Cyare Verd
*OC Raven X Hunter
Previous Chapter - Chapter Three: Ruins of War
Chapter Four: Nerf Nuggets
Finally, back on the ship we are all able to take a deep breath. I slide my helmet off with a sigh of relief. Hunter looks back from the pilot seat, the two of us lock eyes. Concern etched into his features, eyes pleading with a question ‘is everyone alright?’ A tight smile and nod seems to set him at ease.
I turn to Tech and gesture to his leg. "Did you want help properly setting that?"
Wrecker strolls past us for the bunks. "What happened?"
"150 kilograms. And yes. I will." Tech’s reply.
He throws an arm over my shoulder and I help him to a seat in front of the navi. computers, setting my helmet into the seat next to him. Once he is settled, I head towards the back in search of med supplies and find a kit.
Tech removes his armor, while I dig through the kit. I pull out a bacta patch – which will do nothing – to find a more suitable bandage and splints to support his leg. Quietly, I get to work wrapping while he holds the splints in place.
“You were a great help to us today.”
"I'm sure you guys would have been fine without me. You seem quite capable" I quirk a brow, quoting him from earlier. He chuckles followed by a grunt.
"Ni ceta (sorry)" I’m suddenly conscious about how rough I might be.
"It's quite alright" he assured, pushing his goggles up on his face.
I nod at my work. “You should be all good now.”
"Thank you again" he says looking up at me from his seat.
"Ba'gedet'ye (You're welcome).”
Grabbing my helmet off the seat next from him, loud snores fill the space. Through the doorway, Wrecker has one leg off the bed sound asleep. I shake my head and continue towards the cockpit. Echo and Hunter quiet when I approach.
"Don't stop just because I'm here" I jest.
Echo offers me a smile before getting up, "You can sit here, I'm going to try and get some rest. Good job today." I nod at him as he goes.
Making myself comfortable, I place my helmet on the console in front of me and let my hair down. Hunter gives me a look out of the corner of his eye, but I notice he doesn't look away.
"Something I can do for you Sarge?" I run my fingers through the ends of my hair to get the knots out. A playful smile dancing across my face. He shifts before speaking.
“Echo told me. What you did for them.”
“Just got us out of a bind is all.” I can’t help but wonder what else he told him.
Silence overcomes the two of us. For a moment he studies my face like he’s seeing right through me. Those warm amber eyes could melt your soul. That thought does some funny things to my stomach and I find myself studying his face. For the first time I think I’m really seeing him. And he's not bad looking.
Wavy brown hair that’s kept at bay with a red bandana. A few rogue strands brush his forehead. From there begins the skull tattoo that covers half his face trailing down to his chin. Followed by a strong jawline that’s currently sporting a 5 o'clock shadow. Why have I never noticed?
He shifts - probably feeling uncomfortable under my heavy gaze. Now who's staring.
Clearing my throat, I turn back forward and watch as space flies by at hyper speed. My curiosity gets the best of me again and I peak one eye open, Hunter is focused on the console in front of him. Rolling my eyes, I cross my arms over my chest and get comfortable. Space is so mesmerizing I end up falling asleep.
Hunter
I wait until breathing evens out before stealing another look at her. Her features are soft and peaceful compared to the conflict that's been written all over her face. Though even with the weariness painted across her features, she's still the most alluring woman I’ve ever seen.
Something deep inside of me craves to have those hazel eyes on me. The thought sends goosebumps erupting all over my arms. She shifts slightly, causing a few pieces of her golden hair to fall in her face. Unable to stop myself, I reach over and brush them behind her ear, gently dragging my knuckles over her cheek bone. Her soft supple skin is a feeling I savor. It’s only then that I notice the jewelry in her ear. A few small silvery studs sparkle. A constellation between her lobe and cartilage.
I wouldn’t have considered her complexion to be pale but compared to my tan calloused hands. For a while I watch as she sleeps far more peacefully than she did the previous time. Mentally I pray to whatever powers that be it stays that way for her sake. Though, even with the weariness on her features, she still is one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen.
For a time, I let her sleep there before moving her to a bunk. She doesn’t so much as stir as I slide one arm behind her knees and the other behind her back. Her head lulls against my chest and her scent drifts to my nose. It's so delicate yet so intoxicating. Forever altering the chemistry of my brain. I can’t help but take it like a man deprived of water.
Her heart beats at a slower cadence. The sound floods my ears and I swear my heart syncs with hers. She buries her head further into my shoulder and breathes in deep. “You smell nice.” My chest vibrates with a quiet chuckle.
My senses start working overtime trying to focus on one thing but there's too much of her too close. For all that time, I cursed the Kaminoans for making me this way. Overwhelmed by everything and anything until I learned to tune it out. Now, there's nothing I wouldn’t do to let them get lost in everything she is.
It’s then that the entire galaxy comes to a halt- a screeching standstill. Echo was right. I’ve got it bad for her.
Raven
I feel myself slipping slowly back into consciousness but don’t bother to move or open my eyes. The dead silence is quite peaceful until it registers there's no hum from the Marauder’s engines.
Blinking open my eyes, it takes a moment for them to adjust. The sight before me is none other than the frame of the bunk above. Alright. This is definitely not where I remember being before I fell asleep.
It takes me a few more minutes to wake up enough to roll over. Inhaling, a musky male scent fills my nostrils. There’s something warm and inviting in it. I savor it, not wanting to get up. How in haran (hell) did I get here though? I wrack my brain but don't remember getting up or laying down. For that matter, I don’t remember having nightmares either.
Shuffling under the blanket, my foot hits something hard before it clatters to the floor with a loud ringing. “Osik (shit)” I cringe at the sound of beskar.
Slowly I raise myself onto my elbows and lean out into the walkway. As far as I can tell I’m alone. My elbow slips and I catch myself just before my face meets the floor. I can’t even remember the last time I slept that good.
With a second to collect myself, I stand and scoop my helmet up. A quick inspection proves there’s no new marks in the paint from where it hit the floor. I place it over my head and grab my things before making my way down the Marauder’s ramp. My stomach clenches because Cid is not going to be happy. I'm also not going to get paid now.
----
The Parlor for once is quiet which is a nice relief. Wrecker is playing Dejarik with one of the frequent flyers, Echo and Tech are talking to Hunter.
Thankfully I have my helmet on otherwise I probably would look like an animal in speeder headlights. Let’s face it. I’m still waking up. A shower would be helpful.
Heading over to Hunter I toss my bag on the bar top. "Where's Cid?"
As if on cue she comes bursting from her office, "Alright let's get to work shall we. Oh. Well look who finally decided to join us" She says putting her hands on her hips.
"That last job wasn't on us-" I get defensive before she cuts me off.
"I know, I know. But I've got something else." For once she seems to be expressing understanding. Imagine that.
"Who says I want another job?" I sass crossing my arms. I’m definitely awake now.
"You technically still owe me" Cid gives me a nasty look.
"Fine."
"You too, Bandana. Just the two of you. Should be easy enough" Cid gestures at Hunter. He and I exchange a look - sending heat spread throughout my core - before we follow her to her office.
"This one is easy, I promise. All I need you two to do is pick up 50 cases of Nerf nuggets and get them to their destination." Cid explains.
Disbelief replaces the anxiety of being alone with Hunter. "You're joking right? You want him - a highly trained clone with enhance senses - and me - a skilled Mandalorian warrior - to make a milk run?" I sass gesturing between Hunter and myself. He huffs out a small laugh I almost missed before rambling. "Don't you think that's over kill?"
I think about it for a second, taking my helmet off putting it under one arm "You know what? Never mind, I'm sure it's as bad as it sounds. But please continue." Out of the corner of my eye I catch Hunter watching me with an amused expression.
Cid gives me a look, "You'll need to leave soon to pick them up. Here are the details." She hands Hunter a datapad.
"To think I could just relax." I shake my head and run a hand down my face.
"Oh and you’ll need plain clothes . Alright now get out" Cid gestures to my armor. Rolling my eyes, I head for the door.
As Hunter and I leave her office, I mumble a string of curses in mando’a. He looks over his shoulder at me with a raised brow. My annoyance gets the best of me.
“Don’t enjoy it too much.”
Before he can respond I make my way to the bar and grab my bag. As much as I understand why she probably asked me to, I don't have to like it.
"Where are you guys going? Can we come with you?" Wrecker asks, trying to see what's on the datapad.
"No, Raven and I are leaving tonight. We should be back in 2 rotations. Stay here and stay out of trouble" Hunter commands the group.
It’s the first time my name has left his lips and the way he says it? A shiver threatens to run down my spine.
"Roger.”
Echo offers Hunter a nod. "Stay safe out there."
"We'll be fine. Besides, ‘Bandana’ has me as a copilot." Hunter scoffs at the nickname but all I can do is smirk.
Slinging my bag over my shoulder, I make my way towards the stairs.
“Where are you going?” Hunter sounds as if he was planning to leave now.
I scoff. “We can leave as soon as I’ve had a chance to shower.”
”The Marauder has a shower.”
Spinning around, I cross my arms over my chest. ”I’m not showering on the ship.”
My unyielding eyes meet his. He doesn’t seem to appreciate the challenge but something sparks behind his eyes. “One hour” he barks.
Turning on my heel I slowly saunter up the stairs. If he thinks he can order me around like one of his men, he’s got another thing coming.
It takes me an hour and fifteen minutes to get myself cleaned up in one of the spare rooms. What can I say? Hot running water was just too good to be true. I also took the opportunity to clean my flight suit.
With one last look in the mirror, I’m not disappointed by what looks back at me. For once the bags under my eyes weren’t that noticeable. I also find I’m not mad about not wearing my beskar.
Clad in dark gray skinny jeans, my tipical boots, and a fitted blue tank top that allows my tattoo to be seen. One of a raven - naturally - in flight. With one wing out stretched across my back and the other peaks over my left shoulder just touching my collar bone. The way the feathers curl, from the front they’re all that's visible.
The day I got this and showed Kal’Buir he admired it expressionless. At first I thought he was going to scold me, but when his smile spread of ear to ear. He told me that a wolf and a raven was a good omen in an upcoming battle. I never thought about why he gave me that name until day. He always just said I was good luck.
A bittersweet smile forms at the memory.
Grabbing my bag and black leather jacket, I collect myself before facing the others.
————
My boots click on each step as I make my way back to the main floor.
“I said an hour. It’s been well over that.” Hunter snaps. He doesn’t bother looking up from his spot at the bar.
A devilish smile spreads across my face. Testing his patience is way more fun than it should be. The others are doing whatever it is they do when they’re here but by the tension in the room, they’re listening.
“An hour and 15” I sass tossing my jacket over my shoulder for added effect. It’s only when I make my way over to the bar and sling my pack on it does he look up. I watch as his eyes roam over my exposed shoulder and the tattoo. Those honey brown eyes finally make their way to my face.
I quirk a brow. "This gonna work for you Sarge?" Might as well call him out for staring.
"Yeah. That's fine." he says, trying to act relaxed. A smile pulls at the corner of my lips, "We should probably get going."
————
Hunter wanted to check a few things on the Marauder while I head inside. Settling in I tuck my bag away before taking the co-pilot seat. It takes him about 10 minutes before I hear boots on the durasteel floor.
“Get lost back there?” I jest. He just throws me a look before taking a seat next to me.
Quietly I watch as he programs the hyperdrive and preps the ship to take off. His jaw muscle flexes periodically like he’s deep in through. With a glance from him, I look out the window and watch as Ord Mantell becomes smaller and smaller until we’re out of the atmosphere.
I break the silence. "We should eat." He hums in response like his mind is somewhere else. Alrighty then.
I make my way to the kitchenette at the back of the Marauder. Truthfully it isn’t much but I guess when you have 4 adult men on board they really don’t need much. Just simple meals to keep them going. But I swear if I have to eat another ration bar I might lose the little sanity I have left.
After spending a decent amount of time scouring the place, I find odds and ends of things to make us some version of pog soup. Typically there are far more spices in it - not to mention some kind of protein - but they seem to be running low on supplies. With two steaming bowls I head back to the cockpit.
“Here” I shove one practically in his face.
He takes the bowl with a cautious look. I move to the seat next to him and fold my legs underneath me.
“Pog soup. Or what I could make of it.” Swirling my spoon in my bowl I realize now how sad of an excuse for a cook I am. Most Mandalorian women were raised to fight and cook. Being that it was only me and Kal’Buir for the longest time, I only learned how to make what he knew. What all Mandalorian hunting parties ate- Pog soup.
The two of us quietly lift a spoon to our mouths. The warm soup hits my taste buds and I realize now why there were so many spices in it. This is awful. One glance at Hunter and I can tell he’s trying not to cringe.
“Alright so I’m no cook. It's better with all the spices in it I swear.”
He goes back for another spoonful. I’m stunned to silence, unsure of how to take that.
“It beats the ration bars.” A small smile twitches at the corner of his mouth. My eyes are immediately drawn to it.
“I’ve eaten far too many of those lately myself.”
He huffs a laugh and the two of us go back to eating. It doesn’t las long, my mouth gets the best of me.
"I still don't get why you don't just disappear. Head to some back word and lay low."
He sighs. "None of us know life outside of war."
I choose to say nothing, more knowing I'm really in no place to judge. Hunter hesitates to say more. The silence is deafening to the point where my thoughts wander back to my time on Kamino.
Conversations that seem like so long ago with the Sargent before me. They flowed with such ease. Discussing missions and what they could have done better.
That last part always threw me for a loop. ‘What they could have done better’ they did their job exceedingly well during the war. I don't think anyone even dared to question their tactics - even as unoradox as they were. I admired them for it.
“The other day, Tech asked how I knew Cid.” I start deciding to come clean about that at least. “Let’s just say a friend of mine and I got into some trouble and she bailed us out. Now I owe her when she sees fit. But I’m sure by now you know how she can be.”
He huffs his agreement but says nothing more.
The Marauder makes a noise like it's preparing to come out of hyperspace. I reach out a hand to take his bowl. He hands it to me and offers a nod.
“Vor entye (Thank you).”
His use of mando’a throws me. This whole time he’s never indicated he knew any. A small smile. The first one I can remember in a long time, finds its way to the surface. The way he looks at me kicks up butterflies in my stomach.
“Ba’gedet’ye (You’re welcome).”
After cleaning up our bowls and spoons, I grab my pack to find my vambraces. Once they are secured to my forearms, I shrug my jacket on. Hunter meets me at the ramp.
"Ready?" He asks.
“Let's get this over with" my usual sass making it’s grand entrance.
Hunter nods at me and presses a button. The ramp groans as it unfolds for me.
The brightness of the sun takes my eyes a second to adjust to as I stand in the doorway. Once they finally do, I spot a short man with a data pad. He pays me no mind as I approach, more focused on what he’s doing - this feels familiar.
"You must be Cid's pick up person" he says craning his neck to finally look up at me.
With a quick survey of the area it’s clear our cargo isn’t here. "Where are the cases?"
Nervousness visibly sets in the man's features, "Getting ready to be loaded, they'll be here any second.”
We both stand there in silence for a while and I contemplate my interactions with Hunter. It’s admirable what he’s clearly doing for his men. The man I met on Kamino would have done anything for them then too. I might even mind myself caring a little more than I should about him. Everyone I care about ends up getting taken from me. The final thought agitates because with that logic I’ll be alone forever.
I place my hand over one of my blasters. "I'm getting impatient, Where are the cases?"
The man fumbles with the datapad and seems to be trying to make a call.
"Everything alright?" Hunter’s impatient.
I raise my vambrace - consealed under my coat sleeve - to my mouth, "Not sure, checking on it now. I'll keep you updated." So much for a milk run.
"Something is wrong. I can't get a hold of my men. There are bandits you know, they steal stuff. Anything!" The man says frantically.
"Hunter, we've got a problem. you're gonna wanna come out here."
"Roger." The fact that he answered me like his men answer him is funny.
Hunter comes down the ramp. "So much for a milk run." So he can make jokes can he? I roll my eyes. "What seems to be the problem?" He asks the man.
The man explains what he just did to me but this time he tells us where the cases are supposed to be coming from.
"Great. We can track it from there" I suggest.
Hunter doesn't say anything but I follow his gaze - to a speeder bike.
"Oh, No. I'm driving."
He looks at me "Nice try." I quirk a brow.
“I’m not one of your men you can order around.”
Hunter gives me a look with a hint of amusement. "You like arguing with me."
"Do not.”
"Do too.”
"I'm still driving and that's an order.”
"Orders only work on your men!" I’m practically yelling at this point. Thinking I've finished the argument I head for the speeder.
I get on so that Hunter is forced to get on behind me, or so I thought. Before I have time to process, he’s picking me up and tossing me over his shoulder. Too stunned to speak, I scoff. Heat floods my veins.
“Hunter. Put me down. Right. Now.” I swear I feel him shutter when I say his name.
Gently he places me back on the ground and climbs on the bike.
"You coming?" He asks, quaking a brow.
“Mir’sheb (smart ass)” I make a face - forgetting I’m not hidden within my helmet - and he smile. He actually kirffing smiled.
A string of curses in my native tongue later, I reluctantly climb on behind him snaking my arms around his waist. I try not to lean in too close - so it's not obvious - and breath in his musky scent. Strangely enough it's a comfort.
Hunter opens the throttle up wide and we’re off. He takes a turn a little too fast and I bear hug his core. Pressing my cheek into his back. His warmth radiating off him into my skin.
"Relax." He shouts so I can hear.
My blood boils. "Yeah, well typically I prefer to be the one driving!"
He pulls the bike to a screeching halt and I practically throw myself off. Hunter half smiles at me. A micheviousness even sparkles in his eyes.
"I don't wanna hear it" I wag a finger in his face.
We begin our search of the area. Sticking together in case these bandits are still around.
"Sure enough we were right, cases aren't here" I think out loud.
"They must have been intercepted, we'll follow their route to the Marauder and see what we find on the way.”
I give him a look.
"What?" He asks.
"Seriously. I'm driving this time." I rest my hands on my hips.
"Fine" is all he says, before heading back to the bike. That’s it? What’s his deal?
We speed down the roadways until suddenly Hunter reaches past me and grabs the handle bar, turning the bike and pulling the break. We both tumble off. I’m given no time to even stand up. Hunter is grabbing me by the arm and dragging me to cover. I give him a nasty look and am about to go off on him when he covers my mouth. He shifts his body infront of mine, pressing himself against me so we are hidden behind the alley wall.
My eyes widen with shock and I’m suddenly very self conscious of every part of my body that is touching his. His face is turned so that he’s looking out the end of the alley, tattooed cheek only mere centimeters away. A few stray pieces of his hair not confined by the bandana brush over my nose.
After a moment he lets go.
"You di'kut! (fool) You could have gotten us killed!" I whisper yell.
"There was someone watching. They were waiting for us." he says, breath fanning over my face.
At this moment, being that he is so close to me our noses brush. It’s only now I realize he's about 4 inches taller than me. I look back and forth from his eyes. There's a hint of gold swirled through them that at a distance you don’t see.
He steps back, realizing we’re still close. "Sorry" he says quickly.
I let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding. "We should probably tail them.”
"Yeah. Good idea.”
(Next Chapter- I’m not posting here any more but my fic can be found on Wattpad at this link.)
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