowed a lump that had suddenly made its way into his throat as something began to dawn on him. Or perhaps it was always there and he was too afraid to give it attention. “Doll…” The elite sniper took a deep breath, somehow actually scared. “I…”

“So do I.” You interrupted quickly and breathlessly. Crosshair's hand slid around your waist and held you tight as he leaned down to kiss you.

“Doll! Crosshair! Hurry!” Omega was racing up the cobblestone path towards you.

You cleared your throat quickly and stepped away from Crosshair. Later. You could finish your conversation later. “Omega?” The child looked frazzled. What was going on?

“The Inn! You need to get to the inn!”

-*-

“Hunter! I’m here wh….” You stood in the doorway of your inn out of breath. Your heart racing as you’d sprinted the rest of the way to the inn. There hadn’t been any smoke or flames from what you could see but that didn’t mean something wasn’t wrong inside.

But you’d never expected that smug fucking face again. Not this soon.

Arms crossed and anger in your eyes, you glared at the unwelcome guest currently sitting at your table. “Why are you here, Jax?” You could feel Crosshair's protective presence behind you.

Jax’s smirk faltered just slightly as he noticed Crosshair behind you. The feel of the bones in his wrist crunching making the now healed wrist and hand twitch. “I’m here to sign the paperwork, Baby Doll. I told you this place would be mine.”

Taglist:

You knelt beside him with your kit spread out. "Hold still," you murmured, your voice a soothing barrier to the ship's low rumble. Echo's eyes met yours, a mix of frustration and fondness flickering there.

"It's just a glitch," he protested, though he didn't pull away as you gently detached the lower panel on his leg. Your fingers brushed against the cool metal, tracing wires that intertwined with what remained of his organic flesh. You'd learned his systems inside out over the months, not just as a medic but as his partner.

"A glitch that could turn into a full shutdown if we ignore it," you replied, scanning the damage with your device. The readouts blinked green mostly, but a red warning pulsed for the servo. You reached for a tool, your other hand resting on his thigh for stability. Echo's breath hitched slightly; not from pain, but from the warmth of your touch cutting through.

He watched you work, smiling lightly at the way your brow furrowed in concentration. "You know, before you joined, Tech sometimes just would slap some tape on it and keep going." His voice was light, but there was a hint of vulnerability.

You paused, setting the tool down to cup his face. Your thumb tracing along his jaw. "Well im now here to looking after you, Echo. You’re not alone in this." Leaning in, you pressed a soft kiss to his forehead.

He closed his eyes, leaning into it, the tension easing from his shoulders.

Resuming the repair, you rerouted the wiring. As the servo whirred back to life, Echo flexed his leg experimentally. "Feels good," he admitted, sitting up only to then pull you into his lap.

You smiled, checking his vitals one last time: heart rate steady, systems nominal. "Vitals holding," you whispered, echoing the phrase that had become your shared mantra after tough days. Echo's lips found yours in a grateful kiss, a silent thank you for seeing him whole.

Hunter

word count: 536

The Marauder’s engines idled low as the ship settled into a quiet landing on a forested moon, far from any Imperial patrols.

The mission had been simple reconnaissance but the dense undergrowth and sudden rain had turned it into hard work. Harder than it had to be.

Hunter had pushed through without complaint, as always. The usefulness of his enhanced senses guided the squad but the constant barrage of scents, sounds, and electromagnetic pulses had left him quietly frayed.

Now, he sat on the edge of a bunk, elbows on knees and head bowed. The infamous bandana was off with dark hair falling loose over his face.

With a look of concern, you stepped up to him quietly whilst carrying a damp cloth and a small vial of soothing balm of your own recipe.

“Rough one out there?” you asked softly, kneeling between his legs so you were eye-level with him.

Hunter exhaled through his nose, a sound that was half sigh, half reluctant admission. “Everything was loud. Too loud. The rain on leaves, every insect wingbeat for klicks around…” He rubbed at his temple. “Felt like my skull was vibrating.”

You reached up, fingers brushing his cheek before sliding into his hair. He leaned into the touch instinctively, eyes fluttering closed. Your thumb traced slow circles at his scalp, right where the tension always gathered. “You carried us through it anyway. Like always.”

A faint, crooked smile tugged at his lips. “Had to. Couldn’t let you get lost in the mud again.”

You chuckled quietly, dipping the cloth in cool water and pressing it gently to the back of his neck. He shivered once from relief. You worked in silence for a moment, letting the damp fabric ease the ache.

“Lie back,” you murmured.

He hesitated, the leader in him reluctant to fully let go, but your hand on his chest was steady and grounding. He reclined slowly, stretching out on the bunk. You sat beside him, one hand resting over his heart.

With careful fingers, you massaged the balm into his temples, then down along his jaw, working out the tightness. Hunter’s breathing depened, slowing as the sensory storm inside him began to quiet. Every so often, he’d hum softly, a low sound of contentment that you know he’d never admit to making.

“You don’t have to be on all the time,” you whispered, leaning down to press a kiss to his lips. “Not with me.”

His hand found yours, lacing fingers together. “I know,” he said, voice rough but soft. “Just… takes time to turn it off.”

“Then let me help.” You shifted closer, tucking yourself against his side. He wrapped an arm around you without hesitation, pulling you in until your head rested on his chest. The steady thump-thump beneath your ear.

Hunter’s free hand came up to stroke your hair, mirroring the way you’d soothed him. The ship’s hum faded into background noise; the galaxy outside could wait.

After a long while, he murmured against your temple, “Vitals holding.”

You smiled into his chest. “Vitals holding.”

He pressed a lingering kiss to the top of your head, the last of the tension melting away in the quiet safety of your arms.

Wrecker

word count: 614

The Marauder’s cargo hold was quieter than usual, the usual clatter of Wrecker’s laughter replaced by a low, frustrated grunt. He sat on an overturned crate, one hand pressed to his lower back.

The mission had wrapped up hours ago but Wrecker had insisted on hauling the last heavy munitions crate aboard himself. “I got it!” he’d boomed, grinning wide. That was until a sharp twinge hit, deep in his back muscles. Now here he was: the strongest clone in the Batch, felled by his own enthusiasm.

You found him like that, shoulders hunched, staring at the floor as if it had personally betrayed him. The embarrassment was written all over his face. Jaw tight and eyes avoiding yours.

“Hey, big guy,” you said gently, stepping into the hold with your medkit slung over one shoulder. “Heard you took on a crate and lost.”

Wrecker huffed, a sound that tried to be a laugh but landed somewhere closer to a groan. “Didn’t lose. Just… reminded it who’s boss. A little too hard.” He shifted, winced, and immediately tried to play it off with a forced grin. “I’m fine. Really. Jus’ need a minute.”

You set the kit down and moved to stand in front of him, close enough that he had to look up at you. “You’re not fine. And it’s okay to not be fine.” Your voice was calm, no judgment, just the steady certainty he always leaned on. “Let me see.”

He hesitated, pride warring with the ache, but eventually he let his hand drop and turned slightly so you could reach his back. You knelt behind him on the crate, fingers gentle as you pressed along his lumbar muscles. The knot was tight, hot and angry from the sudden strain. Wrecker sucked in a breath through his teeth.

“Easy,” you murmured, already reaching for the warming salve. “You pulled something good here. Nothing torn, but you’re gonna feel this tomorrow if we don’t loosen it up now.”

He let out a long, defeated sigh. “Hurt by liftin’ a kriffin’ box.” His voice cracked just a little on the last word, the embarrassment giving way. “What kinda soldier does that?”

You paused, hands still on his back, then leaned forward until your forehead rested lightly against the back of his shoulder. “The kind who cares more about getting the job done for his squad than looking invincible.” You kissed the spot between his shoulder blades, right over the scar from an old explosive. “And the kind who’s allowed to hurt sometimes. Even the biggest ones.”

Wrecker went still, then slowly relaxed under your touch. You worked the salve in with slow, firm circles, thumbs digging just enough to ease the spasm without pushing too hard. Every time he tensed, you eased off, waiting for him to breathe through it. Gradually, the knots began to give.

“Better?” you asked after a while.

“Yeah… a lot. Still stings, but not like before.” He turned his head, catching your eye over his shoulder. The grin was smaller this time, but real. “Thanks, mesh’la. Didn’t mean to be a baby about it.”

“You weren’t.” You slid around to sit beside him, tucking yourself under his arm. He wrapped it around you immediately, pulling you against his side like you were the most precious cargo he’d ever carried.

You rested your hand over his heart, feeling the steady, powerful beat. “So, are your vitals holding?”

Wrecker chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest into your palm. “Vitals holdin’. Thanks to you.”

He pressed a kiss to the top of your head, lingering there, and for once didn’t try to hide how much he needed the quiet comfort.

Tech

word count: 661

The back room of Cid's Parlor smelled like stale smoke and cheap liquor.

As the main cantina buzzed faintly beyond the beaded curtain, Tech sat at Cid’s desk that she had grudgingly given and one leg propped up on a crate from the fracture he had endured form the cargo container collapse.

You pushed through the curtain with your medkit, the beads clacking softly behind you. Cid had cleared out at that point, muttering something about "not running a free clinic", leaving just the two of you.

Yet he was no longer sitting down, instead he was standing awkwardly and looking through the grumpy Trandoshan's collection of random stuff she had collected.

"I told you to stay off it," you said, setting the tray down on the desk with a deliberate clunk.

Tech didn't turn around. "I am off it. Most of my weight is on the good leg. Statistically, this qualifies as minimal load-bearing.”

"You're also standing. On a fractured leg. In a bacta cast that's still setting."

He glanced over his shoulder, goggles catching the low light. "The cast has reached its polymerisation point. I was just… looking at possible useful junk. For later."

"Uh-huh." You stepped closer, "Sit. Before I make you."

He let out a quiet breath, half annoyed and half amused, but he didn't fight it. He eased himself back onto the chair, leg stretched out.

You knelt in front of him, "You're doing that thing again," you say softly, voice warm and teasing. "Talking tech to hide that you're hurting."

"I'm not hiding anything. Pain is just… information. I was only—"

You placed your palm lightly over his chest, right where his heart was beating faster than usual under his armour. "Your heart's telling a different story."

Tech went still. His eyes dropped to your hand, then flicked back to your face. "That is… an elevated heart rate attributable to—"

You tilted your head, fingers trailing up to brush along his jaw, nudging his goggles up just enough to see the heat on his cheeks. "Or maybe because you like when I take care of you?"

He blinked rapidly behind the lenses, processing. "I… find your presence efficacious for recovery. Statistically speaking, positive emotional stimuli can accelerate—"

You leaned in, lips brushing his. Tech froze for a second, then leaned into it, one hand coming up to rest carefully at the back of your neck.

The kiss deepened just enough to make him forget the ache for a moment. You pulled back barely an inch, forehead resting against his. "Better?"

He let out a shaky breath, "Much better. Though I'd like… more proof it's working."

“Behave, Tech.” You playfully roll your eyes, smirking quietly at his disappointment of not getting another kiss just yet.

With steady hands, you adjusted the bacta cast and started the compression wrap carefully. He usually makes a comment on how uneven it is but this time Tech stayed quiet, just watching, breathing steady, his fingers occasionally brushing your arm like he needed the contact.

When you finished, you started to stand, but Tech's hand caught yours gently. "Come here." He tugged lightly, but insistent.

You raised an eyebrow, but let him guide you. With a careful shift of his good leg to make space, he pulled you down onto his lap, settling you sideways across his thighs so your weight didn't press on the injured one. His arm wrapped around your waist immediately, holding you close against his chest. Moments like this with him are rare so you wasted no time in tucking your head under his chin.

With one hand, you rest it over his heart again, feeling it slow to a calm, even rhythm now.

The parlor's distant noise felt miles away. Just the two of you in the cluttered back room, tangled together in the chair. You smiled into his neck. "Vitals holding?"

Tech pressed a soft kiss to your temple, voice low and content. "Vitals holding."

Crosshair

word count: 544

You found him in the refresher to your shared apartment, door half-open, the mirror fogged from a recent shower. He stood shirtless, one hand braced against the sink, the other fumbling with a bloodied cloth pressed to his left side. A shallow but stubborn gash that caught on jagged durasteel ran along his ribs.

It was not life-threatening, but it wept fresh blood every time he tried to clean or close it one handed. The angle was impossible now; his missing hand left him reaching awkwardly.

Crosshair never asked for help. Not ever. So when you stepped in quietly, he didn’t look up, just kept trying, jaw clenched so tight the muscle jumped.

“Out,” he muttered.

You didn’t move. Instead you stepped fully inside. “You’re making it worse. Sit.”

“I said—”

“Crosshair.” Your tone was quiet and firm. You reached past him for a clean towel from the rack, then guided him to perch on the edge of the low tub. He resisted for half a second but let himself be moved.

You knelt in front of him and you peeled the soaked cloth away. The wound was angry but clean enough to stitch. You exhaled slowly through your nose, fighting the urge to scold him for being reckless with his own body.

“Why do you do this?” you asked, voice softer now as you reached for the bactaspray. “You know I’m right here.”

He stared at a point over your shoulder, refusing to meet your eyes. “Habit. Fix it myself. Always have.”

“Not anymore.” You dabbed the wound clean, careful around the inflamed edges. He hissed once, barely audible, but didn’t pull away.

When the first stitch went in, his remaining hand twitched toward yours like he might stop you. Instead, his fingers curled loosely around your wrist. Just… holding.

You paused, needle hovering. “Talk to me.”

Crosshair’s gaze finally dropped. “Can’t reach it anymore,” he muttered, so quiet you almost missed it. “Feels… wrong. Needing you for something this basic.”

You resumed stitching, slow and precise. “It’s not wrong. It’s just different.” You explained. “And I’m glad I’m here for the different parts.”

He didn’t argue. Just watched your face as you worked, the tension in his shoulders easing stitch by stitch. When you tied off the last knot and smoothed a fresh bandage over it, he exhaled like he’d been holding his breath for hours.

You stayed kneeling there, hands resting lightly on his thighs. “Better?”

He finally looked at you, really looked. The usual guarded sharpness had cracked, leaving something raw underneath. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re stubborn.” You rose enough to lean in, brushing your lips against his in a kiss that was gentle and unhurried. He froze for a heartbeat, then tilted his head to meet you properly.

When you pulled back, you rested your forehead against his. “Vitals holding?”

Crosshair’s lips curved, just the barest hint of a smirk. “Vitals holding.” His thumb brushed your cheek. “Thanks to you.”

You helped him stand, steadying him as the adrenaline crash made his legs unsteady. He didn’t protest when you wrapped an arm around his waist, guiding him out of the refresher and toward the bed. For once, the sniper let himself be taken care of quietly, stubbornly, but completely.

Tags: @littlefeatherr @kaitou2417 @eyecandyeoz @jesseeka @theroguesully @ladykatakuri @arctrooper69 @padawancat97 @staycalmandhugaclone @ko-neko-san @echos-girlfriend @fiveshelmet @dangraccoon @plushymiku-blog @pb-jellybeans @sleepycreativewriter @erellenora @zippingstars87 @ezras-left-thumb @the-rain-on-kamino @tentakelspektakel @stellarbit @griffedeloup @tech-aficionado @grizabellasolo @therealnekomari @brynhildrmimi @greaser-wolf @kaminocasey @marvel-starwars-nerd @ladytano420 @ladyzirkonia @raevulsix @cw80831 @knightprincess @crosshairlovebot @jane8675 @dalu-grantkylo @kindalonelystars @sugar-monster @thizandthatzz @imalovernotahater @sithstrings @whore4rex @temple-elder r @mysticalgalaxysalad @photogirl894 @the-bad-batch-baroness @lulalovez @green-alm0nd

Now he was the big spoon, which had quickly become his favorite way to lie with her. She still had on her T-shirt and shorts, but he knew she didn't have a bra on. All he could think of was what would happen if her shirt happened to scooch up a bit, and his hand just happened to touch her bare breast.

But he wouldn't. He'd already pushed her limits more than he probably should have. Although she did seem to enjoy what they'd done already.

Her body was warm against his front. She was like a human heating pad. Not that he needed that, he wasn't cold in the least. But it still made him feel cozy, to be snuggled together sharing warmth.

Every once in a while, she'd twitch a little bit, or make a very quiet sound, but it was nothing much. Not like him on the nights he would thrash and yell. He hoped he didn't do that tonight, especially in such a small bed. He didn't want to accidentally hurt her.

He thought about how things had gone with her and 99 earlier that night. He could tell they liked each other. He could see the softness in 99's eyes when he looked at her. And Hunter caught him looking at them together with the most peaceful smile on his face. He'd blushed a little at the time, but he was pleased 99 seemed to like her.

And he could tell Wren already adored 99. It usually didn't take long for people to feel that way about the kind old man. She instantly seemed to feel comfortable around him, which is very unusual for her with new people. She didn't mind when he hugged her. She gave him her attention when he talked. She offered to help him when he got up, or offered to bring him something from the kitchen if she was headed that way. It was very heartwarming to see and brought him actual honest-to-goodness joy.

Is that why his thoughts about her were even more affectionate than usual?

He focused back on her soft body against his. He brought his hand from her waist to her hip and then lower. He very gently massaged her thigh and ass, feeling the soft fat there. He made sure not to wake her.

He moved his head even closer to the back of hers and put his nose in her hair. He inhaled quietly.

After another minute, he was almost asleep, but not quite. He would open his eyes and then wonder if he had been awake the whole time. Was he asleep and dreaming? He was struggling to keep a hold on reality.

Then his body started reacting in a way he didn't want. Shit. He tried to scoot his lower half away from her just a bit, so his crotch wasn't pressed against her ass, but that didn't seem to help. So, he took some deep breaths, willing his cock to behave. And it did a bit. It softened enough so he could relax some.

And then he felt like he was falling asleep again. So, was he asleep and dreaming when his hand started moving up towards her chest?

This is a nice dream. I could get used to this.

But then his foggy mind would think, Wait, is this a dream? What if this isn't a dream. What am I doing here?

He fought to clear the fog from his mind and realized he was awake. His hand was under her shirt, right below her breasts. In fact, he could feel the curve of one of her breasts against his fingers.

He felt her stir. Then he heard a little whine. She turned her head just enough to see him behind her, and said, "Hey, why aren't you sleeping?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

"Except I was sleeping. I have a feeling you haven't made it there yet."

He chuckled, and the puff of air moved her hair. "I think I've been in and out."

"Mmmm..." was all she said. A happy and contented little sound.

She didn't seem to notice his hand up her shirt. He was internally yelling at himself, because he knew he should have more self-control than that. He wasn't going to actually DO anything. He was just feeling her skin. In places he hadn't felt yet. In very soft and warm places. Places usually hidden by her clothes.

He dropped his forehead to her shoulder, and she felt it, since she hadn't quite fallen back to sleep yet. She brought her hand up and ran her fingers through his hair.

"Are you okay? Is something wrong?" When he didn't respond, she continued, "Hunter? Hey, you okay?"

He nodded without removing his head from her shoulder, so she felt the movement. And he said a quiet, "Mmm-hmm."

He finally decided he just needed to do it; he needed to move his hand. He felt like she hadn't even noticed it yet. But at some point, she might, and the longer he kept it there the more upsetting it might be.

But before he could pull it back, she placed her hand over his. He could hear the smile in her voice when she said, "Whatcha doin' there?"

"Nothing. I'm sorry. I was half-asleep when I realized where my hand was. But that's not an excuse! I know it's not, and I'm sorry! I was getting ready to move it back when you woke up, and I didn't want to scare you."

"It's okay. I like when you touch me." She squeezed his hand,

He paused, then moved his head to where she could feel his breath on her neck. He said, "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah."

She slowly brought his hand up a little higher, and he lightly brushed the side of her breast. He kissed her neck, her jaw, her ear, her temple. Her breathing had increased, and she was getting warmer and warmer. He could even feel it through her shirt onto his chest and belly.

She rolled a bit toward him and put her arms around his neck, bringing him down for a kiss.

After stopping for air, he moved back to her neck, trying so hard not to leave marks. He was careful not to touch more of her breast, he didn't want to go too far. But he did caress the underside, across her abdomen, and down to her belly.

He felt her tense at that point, and he stilled. "Is that too far?"

"No... I'm just a little embarrassed about my belly, it's soft and a little chubby." She moved her hand down to cover it while she closed her eyes and dropped her forehead to his shoulder.

"Well, I noticed how soft it was, but I love that. But I won't touch you there again if you don't want." He lifted her chin so he could see her face. She looked into his eyes and saw nothing but admiration and affection.

"You don't think it's too flabby?" He could barely hear her whisper.

"Hell no!" he said quietly, but with force. "There's nothing about your body that is 'too' anything, unless it's too hot. Not sure I want a bunch of other guys seeing how hot you are." He gave her a big smile, not taking his eyes off hers.

She could tell he really meant that and felt her face burning. She was sure he could have seen how red it was if there was more light coming into the windows.

She looked at his chest, running her fingers lightly through the little bit of hair there. She could have sworn she felt him shiver.

"You're ridiculous, you know that?" But he could hear the smile as she said it.

"Ridiculously smitten maybe." They both chuckled at that.

She reached up and cupped his jaw, running her thumb across his cheek. "Sometimes I think you can't be real. I need to feel you to really believe you exist and are here with me."

"Well, feel away. I certainly don't mind." He turned his head enough to kiss her palm.

His hand had made its way back to the underside of her breast, his touch so light it was almost a tickle. She felt heat coursing through her whole body and was having a hard time thinking clearly. She really didn't expect to do this kind of thing this weekend. She wasn't upset about that; in fact, she was happy about it. She just wasn't prepared.

She threaded her fingers through his hair, lightly scratching his scalp. She heard him very quietly moan. He leaned his forehead against hers. "Fuck," he whispered.

"You do like that, don't you?" she asked quietly.

He just nodded his head gently against hers. He whispered, "And your breasts are amazing."

"You can't even see them," she smiled.

"No, but I can feel them. Or part of them anyway. And they feel amazing." He leaned down and kissed her lips again.

"Well, I'm glad you like them. Because I definitely like what you're doing there."

Before he could even think about it too hard, he bent his head down and kissed her breast through her shirt. She inhaled quickly.

He looked up into her eyes. "Too much?"

She paused, looking at him. "No, it just caught me off guard," she said as she pushed some hair out of his face.

He reached over and kissed her other breast, still through her shirt. Then as she was looking down at him, he stuck out his tongue and licked over her clothed nipple. He left his tongue there as he looked up at her, seeing her eyes were the size of saucers. He gave her a mischievous smile and took it between his lips, sucking just a little bit. The sensitivity was lessened by her shirt, but she still felt a jolt go through her right to her core. Her hips bucked up without her permission. She inhaled and exhaled slowly, trying to calm herself.

He looked down at her chest, and moved over to her other breast, giving it the same treatment. She was still running her fingers through his hair. He gave a very quiet, very low growl that she could feel vibrating through her.

She couldn't believe how worked up she was feeling, when all he was doing was touching her through her shirt. Her breath started coming quicker, and she could feel the heat beginning to build.

Can a person orgasm just from this? Because it sure felt like that's where she was headed. And she almost felt embarrassed, that she was so horny that it only took this to get her there. But she also excused herself, because she had years of pent-up sexual frustration coursing through her body. It made her very sensitive to what he was doing.

He removed his mouth from her while keeping his eyes fixed on hers, "Are you still okay? Would you like me to stop? I'll stop right now if that's what you want."

"No, that's not what I want. But I don't think I'm ready for the shirt to come off."

He nodded and said, "Absolutely. I wasn't planning on it, but I'm glad you're letting me know your boundaries. Would you like me to remove my hand from under your shirt?"

"No, it can stay. Just no higher or lower right now. I'm sorry." She felt bad, like she was teasing him.

"Hey, there's nothing to be sorry about. I was just trying some things, seeing if I could help you feel good. But I can stop at any time." He laid his head on one of her soft breasts, using her as a pillow. She gave him a sweet smile, and he returned it.

"I really liked what you were doing..." She couldn't bring herself to ask him to continue.

But he knew. "Would you like me to continue with that?"

"Maybe for a little bit longer. I just feel bad, because you aren't getting anything out of it."

"Who says I'm not? Would you like to feel how much I'm getting out of it." He motioned with his head down towards his crotch. He shifted his lower body enough that his erection was pressing against her leg. Her eyes got big.

"Oh! Wow. But still, this isn't going to help you finish."

"I don't know if we can be sure about that." He quietly laughed. "This is really hot. Seeing your reactions, hearing your breathing, feeling the heat coming off your body. This is so fucking hot, Wren. I wouldn't be surprised if I could come from this alone."

"Well, I definitely think I'm going to get there pretty quick, if you wanted to start again." She could feel her face get hotter, but she couldn't look away.

"It would be my pleasure." He leaned down, taking her clothed nipple in his mouth again. Between that sensation, and the feel of his fingers on her waist, it wasn't more than a couple of minutes before she came.

She held a pillow over her mouth so no one would hear anything. After her orgasm faded, she opened her eyes and looked at him. He was laying with his head on her chest again, and a huge smile on his face.

"You just came? From breast stuff only? I love that!"

She looked down at his erection through his underwear. "Can I do anything to help you with your situation?"

"Nah, I'll be okay. It will go away on its own."

"But doesn't that hurt?"

"Well, it's not the best feeling in the world, but guys get pretty used to that. Especially as teenagers, we get erections at the drop of a hat and can't always do something about it."

"Well, is there something I can do, like with my hand, maybe?"

He scooted up so his head was level with hers, his fingers trailing over her waist where her shirt had been pushed up a bit. She rolled on her side, so she was facing him, then she moved her hand down to place it gently over his erection. He hissed through his teeth.

"Sorry, is that too much?" she asked.

He took a few deep breaths, then said, "No, no, not too much. I just needed to catch my breath. But you really don't have to do that, Wren."

"I know I don't have to. But I want to. If it's okay." She lightly took hold of his cock through his underwear, gently squeezing. Then she moved her hand slowly up and down his length. His eyes were closed, so she assumed he was enjoying it. His breath was coming quicker now, and he leaned his head forward enough that his forehead leaned against hers. Then she shifted her head so she could catch his lips. They kissed as she kept stroking him, focusing on his tip.

She moved her kisses down his jaw and neck, to his collarbone. She sucked hard enough she could tell there was going to be a mark. And that's all it took. He came. But he was very quiet. She could only tell by his breathing and the wetness seeping through his underwear.

"How many pairs of underwear did you bring? At this rate, you're going to run out," she laughed quietly.

He smiled at her and said, "Worth it."

They kissed a little while longer until he pulled back, getting out of bed and heading for his bag. He pulled out another pair of underwear. She put her hand over her eyes, so she couldn't see him. He came back to his side of the bed, and she could hear rustling. When she felt him get under the covers again, she opened her eyes, looking at him.

"Okay, now we need to sleep. You'd think we were a couple of horny teenagers."

He chuckled, "I can't help it if you make me feel like one." He kissed her once more before she turned back over to resume their cuddling position.

She said with a smile, "I feel like we probably shouldn't do anymore of this while we're here. I think we're pushing our luck, and I'm getting more nervous that someone will hear something." She held his hand as it held her breast over her shirt.

"I understand. I think we can surely control ourselves for the rest of tonight and tomorrow night, can't we?" He gently thrust his hips into her rear, and she quietly giggled.

"Yes, I think we can." It didn't take either of them long to fall asleep that time, contented and peaceful looks on their faces.

A few hours later, Wren heard stirring downstairs. She looked at her phone, and it was 7:45 am. She doubted she would be able to fall back to sleep at this point, but she still wasn't going to move or get up. She wanted to lie with Hunter as long as she could.

They barely changed positions after they fell asleep, which is unusual for her. She was usually a flopper, turning from one side to the other every time she woke up. But she didn't even wake up to do that. He must have really worn her out. She smiled at the thought.

She took his hand in hers as it rested on her mid-section. She felt him stir. She stilled, hoping he wouldn't actually wake up.

She heard him groan a little bit, and she knew he was waking up.

She turned her head to see his face, and saw his eyes slowly opening, adjusting to the light.

"Good morning," she said quietly.

He turned to look at her and a smile appeared. "G'mornin'." He gave her a squeeze. "I need to go to the bathroom." He released her and rolled out of his side of the bed. He pulled on his shirt from the night before and dug around in his bag for some sleep pants. "I don't want to be in just my underwear if I run into Omega in the hall."

"Good plan." She rolled onto her back and stretched her arms above her head as far as she could. She saw his eyes go to her chest, and she remembered she was braless. She dropped her arms quickly, folding them over her chest.

He smiled at her and said, "Don't stop on my account." He winked as he walked out the door, pulling it shut behind him.

Wren brought her hands up to cover her face, making a quiet screaming noise as she remembered all that had transpired the night before. Her embarrassment was overwhelming. She rolled over to face his side of the bed, reaching out and feeling his warmth still on the sheet. She hid her face in her pillow, but she couldn't help the smile that was plastered across her face. She whispered, "I can't believe we did all that. Here. Oh my god." No more! Not here anyway.

It wasn't long before she heard footsteps coming up the stairs and Hunter opened the door, coming back in. He shut it behind him and walked towards the bed. He smiled at her as he got under the covers, this time not taking off his shirt and pants. He lay on his side facing her.

"You have an awful lot of clothes on there, mister." She plucked at his T-shirt as she said it.

"Yeah, you said we shouldn't do anything else, so maybe I should be more covered up for now."

"Oh, you think I can't resist you when you don't have a shirt on or when I can see those legs?" She smiled at him, so he knew she was taking it good-naturedly.

"Well, if last night was any indication..."

"Hunter!" She whispered. "You're not saying that was all me, are you?" She looked incredulous.

He laughed quietly, "No, I'm not saying that. I'm just giving ya' shit." He leaned over and bumped her forehead with his very lightly.

She reached up to cup his jaw before he could pull away. Then she leaned forward enough to kiss him gently. "I'm so happy right now."

"Yeah? Really?"

"Yeah, really. I never thought I'd be able to get to this point with anyone, especially you." She dropped her hand from his face and ran it along his arm.

"Why especially me?" He looked confused. "Am I that bad?" He also sounded confused.

"No, silly. You're that good! You're amazing. You're way out of my league! And you can't convince me otherwise." She said it with a smile.

"Okay, you need to stop saying that, because it's not true! There are no leagues. And even if there were, I'm not out of yours. You don't realize how amazing YOU are. But I have made it my mission to get you to realize it, no matter how long it takes." He reached up and stroked her cheek, moving his hand around to the nape of her neck, and drawing her closer to him.

Then they kissed. A lot.

It seemed to him she'd gotten pretty comfortable with kissing. At first, she had been very hesitant, since he'd been the first guy she'd kissed. But he was really patient and let her go at her own speed. And it was paying off now. She was really good at it. She had a way of hovering right over his lips, not quite touching, that drove him crazy in the best way. Or sometimes she would very lightly run her lips along his, in an almost teasing way, that drove him even crazier. But he had to admit, he loved it. He loved that she felt confident enough to tease and play with him.

So, for the next 15 minutes they made out like a couple of teenagers. Hands didn't wander too far, because they both realized they needed to be more careful now that at least some of the family was up and about. The most that happened was she ran her hands up and down his upper body, but over his shirt. And he ran his hands along her bare legs as she straddled his lap. She made a concerted effort not to squirm or move around too much. They couldn't do what they did the night before. Not anymore while visiting 99. So it was very PG. But still very enjoyable.

At 8:00, they decided the would go ahead and get up. It didn't sound like anyone was in the shower, so he suggested she could go first, and she took the offer. It was a quick shower though. She wasn't sure how many of the family would be taking showers, so she didn't want to hog the bathroom or the hot water.

Hunter sat at the kitchen table and talked to Echo and 99 while she showered.

She came out dressed and received an admiring look from Hunter when he saw how nice she looked. She wasn't wearing anything out of the ordinary, but she still looked lovely.

He went in next, and Wren sat with Echo and 99.

"Did you sleep well, Wren?" 99 asked.

"Yeah, did you, Wren?" Echo asked with a smirk.

Oh no, had he heard them? Is that why he was acting like that? No, he was all the way down on the first floor, surely, he was just assuming something went on.

"Yeah, I did. Did you guys sleep well also?"

"I was dead to the world," came 99's response. And Echo said, "Yeah, I did sleep well once I finally fell asleep."

Wren looked at him with narrowed eyes, trying to figure out if he knew anything. He just gave her a big smile as he stood up, patting her shoulder as he walked by to get some more coffee.

And this is why she knew they shouldn't have done anything. Now she was going to wonder all day if anyone had heard and every time they looked at her she'd feel like they were thinking about what they'd been doing upstairs. She knew Echo didn't mean any harm, but she was starting to feel a little panicky.

99 must have noticed, as he asked, "Wren? Are you okay?"

She looked at him suddenly, and he could probably see fear in her eyes. She tried to calm her heartbeat and steady her voice. "Oh yeah, I'm fine." She gave him a weak smile. "Excuse me, I'll be right back. I forgot something upstairs."

She hurried out of the room, and up the stairs. When she got to Hunter's room, she pulled the door closed without latching it and lay on the bed.

Back downstairs, Hunter walked into the kitchen, still drying his hair. When he didn't see Wren, he looked concerned. "Where's Wren?"

99 said, "She said she forgot something upstairs."

"Yeah, you might want to go check on her," Echo said quietly.

Hunter nodded and hurried up the stairs. When he opened the door, he saw Wren lying on her side, legs curled up, almost in a fetal position. "Wren?" he said quietly.

"Mmmm-hmmm" she said even quieter.

"Hey, are you okay? Did something happen?" When he started to sit down next to her, he saw her eyes were red, and her cheeks were wet. "Oh no, Wren, what happened?!"

"Nothing. I just...I don't know. I got scared that they'd heard us last night. Echo had a smile on his face, and I thought..."

"Oh, Wren...come here." He gently pulled her up, so she was sitting next to him. He put his arms around her and brought her head to his shoulder. "Hey, no one heard anything. We were very quiet, the door was closed, no one was below us, I promise you, no one heard anything."

"But Echo-"

"Echo is just teasing you, I'm sure of it." He kissed her head as he rubbed her back in gentle circles. After a couple of minutes of silence he said, "Come on, let's go downstairs, I promise no one heard us."

She took in a shaky breath and exhaled slowly. "Okay. Okay." She signed. "I'm okay. Sorry. I just got freaked out. I don't want 99 to think-"

"99 isn't going to think anything bad about you, Wren. Even if he knew what we did, he also knows we're adults. He's not going to hold it against you. But I'm sure he doesn't even know. He's a little hard of hearing at this point. I know he didn't hear anything. No one did. Come on." He stood, holding out his hand.

She looked at him, and his heart broke at the apprehension in her eyes. She looked so afraid. He motioned with his extended hand, asking her to stand.

She did, taking his hand. She grabbed onto it with both of her hands, leaning into his side with her head on his upper arm. As if she could hide there. "You're fine," he whispered, resting his head on hers before walking towards the door.

They made their way downstairs. He motioned towards the living room saying, "Did you want to just hang out there where it's quieter, until it's actually time to eat?" By this time Omega and Tech were also in the kitchen. They could smell breakfast cooking.

"Okay." She nodded and walked towards the couch.

He went into the kitchen. "Hunter! Where's Wren?!" Omega exclaimed.

"She's in the living room-" and before he could finish his sentence, she was off like a shot, hurrying to see Wren. Well, so much for quiet. But maybe that's for the best.

He walked over to Echo and said quietly, "Hey, Echo. Wren is afraid that you heard something last night and that's why you smiled at her this morning. She's freaking out."

"What? Heard what?" Then he got even quieter and leaned in, "Was there something to hear?" He wiggled his eyebrows at his brother.

"No. Well, not really. We just made out." Hunter was talking so quietly Echo almost couldn't hear him. "But she thinks everyone in the house heard and is having trouble facing them. Do you think you could let her know you didn't hear anything?"

"Do you think that would actually help, or would that make her more uncomfortable?"

"At this point, I think it would help. She's already embarrassed, and just knowing you didn't really hear anything, that you weren't giving her a look for that reason, would help."

"Okay, where is she?" He looked around.

"She's in the living room. I'll take over here if you want to head in. Although I think Omega is in there right now, so I don't want her to hear..."

"I'll send Omega back before I say anything. Sorry, man, I really didn't mean anything. I was just teasing, I forgot she can be pretty sensitive about certain things."

"It's okay, I think it's more because we're here with 99, she doesn't want him to think badly of her."

"Okay, I'll fix it, I promise." He handed Hunter the spatula he was using to flip pancakes.

Tech gave him a strange look as he left the kitchen, but Hunter started talking about something totally unrelated to divert their attention.

Wren was sitting on the couch with Omega talking a mile a minute about...well, she wasn't sure what she was talking about. She was having trouble focusing, but she was smiling at the girl, hoping that was enough.

She saw Echo appear in the doorway. "Hey, Omega, would you mind helping Hunter with the pancakes. I don't know if I can trust him to make them as well as you do. You might need to supervise."

She smiled a big smile and said, "Okay!" She was up and gone before Wren had time to realize what was happening.

"Hey, Wren," Echo sat on the opposite end of the couch. "Hunter said I made you uncomfortable earlier. I'm really sorry."

"Oh, no, he shouldn't have said that! I'm sorry! It's fine, really."

"Well, I don't want to make it more uncomfortable for you, but just know, I didn't hear anything last night. I really didn't. I was just teasing you. But I forgot you'd be extra nervous around 99, and I shouldn't have done that. I'm very sorry. But I'm positive no one heard anything. IF there was anything to hear. Which Hunter assured me there wasn't, and I believe him."

She was staring at the floor, having trouble looking at him. But what he said did give her a huge sense of relief. Even though she was embarrassed that Hunter talked to Echo about it, she knew he didn't give details. And hearing from Echo that he had just been teasing helped immensely. She was just being silly.

"Thank you, Echo. I really appreciate you telling me that. And I'm sorry for being so weird about stuff. I'm still kind of new around here, and I want to make a good impression on 99."

"Oh, believe me, you don't have to worry about that. 99 loves you already. Like we all do." He stood and patted her shoulder again in a very comforting gesture.

"Thanks," she whispered, giving him a genuine smile.

"Come on, let's go have some breakfast. I'm sure Wrecker will be coming down shortly, as soon as he smells that food, and we want to get ours before he does." He laughed.

She stood up and said, "Okay, sounds good."

They both walked into the kitchen. Hunter turned to look at them, and when he caught Wren's eyes, and she gave him a smile, the stress visibly left his shoulders, and he relaxed. He nodded at her, dishing up some pancakes.

As he brought the plate to the table, he kissed her on the head. "You okay?" he asked quietly.

"Yeah, I'm fine." She gave him a steady look, and he believed her.

He nodded, placing a hand on her back as he set the plate down, rubbing gently, letting her know he was there.

Crosshair and Wrecker came down at around the same time, and they could hear Wrecker say, "That smells amazing! Let me at it!" Then they heard Crosshair grumble, probably as his bigger brother pushed past him into the kitchen.

After that, Wren was more at ease again. No one gave her funny looks or made any teasing comments. It was just a pleasant family breakfast, with most of the attention being on 99.

After they ate and cleaned up, they all moved into the living room.

Omega said, "When are we going to give 99 his presents!" She looked around the room at her brothers' faces and then 99's.

"I thought I told you all not to get me anything," 99 said with as much of a scolding tone as the kind man could muster up.

"Well, that wasn't going to happen," Wrecker said.

"Meg, why don't you get our gifts out of the closet," Hunter said with a smile.

The girl jumped up and ran to the hall closet. She reached into the back, behind coats and shoes, and got out the bag they'd brought with them. She carried it into the living room, setting it at 99's feet with a proud smile. She leaned down to kiss his cheek, "Happy birthday, 99!"

He reached up and hugged her as well as he could sitting in his chair. "Thank you, Omega. You've all done too much; I can already tell."

All his grown sons beamed at him, and Wren felt her chest tighten at the sight.

He began unwrapping his presents, presenting everyone as if it was the most special and valuable thing he'd ever received.

Hunter gave him a birdwatching book with identification information, checklists, and space for journaling. It also included access to a website that had bird calls along with more in-depth information. He would set that up for his dad before they left. He had put Wren's name on the card along with his, and she felt bad that she didn't contribute. She'd try to offer him some money later.

Wrecker gave him a big box of Mandalorian treats. His eyes lit up like a little boy in a candy shop.

Crosshair gave him membership to a book-of-the-month club.

Echo knitted him a hat, scarf and gloves set.

Tech gave him membership to a website where he could write about his life with guided help. He hoped it would be a fun and rewarding experience for 99 but would also leave a more complete record of the man's life for his children, and possible grandchildren, to have and cherish once he was gone.

And Omega drew a family portrait and included Wren. He teared up as soon as he saw it.

And Wren teared up as he turned it around to show everyone, and she saw herself in the drawing. She couldn't hide the surprise in her face when she looked at Omega who was giving 99 another hug. She quickly looked at Hunter sitting next to her, and he squeezed her thigh.

"Did you know about that?" she whispered.

He nodded, "Yeah, she asked me as she was drawing it if I thought it was okay to include you. I told her to do what she wanted, but that I would be happy to have you with us. I guess she decided to do that."

He could see a tear just beginning to escape containment, so he quickly wiped it away with his thumb. He reached down to kiss her cheek. "Welcome to the family," he added, even more quietly.

She tried to keep it together but felt a small sob bubbling up. After all the emotional turmoil and fear of the past few months, she couldn't believe things were working out like they were. She was at Hunter's dad's house, and everyone just acted like she was one of them. 99 couldn't have been more welcoming, Omega drew her with Hunter in the family portrait, the other guys teased her as if she was one of them. She was doing everything she could not to break down and cry in front of all of them.

Hunter put his arm around her shoulders and squeezed, pulling her head towards his shoulder. She closed her eyes, willing her body and mind to calm down. She took some deep breaths and felt herself settling.

When she opened her eyes, Omega was watching her and stepped closer. "I hope that was okay, Wren? Hunter said it would be."

"It is, Omega. It's more than okay." She held out her arms to the girl, who walked into them willingly. Wren kissed her on top of the head as she hugged her. "Thank you for making me a part of your family." Omega gave her a smile so bright it could have lit the house for the rest of the day.

"Okay, enough of all the sappy crap! Who wants to go play some football?!" Crosshair said loudly.

Wren looked confused. Hunter said, "It's a thing we do when we're all together here. We go out in the backyard and play some touch football. TOUCH, I said, Wrecker and Crosshair!"

"Hey, I always behave," came from Wrecker. "Crosshair is the one-"

"I don't want to hear it again, Wrecker! Let's just go," said Crosshair, standing as he said it.

"Did you want to go?" Hunter asked Wren quietly enough no one else could hear.

"Uhhh, no, will it look rude if I don't?" she asked apprehensively.

"No, not at all. Omega goes with us too, but you could stay here and keep 99 company, if that's okay?"

"Oh, of course! I'd love that." And she really meant it. It would be nice to spend some time with him away from the noise of everyone else. But then the thought hit her..."But do you think he would mind?"

"No, of course not! He'd love it. I'm sure." He gave her a quick kiss on the lips before turning to 99, "Hey, Dad. Is it okay if Wren stays here with you?"

The old man's face brightened so much that Wren felt a tug in her chest. "Yes! I'd love that, Wren." He turned to look at her. "But are you sure you're not just doing it for my sake? You can go play if you'd like."

"No, I'd really rather stay in. It's a little colder out there than I'd prefer, and I'd like to just stay put where it's nice and warm."

"Wonderful!" 99 said. "I usually like to sit at the kitchen table and watch them through the patio door. But you don't have to do that if you'd rather not."

"No, that sounds great, I'd really like that."

Everyone else had been getting their coats and shoes on, pulling on gloves and hats. Hunter stood and kissed Wren one more time on top of her head before heading to get his things. He made sure Omega's coat was zipped up and her hat and scarf were secure before getting his coat and hat on.

He walked back over to 99 and said, "Dad, did you want me to walk you out to the kitchen?"

"No, Hunt, I'll be fine."

Wren spoke up and said, "I'll walk out with him," nodding at Hunter. He gave her a smile, winked at her and left with the rest.

She turned back to 99 and said, "Shall we?"

And with a smile that felt like a warm hug, 99 said, "Yes, we shall."

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