My Thoughts Will Echo Your Name...
Pairing: Echo x F!Reader (eventually)
Summary: After a recent breakup, Fives attempts to get you to leave your house to get yourself back out there, and to meet his closest brother before they ship out, and unfortunately it's very hard to say no to your best friend
Warnings: Drunk clones being jerks, mentions of cheating/gaslighting, alcohol mentions, mostly all fluff, until there's angst
Notes: Happy Echo day!! This will be a two-parter, I'm still working on the second part but my goal is to have it out before long
Word Count: 5.4k
Masterlist
"Fives, I'm serious, I don't feel like going out tonight." Your protests clearly meant nothing to your dear friend who showed up at your door while you were in your sleep clothes, half a bottle of wine deep.
"That's too bad." He said as he invited himself in. "Because you are."
You glared at him as he walked past you. "I'm staying home."
He sighed dramatically, "I barely have any off time, and you know we ship out tomorrow, will you please just come out with me while I have today?"
It was hard to say no to him, not that you'd ever tell him that, but after all that had happened, you had no energy to go out. "Why don't you just stay here? We can watch a movie, have another bottle of wine." You suggested.
"Well, normally I'd love that... but I kind of promised Echo I'd introduce you to him." He grinned, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck.
"Fives..." You groaned. "I don't want to be introduced to anyone."
"Isn't it time for you to get back out there? I mean, Echo is way better than that other guy, I know you'll love him. He's just like me, but not as handsome or funny."
"He's like you? So I won't like him at all then," you deadpanned.
"You wound me." He said dramatically before miraculously changing his tone. "Now let's go."
"You aren't taking no for an answer, are you?"
"Nope." He grinned. "Tell you what, just come with me to 79's, if you don't like him, or if you're not having fun, I'll pay for your cab home."
"How generous." You rolled your eyes. "Fine. Only to shut you up, I will go with you. Just let me get changed."
"Wear something hot!" He yelled as you walked toward your room, a grin plastered on his face knowing that he won.
"Kriff off." You answered, slamming your door behind you.
You barely had the energy to go out, you definitely didn't feel like wearing something hot. But you also knew Fives was relentless and if you walked out wearing jeans and a simple shirt, he'd march you back into your room and pick something out for you.
But maybe it wasn't a bad idea to go all out. After all, you were certain your ex had immediately gotten back out there after your breakup, in fact you were certain he'd gotten back out there before your breakup.
You shook your head in anger, then rifled through your closet, trying to find something that remotely resembled a club outfit, before you stopped at a dress Fives had gotten you as a joke. It was a cocktail dress, a bit short for your tastes with a deep v-shaped neckline, and of course in "501st Blue" as he put it.
You held it up to yourself, looking at it in the mirror, debating if it was a good choice or not.
"Hey you still have it!" Fives said, standing in the doorway.
You startled at the sudden intrusion. "Privacy?"
"You're taking too long. That's perfect, now put it on and let's go!"
Before you could complain, he closed the door behind him as he went back to the front room to wait for you.
You sighed and quickly changed into the dress before brushing out your hair and wiping away any remnants of yesterday's eyeliner, foregoing a new layer of makeup.
As you walked out of your room, you tugged on the hem of the dress, definitely too short for you, but before you had a chance to regret your choice, you felt Fives' hand on your arm, dragging you to the door.
"Can I at least put shoes on?"
He rolled his eyes, "I guess."
After you had thrown on a pair of black strappy heels, he was once again dragging you by the arm. You didn't even have a chance to fasten the straps, but you resigned yourself to having to figure it out in the cab.
"What's the hurry anyway? It's not like you have to leave tonight."
"I know, but it's never a bad thing to give ourselves more time."
"It's barely even dark yet," You pointed out as you exited your apartment building.
"Well maybe I told Echo we'd get something to eat first."
"Fives!"
"What? We're still going to 79s, just before it gets crowded and too loud for you guys to speak."
"How do you even know Echo will like me?"
"I just know." He flashed you a grin before hailing a cab over to you.
Once inside, you got to work on buckling up your shoes.
"Look," Fives said, his tone more serious than before. "Echo's a good guy, I obviously would never force you to meet him if I thought he wasn't going to like you, or if I thought you wouldn't like him."
"I know that," You told him, looking down at your lap, "I just... With the breakup and everything–"
"It's hard to put yourself out there again. I get it, but just... humor me, okay? And I swear, the second you tell me you want to leave, I'll get you out of there."
When you didn't answer immediately, Fives turned to you. His eyes met yours, seeing your hesitation immediately.
"We can turn around, it's not too late." He offered, his voice gave away that it wasn't really what he wanted, but you knew he'd hold to his word if you asked.
"I'm already dressed." You said, rolling your eyes slightly.
He leaned over and wrapped his arms around you. "I love you, thank you!"
"I know, now get off me." You joked, despite sinking into the hug.
The taxi stopped at the landing pad in front of 79's. You had barely had enough time to scan the area before you heard someone calling Fives' name.
You looked in the direction the voice came from and you saw him bounding over to you. As expected, he looked exactly like Fives, aside from his clean-shaven, tattooless face, and the prominent blue handprint painted on his chest plate.
He stopped in front of you, greeting Fives with a firm hug before looking to you.
You had caught him subtly looking you over, and for a moment you began feeling self-conscious about your outfit choice once again, but that melted when he extended his hand to shake yours.
"You must be Fives' friend, I'm Echo."
You gave him your name with a polite smile, taking his hand. "It's nice to meet you."
"Likewise, Fives has told me a lot about you."
You turned to your friend as if to ask what exactly he had been saying about you, but he changed the subject.
"Let's go inside, I'm starving!" He announced as he began walking toward the bar, leaving you and Echo to follow him.
Fives led the two of you to a booth, and once he had slid in, he stretched obnoxiously, forcing you to slide in next to Echo.
You ensured to keep your distance, trying to avoid getting too close to him, but you also made sure to give Fives a quick glare. He shrugged and grinned in response.
Once your orders were placed, Echo glanced to you.
"Fives tells me that you're a writer?"
"Well, trying to be." You admit. "I'm a journalist, but I want to write more creatively."
"What would you write about?" His curiosity is genuine, he didn't think he had ever met someone who wanted to write books before.
"Me, obviously." Fives chimed in from across the table. "I'd make an excellent hero."
You rolled your eyes, it isn't the first time he has indicated being the protagonist in a story you wrote.
You looked back to Echo and shrugged slightly, "I haven't really decided yet."
"Well, I can't wait to read it, whatever it ends up being." His voice was soft, he seemed excited about the idea, which is more than you could say for others.
Feeling warmth spread across your face, you looked back to the table quickly, just in time for your food to arrive.
The conversations were on and off as the three of you ate. They were mostly between Echo and Fives and you observed the two of them together, but occasionally you joined in as well.
Before long, your meals were done, and drinks had begun to be delivered to your table.
After one or two, Echo looked back and forth between you and Fives, before his gaze rested on you.
"Fives always talks about how good of friends you two are, but I'm curious, you've never... gone beyond that?"
You coughed into your cup before your laughter mingled with your coughing from the drink you inhaled.
"No," Was all you could say, and even that was strained.
You looked to Fives, who was laughing too. "I mean, I can't lie, look at her; she's beautiful. But, not my type."
Shaking your head at his compliment, you had finally cleared the liquid from your windpipe.
You looked to Echo and clarified. "Fives and I have been friends since he came to Coruscant, he asked me out, yeah, but we learned very early on that we were compatible only as friends."
Fives took another swig of his drink before giving you a knowing look. You raised an eyebrow as his focus turned to Echo.
"She's a bit too serious for me, y'know? Like she's smart, maybe a bit of a bookworm, would rather stay in and watch a holofilm, maybe that's why we work as friends. But honestly, she's more the kind of girl you like, Echo."
And there it was.
Your eyes widen slightly at his comment, before you attempt to drown your embarrassment with the remainder of your drink.
You can feel Echo shift slightly in his seat, and you decide it's a great time to go track down refills for the three of you.
Quickly getting up from your seat, you made a bee-line for the bar counter. Pushing through the group of clones that had begun to amass there.
You could feel their gazes upon you but you ignored them as you ordered drinks for your table and waited patiently.
Out of the corner of your eye, you could see the same blue handprint you had noticed earlier, and you turned to face Echo. He looked just as embarrassed as you, but he gave you an apologetic smile.
"I'm... That was uncalled for. Sorry that Fives embarrassed you like that."
You shook your head, "No, it's okay. Truthfully I saw it coming. I'm sorry that he put you on the spot."
"Don't worry about it. I mean, if anything, he's right."
His words took a moment to sink in, and the realization became present on your face as soon as they had.
"What do you mean?" You asked, trying not to jump to conclusions.
"I mean that, if how he described you is accurate, which I suspect it is, I'm the same way. This kind of place, it's fun, and I like coming here with the boys after a mission, but I prefer relaxing in my barracks, catching up on some reading, that kind of thing."
Before you could respond, another clone sitting at the bar turned to the two of you.
"Get a load of this guy, spends his time reading!" He slurred. "What a loser, you could do way better, doll."
He wasn't subtle about the way his eyes trailed up your body. He paused, looking at the hem of your dress, then his eyes continued upward, stopping at the deep-v neckline as he stared pointedly at your breasts.
You immediately felt yourself shrink away from his gaze as you could see him ogling you, but before you could say anything, you felt yourself being pulled backwards.
Echo had grabbed your arm and pulled you into him, shielding you from view while stepping between you and the other clone. He gave him a glare, but said nothing.
"You can't be serious, all that eyecandy for you?" The clone complained loudly. "Whatever, take the dumb chaakar back to your bunk and read to her. I bet that's why she wore that outfit." His tone was laced with sarcasm, and it wasn't lost on you.
Before either of you could react, the bartender arrived with your drinks. Both of you visibly relaxed and brought them back to the table.
Fives could tell something was up when he saw you approach, but Echo just shook his head, knowing that if he knew, his brother would cause something he'd have to clean up.
Echo slid into the booth first, and you followed. Once you were seated, still maintaining some distance from him, he inched slightly closer to you, resting his thigh against yours as a way to comfort you.
You took a sip of your drink and looked away from the table, not sure what to say.
Fives looked between you and Echo before you felt him nudge your foot from under the table. When you met his eye, he subtly nudged his head toward the door, silently asking if you wanted to leave.
You shook your head with a genuine smile and he relaxed.
"So what'd you guys talk about?" Fives finally asked.
"Insulting you, mostly." You answered, not skipping a beat.
"Only mostly? I'm offended."
"Not everything is about you, believe it or not." You smirked.
Echo took another swig of his drink. "I keep telling him that."
"If I had known this night would end up with you two teaming up against me, I'd have never brought you." Fives says with fake indignance, crossing his arms.
"You couldn't have expected anything different," you pointed out. "The two people who know you best, I'd say we make a pretty good team, wouldn't you agree, Echo?"
You smiled at him and he shifted in his seat a bit. "Y-Yeah, we do!"
With the drinks flowing, the three of you were able to continue your conversation, opening up more and more as the night went on.
You learned more about Fives that you probably could have gone your whole life without learning, but you also slowly started to get to know Echo.
It was almost as if you were both working on chipping away each others' quiet, introverted demeanors, until eventually, Echo chipped a bit too much.
"Fives had mentioned you weren't seeing anyone, it's not really my business but is there a reason for that?"
Your stunned reaction made him start to regret his question and he quickly back-pedaled. "That was a dumb question, you don't have to answer that."
"No, no it's fine I just..." You looked at Fives for support then back at your drink, before looking to Echo again. "I guess to make a long story short, my last partner cheated on me."
"A lot." Fives added in, earning a glare from you.
"I caught him with someone else, he tried to tell me it was nothing, that I was crazy for being upset, that I should have seen it coming, and every excuse in the book. Even accused me of cheating with Fives. But then the truth came out about everyone else he had been with." Your finger circled idly around your glass as you stared at the remaining liquid.
Echo was silent. It took a minute of silence before you finally looked over at him. His expression was something between confusion and anger as he processed what you told him.
"I..." He looked at Fives, "Is this guy still living?"
"Unfortunately yes." Fives answered, "Though I did ask if I could do the honours and kill him myself, but she said no."
"He wasn't worth the jail time you would have gotten." You said, your tone indicating that this wasn't the first time you had said it.
"I'm sorry." Echo looked back at you. His hand reaching out, then hesitating, then finally resting it on your shoulder. "I may not know you well, but from what I've learned and seen, it truly is his loss. I couldn't even imagine anyone throwing away a relationship with you."
You could feel yourself blush at his words, his voice was so genuine, he meant what he was saying. The way he looked into your eyes; maybe Fives was right and you would end up with a crush.
Fives looked back and forth between the two of you before smirking to himself and drinking the last sip of his beverage.
"I'm gonna go get us some refills. Be back in a minute."
After a moment, Echo removed his hand from your shoulder, but you were very aware of how his fingertips brushed your arm when doing so.
"So, what about you?" You asked after a beat.
"What do you mean?"
"Why aren't you seeing anyone?"
He rubbed the back of his neck. "Ah, well... it's kind of against regulation."
"So I've heard, but most of the people I've talked to seem to ignore that rule."
"Yeah, I guess I've just always been a stickler for the rules. And, I mean," a faint blush crept across his cheeks, "That clone at the bar wasn't wrong. Women aren't exactly lining up to spend time with me when there are more fun people out there."
"I'm here, aren't I?" You blurted out.
Once you realized what you said, your eyes widened and your gaze quickly turned back to your empty glass.
Echo chuckled quietly beside you. "Yeah, I guess you are."
You looked around nervously, not knowing what to say. You glanced toward the bar before looking back at Echo. "Fives has been gone a while, I think I'll go check that he can handle the drinks."
"You sure? I could go if you want, I don't want anyone to bother you again."
You smiled, appreciative of his concern. "I'll be alright."
"If you say so," He shrugged, "I'll be here."
You gently rested your hand on his before you got up from the bench. As soon as he couldn't see your face, your eyes widened in panic wondering why you did that. Echo only stared after you, smiling.
When you approached the bar, you found Fives right away, leaning against the counter and talking to another clone as he waited on your drinks.
The other clone turned to you as soon as he noticed you approach.
Of course he was the same one as earlier.
"Back already?" He asked, "What, did he finally bore you?"
You rolled your eyes, and without looking at him, you replied flatly. "Quite the opposite."
Fives raised an eyebrow at your exhange, "Did I miss something?"
"Just glad I get to admire the scenery again."
You visibly cringed, but you did your best to ignore him as you focused on Fives. "I just came up to see if you needed help with the drinks."
Fives, still confused, nodded. "Yeah, sure. You gonna tell me what's going on?"
"Just some jagyc thinking he can take me home." You explained as if he wasn't right beside you. Your Mando'a wasn't great, but you'd heard quite a few insults in the time you've spent with Fives.
"What, you already get bored of Booksmart? Moved onto someone else? Or are you just some barrack bunny trying to get as many clones as possible?"
"Ease up, maybe you've had a bit too much to drink." Fives said with an uncharacteristically serious voice. "She's not interested, and the next time you insult her, you'll be doing so without teeth."
Before he could say anything else, the bartender arrived with your drinks. You took yours while Fives grabbed the other two, but you hesitated as you were walking away.
"Everything okay?" Fives was concerned when you suddenly stopped.
"Actually I–" You stared down at your feet.
"You want to go home? I'd understand, that clone was out of line."
"No it's not that... I just, need to talk to you."
He raised an eyebrow, "What's up?"
"There's not really an ideal time to say this, and as much as it pains me to admit... You were right. While you were up here, Echo and I started talking and... I don't know, he's sweet."
Fives' confused face turned into a grin as soon as you said he was right. "So what are you saying? You like him?"
"I don't know..." You could feel heat flooding your cheeks. "I won't make any guarantees, but I want to get to know him better."
"That could be arranged, leave it to me!"
Before you could say anything, Fives turned around and started walking back to your table.
"Wait, Fives, no!" You trailed behind him, terrified of what he meant. What was he going to do?
When you got back to the table and slid into the booth, you eyed Fives cautiously.
"So, Echo," Fives started and you felt a pit grow in your stomach. "Got any plans for after the mission?"
He shrugged, "Nothing out of the ordinary."
"I think you should change up your routine. Why don't you two go on a date?" Fives said, gesturing to both of you.
Your eyes widened and your knew your face had to be beet red by now. You couldn't even turn your head to look at Echo.
"Oh, really? Why us?" He asked, genuine curiosity in his voice.
"Well I mean, you seem to get along pretty well, you have stuff in common, I think you'd really hit it off without me sitting across from you."
Echo paused before answering again. He looked over at you and noticed you wouldn't meet his gaze. "What do you think?"
Slowly, you turned your head to face him. "I mean... if you want to, I wouldn't mind." Your voice was quiet as you desperately tried to hide your nerves.
He gave you a sweet smile, "Then I guess it's a date, as soon as we're back."
Fives smiled between the two of you then gave you a wink when you finally looked back at him.
"Where are you guys shipping off to, anyway?"
Fives shrugged, "Lola Sayu, some kind of fortress or something. Shouldn't be too long, it's just a retrieval mission."
"Do you want me to head to the landing dock tomorrow morning as usual?"
"Usual?" Echo repeated.
"Yeah she normally sends us off, maybe you've never noticed." He turned back to you, "I don't think you'll be able to this time, the general said we have to take an alternate means of transport."
Your shoulders sank slightly, "Oh, I see. That sounds interesting though. I'll just have to send you luck when we're done here."
Fives smiled, downing the last of his drink. "We should probably get going soon, early start and all."
You and Echo finished your respective drinks after him and nodded, slowly shuffling out of the booth, heading toward the exit.
There were more clones gathered outside now, and the cool nighttime air on your skin made you shiver.
Fives hailed a taxi as you and Echo hung back, not really sure what to say to each other now.
Once the cab arrived, Fives let you go in first, followed by Echo and then himself.
"Two stops," you told the droid before giving it your address, but you were cut off by Fives before you could tell it the second stop.
"Just the one stop."
You looked at him with an eyebrow raised in confusion.
"We won't see you tomorrow, I'm not accepting a half-assed goodbye from the cab."
You rolled your eyes, "Fine."
Once the taxi arrived at the landing dock outside of your apartment, the three of you left the vehicle, one after the other.
Fives scooped you up into a big hug as soon as you exited the cab, holding you tight against his chest. You wrapped your arms around his shoulders.
"Try not to miss us too much, got it?" He said into your shoulder. You smiled and tightened your side of the hug.
"Try not to get blown up." You joked.
You could feel him smile before he broke the hug, looking into your eyes. You rested a hand against his cheek gently.
"Comm me as soon as you can. And stay safe." You looked at Echo then back to Fives. "Keep each other safe."
"Of course," Fives replied before giving you a soft kiss on your forehead then stepping away so you could talk to Echo.
The two of you exchanged a slightly more awkward albeit friendly hug.
"You don't get blown up either." You told him with a half-smile.
"I'll try not to. We've got a date when I get back." He reminded you.
"It was nice meeting you. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better."
He smiled as his cheeks and ears flushed slightly pink. "Likewise."
You took a step toward him before kissing his cheek. "Stay safe."
"Of-of course." His hand rested against his cheek where you kissed him. "I'll let you know when I get back."
You smiled at him. Fives approached the two of you again.
"We should get back to the barracks, Rex won't be happy if we're too late."
"I don't want to keep you. Just, be careful. I'll see you both when you get back!"
You watched as they hailed another taxi and boarded. Once the transport was out of sight, you walked into your apartment building, already looking forward to the day they returned.
– – –
One night, a couple of weeks following your night at 79s, you were woken up to the sound of a fist slamming on your door. You jolted upright, hesitating if you should answer it or not.
You sat in your bed, trying to stop yourself from trembling as you waited with bated breath if whoever was at your door would knock again.
They did, only softer this time.
Slowly, you crept out of your bedroom, trying to make as little sound as possible before you finally made it to the front door. You pressed your ear against it, hoping to hear who was on the other side, but they didn't make a sound between knocks.
"Wh-who's there?" You asked, shakily.
"Please open the door, it's Fives." You visibly relaxed before unlocking and opening the door for your friend.
Before you could say anything, he wrapped his arms around you, pulling you into his chest, just as he did the night before he left.
"I'm sorry." He said, barely a whisper.
You backed away from his embrace and you moved to close and lock your front door, turning the hall light on once it was closed.
"I didn't know you were back, you should have commed me!" You told him, assuming his apology was for his extended time away.
"We just got back, I sent you a message but I guess you were asleep. I..." He looked down and you could see his jaw clench as he balled his hands into fists. "I couldn't..."
He trailed off and your smile fell. "Is everything okay?"
He looked away, not meeting your gaze, until you placed your hand on his cheek, forcing him to look at you.
"Fives, what's wrong?"
"It's... it's Echo." His voice broke slightly and you could feel the pain in your chest caused by his sadness. "I tried to stop him but he–"
You could see his eyes start to water before he could get the words out, and he melted into your palm. You pulled him into another embrace, gently stroking his hair.
"Why don't you sit down and tell me what happened?" You suggested. It was strange to see Fives so upset, in all the time you've been friends, you couldn't think of a time where he's been angry in front of you, let alone crying. You took his hand and led him to the couch.
Once he was seated, he brought his hand to his face, trying to sneakily wipe away tears as if he didn't want you to see them.
"Echo's dead." He said after a long pause. "Droids blew up our ship, Echo tried to defend it."
"I see." You couldn't think of what to say.
Words of comfort usually came so naturally to you, but you were speechless. It's true you didn't know Echo very well, even after your night out, but the news made your heart ache. You had been looking forward to seeing him again, to going on your date, and all of that had been taken away, but more importantly, Fives just lost one of his brothers.
You looked over at Fives who was already looking at you. He didn't know how you'd take the news and he was worried.
"I'm sorry, Fives. I didn't know him well, but he didn't deserve that."
"Him and I were the last of our original squad and now I'm alone, I couldnt even retrieve his helmet." He sighed, "And you were supposed to go out with him after, I told you I'd keep him safe."
"Hey, don't worry about me. I'm sad that he's gone, believe me, but I just want to make sure you're okay."
"I've lost brothers before, it's what we were created for, but... It's not right. Echo deserved to live."
"You all do. Just because you were created for war doesn't mean you have to just accept your fate or anyone else's." You shook your head. "It's late, and I don't want you to be alone right now. Do you want to stay over?"
"Yeah, that would be nice. Thank you."
"Of course." You leaned over on the sofa, kissing his temple before wrapping your arms around him. "We can talk more about it in the morning, okay?"
"Sorry for waking you up."
"I'm glad you did."
You stood up from the couch to grabs Fives a pillow and some blankets you had stored nearby for this exact reason.
"If you need anything, help yourself. Get some sleep, okay?"
"I'll do my best."
You walked back to your room and laid back down in your bed. Suddenly the full wave of everything he told you hit you and you could feel your eyes water.
You didn't feel it was right for you to cry over someone you barely knew, it felt selfish to mourn someone you wanted to get to know better. You couldn't shake the thought of what could have been.
Your chest ached with sadness and longing, wishing he could have made it through. Fives was right, Echo deserved to live.
While you were alone you allowed yourself to cry for him, but you knew you had to be strong for Fives. He wouldn't forgive himself if he saw you cry, and he didn't need that guilt. You could get through this. You just wished you could see him again.
As you lay, staring at the ceiling, you heard a gentle knock on your bedroom door. You hastily wiped any tears from your face and turned on the lamp beside your bed.
"Come in." You called out, before the door opened.
Fives looked as though he wanted to say something, but couldn't voice it. He shied away in embarrassment before you offered him a gentle smile.
"If you want to stay in here, that's okay."
"Thanks..." he muttered before walking around to the other side of your bed. "I'm sorry I just.."
"You don't want to be alone, I understand. Come here." You invited him toward you with open arms, and he moved closer to you, laying his head on your chest. You gently stroked his hair.
"I'm sorry."
"There's nothing you need to apologize for."
"I shouldn't have asked you to come out with us that night."
"I'm glad I did. It's true that I didn't get to know him well, but I'm glad that I met him. And I feel more equipped to help you now because I did."
"You're allowed to be upset too, you know. You don't have to comfort me. Echo wouldn't shut up about your date, it was actually getting pretty annoying, I'm just sorry he couldn't be here for it."
"Thank you for telling me that." In a weird way it did make you feel better, and it helped that Fives could still make fun of his brother despite the circumstances. "I'll be okay, though. And I'll be here for you whenever you need me."
Fives smiled slightly and closed his eyes, allowing himself to finally find sleep, and you followed shortly after.
