#bad batch tech reader insert

   It was a well-known fact that Tech didn't sleep like the others did.

   Well, of course he slept.

   Just nowhere near as much as he should.

   This happened to be one of the evenings that he did manage to fall asleep at a decent hour. It had been a very long, long couple of days. The pilot had been working on the Marauder nonstop over the course of the Batch's most recent assignment given to them by Cid. There were just so many emergency repairs needed because of all the messy situations the crew landed themselves in.

   Finally, you and the squad had completed the objective and were traveling through hyperspace. The ship had grown quiet as each Batcher drifted off to a much-needed sleep. Everyone was resting, as a matter of fact, to the low and steady hum of the ship. Everyone except you.

   You held back another whimper as you braced yourself on the sink of the refresher.  It was those awful cramps keeping you up.  Normally, you would have avoided bothering anyone and gotten something to ease the pain, but Tech had recently reorganized things.  Unfortunately, you weren’t entirely sure where he stashed the pain meds.  And with him fast asleep for the first time in two days, you really, really didn’t want to wake him.

   Part of you figured the cramps would subside and that you’d be able to go back to sleep after that.  Your hopes were dashed as the pangs grew more frequent and more painful, lingering for a greater length of time.  It was getting ridiculous, and you weren’t sure how much more you could take.

   Occasional whimpers turned into a steady flow of tears as you endured miserably.  It was hard to tell how much time had passed.  The pain made the night go so slowly.

   There was a knock at the refresher door.

   “_______?” 

   “Tech?  Did I wake you up?” you asked, panicked.  “I thought I was quiet enough.”

   “No, I happened to be up.”  There was a brief pause.  “What’s wrong?”

   “It’s just...uh... It’s that time of the month, and-” you winced “-I’m dealing with cramps.  Like, bad ones.”

   It was quiet on the other end of the door before you heard a muffled “be right back” as he walked away.  You sniffled, clutching your bloated tummy with one hand as another cramp tensed in your lower abdomen.   Your aching body took heart in the relief that was brought on by simply hearing Tech’s voice, though guilt gnawed at you that he was no longer resting.

   Moments later, there was another knock, this one gentler.  “May I enter?”

   “Sure.”

   Tech slipped into the refresher with you, a glass of water in one hand.  “I’m regretful that you aren’t feeling well this evening, dear.  But I will do what I can to help.”

   “I didn’t want to bother you,” you mumbled, sniffling.  “You need to sleep, Tech.”

   “And I shall, after you are taken care of.  You are no bother to me, ________.  As I said before, I happened to be up anyway.”

  His words helped put you at ease a little, though not completely.  Tech waited patiently as you took the pain meds and washed it down with a gulp of water.

   A sharp cramp made you jump, and Tech gently wound his arm around your form as you set the empty glass of water down on the sink.  “It won’t be long now.  The pills should take effect shortly.”

   Suddenly, you felt tired.

   You weren’t sure if it was the promise of relief, the soothing voice that delivered the news, or the warmth that enveloped you as you pressed against Tech’s side...  But your eyelids grew heavy while a big yawn escaped you.

   “I think I’ll check out the caves with Tech.”

   As nonchalant as you tried to be, there were still a few knowing looks exchanged among the squad.  You maintained a straight face nonetheless, even as Wrecker elbowed the Tech in the side with a teasing chuckle.  Tech shook off the rough contact with his brother, adjusting his goggles.

   “That is fine,” he replied.

   “If you need anything, or run into trouble,” Hunter said, “comm us.”

  You nodded appreciatively.  “We’ll be sure to do that.  Thanks.”

   Tech headed for the door.  It swished open, and he stepped aside so that you could exit first.  As soon as you were outside and with the door shut behind the both of you, you found yourself meeting Tech’s gaze.  His brown eyes glinted with amusement.

   “I don’t suppose you think they’re onto us?”  His tone held a twinge of playful sarcasm.

   You shook your head, playing along.  “Nah, they don’t have a clue.  So, which way are these caves?”  Tech’s mouth fell open in a quiet “ah” as he glanced at his holopad before tucking it back under his arm.

   “They would be that way.”  He started in that direction, motioning for you to follow.  The two of you waited until you were a good half-mile down the beach before joining hands.  Tech entwined his fingers with yours, palm pressing against yours.  A warm wind whipped through the air, rustling palm trees and ruffling your clothes while waves crashed on the shore.  By now, the sky had faded from the bright orange and pinks to a shade of dark blue, decorated with stars.

   You were able to see the beginnings of a silver glow over the treeline.

   “I think it’s a full moon tonight-”

   “If I recall correctly, it is a full moon this evening-”

Both of you looked at each other, smiling.  It wasn’t the first time the two of you echoed a similar thought at the same time, but each instance made you feel a little giddy.  With Tech, it felt like you were on the same page.  The same wavelength.  Operating on the same frequency.

    You couldn’t resist pausing to kiss his cheek.  “Oh Tech, I’m so happy we’re here.”

    His eyes seemed to light up while his hold on your hand tightened a little as he pulled you back in.  His gaze bore directly into yours in a way that made your knees quake.  It wasn’t like this on the ship.  Usually, you could only spare brief glances or make eye contact from across the cockpit before one or both of you were summoned for a task.  This time, you were away from prying eyes.  You had his full attention.  He had yours.  And there would be no interruptions.

He leaned closer so that your noses touched, slowly wrapping his arms around you.  “May I just say that you look very beautiful in the moonlight?”

   “Yeah?”  You smiled.  Your eyes slid shut from the bliss of the moment.  “It’s not such a bad look for you either.”

   His voice lowered to just a murmur above the waves in the background.  You felt his exhale brush against your lips.  “Then why are your eyes closed, love?”

   “Because I want you to kiss me…”

   “Well then, who am I to keep you waiting?”

   In the next instant, his lips met yours.  They were firm and prompt, urging you to respond, and you came to life under his touch.  Heart thrumming.  Electricity flashing through your veins like lightning.  You only pulled away briefly to catch a breath before your lips eagerly latched on to his again.  One of your hands came up to rest on the back of his neck and draw him in.  The other went around his torso to grasp at the fabric of his shirt.  Eventually, you both pulled away to bask in each other’s company, keeping close enough to exchange another kiss or two as your breathing slowed.

   “I’ve wanted to do that for a while now,” you murmured.

   “That would make two of us.”

   You continued on your way still holding hands and conversing about the island.  Tech gave you the rundown of what he’d read about Spira both historically and culturally.

   “I’ve got to ask,” you said.  “There aren’t any dangerous creatures around here, are there?”

   Tech didn’t miss a beat.

   “Actually, the islands of Spira have a relatively safe tropical environment.  That is part of what makes the planet such a popular vacation spot.  There are a few species to look out for such as the Galub slug and the camray eel,” he conceded, “but we won’t have to be concerned with those.”

   “Why is that?”

   “Galub slugs are sea parasites that attach themselves to larger marine animals.  They often mistake larger boats for targets, so we are not at risk.  Camray eels are marine predators that dwell in deeper waters because of their size.”

   “That’s good to know.  The last thing I need is to get pulled under in the dark.”

   “There’s no need to worry about that, my dear.  We are more likely to slip and catch ourselves on a jagged rock than encounter either of those in the caves.  It’s much too shallow.”

   “Oh,” you mumbled.  “How reassuring.”

   Pitch black shapes loomed just ahead, appearing to rise from the water as you grew closer.  White light of the full moon that rose higher in the sky glimmered over the sea and the craggy surface of the rock formations.  As impressive as sea caves sounded to you when Tech had mentioned them earlier, nothing could’ve prepared you for just how beautiful they were when you laid eyes on them.

   “Wow!” you gasped.  “It’s so pretty!”

   “It is quite fascinating,” Tech agreed with a nod.  “Let’s get a closer look.”

   You found yourself wading just a few feet into the water to get a better look at one of the nearest caves.  It was a big, gaping opening in which nothing could be seen.  You trudged through the water to reach out and let your hand fall on the rough rock.

   “Sea caves are also known as littoral caves,” Tech launched a short spew of information, and you listened in fascination.  “They are formed by erosion which is caused by waves, often along weak spots in the rock.”

   You turned to face him, giving his hand a prompting squeeze.  “Tell me more.”

   “Well,” Tech continued, lifting your hand so that it rested palm-up in his own.  With his other pointer finger, he began to trace a curved line across your hand.  “Over time with continuous erosion occurring, a cave can become open at both ends to create an arch.”  He tapped the right side of your palm once before doing the same to the left.  “If the arch becomes weak enough, it will collapse and leave behind a sea stack.  It’s a piece of rock that is no longer connected to the rest of the formation by the arch or bridge.”  Tech turned to point at one lone island of rock that stood several feet away from the main cave.  “That is a perfect example.”

   You nodded.  Your heart fluttered at his display of knowledge.  You had to admit that there were days when he came across as a little cocky and a know-it-all trying to impress you with his smarts…but then there were times like this, where it would just come out naturally in his day-to-day interactions with you, and it was very attractive.  “That’s very interesting.”

   Tech adjusted his goggles, smiling rather sweetly.  “I should think so.  The others might not care for the details, but in my personal opinion, the details to things such as these adds to their beauty and overall splendor.”

   Both of you turned to face the formation once more.

   “I can see why you’d feel that way,” you said.  “Knowing what it took for these caves to form…it can give people more appreciation for them.”

   “Precisely.”

   As the night went on, you both poked around the caves for a while.  The time together was full of smiles and more facts and notions being exchanged as well as kisses.  The moon had climbed so high in the evening sky that you and Tech felt it was time to start heading back to the bungalow.

   The walk home felt so much shorter.  You were nearly there when Tech halted, gently pulled his hand from yours.  You watched curiously as he knelt down.

   “Ah, just as I thought,” he said.

   “What’s that?”

   “Sea glass.”  He returned to your side and opened his hand to reveal three pieces of foggy sea glass in colors of blue, green, and pink.  What would have been pointed, sharp edges had been worn down by the ocean to be smooth and rounded.  “Here.”  Tech tilted his hand so that the pieces would fall into yours.     They were still cold and wet from the water.

   “The ocean is amazing,” you murmured in delight.  “It took something as useless as broken glass and made it beautiful.”

   Tech smiled, but for once didn’t have a response.

   You found that incredibly suspicious.  He almost always had a response to everything. “What?”

   He shook his head in amusement.  “How you romanticize things.  It is rather endearing.”

   “What, it’s true,” you chuckled.  “It doesn’t get much worse than broken glass.  That’s the last thing anyone wants.  And now, it’s a prized find.”

   “Indeed, it’s quite a transformation.”

   “Oh, now you’re making fun of me!”

   “Never, my dear.”

   He gently took hold of both of your wrists to keep you from slipping away, as you intended in your playful revolt.  You shuddered under his touch, his controlled demonstration of strength.  Meanwhile, Tech gazed into your eyes with brows raised.  “You see things differently than I do, and it’s very refreshing.”

   He kissed you with a loving tenderness that gradually built up until you found your fingers grasping his hair to pull him closer.  He had released your wrists to rest his hands on your waist, fingers digging into the fabric of your tunic there.     You felt like you might collapse like one of those sea arches.

   It was like a dream.

   You could see the moon and the stars behind your eyelids as he kissed you.  You never fretted over the stolen moments the two of you shared when the others were preoccupied on the Marauder.  It never occurred to you to complain because those moments, no matter how short, were utterly precious to you.

   But this, this was something else.

   The fire was reduced to warm embers as you exchanged slower, softer kisses.  Tech brushed your cheek with his fingers, pressing one last kiss to your forehead.

   The bungalow was just ahead.  No one else was awake when you unlocked the front door. If it weren’t for the crickets and the creaking of the floorboards as you walked, the place would be utterly silent.  

   Clouds had begun to move in across the night sky outside, covering parts of the moon.  The yawn that escaped you was further proof of how late it was.  As much as you wanted to stay up all night and spend the time with Tech, you were utterly exhausted from the beach day out in the sun.

   Tech, for once, seemed tired enough too.  No doubt he’d find at least a few minutes to tinker, but you got a strong feeling that he’d be passing out shortly after.

   “I’ll see you in the morning?”  You yawned.

   “Bright and early.”  He kissed your hand.

   You opened the door to see Omega fast asleep on her bunk.  You glanced back at Tech, smiling sweetly.  “Goodnight.”

  The sun was disappearing behind a horizon that couldn’t be seen from where you were in the forest, its brilliant golden rays fading into whispers of copper that shone on the falling leaves all around.  The lack of warm sun left behind a crisp cold that settled on your cheeks.  Soft wind whistled through the trees, rustling leaves and sending a shiver down your spine.

   You clutched the shawl tighter around your form.  The only sounds to be heard other than the wind’s tune was the crunch of leaves beneath your shoes as well as your companion’s.  You sighed experimentally, noting the little fog of breath that rose into the air.

   “Shouldn’t be much farther,” your companion informed.  You glanced over to see him swiping through the datapad in his gloved hand.  Like you, Tech was dressed in a more primitive garb to fit into the civilization that the two of you were hoping to come across.  He wore a white shirt and dark pants with a long gray coat buttoned up over it.  Every now and then, he’d pass through a glimmer of the fading sunlight.  Little clouds of warmth left his lips with each breath he huffed out from the effort of the pace.  It was a struggle to keep at such a pace and not trip over shrubbery.

   “It really is beautiful here,” you said, taking your eyes off him to glance around once more.  He looked up at your statement.  He tucked the datapad away as he met your gaze briefly.

   “It is,” he agreed.  The corner of his lips turned up in a smile.  “This planet is renowned for the beauty of its harvest season.  As a matter of fact, the festival is perfect timing for us to retrieve the fruit.  It will be full of tourists, and a couple more will certainly go unnoticed.”

   “Good to know.”  You nodded.  Suddenly, your ears picked up on the faintest sound in the distance.  “Is that…?”

   “Music,” Tech replied.  “We are indeed almost there.”  He fished out his datapad again to review a few more notes.  “Remember to stay close.  The festival is a hotspot for couples, so we need to act…like a couple.”

   You didn’t miss the pause, and you could have sworn his eyes flickered your way in a nervous gesture.  Tech was rarely nervous.  Only when it came to non-official interactions with you did he show signs of anything less than confidence at all.  It was endearing and uplifting at times...because you’d had a terrible crush on him since first boarding the Havoc Marauder.

   Hunter normally stayed out of his brothers’ love lives, so you weren’t sure what possessed him to smirk briefly at you before pairing you and Tech up for the mission to retrieve the ultra-rare fruit for one of Cid’s very wealthy clients.  He insisted that a couple attending the romantic festival would draw much less attention.  Of course he was right, but you could have easily teamed up with Wrecker, Crosshair, Echo, or Hunter himself for that.  Not to mention that smirk of his was a clear sign that he’d been up to something.

   It nearly made you giddy at how eager Tech was to accept the assignment.  He stated that he was intrigued about the culture, and yet, you couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to it.

   “Right, like a couple,” you repeated, hiding a smile.  “Got it.”

   As you continued on, your footsteps were gradually drowned out by the festival music.  A path began within the forest and led past the edge and into the open where the event was taking place.  Tech tucked the datapad away and looped his arm through yours with care, as if you’d either break or withdraw angrily.  He peered at you through his goggles in search of confirmation that the contact was welcome.  You rested your other gloved hand over his with a smile.

   “Ready?” he asked.

   “Ready.” 

   And the two of you stepped out into the open.  There was so much joyous energy surrounding the festival.  People from all over were smiling and laughing.  Most were in pairs, holding hands or walking with arms linked together like you and Tech were.  A band with musicians playing stringed instruments were perched on a wooden stage at the center of the event.  There were several stands and tents where individuals were selling food and other goods.

   Cid had briefed the entire squad on the mission.  There would be an underground auction taking place in one of the tents at the festival.  The job was to make the transaction and ensure safe delivery to the tavern so it could be handed over to the client.  Apparently, the fruit was so rare that there was a good chance it would be stolen straight after purchase.  It seemed like a lot of trouble for a fruit, but apparently, it was a delicacy... 

   Tech led you over to one of the stands, ordering a hot drink for himself and inquiring as to whether you’d like one as well.  With a warm drink in your chilly hands, the evening took off.  You sipped at your beverage, glancing at Tech as he observed the festival before him while he finished his drink. 

   You leaned over to ask in Tech’s ear, “so where is this fruit?”

   “We must proceed with caution.  The auction will take place shortly.  For now, we should blend in.”

   “And how do we do that?”

   Tech glanced down at your linked arms.  “Well, this is a start.”  Then, he adjusted his goggles and looked toward the front of the stage where several couples were dancing.  “How about a dance?”

   “A dance? I must admit, I’m surprised.  I didn’t think you danced.”

   He nodded.  “I figured it would be a useful skill for undercover endeavors such as this,” he replied, leading you to the floor.  “Not to mention many females find it impressive.”

   “Oh?” you smiled.  “You were trying to impress some females?”

   Tech paused, steady gaze meeting your own amused one. Both of you had tossed your empty cups into the trash bins.  “When I was younger, yes.  Now, it’s just one.”  The amusement all but vanished from your face at his words as he pulled you close for the dance, taking your hand in his and resting the other on your waist.  Your other hand perched itself on his broad shoulder.  Tech watched your reaction, lips pursed.  “Apologies, was my statement too forward?”

   “N-no….” you glanced down shyly.  “Just unexpected.”

   As the sun finally set, the dance floor was set aglow by many hanging lanterns throughout the festival.  It was like a dream.  Soft light, dancing, the glow of two moons in the sky above…  Tech gazing at you like you were the only thing he saw.  The music had slowed for the last couple of songs, and neither you nor Tech spoke for a little while.  You both connected through conversation many times…  Hours and hours of conversation and spending time on a small ship bonded you, and this moment only added to it.  You felt like you’d known him a long time.  There was trust, friendship, and there was no denying the attraction you felt in that moment.  And he’d just admitted it too.

   “When’s the auction,” you asked.  You didn’t want to ruin the mood, but you wanted to know when the dream would have to end.

   “After the last song,” he replied.

   “Which is playing right now.”  You noticed then how all the couples were holding each other, even the ones who weren’t dancing.  Observant as ever, Tech seemed to pick up on your curiosity.    

  “This festival is known for its element of romance.  There’s a tradition...after the last song, the couples share a kiss for good luck.  It’s also a time for new couples to make their feelings known.”

   Your heart was fluttering in your chest.  “Is that so?  I suppose we need to participate then for the sake of the mission.”  You leaned in slightly.  “But if it weren’t for the mission, would we be participating anyway?”

   Tech smiled and leaned in toward your ear.  “I wouldn’t mind.  Would you?”

   “Not at all,” you said, pressing your lips to his jaw.  Tech paused the dance for a moment, pleasantly stunned at the gesture.  He glanced down at you with big brown eyes focused on yours.  There was a glint in them as the music stopped and lanterns dimmed momentarily all around.  It was starting.  Couples around you kissed, but you didn’t notice.  Tech had captured your lips, the tender gesture growing increasingly more heated as he tightened his hold around your waist.  His lips were warm, a beautiful contrast from the cold air.  You caught the taste of the hot drink you’d both had earlier.  It was sweet, warm, and absolutely pleasant.

   You’d been waiting ages for that moment, and it was finally there.  You kissed him back, releasing a quiet sigh of relief and happiness.  Tech’s hand came up to stroke your cheek as you both pulled away from the kiss.

   “So, was this part of your master plan in being paired up with me for this mission?” you joked.

   “I will admit I knew of the romantic nature of the festival beforehand and hoped it would suffice as a date,” he told you.  “My feelings for you have grown significantly in the time we’ve known each other, but I was never entirely certain of your response.  I would have understood if you did not want to…”

   You chuckled, giving him another kiss.  “I’m glad we did this.  I’ve had feelings for you for some time now, Tech.”

   A smile spread across his face.  “That is...good to hear.”

   As the crowd of couples around you disbanded, you and Tech lingered for a moment.  The lull in the conversation was accompanied by affectionate gazes at each other.  His hand found yours again and squeezed lightly, and you grinned.

   “The auction should be starting right about now,” he stated, giving you an apologetic glance as he launched back into mission mode.  “Shall we?”

   “We shall,” you said with a nod.

   You gazed at your reflection in silent frustration.

   Today was just one of those days.  It was one of those days when you looked in the mirror and disliked what you saw.  Several new blemishes had appeared overnight, it seemed.  Even though you took steps to keep from breaking out, sometimes it was simply hormones that upset the balance.

   It was hard as a teenager, but you always looked forward to the days when things would even out as an adult, and it wouldn’t be so bad.  And it did get better, though it didn’t go away completely like you’d hoped.  The older you got, the easier it was to accept it and not let the insecurities get the best of you.  

   But there were still those days.  Like this one.

   A knock on the refresher door made you jump.  “_________, love, is everything alright?”

   You released a quiet sigh at the sound of Tech’s muffled voice.  You hadn’t wanted to draw too much attention to yourself.  You were trying to be discreet when you ducked to avoid Tech’s gaze throughout the day, quickly covering it up by looking busy.  Of course he would pick up on it.  Of course he’d want to know what was wrong.

   “It’s nothing,” you told him through the door.  “Just...a bad day.”

   “Would it make you feel better to talk about it?”

   You weren’t entirely sure how to answer it.  As much as you didn’t want him to get a good look at you in your current state, part of you felt even worse about keeping it to yourself.  You didn’t want to seem pathetic or insecure, but then again, this was Tech.  He’d rather you be open about things, and he’d probably make you feel better.

   “Yeah,” you said finally.

   “Alright.  May I come in?”

   “Yeah.”  You stepped aside to make room so he could join you in the refresher.  The door swished open, and Tech shuffled in beside you, gently resting his hands on your shoulders.  You tried not to duck away from his curious gaze again.

   “Now,” he spoke up.  “Would you tell me what’s wrong?”

   You hesitated, turning your eyes back to the mirror.  “It’s my skin.  It got worse than usual, and I guess I am just feeling a little insecure today.”

   Tech listened as you told him quite openly and honestly what the issue was.  Only after you finished did he voice a reply.  “It happens to everyone from time to time.  Why, I find myself with a few breakouts after being on long missions in my armor without having a chance to shower.”

   “You still look hot, though,” you mumbled.

   “And you don’t think I feel similarly about you?” he countered.

   Your lips pressed into a firm line, brows furrowing.  “I don’t see how you could.  I don’t feel very pretty right now.”

   He followed your eyes to the reflection.  In the mirror, you saw him peer at you over your shoulder from behind.  “Blemishes are a natural occurrence.  If I’m being honest, darling, I hardly notice them.  Even so, they will go away almost as quickly as they show up.  But my feelings for you won’t.”

   Your vision grew blurry with tears that began to well up in your eyes.  A tiny whimper left your lips as you turned away from the mirror to face Tech fully, and he opened his arms invitingly.  He enveloped you in a warm embrace as you buried your face in the shoulder of his blacks.

   “You’re beautiful, darling.  Absolutely beautiful.”  He pulled away slightly to look at your face with tender eyes as you sniffled.  With a gentle motion, he wiped the remaining tears from your cheeks.  You instantly smiled from the gesture.  “There’s that lovely smile.”  He kissed your cheek before doing so to the other, and then his lips met yours in a warm kiss that kicked the doubts straight out of your head.

   “Thank you, Tech.”