“Is Omega still over at Lyana’s?” You ask Hunter as you come into the living room. 

“Yeah, she is- Oh. You look nice.” Hunter smiles at you softly, making you go warm all over. “Where are you headed?” 

“I’m just going for a walk.” You shrug, nonchalantly.

“Why do you look so dolled up?” Echo’s voice cuts through the room as he walks in. 

“I’m not dolled up.” You turn to look at him. 

“She’s probably got a date with Yuno.” Wrecker teases.

“Shut up.” You roll your eyes, going warm in the face. “We’re just going down to the beach.” 

Your whole body floods with warmth again as you notice Hunter taking in your sundress, his eyes traveling down your entire body. Why does he have this effect on you? 

“Just don’t get sand in unmentionable places. Believe me, it sucks.” Echo pats you on your shoulder.

“I don’t even want to know how you know that.” You laugh. 

Echo throws you a wink and goes into the kitchen. When you turn around to face Hunter, he looks up from clearly having been looking at your legs. It makes you burn in all the right places. But… Hunter is your sergeant… You’ve been trying to put those feelings aside for a couple years now. Unfortunately, they always seem to creep back up. 

“Alright. I’ll see you guys later.” You start to head to the door, needing to clear your head before you start to dwell on those thoughts.

“Is he here?” Hunter stands up and everyone gives him a weird look.

What is with him tonight? Normally, he’s not so in your business. 

“No, I’m meeting him down at the beach?” You look at Hunter, confused.

Hunter lets out a humorless snort. “He can’t even pick you up? Some guy.”

Wrecker, Tech, and Crosshair all look at each other and then exit the room. “What’s your problem?” You ask him, putting your hands on your hips. 

“I just think you could do better than Yuno, is all.” Hunter shrugs. 

Your eyebrows furrow. “You do know it’s none of your business who I spend time with, right?” 

“I… I know that.” Hunter sighs. “I’ve just heard the way Yuno talks about women…”

The realization that he really is just looking out for you hits and you feel the tension drain from your body, unable to be mad at him anymore. You see his shoulders relax as well. 

“You’re sweet to care.” You smile, softly. “Thank you. But… We’re just hanging out. Okay?” 

“Alright.” Hunter sighs. 

You give him one last smile and then head out, making your way down the cobbled stone streets of Pabu, toward the beach. But as you walk, you can’t help but wonder about Hunter. About what was really bothering him. Why the sudden interest in your whereabouts or who you’re hanging out with. Since you’d all found peace after getting Omega, Tech, and Crosshair back, Hunter seemed more relaxed. But now… well. Who knows? 

When you get down to the dock, you don’t see Yuno yet so you sit on the edge and wait, patiently. 

After about forty minutes, you realize Yuno isn’t coming. Which is fine, honestly. Whatever. You didn’t like Yuno that much anyway. But now, you’re embarrassed. Because if Hunter finds out, he’ll probably never let you hear the end of it. 

As if on time, you hear a throat clearing. Turning around, you’re expecting to find Yuno finally showing up, but instead find Hunter. With a sigh, you turn back toward the ocean. 

“He didn’t show. You were right.” You chuckle. 

He quietly sits next to you.

“If you’ve come to say ‘I told you so’, I understand…” You murmur, leaning against the wooden dock post. 

Hunter puts a hand on your shoulder and you look at him, softly. His hands are always so warm and so careful. You’ve lost track of the amount of times you’ve gotten lost in thought over those hands.

“I’m not here to say ‘I told you so’. I’m here because I care about you.” He smiles ever so slightly.

“You care about me…” You look down at your feet dangling over the water. 

“Of course I do.” His hand falls from your shoulder to your own hand that rests between you.

Your chest tightens slightly at his admission.

“I… I more than care about you…” He whispers. 

You look up at him. “What do you mean?” 

He couldn’t mean… There’s no way.

“I think… no… I am… I’m in love with you.” Hunter confesses, taking your hand and holding it.

“You are?” 

“I am. I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to tell you… and I completely understand if you don’t feel the same way-” He starts to ramble but you cut him off by quickly capturing his lips with yours, unable to hold back any longer. 

His lips are so soft and feel like home to you, like everything that has happened to you has led right up to this moment. This perfect moment. 

“Does that mean you feel the same?” He chuckles, brushing his thumb across your cheek. 

You laugh. “Yes. Very much so.” 

“Thank the Maker. I was so nervous.” He lets out a soft breathy laugh and you can’t help but grin at him, not minding the continuous fluttering in your stomach. 

“Let’s go home so I can properly cook for you and treat you how you deserve to be treated.” He stands up, offering his hand.

You take it and as you walk back toward home, he doesn’t let go. And as you walk past Yuno and his latest conquest who he seemed to have blown you off for, Hunter tilts your chin up toward him. 

“Hey, keep your eyes on me.” He grins down at you as you continue walking.

“I have no reason to look anywhere else.” You promise him, getting lost in the brown eyes that have been your favorite since the moment they looked your way. 

The moment that you approach the house, your lips are on his again and dinner is momentarily forgotten as he pushes you up against the siding, not ready to let Echo, Crosshair, Tech, or Wrecker ruin the moment yet. 

“I’m never letting you go.” Hunter whispers against your lips.

“Somehow, I’m okay with that.” You laugh softly as your lips find each other again.

“Have a good night.” Fox grins at you as you tell him to have a good night and that you’ll see him in the morning. 

“You as well sir.” You smile politely and then turn as Fox’s door slides shut, finding Thorn with his arms crossed. 

You look around subtly to make sure no one is around before going to kiss him but he turns his head slightly so you catch the corner of his mouth. “What’s wrong?” Your eyebrows furrow with confusion.

He’s quiet for a moment and you start to think about all the things you’ve said to him over the last few days, just hoping you’ve not upset him. He’s not normally one to get upset over silly little things. But right now, he looks irritated.

“Thorn.” You run your hands up the cool plastoid armor of his arms and try to get him to uncross his arms.  

“I saw the way Fox was looking at you.” Thorn grips your hips and backs you up against your desk. 

“And?” You raise your eyebrows with a slight shrug. “What about it?”

Thorn’s eyes darken as he towers over you. “And I don’t appreciate it.” 

“Aw.” You tease him, running your thumb over his lip. “I didn’t know you got jealous, Thorn.”

He lets out a humorless chuckle as his hand slides up your stomach, over your chest, finding your throat and gently pressing in. “Oh, cyar’ika…” He grins, devilishly. “I’m not jealous. You’re just mine.” 

Before you can say anything, his lips crash to yours. You moan softly against him, making him smirk into the kiss. 

“Say it. Tell me you’re mine.” His voice is raspy and low with need and you think you know immediately where this is headed. 

“I’m yours.” You whimper as his free hand finds your clothed warmth, his thumb rubbing mindlessly over your clit, making the fabric catch in a way that sends heat throughout your veins. “Only yours.”

“That’s right.” He pulls you off the desk momentarily, pushing you down to your knees. “You wanna prove it?” 

You grin up at him with a nod, immediately undoing his codpiece, sending it clattering to the floor as you palm his hardened length. You glance at Fox’s closed office door, knowing he’s probably already snoring, but definitely not wanting to get caught. 

Thorn doesn’t care though, it seems. He pulls his length out of his body suit and starts to press toward your lips, encouragingly. 

“Go on.” He runs his fingers through your hair. “Show me that you belong to me.” 

You take Thorn’s hardened length in your hand, giving him two slow pumps making his lips part as he watches you. When you take the tip of his cock in your mouth, he presses further and your jaw relaxes instantly, prepared to take all of him. 

“So pretty on your knees for me.” He praises you as you take him further in your mouth. “Feels so fuckin’ good, cyar’ika.” 

You hum around him, taking him as far as you can until you're met with blonde curls against your nose. You constrict your throat around him and he groans loudly. Giving him a swift smack to the thigh with your eyes darting toward Fox’s door. 

Thorn chuckles. “You afraid of getting caught like this? With my cock down that pretty throat of yours?” 

He starts thrusting slightly and you moan around him, swirling your tongue around the veins of his cock. His grip in your hair tightens and you can tell he’s struggling to let you keep control. The realization turns you on more than you knew it could and you run your hands up his thighs until you find the base of his cock, twisting slightly as you continue bobbing your head on him.

“Osik…” He groans, watching as you pull away with a trail of spit following with you. “So fucking pretty.” 

His sounds go straight to your warmth and you clench around nothing, knowing you’re already soaked for him.

“Maybe I should make you prove that you belong to me?” You tease with a smirk. 

“That can be arranged.” He pulls you up and guides you to your desk.

You watch as he pulls your underwear down and drops them to the floor, loving the way his large hands look against your skin. He’s always been so good with his hands, but right now, you need his cock. 

“You want it?” Thorn teases your soaked cunt with the tip of his cock.

“Please… Thorn.” You look up at him with wide needy eyes. 

“Fuck I love the way you say my name.” He groans softly, leaning over to kiss you again. 

You feel him line himself up with you as he sinks in deeply, causing you both to moan against each other’s mouths, hotly. He slides his arm underneath you and lifts slightly so that he can push further into you and your fingers find your clit, rubbing firm circles as he starts to thrust and you try your best to keep your sounds low. 

“Maker, you’re so fucking hard.” You whisper, resting your head against his. 

“You have no idea.” He chuckles. 

“You should get jealous more often.” You tease, holding onto his neck. 

“I told you…” He starts thrusting harder. “I wasn’t jealous.” 

“Sure.” You roll your eyes, from his thrusting or his lie, you don’t know.

All you know is that this feels fucking amazing and you can’t even bring yourself to care that literally anyone could walk by and catch Commander Thorn giving it to you rough and dirty, all for being jealous of another commander. 

You start to feel that warm familiar feeling pool into your stomach and you know you’re so close. He pushes you on your back and replaces your own fingers with his own. You can’t help but watch as he pulls his fingers away, spits on your soaked cunt, and then returns his fingers.

“Tell me you’re mine.” You repeat his words, grinning up at him as you clench around him. “Just like I’m yours.”

“Oh fuck…” He groans, filling you up a little sooner than he wanted. “I’m yours, love. All yours. Always.”

His words send you over your edge with him, causing you to run your fingers up into his blond locks, and grip tightly as you cum hard around his cock, whimpering and begging for him. He groans softly, loving the way your fingers feel in his scalp and the way your voice gets when you cum. He’ll never get over it. 

You kiss him again before he pulls out gently, grabbing a few tissues to clean you up before himself. He hands you your underwear and you toss them back to him. 

“Keep them. I was thinking about you a lot all day so they’re probably… ahem… good material for later.” You chuckle. 

“You’re too perfect.” Thorn chuckles, placing a soft, sweet kiss to your forehead and then your cheek, finally settling on your lips. “Let me walk you home before anyone realizes I’m gone.”

He gathers up your bag, and offers his arm, guiding you to the lift. This thing between the two of you may be secret but you both know that one day, when this stupid war is over, the hope of your freedom to be with each other is what keeps you going at the end of the day. 

When Thorn gets you back to your apartment, he lingers in the doorway just a little longer than normal and you notice. 

“I’m sorry for getting jealous earlier.” He murmurs, leaning in your doorway, twirling your hair and then tracing his finger down your jaw. 

“It’s okay.” You reach up and kiss him, squeezing his other hand. “I hope you know you have nothing to worry about, though. I mean it when I say it… I’m only yours.” 

He rests his forehead against yours, closing his eyes and breathing you in, finally feeling all the worries fade into the background. “And I’m yours.”

“Do you think we’ll always be together?” You whisper into the quiet room as Fox runs his fingers up and down the bare skin of your back.

“Why would you ask such a thing?” His fingers suddenly stop.

You’re about to apologize, hoping you didn’t upset him, but he turns you over on your back, towering over you. You can’t help but swallow nervously.

“I don’t know…” You shrug, running your hand up into his curls.

Fox’s eyes close instinctively, leaning into your touch. 

“There must be a reason.” He chuckles. “What were you thinking about?” 

“I don’t know.” You lie again.

“Oh really?” He opens his eyes and they somehow seem darker as he travels down your body, nipping slightly as he goes, making you squirm. When he settles between your legs, pulling them over his shoulders, he smirks up at you. “Wanna try that again?”

The truth was that you saw all the women fawning over the commander earlier in the night as you’d walked into 79s. He hadn’t seen you, but you saw him. And the six different women who were doing their best to woo him. Obviously it didn’t work. But that rude little voice in the back of your head is always saying things like “When will Fox be done with you?” or “He could have any woman in that bar, why would he choose you?” and you hated it. You normally weren’t so insecure…

“I…” You struggle as his warm breath settles over your own warmth. 

“Tell me and I’ll reward you, cyar’ika.” He purrs. 

A soft whimper escapes your lips as your fingers make their way to his curls again. “I-it’s stupid…”

“I don’t care.” He runs his tongue up your folds, just teasing you, before pulling his mouth away again. “Tell me.”

It’s a demand, and you know it. You never could say no to him. From the moment you’d met him, you’d hardly ever said no. And it was the same way for him. Everything you asked, he answered. Everything you asked for, he gave it to you.

“Please, cyar’ika…” He whispers, softly.

“I… I don’t want this to ever end.” You murmur, sliding your hand from his hair to his warm cheek. “I don’t want us to end.” 

“Oh, pretty girl… that’s what you're worried about?” He looks up at you, resting his cheek against your thigh.

You nod. “I see the way those women all look at you and I wouldn’t blame you if you chose someone… better.”

He sits up right then, pulling you up with him. “Listen to me, and listen to me good. You are the only person I want. I will always choose you. Understand?” 

You nod, looking up at him through your lashes. He moves to the head of the bed, pulling you into his lap so that you’re straddling his lap. 

“I know I’ve not said this before… but please believe me when I say it. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. I’d tear apart the entire galaxy before I let you slip away from me.” He tells you, fiercely, cupping your cheeks so that you’re forced to look at him. “I’m fucking in love with you and one day, after this stupid fucking war is over, I’m taking you somewhere safe and I’ll continue to give you everything. I’ll continue to give you myself. As long as you’ll have me.”

As words start to fail you and a lump starts to form in your throat, you crush your lips to his, fervently. His hands run up your back again and hold you against him as he flips you over on your back, kissing you harder, with more need. 

When his lips move to your neck, you let out a soft needy gasp. “I love you.” 

You believe every word he’s just told you and you know that he truly would rip apart the entire galaxy just for you. There’s not one doubt in your mind that you would do the same for him.

“Say it again.” He pulls away to look at you, grinning widely, watching your lips.

“I love you, Fox.” You promise him.

As he kisses you again, you think you feel that stupid little insecure voice finally fade away for good.

“Uh, excuse us, doc?” You hear a clone trooper in the doorway of the medbay and you look up to see Dogma supporting Tup. 

You look down Tup’s leg, dripping blood, and you quickly go to help Dogma bring him over to a bed. 

“Thank you.” Dogma nods, standing a bit further away. 

“What did Fives, Jesse, and Hardcase drag you two into now?” You smirk up at Dogma and he smiles then looks at Tup to explain.

Walking over to the sink to wash your hands and then put a pair of gloves on, you sneak little glances at Dogma, who you’ve been harboring feelings for for the last six months. He’s watching you as you walk back over to them and you can’t help but feel a little self-conscious. Dogma was a rule follower. He’s good at what he does. He’d never go for you. 

“Something that’s not gonna happen again.” Tup groans when you sit down on your stool to cut the pant leg of his bodysuit. “Rex is gonna kill us.”

“Just be lucky I saw you fall and not Rex.” Dogma leans against the wall by the head of the bed.

“Good Maker… what did you do?” You ask him with wide eyes, unable to hide the amused smile.

The 501st boys were always getting into some sort of mischief. You patch at least two up a week. In fact, Hardcase was in here yesterday. 

“Well, I-” Tup starts but is cut off by the medbay doors opening. 

Immediately, Tup and Dogma look more alert and slightly afraid. You turn to see Commander Cody and Captain Rex absolutely soaked. Your mouth falls open at the sight of the two superiors looking like they just got thrown into the Kaminoan Sea. 

“Uh, Commander. Captain. What can I do for you gentlemen?” You stand and look at them firmly.

“We’re looking for those two.” Captain Rex tells you, pointing at the two clones behind you.

“Sir-” Dogma starts but you cut him off and point your scissors at the two superiors. 

“Sorry, gentlemen, but I’m fixing up one of yours so you’re gonna have to wait. He’s injured and his health comes first.” You shrug, smiling politely.

Captain Rex sighs, rolling his eyes while rubbing his hands down his face. Commander Cody looks like he’s gonna blow a fuse but you point to the door.

“I’ll send them your way when they’re done here.” You continue giving them a polite, but firm smile.

“Fine.” The commander grunts and then turns on his heel and exits the medbay.

Rex gives them a warning stare and when he leaves, Tup starts chuckling. Dogma looks like he’s just seen a ghost. As you start to clean up the cut and dress it, you look over at Dogma who still looks like he’s debating whether or not to yell at Tup himself. 

“Calm down, Dogma. It was just a prank. They’re not gonna do anything except put us on janitorial duty for a couple days.” Tup smiles over at Dogma.

“Well, I think you’re gonna live.” You pat Tup’s hand when you’re finished up and then look up at Dogma, who’s looking at yours and Tup’s hands.

You pull your hand away and go to pull your gloves off and wash your hands. 

“Thanks, Doc.” Tup smiles and then starts to head out. “Dogma, you coming?”

“Yeah. Be right there.” Dogma nods. 

You’re hyper aware of the fact that you and Dogma are the only ones in the medbay now and you can’t help the giddiness that’s fluttering about in your stomach. 

“Everything alright?” You ask him as you lean against the side of one of the beds. 

He nods and starts walking closer until he stops at the end of the bed.

“I have been debating with myself for weeks on whether or not it was a good idea to tell you this…” He murmurs, walking even closer until he’s right next to you, leaning against the bed as well, his shoulder resting against your own.

Your heart flutters along with your stomach. What could he possibly have to tell you? Perhaps your glances were making him uncomfortable? If that’s the case, you start to feel terrible.

“I have these… feelings for you.” He looks down at his feet as he crosses his arms.

Your eyes shoot to his face. “What?” 

“I know it’s inappropriate and completely against the rules… but I can’t stop thinking about you.” He admits.

Your heart soars and melts at the same time. But, you can’t help but think that maybe he could do better… He’s a soldier of the Republic. A hero. What would he want with you?

“Me? I’m nothing.” You shrug, looking away. “That’s simply not true.” He turns toward you, pulling your face back toward him.

His kind words and warm touch turn you into putty and you can’t help but go warm all over. 

“You could have anyone…” You look up into his amber eyes that you’ve always wanted to get lost in. 

“But I want you. I can’t imagine a galaxy in which I don’t adore you.” He promises you, taking your hands. “I come back from each battle for you.” 

A lump forms in your throat at his confession. No one has ever said such lovely things to you. 

“Really?” You whisper, squeezing his hands from excitement. 

“Yes, really.” He grins. “Am I crazy to think you may feel the same way?” 

You shake your head. “Definitely not.”

“I was afraid for a while that maybe you and Tup-” He starts but you cut him off by throwing your arms around his neck and crushing your lips to his, hopefully clearing up any confusion on who you truly want.

His arms circle around your waist, bringing you closer to him. You note the way his lips taste and feel, as if they were made to go against yours. 

A throat clearing in the doorway pulls you away from each other and you turn to see who’s walked in, terrified it’s either the Commander or Captain. It’s just Tup, though. 

“Rex and Cody are headed back this way.” Tup smirks. 

Dogma nods at his brother and then looks back at you, grinning perfectly before placing a kiss to your cheek. “I’ll be back later.” 

You nod, unable to stop smiling. “You better be.” 

Watching as the two men walk out of the medbay, you turn around to go to your desk and find Kix with raised eyebrows and a smirk, realizing he must’ve come through the other entrance. 

“Dogma, huh?” He wiggles his eyebrows playfully.

“I have work to do.” You immediately start cleaning up your desk, ignoring your coworker’s teasing. 

If there’s one thing you’ve learned, it’s that the 501st knows how to take a serious moment and turn it into something funny. Either way, you’re looking forward to Dogma coming back later. That is if Rex and Cody don’t have him scrubbing toilets with his brothers all night. 

You know this type. This never ends well for them. It’s been a long month on the Marauder with the guys and all you wanted was a kriffing drink. Apparently that’s too much to ask.

“What, you don’t let men buy you drinks?” He asks, his words already slightly slurring together.

“Nope. Sure don’t.” You just look at the holovision in front of you up on the wall. “Go away.”

The guy sits next to you and you know the guys will be back any minute. They wanted to drop off the package to Cid before getting their own drink on. 

“Why’s that?” He presses, ignoring your request. “I’ll buy you any drink you want.”

You let out an annoyed sigh before looking at the man next to you. “Because quite frankly, you’re ugly, you smell like you haven’t showered in a year, and I’m tired of men.” You down your drink and start to walk away but he grabs your wrist. 

You look down at his hand around your wrist. “I promise you don’t wanna do that.”

He laughs in your face. “Or what? No one here is gonna help you.”

“Good thing I don’t need their help.” You shrug, giving him a mocking smile before swiping the glass off the bar and slamming it against the guy’s head, causing him to drop to the ground, gripping his head.

“I mean, what did I tell you?” You roll your eyes, prepared to step over his body.

Except you see a few of his buddies start to approach you, looking like they’re about to try something. You lean back toward the bartender, sliding her a few credits as an apology for the broken glass, knowing you’re not going to get the chance again. 

The guys’ buddies rush up on you, trying to grab you, but you duck out of the way, kicking one of them in the groin, making him go down maybe a little too easily. You can’t help but let out a chuckle. 

The second one grabs your shirt and punches you in the cheek at the same time that the Batch strides in. Hunter’s eyes immediately go to you and you nod at him, letting him know you’re fine, as you turn and punch the guy in the nose, making him turn away in pain. 

Hunter immediately goes for the third one at the same time that you jump on the second guys’ back, choking him. He runs your back into the bar, causing you to drop. Hunter stops to see you drop, causing the third guy to get the slight upper hand as he punches him in the jaw. 

You jump up, knowing Hunter can handle himself, and run at the guy who’s attacking you, running him straight into the table behind him, making him flip over it. You walk around, kicking him in the side and he groans in pain. 

“I told your friend to leave me the fuck alone.” You warn him as you grab him by his shirt collar and punch him, knocking him out.

You look over in time to see Hunter land the final blow, knocking the third guy out and you both stare at each other, panting, your chests heaving. He looks too good with blood slightly dripping down his face and you shake the thought, knowing he’ll never have feelings for you like that.

“You good?” Echo asks as you approach them, handing you a glass of something. 

You nod, downing it. “Thanks.”

Hunter comes over to you, pulling your face toward him so he can inspect your injuries. 

“Hunter, I’m fine.” You laugh, then wince in pain, because you realize that you may have a couple cracked ribs. 

“Mmhm…” Hunter shakes his head. 

Hunter flags down the bartender for a bag of ice and she brings it over. He starts to lead you out of the bar, leaving the others behind to fend for themselves, gently putting an arm around you to hold you up as you walk while simultaneously keeping the bag of ice to your cheek. 

“Thanks for your help back there…” You lean against him, letting him help you. “Of course.” He murmurs. “You’re lucky you didn’t get hurt worse…”

“Ugh. I don’t wanna hear it.” You groan. “I was getting harassed and I took care of it.”

Hunter stops so he can look at you, inspecting you further, glancing down your body. You know that he’s just doing it because he’d be able to pick up on if someone did something worse to you. But the way he looks at you still sets your skin on fire. 

“Those guys are lucky I don’t go back and rip out their throats…” He grits between his teeth, looking back at the bar. 

“Why?” You ask, softly.

“Why?” He repeats.

“Yeah… why?” You shrug.

Hunter rubs the back of his neck and then looks back at you. “Well… I think… I might be in love with you… and the thought of any man touching you…” 

“You what?” You swallow. 

He nods. “I didn’t mean to tell you like this…” 

You can’t help but laugh. He looks at you like you’re crazy and you just shrug. “I love you too.”

He immediately grins, stepping closer to you to put his hands on your hips, looking down at you softly. You reach up, running your fingers through his hair and he leans into your touch. 

Leaning into him and reaching on your tiptoes, you brush your lips against his. Hunter’s arms snake around you carefully and you stay like that for a moment, just kissing each other gently. It’s even better than how you imagined it would be. 

When he pulls away, he smiles down at you. “You make me feel alive. You know that?” 

Warmth courses through your veins at his confession. “I feel the same way.”

Later, as you sit on the steps of the Marauder, Hunter holds an ice pack to your cheek and you lean against him. 

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you sooner.” He murmurs. “It’ll never happen again.”

You believe him.

“It’s alright. I could mostly hold my own.” You shrug, still trying to keep on a brave face.

You know he sees right through it, but he just humors you instead of saying something.

“I imagine that first guy probably thought he stood a chance with you.” Hunter muses.

“Yeah, well… once most guys realize I can hold my own, I become less adoring, you know?” You laugh.

“Well, for what it’s worth… I know you can kick my ass but I can’t imagine a galaxy in which I don’t adore you.” He looks you in the eyes when he says it and you believe him.

You realize right then that he’s only ever going to see you as an equal. Unable to keep it in anymore, you push the ice pack away and crush your lips against his again, ignoring the slight pain. When you pull away, he leans his forehead against yours and holds your hands.

Walking the streets of Pantora with the Batch, you lean against Crosshair. The two of you were closer than close lately. What you don’t notice is Tech slightly slouching at the sight of you and his brother looking rather cozy, jealousy tinging his heart in a way he’s not used to. The brother who doesn’t just show emotion… Does Crosshair like you? Or perhaps more? Does Crosshair care for you in the way that he does? 

“Oh, a bookstore.” You stop to look in the window at the small cozy bookstore. “Can we go in?”

“I have no desire to look at books.” Crosshair starts to walk away.

“I’ll be in and out.” You start to go in. 

“Tech, why don’t you wait with her. This is your kind of store, right?” Hunter smirks. “We’ll meet you back at the Marauder.”

“Um… yes. I can do that. I’ll stay with her.” Tech nods and you smile brightly at him enough to make his heart do somersaults in his chest.

“Thanks, Tech.” You go into the bookstore and don’t notice the wink that Hunter gives Tech. 

As you browse the shelves, Tech lingers near, also glancing at the shelves, but mostly admiring the way your eyes light up at the sight of a book that looks interesting to you. 

Tech had tried and failed to stuff his feelings for you deep down. Feelings weren’t his forte, right? He based things off of knowledge and factual data. But the moment that you’d walked into their lives, knowledge and factual data didn’t seem to matter anymore.

“I admire your love for books.” Tech gives you a small smile and you look up at him, already holding a small stack of books. “Have you always enjoyed reading?”

You nod. “Ever since I was little. My mother and father used to read to me before bed and I think that’s where my love for books probably stemmed from.”

“That would be the logical conclusion.” He fixes his goggles.

You can’t help the grin. “How much reading do you do for joy?”

“All reading brings me joy, I suppose.” He starts to walk past you to look at the books behind you, brushing against you softly.

You close your eyes at the feeling. You’ve been in love with the man since you’d patched him up after getting hit by a blaster shot that was meant for you. 

“I mean, reading that doesn’t require thinking.” You turn toward him. 

He picks up a book and turns it over to read the back and then sits it back on the shelf.

“All reading requires thinking, does it not?” He gives a soft smile, but still doesn’t look at you. 

You go over to a shelf and pick up a book that definitely has smut in it and then hand it to him.

“I don’t think at all when I read these kinds of books.” You tease. 

He opens it and the book immediately starts out by the female protagonist getting intimate with her partner. He looks up at you, warm in the face.

“You read these books?” He asks. 

You nod with a shrug. “Sure.”

He closes the book and hands it back to you, unable to get the image of you reading sex scenes out of his head. 

“Sorry… if that made you uncomfortable… I don’t know why that was the first book I picked up…” You quickly apologize, feeling terrible, turning to go look at the shelves across the store. 

He can hear you cursing yourself about something. But the pressing feeling against his codpiece is blocking out his ability to think clearly. 

“Do you need any help?” The store clerk asks you. 

You shake your head. “Just looking, thank you. I really like your store.”

“Thank you so much. It’s been in my family for three generations.” The Pantoran man tells you. 

Tech wasn’t blind to the attention you got anywhere you went. Your smile and personality alone were infectious and almost anyone you came across was completely taken in by your charm. But still… The jealous feeling still makes itself too known.

“Oh wow! How neat! I’m so glad we were able to stop in.” You smile widely.

“We?” The store clerk looks up in time to see Tech knock over a stand with books on it. 

You can’t help the small laugh that escapes as you go over to help him, apologizing to the clerk. 

“Happens more than you realize.” The clerk chuckles. “You guys are a good looking couple.”

“Oh we aren’t-” Tech starts but you look at him and his heart nearly stops with his words. 

The look on your face isn’t that of disgust, but a soft look of… adoration, maybe? He can’t tell. But the fact that it isn’t disgust is a win, right?

When you get all the books picked up, you go to the front to check out, Tech following closely to you. You pay the clerk and Tech takes the bag for you.

“Thanks.” You smile on your way out. 

“You’re welcome.” He nods. 

As you walk down the sidewalk, passing all of the other stores, you make your way back to the Marauder.

“I wasn’t uncomfortable with the book you showed me earlier, by the way.” He glances down at you.

“Oh good.” You let out a breath.

He debates whether or not to bring it up now. It was beginning to get more and more difficult to keep these emotions bottled up like he’d been trying to do for the last year. 

“I… I found myself wondering… what it’d be like.” He struggles for words for the first time ever. 

“The sex?” You ask.

Tech has found that you understand him more than anyone in the Batch. He seldom has to explain himself more than once with you. 

He nods. “But… with you.” 

You stop in your tracks. “Me?”

Did you just hear that right? He’s not looking at you, though. He’s watching the ground, trying to gather his thoughts.

“While I know it’s not required to have intimate relations with someone, of course… I think that I might be in love with you.” He finally looks at you and you can’t stop smiling. 

All this time, you were afraid your feelings would be completely unrequited, you hadn’t entertained the thought that Tech might feel the same way as you.

“I know that Crosshair would be a more suitable choice, of course. I just could not keep these-” He starts but you cut him off with a nervous chuckle.

“Crosshair? What does he have to do with anything?” You ask.

He pushes his goggles up again. “Earlier, the two of you… well, I just assumed. I know you two are very close.”

“Oh, Tech…” You murmur, closing the distance, taking his hands. “I don’t think of Crosshair like that. He’s like a… best friend I suppose. It’s you that I… well that I…”

You struggle to find words, but Tech just smiles.

“I understand now.” He nods, squeezing your hands. 

You reach up, nervously, on your toes to brush your lips against his. He catches your lips with his and pulls you closer. Warmth spreads throughout both of your bodies.

When you pull away, you’re both panting slightly. 

“I should have done that sooner.” He smiles.

“Agreed.” You laugh as you kiss him once more before making your way back to the ship, arm in arm, his hand over yours. 

When you get back to the ship, Wrecker and Omega start grinning goofily. Echo and Hunter smirk and Crosshair who knew about your feelings for the genius before anyone did, winks at you. 

Echo gives up his copilot seat for you when they get into hyperspace. You assume that it’s so you can spend more time with Tech since everyone is suddenly out of the cockpit. 

“Why don’t you read one of your books to me.” Tech offers.

You lean over and kiss him on the cheek. “Deal.”

The loud music of 79s blares loudly with people dancing down on the dancefloor. You and the Batch sit in a booth, looking over the dancefloor and you can’t help but watch everyone. Wrecker promised earlier that he’d go dance with you in a bit, which you’re really looking forward to as you’re tucked into his side, currently.

“Do you want another drink?” Crosshair leans in and asks you.

You nod with a ‘thank you’ and he winks as he gets up to go order you a drink down at the bar. Your stomach rumbles slightly and you realize you should’ve brought something to eat as well. 

With a smirk, Hunter hands you a bag of snack mix that he brings so you don’t get too drunk, too fast. 

“Maker, I love you.” You reach across the table and kiss him on the cheek, making him smile.

“Our little lightweight.” Echo teases you with a grin.

You roll your eyes, amused. “Har har.”

“I think it’s cute when you get drunk, because then I get to carry ya back to the Marauder.” Wrecker kisses you on the head.

“See, Wrecker appreciates my lightweightedness.” You shrug with a laugh.

“Sometimes, your best ideas are when you’re drunk, darling.” Tech teases you next. 

You stick your tongue out at them childishly as Tech and Echo laugh. When Crosshair comes back with your drink, he sits in his spot next to you and places a hand on your thigh, teasing the edge of your dress. Your men really do take care of you.

All of a sudden, a few regs start walking by, stopping when they realize who’s sitting in your booth. Great… This can only end well.

“Look fellas, it’s the Sad Batch.” One of the regs laughs. 

“How original.” Tech rolls his eyes and mutters under his breath.

“Can’t believe they actually let you out of the lab back on Kamino.” The second one laughs.

Crosshair starts to stand up out of the booth but you pull him back down, holding onto him by the arm. 

“They’re not worth it.” You murmur to him.

Crosshair looks at you with a slight nod and remains seated. It wouldn’t be the first or last time you’ve had to stop Crosshair from starting a fight with a reg. There’s been a fair share where you’ve not been able to stop him.

“Hey baby, why’re you rollin’ with them when you could be with the real deal?” The third one smirks at you.

Wrecker’s fists clench and Tech starts to stop him but you speak up. “The real deal? As far as I’m concerned you guys are just plain and small compared to my guys here. Keep walking.” 

“We could take you for a better ride-” The first one starts to speak up but Wrecker pulls you into his lap, holding you against him. 

“She’s already got a ride. A bigger one.” Wrecker’s voice carries slightly and a few others look your way.

The rest of the Batch smirk as the regs start to walk away, with their tails between their legs. 

“A bigger ride indeed.” You agree with Wrecker, smirking as you wrap your arms around his neck. 

He kisses you softly and squeezes your ass, causing your warmth to brush up against his hardening length. Arousal starts to flood your veins as you let out a soft gasp.

“Fuck…” You whimper with a breathless chuckle. “I think I’d like to see you jealous more often.”

Wrecker leans in closer to your ear. “I wasn’t jealous… just protecting what’s ours.”

A chill goes down your spine and you look around at the men sitting with you, all of their gazes filled with lust and love. You know right then that you don’t have a desire to dance anymore, you just need them. 

“I uh… think we need to get out of here right now.” You cough slightly with a smirk.

“You heard her, boys.” Hunter is the first to stand but Wrecker kisses you again before letting you go and you can’t help but tease him, grinding against him once more before crawling out of the booth.

“You’re in for it when we get back to the ship, for that.” Wrecker murmurs in your ear, cupping your ass under your dress and not letting go until you get back to the Marauder.