#tech x reader fluff

Every morning was the same. The same steps; same routine; same everything.

   Wake. Get ready. Eat fruit. Drink caf. Grab your board. Head to the shore. 

   Even after Lower Pabu had been wiped out by the tsunami, you found it best to slip away before the sun could rise over the horizon. With reconstruction taking place during the day and tired folks sleeping away at night, it was a sad but relieving experience to be able to stand on a bare beach, illuminated by nothing but the moon and the stars. 

   It was particularly quiet on this specific morning. The birds had yet to sing their tune within the trees and the moon-yos weren’t awake yet to watch you from the shore. The murmur of city chatter was virtually silent as Pabu’s residents slept in their beds. All that was left was you and the crash of waves. Crickets chirped from the jungle brush and way off in the distance was the faint impression of boats as fishermen left their ports to begin their day of gathering. 

   Taking advantage of the silence, you set your board down and took a seat beside it. You shut your eyes and exhaled through your nose, connecting with the silence… the ocean… the distant seagull that cried above your head. Every breeze was cold, teasing the freezing waters that you were about to dive into. In your moment of solitude, you accepted the start of a new day; a fresh breath taken as you thanked the universe for another chance to feel sand between your toes and the moon’s light on your face. 

   When the time came to swim, you stripped out of your clothes and remained in your swimwear, shivering at the cold winds. You tied the leg rope around your ankle and stood, hauling your board underneath your arm. 

   You stepped into the ocean little by little. First, a testing touch with the tips of your toes, just to feel the temperature. As expected, the waters had yet to become warmed by the sun so they were cold; cold enough for you to withdraw your leg with a sharp breath. 

   “Kriff,” you muttered to yourself, scratching your head in uncertainty. “Sure is colder than usual right now.”

   After giving yourself a moment, you inhaled deeply and forced yourself to step in a bit deeper than before, the water rising all the way up to your mid-shin. It was cold and it was not fun, but it was something that you knew you needed to overcome if you wanted to catch the best waves. 

   So, with another deep breath, you muttered a little curse under your breath and began striding deeper into the ocean. It inched up your body, igniting your skin with goosebumps as ice-cold waves crashed against your skin. You felt the sand shift between your toes, shells poking your heels every so often. It wasn’t until you were waist-deep that the water felt slightly more bearable than before, but you still had more to go before it could become unnoticeable. It pulled you to and fro with its strong tugs, sparking an eagerness in you when you noticed how perfect the waves were.

    You positioned your board so that the nose was pointed towards the waves and with your hands on the rails of the board, you pushed yourself up, swinging your legs over it until you were lying flat on your stomach. The temperature of the water hit you harder than ever, causing you to grind your teeth. With a sharp exhale, you started paddling, your arms cutting through the water smoothly as you made your way out to open waters.

   As you paddled out, you scanned the horizon, searching for any sign of incoming waves. You could feel the salty water splashing against your face, the moon illuminating the little droplets until they glistened like crystals in the air. Finally, you reached the perfect spot where you could wait for the right wave, attentive eyes watching the horizon as they came.

   In your moment of waiting, you turned to look at the island. Lower Pabu’s ruins had skeletons of reconstructive frameworks all over the area, turning the once-busy part of town into a desolate wasteland. It would have been eerie had you not grown up on those streets, making it rather sad than frightening. Part of the reason that you shied away to surf in the morning was due to the fact that you were rebuilding your own ruined home with the thanks of your boyfriend and his brothers. 

   A gentle rock caused you to turn, eyes darting out towards the horizon. Excitement bubbled inside you as you anticipated catching your first wave of the day.

   It didn’t take long before a set of waves appeared in the distance. You paddled hard, positioning yourself perfectly to catch the second wave in the set. You felt the wave lift you up and push you forward. With a quick push upwards, muscles burning from the effort, you stood up atop the board and rode the wave with ease, feeling the wind in your hair and the spray of the water on your face.

   It was a short ride but that was to be expected. You were simply testing out the waves - easing your limbs as they adjusted to the water and the waves. 

   Paddling back out into the depths, you took a moment to just lay on the board, chin against your forearms as you swayed forward and back with each gentle wave. The sky began to go from a dark navy to a baby blue, orange lining the horizon as the sun rose bit by bit. The winds grew warmer while you watched the clouds take shape, stars slowly fading until they were hardly visible. The birds began to sing from the island and the moon-yos hoots were loud enough to hear from your spot in the ocean, causing you to smile the moment you saw a flash of green sitting on the sand. 

   And it seemed that the island wasn’t the only thing to wake at the first sign of light. 

   His figure was a blur but visible nonetheless. Tech sat on the shore in his casual attire — the only difference seemed to be the towel resting on his shoulders and the spare bag now sitting by his foot. He sat on a small blanket, lifting his hand above his head in greeting. You greeted him back just before the sound of roaring waters caused you to turn, eyes widening at the massive wave that was barrelling your way. 

   Again, as the wave rolled against you, you pushed yourself up to your feet and focused hard, maintaining your balance as the wave swept you up and quickly sent you rushing towards the shore. Its giant arch rose over your head, creating a tube that you flawlessly traversed through. You crouched down to gain better stability, fingertips skimming through the water as you continued your path through the beautiful turquoise barrel. With the ease of a professional, you exited the tube at the right moment, allowing the wave to crash and join the ocean while you approached the shore. 

   You jumped off before you could hit the sand, diving under the water only to resurface soon after. Cold droplets dripped from your lashes, streaming down your face from your hair as you hauled your board under your arm and stepped out onto the sand. Muscles burning from the effort, you wobbled gracelessly atop the sand, grinning at your goggle-eyed boyfriend as he peered up at you with the smallest smile on his lips. 

   “Good morning, love,” you cheesed, dropping your board beside him before bending down to give him a kiss. He obliged, only to scrunch his nose at the cold water that dripped on his face. He pulled away quickly, backtracking so that he wouldn’t get wet. 

   “You’re drenched,” he noted, frowning, “And freezing. Need I remind you that you can catch hypothermia if you are not- 

   “-careful of how long I spend in the water,” you finished, flopping down on the blanket beside him. He grimaced at the water that splashed against his bare arms. “I know. I’m careful, see?” You gestured toward the ocean. “I didn’t even go on the big waves just for you.” 

   “I appreciate that you are taking care of yourself for my sake,” he murmured, tugging the towel off of his shoulder to throw around your own. You smiled and leaned against his side, chuckling when he grunted at the water that dripped from your soaking skin. “However, I am not quite fond of you coming out here by yourself. I would feel much more at ease if I knew that you had someone here to watch you.” 

   “For?” 

   Tech pushed up his goggles, pulling out his datapad to quickly type on it. “Drowning accounts for sixty percent of waveboarding deaths, and it can result from a head injury or a malfunction with your leg rope-” 

   “Tech,” you said softly, causing him to look at you with the subtlest trace of worry in his eyes. With a gentle hand, you cupped the side of his face, cracking a smile when he tensed at your cold fingers. “I love that you care and I love that you worry, but I’ve been doing this since I was a little kid. It’s fine — I know what I’m doing.” 

   His brows furrowed just slightly but, after a moment of hesitation, he nodded and looked down at his datapad as if the thing was useless. When he put it down at his side, you noticed the off-put movement of his body language. It was almost as if he was dismayed by the fact that you didn’t want anyone to watch you waveboard. 

   Then, as if a lightbulb clicked, it all suddenly made sense. 

   Brushing a droplet of water off of his face, you leaned over and kissed his cheek, smiling when he glanced at you in surprise. 

   “However,” you sang, climbing over his legs to sit on his lap. “I wouldn’t be opposed to having you join me. Just so that I’m not out here alone. Having to get down here at night is actually kind of unsafe now that I think about it and if you want you can-” 

   “Yes,” Tech agreed with a firm nod, setting his hands on your hips. He didn’t seem bothered by the fact that you were drenched anymore. His heavy brown eyes held onto yours with enough adoration to make you melt against his touch, your hands sliding up his chest and over his shoulders. “I would like to join you. Perhaps I can keep track of your personal records and best performances. A-And possibly take a few pictures and videos of you while you are on the water.” 

   “For archival purposes, right?” You teased, leaning forward to steal a kiss. “Definitely not for your own personal enjoyment.”

   “Of course,” he muttered as he kissed your chin, neck, and continued farther down your wet chest. “Archival purposes only.” 

   “Mhm,” you hummed, eyes shutting at the feeling of his heated lips against your sternum. “Why does it sound like you have a secret motive?” 

   “Because I do,” he shamelessly murmured against your skin, lifting his head to kiss your chin once more. “I just wish to have a digital memory of you in the instance that I must leave the island. Then I can have a piece of you wherever I may go in this galaxy.” 

   “Oh, Tech,” you muttered softly, cupping the sides of his face. He shut his eyes when you skimmed your fingers through his hair, nails raking across his scalp in a soothing gesture. You kissed his forehead, the bridge of his nose, and then settled on his lips, moving them in a slow tempo before you muttered against his mouth, “What will I ever do with you?” 

   “I have a few recommendations,” he said in a low, suggestive tone, causing you to rock your head back in a laugh. 

   “Wow. Way to dial it up, you romantic.” 

   “I was simply following your cues-” 

   Again, you laughed and smashed your lips against his, grinning into the kiss. His hands slid to your back, pressing you against his chest as your lips danced, the faintest moan slipping from him when you scraped your nails down his back. 

   “I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of that brain of yours,” you teased when you pulled away, leaning back to playfully bite and tug on his bottom lip. 

   The corner of his mouth lifted in a smile as he shrugged. “I assume that is a good thing.” 

   “Oh, it’s a very good thing,” you assured as you rolled off of his lap. Standing up, you brushed your hand over your head, tossing a few droplets of water on Tech. He narrowed his eyes at your antics, causing you to giggle and lean down, kissing him before he could complain. “Means my love for you will never run out.” 

   “I suppose that is a good thing,” he mumbled, causing you to stamp a few quick pecks against his lips.

After a series of quick kisses and his playful nudge against your thigh, you picked your board back up and started walking towards the water. With a turn, you waved your hand above your head and shouted, “You said you wanted some pictures, right? Well get that datapad of yours out, baby, ‘cause I’m gonna give you a show!” 

   “Be careful!” He called after you, his expression twisted in both amusement and worry. “Be mindful of the temperature — and if the wave is too severe then please do not attempt to ride it! You do remember the last incident-” 

   You stopped before you could enter the water, swiveling around with a hand on your hip and a frown on your face. “Hey! You promised you wouldn’t bring that up!” 

   “You almost drowned!” 

   “But I didn’t! I’m still here aren’t I?” Tech’s unamused expression was enough to make you sigh, rolling your eyes. “Alright, alright. You worry too much.” 

  “I worry enough.” 

   “You’re worse than my mother-” 

   “At least your mother and I share the same concern for your well-being-” 

   You walked backward in the water as you called out, “Alright! Just tell me you love me already!” 

   “Just- agh, fine!” He shook his head before cupping his mouth. “I adore you! Stay safe!”  

   “And I adore you! Get ready for pictures - and make sure you get my good angles!” 

   Tech just shook his head, a small smile hiding behind his datapad as he snapped picture after picture of you riding wave after wave. While you grinned and cheered, doing moves that made his blood pressure soar, Tech was just pleased that he could now start his day with his beloved. In his mind, there was nothing more enjoyable than beginning a new day with your smile and energy, even if it had a tendency to make him worry. 

   In the end, your habit to seek adrenaline and his tendency to be by your side and care for you was something he quite enjoyed; something that he wouldn’t change for the world. 

   “Tech! Watch this!” 

   “Cyare, you're going to hurt yourself-!”

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Tech was smart, smarter than many living creatures for that fact. Though he wasn't smart enough to catch the hint that everytime he caught or almost caught you staring, it wasn't because you were waiting to ask him a question. It was because everytime you looked at him, he was always so in his element. He was downright adorable while working, so focused. And when he spoke to you, he tended to ramble. Fuck it made your heart swell - he was so cute when he got into one of his lectures.

You had dreamt of being next to him, allowing yourself to cuddle into his side as he worked on whatever he was doing. He was good at working while being pushed around by the boys. It made you think about how easy it would be to slip into his arms while he tinkered with whatever project he had going on or while he was reading something on his datapad.

You finally came out of the small, clustered refresher, seeing that Tech's eyes were focused back on his datapad (like always) and Hunter's were looking at you. Wrecker and Echo were outside with training targets set up, teaching Omega how to shoot her bow. You missed the kid and her big hugs even if she was just outside.

"Everything.. alright, Y/n?" Hunter asked, leaning a bit forward from his sitting position. He knew that he knew, faker. You hummed an approving noise as you back down next to the sergeant. You wanted to punch him square in the jaw, but you put that off for another day. Hunter gave you a bit more room, pulling his legs together from when he was man-spreading.

You cleared your throat, gaining the partial attention from Tech as well, "Has Cid called us back yet?"

Hunter only shrugged, "No, said she'll have a mission soon."

The silence clouded the room once again. They really didn't do that much when there was no repairs, this had been the first time in forever that the ship had been cleared for being okay. We'd all almost thought it was one of Tech's dry jokes, that's how much of a tendency we had for repairs. And it absolutely sucked to have nothing to do all day. You should've offered to help train Omega. Or just went back to bed when the Marauder landed on Ord Mantell. Those were both better alternatives than sitting in silence with a man you had a crush on and the only man that knew. Crosshair knew too. But you didn't like talking, or even thinking, about Crosshair.

You made a popping noise with your lips to clear the whole "awkward silence" thing, "I think I'm gonna visit her for a little and get a drink, I miss her attitude."

"That's a first," Tech muttered. As you stood up, you realized he was also on his feet. You didn't want to ask what he was doing, he could stand whenever he wanted to, it was just a coincidence that he also stood up when you had.

"Would you mind if I joined you?"

You looked at him with something between shock and nervousness. You hadn't been so nervous with anyone in your life before you had met the nerdy Tech, was this what a genuine crush felt like? You nodded frantically, realizing you'd stood there for a second too long just looking at him. You didn't that a lot, it became a sort of habit that everyone got used to.

"Sorry, I just.. zoned out I guess," you apologized, leaving your helmet on the table you were sitting at and starting your way down the gangplank.

Tech seemed to follow after you quickly, attempting to catch up. It wasn't odd for him to do that, he most likely had something on his mind that he wanted to share. And you were all there for it. You looked over at him, taking in his features - handsome with these soft caramel eyes, hidden by his goggles. You wanted to take them off for once, just to see what they actually looked like without the lens and all. They didn't seem to come off ever, though Crosshair used to always- never mind.

You thought of what the say to him, fuck you were staring again. Say something. What's new, Boo? No, that's too much for anyone of the boys to hear. Whaddup Tech! No, he's weird with your "civvi words."

"Hi."

Tech looked down at you with a soft expression. "Hello," he replied. He met your gaze for longer than you would have liked and you looked away again, face darkening. "Is there something you have to say?"

"I-uh no, I just thought I'd say hi since you're, y'know, walking next to me and all."

Gah! You felt your heart rate go through the roof. Why was he so intimidating? Well, he wasn't intimidating but he was Tech and Tech made you nervous and-

He pressed the back of his hand to your forehead, "Your forehead is steaming, Y/n, are you feeling unwell? Maybe we shouldn't visit Cid, it would be ideal that you get some rest."

He stopped, making you also stop as well. He was peering down at you now, hunched over to force eye contact. "If you would like, I have been researching a few home remedies in case a situation like such were to occur with your body."

"No, I'm fine Tech, I just need a drink is all," you spoke, looking back to the path in front of you. You started to walk away, but Tech grabbed your arm, pulling you back into a stumble and putting both of his hands on your shoulders. It kept you in place, letting him look down at you with knitted brows.

"I think that drinking will be the last thing that you do. I will not let you drink under your condition," you heard a slight waver in his voice as he lectured you. Tech? Worried? No, that didn't happen, and on the off chance it did, he had enough confidence in himself to distribute to the entirety of the clone army (they obviously don't need anymore though).

"Tech, I'm not sick. You never pestered Wrecker like this when he was sick."

Tech pushed his goggles further into the bridge of his nose, "Well, Wrecker usually sleeps off his illness fairly quick. You, on the other hand, are small and do not sleep as deeply as Wrecker sleeps."

You tilted your head, nose slightly scrunched as you glared up at him. You were slightly annoyed, not even hot in the face anymore. You forgot that Tech's hands were still on you, letting up from how tense they once were. "What about when Echo caught that bug from Nal Hutta?"

Tech cleared his throat, staring at me while he shuffled through answers to that question in his head. He had an answer to everything, but this - maybe not. Nal Hutta was a disgusting place that you never wanted to visit again, infested with disease and gunk everywhere. It was no surprise Echo got sick. He was upset the whole time and Tech cared about him physically of course but never ordered him to bedrest unless it was to keep him at a healthy amount of sleep.

"Simply because I knew he would be alright. I monitored his temperature, electrolyte intake and I made sure that he was eating exactly the right amount. Did I not?" Tech was always in matter-of-fact mode, so much so that you had almost thought maybe he won this small feud between you two. Being able to use such big words with certainty of what they meant, he could say the most random nonsense and you would have absolutely no clue if it was correct or not. You always assumed it was 100%, he was never wrong.

"You never ordered him to bedrest, you never made him a home remedy."

Tech stopped, his brain was working overtime - how would he get himself out of this? You stared up at him with a competitive glint in your eye, the one you had on the battlefield, always pushing back at him; he was the brains but you were the "brawn". You always had a comeback up your sleeve, you always knew what to say in an emotional aspect. He envied that in a way, wanting to know what it was like to follow your heart, not a logical conclusion set up by a droid - or better yet, the excellence of Tech's brain.

He choked up slightly and you placed both of your hands on his wrists as he let them fall from your shoulders. Maker, you were so soft.

Your face was on fire. Was the temperature rising? If it was, Tech didn't say anything. Gosh this was the worst you had ever been. Now that you were touching him, interacting with him without a wire or tool in your hand. You didn't remember the last time you had been alone with the man if it wasn't for work purposes. If there ever was a time.

"What's going on in that head of yours?" you asked, looking up at him with endearing eyes. His heart wretched at your face, wanting to just... he wanted to touch you. To hold you in his arms. Why did he feel hot all over? Was he also sick?

"I think that the sickness you are having, I have also contracted," he stated. He hoped you had understood. If it really was a sickness, then you could both go back to the ship and bunker down. That would be a simple explanation that would make this situation easy to diffuse. But if it was... something more, he didn't know how to tell you that in words. If he had to though, there was always to trying.

You smiled, shaking your head, "Tech, I don't have a sickness." As soon as you finished your sentence, your smile faded. Wait, he just said-

"Then, if my data is showing functionality, I do indeed harbor feelings for you."

You stared up at him, your lips parted. Your heart felt like it would beat out of your chest, into your throat and spit out of your mouth. Tech? Liked you? You thought you were absolutely out of his league. He never even seemed like he took interest in love, or even people in general. He always put his research and beloved datapad first that it almost escaped you that Tech could have secrets that he never shared, such as being interested in you.

"Tech, I-," you paused, swallowing and looking away from him. Your skin itched like you didn't belong in it, "I like you too."

It was like waiting for fireworks to go off, the anticipation scary. That's what he meant, right? Maker, he looked so adorable at that moment, face tinted pink, his fingers fiddling with something on his utility belt. Such as he had with his own hands earlier, you forgot you were touching him. Your hands no longer kept his wrists still, just flowed with the movement of his hands.

"May I... kiss you?" he asked, his hands already reaching up towards your face. You smiled, guiding his hands up to cup your cheeks. You then lowered your own, pressing them against his chest plate. He leaned down, pressing his lips against yours.

You never expected them to be so soft. Maker, you were lucky that he liked you out of so many sentient beings in the universe - you could kiss him for hours, days, weeks, years. You could have stood there and wasted the daylight away while kissing and never regretted a thing. When he pulled away, he kept his face only inches from yours. His forehead was softly laying on your own, goggles nudging at your brows but you didn't have a care in the world for that. You had just released so much weight off your shoulders from a simple kiss. You felt so alive, and free.

"You are certainly a perfect specimen," he stated, looking into your eyes with a crooked smile. Maybe that wasn't true if he wanted to try running experiments. Though, his statement didn't seem like a hypothesis, it seemed like a resolution.

"And you are the biggest nerd I have ever met. I love it more than I have ever loved anything."

•--•

“So you like Tech right?”, Omega asked. “Well yeah I do, but I don’t think he likes me back”, (Y/N) sighed. “I think Tech likes you, he just… well he’s Tech. I know that isn’t very helpful, but he does talk about you”, Omega smiled. “Really then what does he say about me?”, (Y/N) questioned. “Well he likes how you laugh and he enjoys your jokes. He says you are the only person he can relax and be himself around. Oh and that you’re a good listener even if you don’t understand what he is saying”, Omega admitted. 

(Y/N) was silent for a while until something to her right moved. “Omega hold on something doesn’t feel right”, (Y/N) said. She looked closer at the moving foliage only for a large animal with sharp teeth to jump out and land on her. Omega screamed as (Y/N) clawed at its eyes, but that didn’t stop it from biting her left forearm. (Y/N)’s scream had Tech moving faster than his brothers. He made it to her first automatically pulling his blaster and firing into the animal until it let go and fell over dead. 

“(Y/N) mesh’la are you alright?” he asked; checking her for injuries. “I’m fine it’s just a bite”, she said standing up. Tech noticed her sway and scooped her up into his arms carrying her back to the Marauder. “I can walk”, she grumbled. “Yes but in your condition it would be best to rest”, Tech informed her. She was starting to feel light headed and she smiled up at him. “You're so handsome and smart, has anyone ever told you that”, she sighed before placing her head on his shoulder. He hummed as he tried not to look at her because if he did she would see the blush spreading across his cheeks. 

Once back at the Marauder he took her straight to a crate where they had set up camp, and sat her down on it. He worked quickly to clean the wound and apologized when she hissed in pain. She watched as he wrapped her arm and tilted her head so he could give her a bacta/pain killer hypo injection. “Thank you”, she smiled. “You’re going to feel very sleepy here in a few minutes so we need to get you to your spot”, he informed her.

He helped her to her spot beside the fire and sat down beside her as she fell asleep. He monitored her breathing and made sure that the bandages were staying clean. She screamed and woke up with a start sitting up. “(Y/N) you’re safe. You’re okay, look at me”, he told her, putting his hand on her shoulder. She slowly looked at him as he talked to her through a breathing exercise. “Tech will you.. Umm will you stay with me? I don't want to be alone”, (Y/N) said.

“Yes I can stay. In fact scoot over”, he said matter of factly. She scooted over and he lay back against the small pack she used as a pillow. “It’s been scientifically proven that the heartbeat of another person can help you sleep more peacefully”, Tech spouted. She lay her head on his chest timidly until he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. “You know that was a smooth move”, she smiled. “It was not a move, it's a scientific fact”, he sighed.

She sighed as well gathering up some courage she had to know if what Omega had said was true. “You know Omega told me some interesting things about you before I got attacked”, (Y/N) spoke. “What did she say?”, Tech nervously urged. “She said that you like me and that you like how I listen to you. How you like my jokes and you think that I’m funny although I think my jokes are lame”, she mentioned. 

He was quiet and (Y/N) felt like she shouldn’t have said anything. Tech could feel her tensing, and he was panicking inside. He had no idea how to talk to women, and usually offended them when they used to go to 79’s. “I’m sorry I made you uncomfortable” she apologized. “No don’t apologize Omega is right I do enjoy your company and how you listen so intently when no one else does. I love your jokes no matter how ridiculous you think they are”, Tech declared.

“Wait so you do like me?”, (Y/N) observed. “Well yes I do, I thought I made that clear when I..hmph”, He was cut off by (Y/N) reaching up to kiss him. It was a short kiss that left him speechless and blushing. He felt his heart beating out of his chest as he tried to remember how to breathe. “I don’t think anyone has ever made Tech speechless before”, Hunter smirked from his spot eyes still closed. Tech glared at him as (Y/N) dissolved into giggles.

“We should get some rest so we don’t end up waking Wrecker, Omega and Echo. We all know how grumpy Echo gets when he doesn’t get his beauty sleep”, (Y/N) whispered. Tech nodded but froze when (Y/N) reached up to take off his goggles. “So you’re the one that takes them off when I fall asleep in the cockpit and work on things”, he yawned. “Yeah I know how they can cause headaches and discomfort. I also like to see your eyes even if you can’t really see me”, she sighed snuggling into him. 

He sat there realizing they both confessed to liking each other until he heard her breathing slow. “Goodnight cyar’ika”, he said, kissing the top of her head. He couldn’t believe what had just transpired earlier and he thought about it even as he fell asleep. Hunter peeked an eye open and chuckled to himself as he remembered how it was when (Y/N) first joined them and how Tech would stutter and panic when he didn’t know how to respond to her joking. He hadn’t assigned watches as Tech’s new perimeter beacons would alert if someone or something got too close and fell asleep. 

Tech woke first as he heard the others laughing, especially Wrecker as Hunter told them how he and (Y/N) confessed their feelings. “Do you all mind she is still sleeping and it's imperative that she get as much rest as possible so she can heal”, Tech seethed. “Man with a look like that you would give Crosshair a run for his money”, Echo huffed, rolling his eyes. Tech grabbed his goggles and put them on, careful not to wake (Y/N), but it was no use as he felt her stirring. 

“Morning mesh’la”, he greeted. “Mmm mornin”, she slurred still half asleep. (Y/N) stretched and got up then helped Tech up. “Come on we need to help them pack up”, she yawned. “No not until I have changed your bandages”, Tech commanded. “We can do it after we get everything packed and we are in space, and don’t even think about talking back to me loverboy”, (Y/N) countered as she started packing up. Wrecker laughed at Tech’s somewhat appalled look of being told off, but shrugged it off as (Y/N) was known to speak her mind.

They packed up and Tech noticed that (Y/N)’s bandage had fresh blood coming through it. He held his tongue until they were up in the reaches of space then went to find her as he left Echo to pilot the ship. (Y/N) was sitting on his bunk with the med kit open beside her. “I figured you would want to tend to the injury so I waited”, she grinned. Every time she grinned or smiled he felt like he was having heart palpitations, but he liked it and that scared him. 

“I’ll give you another bacta hypo and then apply some bacta salve to coat the wound”, he told her. She nodded and watched him adoringly as he carefully unwrapped her arm and applied the salve. The salve was cool but still burned as she hissed. Tech’s head whipped up as he grimaced noticing he was causing her pain. “Tech it’s okay you have to do this. It’s not your fault that the bacta stings”, she forced a smile. He relaxed some and re-wrapped her arm then grabbed the hypo.

She automatically turned her head so he could get the hypo into her neck. “Well that should get you through until we get to Ord Mantell”, Tech announced. He helped her to her feet and kissed the top of her head. “Maybe I can help you pilot today?”, she asked. (Y/N) had been wanting to pilot the Marauder since she joined the Bad Batch, but she knew how Tech felt about others piloting his pride and joy. “I think that can be arranged”, he smirked. (Y/N) squealed, reaching up on her toes to press a quick kiss to his cheek. 

(Y/N) took off to the cockpit as Tech stood there trying to calm his rapidly beating heart. He was brought out of his daze as (Y/N) called from the cockpit. It was an easy flight back to Ord Mantell and he was impressed with how well she did even how gentle the landing was. “You did well, maybe you should be our new pilot a lot nicer to look at”, Echo joked. Tech rolled his eyes as (Y/N) laughed. 

“As much as I would love to, I would rather watch Tech fly, it's much more entertaining”, she said, nudging his arm with her elbow. Tech smiled, “Well maybe we can let you fly on the easy missions”. They laughed and jeered until they were able to deliver their new ally to Rex at Sid’s bar. Sid let them have drinks on the house and Tech watched (Y/N) drink her fill and then take off back for the Marauder. 

“I think you should have an escort back”, Tech told her. He took her hand in his and she blushed, not used to it and influenced a little by the alcohol. Once back at the Marauder he let her change and then he stripped his armor off down to his blacks. “Alright bandage change and more bacta before bed”, Tech scolded. “I hoped you had forgotten”, (Y/N) grinned, swinging her legs over the bunk. 

“Not a chance”, he replied. “So Tech I was wondering”, (Y/N) started. He hummed informing her to continue as he got the bandage off and started to apply more bacta. “Well would you like to be in a relationship… you know with me? Like a girlfriend boyfriend type relationship? If so I would like to take it slow”, she rambled. He froze for a moment as he mulled over her words. He didn’t know how to be in a relationship. This wasn’t a part of his training. Should he even respond? 

She held her breath as he seemed to think about it. “I believe I would like that and taking it slow would be good since I wasn’t trained for relationships”, he responded as he started to bandage again. “Nobody is trained for relationships Tech”, she laughed. There was that fluttering feeling in his chest again, but it was starting to become normal the more it happened and he liked it. “All done, you should rest now”, he smiled up at her.

“Okay but only if you join me. It really helped me sleep last time”, she yawned. He nodded and climbed up into his bunk then helped her up. She lay her head on his chest just like before, and he waited for her breathing to slow. “Night Tech love you”, she slurred before she fell asleep. “Night love you too cyar’ika”, he yawned, falling asleep as well. When the others returned they smiled at (Y/N) glued to Tech’s side with her head on his chest and Tech’s arm holding her tightly to him.

—-------------------------

Sunlight kisses his face like golden fingers against his skin. There isn’t a cloud that can overshadow the peace in his eyes. Nothing but contentment while he watches the skies. With a hand on his chest and the other on his stomach, he lies in a rare bed of ease. 

   Relaxed by the sun’s warmth, the cool winds, and the gentle tickle of grass against his legs, Tech sighs gently through his nose. 

   “Have you drawn your birds yet, mesh’la?”

It’s a serious question, but the way he says it in the faintest jesting tone has your cheeks flushing red. 

   You look down at the empty pages in your sketchbook, clearing your throat. 

   “No,” you reply, setting your pencil down against the spine before closing the journal. “And I don’t think I’ll be seeing any of those doves. It might be too late in the day.” 

   The slight disappointment in your voice causes Tech to sit up, brows pinched in concern. “Perhaps you will have better luck tomorrow if we leave earlier in the morning. The rainbow doves leave their nests near dusk or dawn and it is midday.” 

   You shift, sitting crisscrossed on the blanket, and glance up at the sun with closed eyes. Its warmth beats against your face, gentle and comforting. After a moment, you sigh. “Maybe it’s best if we just move on. If the doves won’t come out on the sunniest day in the week, I’ll doubt I’ll get lucky tomorrow.” 

   “Mesh’la.” 

   You look at him, furrowing your brows when you notice him staring behind you. Slowly, you turn, eyes widening at the sight coming from the colorful trees in the distance. 

   Rainbow feathered birds come fluttering out from the shelter of the trees, the faintest sound of dove song greeting your ears like a hello. The sight of multicolored birds soaring into the sky is so beautiful that you nearly forget why you’re birdwatching in the first place. Quickly, you grab your sketchbook and begin to draw the scene, acutely aware of the blanket’s rustle. 

   Tech’s hands snake around your hips, hauling you in the space between his legs. He hooks his arms around your waist, chin settling on your shoulder as he watches you sketch. You feel the beat of his heart against your back, causing you to smile at the welcomed distraction. 

   “You’re hovering,” you murmur in a teasing tone. 

   He hums, adjusting his goggles. “I’m observing. Your artistic skill is fascinating.” 

   “Fascinating?” You giggle, brushing eraser shavings off of the paper. “Thank you. I love being fascinating.” 

   “You’re more than fascinating, mesh’la,” he adds, tightening his arms around your waist. “You are passionate and kind and I find your adoration of birds to be endearing.” 

   You smile, cheeks flushing red with a blush. “Can I tell you something?” 

   “Of course.” 

   With a stroke of your pencil, you finish the sketch and hold it up. With the birds flying across the sky, it looks as if you took a picture of the moment and put it on paper. “On this planet, the doves mate for life. They usually find their partners five to seven months after leaving the nest to live on their own and once they mate, they stayed paired for life.” You turn to look at him, catching the faintest trace of adoration in his eyes. Shy words leave your lips ever so slowly. “Will you be my dove?”

   “Your dove,” he echoes in amusement. The look makes you giggle while you lean back against him, allowing him to take the sketchbook out of your hands. Tech eyes your drawing with a gentle gaze, lip twitching up in a small smile at the sight of your work. 

   “I would love to be your dove, cyare,” he says sincerely, gently thumbing the page. “My only request is that you draw me onto one of these pages among the other birds.” 

   At this, you move off of his lap and sit in front of him, eagerly snatching the book out of his hands. Pencil in hand, you face him and give him a cheeky grin. “Get comfortable, dove. This’ll take a while.” 

   “You’re being awfully eager,” he noted, smiling. “You’ve thought of this before, haven’t you?” 

   “Drawing you?” You chuckle shyly. “Maybe. I’ve just never mustered the courage to ask.” 

   “Well,” he grunts, lying down on his back to face the sky. After adjusting his goggles, he places his hands on his chest and looks at you, arching a brow. “Now you do not need to ask.” 

   You watch him with eyes full of love as he relaxes against the blanket. The sun’s golden hands gently cradle his cheeks until they turn pink, his eyes fluttering shut at the light. The wind combs through his curls, ruffling them up as his chest rises and falls with a deep breath. 

   “Hey, Tech?” 

   “Yes, dove.” 

   You lean over to curl a stray hair around your finger. It falls against his forehead and you smile at how cute he looks. With a lean, you press a gentle kiss to his lips and smile when he returns it without hesitation. When you pull away, he gives you a pleasant but questioning gaze. 

   “You’re… you’re beautiful.” 

   “Ah,” He clears his throat, shyly looking away. The only sign that gives his true feelings away is the flush of his cheeks, now red. “Th-thank you, cyare.” 

   “Always,” you murmur, brushing the curl away before sitting back. “Now, sit still. I need to get every detail.” 

   “I’m still.” 

   “You’re fidgeting.” 

   “That is not something I can control.” 

   “Then go to sleep.” 

   “If I could, I would attempt to-” 

   “I can tire you out.” 

   Your suggestive comment causes him to turn his head swiftly, lips slowly curling up into a small smile. “Finish your drawing and if we have time-”

  “Alright, alright! I’m going as fast as I can-!”

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You never quite understood why the guys kept their on. Of course Tech liked taking off everything above the torso when he knew we'd be completely unbothered for a while. Crosshair was the same with the top half of his. If Hunter or Wrecker were taking any of it off, usually they'd just take off all of it. And Echo was hardly seen without his on.

You never were around the guys long enough after a mission to care to keep yours on. You'd been able to get lounge clothes (though it was against regulation, you frankly didn't have a shit to give) and you wore them whenever you had the chance. There were times while on shore leave that you'd keep your armor on just to blend in with other soldiers or to practice carrying all that weight normally. But you were always a sucker for taking it all off and getting cozy around the ship. The Havoc in which you considered your home certainly didn't have a "home"-like smell, but inside was your family. Not an organized family, but it was close enough.

You slipped your boots off, removing your flight suit and everything else to get comfortable. Putting on an actually clean pair of underwear and a breast-band, slipping on Tech's favorite pair of shorts (at least his favorite pair that didn't show your ass off like a trophy) and a black t-shirt he kept in his possession. And of course socks because you would never step around in that ship barefoot even if it was a life or death situation.

You left the small portion of the ship that housed your bunks and saw the boys all around the main hull. Tech was sitting at the mini booth he had set up - after you guys started basically living on the ship due to excess missions, he thought there should at least be somewhere for him to work (and because you wanted a seating area). Echo sat across from him with an e-book on a datapad. Crosshair took his normal seat in the darkest corner of the room, watching over everyone while stroking his rifle with a rag. The universe would be a much different place if he ever thought of putting the thing down. Hunter must've been in the cockpit, getting some piece and quiet from the boys and Wrecker - Wrecker must've also been in the cockpit but that surprised you. Usually the Sergeant wasn't sane enough after missions to keep him around.

You smile and waved at Crosshair like you always did when he was brooding, watching him return a playful smile. It was one that meant he was comfortable around you, he only ever gave those gestured to the boys. It made your heart warm when Hunter had pointed it out.

Your attention returned the the silent Echo and the almost silent Tech if it wasn't for the occasion mumbling to himself. He did it when he was working very often. When he had did it for the first time in front of you, you were convinced he actually wanted to chat or tell you what he was doing, so you listened. You found it cute.

Moving over to the table, you sat down on the semi-hard seats, seeing what Tech was so focused on. He had a few pieces of metal scattered around the durasteel table, tools and such set to the side. His little mess of organized chaos made absolutely no sense to you whatsoever. Whatever he was working on, it had wires everywhere and - were those curved plates?

It looked like an explosive to you, very close to one actually as he started fixing wires together, metal screws and bolts connecting in his head as he pieced parts together - he made it look so simple, almost as if he was building furniture. Without a manual. Nevermind; he was the manual.

You wanted him to hold you, you always did after missions like the ones you just went on. Everything was a bit scary afterward, getting into the habit of replaying every scene, every moment where the whole mission could've derailed. He was your form of stress relief, just in the body of a chatty nerd that never wanted to lay down and itched to do something with his hands constantly. Scanning your eyes over his body, his feet were planted as his legs were in a manspread, arms out at the table working nimbly with his talented hands.

You had a brilliant idea. You scootched over to Tech, basically on your hands and knees as you ducked your head under his arm. Your movement earned a questioning hum from him. His arms stopped moving at the wires. You could tell by the way they were held out straight in front of him that whatever antics you were pulling had gained his full attention.

You felt him watching you as you slipped your body between his and the table, wrapping your arms around his torso, your knees resting on the booth on either side of him. Sitting on his lap, you nuzzled your cheek into his chest, bare of all armor. The plastoid on his thighs weren't the most comfortable seat, but feeling the warmth of Tech all around you made it bearable.

He relaxed his shoulders after you let out a heavy exhale, closing your eyes and just sitting against him.

Maker, you looked adorable under his arms and Tech had to use all of his power to work on not wrapping his arms around you. He wanted to get his shock-wave grenade done before landing so he could present it to the GAR. It would be smarter to have a larger shockwave (even if the people deploying it would require a good arm) but wanted to be the one to craft it. He knew if he only suggested the idea to the GAR, they'd take months to get it approved and months to create it. So he thought he'd just make his own.

Tech relaxed himself, continuing to work on his small project while his chin rested atop your head, feeling the soft strands of hair under his jaw. He could work like this, with you holding onto him like a Ewok. You had the same teddy bear softness as one, and the cute noises you made when you were angry or the way you got all curious when seeing new things while on missions.

The cogs in his mind were turning at a faster pace, encouraged by the fact that he had someone waiting for him to cuddle, tucked into his little bubble of concentration he'd formed long ago. He never expected his small bubble of personal space to ever be invaded or shared. But he soon can to realize that sharing it with you was everything he'd ever wanted.

You were able to snuggle into him whenever while he was working and he enjoyed it a lot more than he expressed. When you spoke, he put his datapad down to listen. And not some half-ass listening - real listening and commenting. You were new terrain for him, making him open his arms wide to welcome you into his once introverted lifestyle. Introverted not meaning that he didn't like interacting with people, just that he liked being alone more often than not.

But with you wrapping your arms around him, tucked into his lap, simply resting your head against him - he'd let you invade his personal space every day he continued to breathe if it meant he got to feel this happy. He usually questioned your every action, but he didn't want to question you in the fear you would move.

And you didn't.

•--•