This Would Be My Reaction 😂 

Angst! Echo x OC (Dawn) Unspoken Love (pt. 1)

Y’ALL THIS IS MY FIRST FANFIC EVER!!!!!! I am so excited to finally publish my first story on Tumblr. I have been inspired by everyone in the The Bad Batch community to write this story <3

@zoeykallus​ is one of my favorite creators on this website! I was inspired by her to work on this. 

Warnings: Mentions of death and grief (takes place during Order 66)

Word Count: 700

Summary:  Echo and reader knew each other before Order 66, and kept a long distance friendship (although they both had feelings for each other). After Order 66, the reader goes silent - leading the Empire to file her as deceased. Echo was devastated by this information. Rex recruits reader and the Bad Batch for a mission. Echo and reader are reunited after many tribulations. 

DECEASED?

"Dawn S. - DECEASED."

Echo couldn't believe what he was reading on his holopad. He began to pace around the Marauder; Hunter could feel Echo's blood pressure and heart rate increase.

Echo's chest rose with every breath he took. Tears are rolling down his prominent cheekbones onto his chest plate. His breaths were becoming louder and uneven, which concerned Hunter. His bodily strength gave out. Allowing himself to finally feel- his tears turned into a river, sounds of a broken man escaped him, and the pain he felt covered his entire being. Consumed by the grief of not only losing the woman he loved from afar but also losing the last best friend he had before the Citadel.

Omega, not understanding his grief, wanted to reach out to him. Her small hand making its way to his shoulder was abruptly held by Hunter. Looking up at him with a confused expression, she saw her brother looking at her with caution. Silently communicating with her that it was not the right time to comfort Echo. Behind Hunter, Omega focused on her other two brothers. Tech kept looking at the ground while Wrecker was shedding tears on behalf of his brother's loss.

Echo's legs were spread while his back was arching into the lower bunk. The painful sobs he released were felt by every soul in the Marauder. His squad allowed him to let out the pain he felt, which he was thankful for in the future.

Not knowing that his other half was alive.

- - - - -

Coruscant (Order 66)

Dawn found herself at the Jedi Temple while Clone Force 99 assisted Kanan Jarrus at the last minute. She enjoyed seeing younglings grow stronger and was fascinated by their relationship with the force. Her loving gaze turned into one of concern as she heard clones running into the room armed. As she was about to ask whether the temple was under attack. The clone trooper attempted to shoot at the closest youngling by his side. The Jedi master and Dawn were too late to save the youngling but made their way to the clone trooper- easily defeating him, he fell to the ground. Dawn had her blasters out, shooting at the Clone troopers from behind while the Jedi master took the front clone troopers. The Jedi master and Dawn were ushering the children out of the room.

The clone troopers were too much for the Jedi to handle all alone. They kept this method for quite a while until they encountered too many at the front. Dawn finished them off and reached for the dying Jedi. The last words she heard were, "Protect them… run away … far from here."

Dawn's head looked down as she felt a weight on her lap. The Jedi master entrusts her with the lives of her younglings by protecting them with their lightsaber. Dawn doesn't hesitate to turn on the lightsaber as she and the kids run away. They found a window where they could go down and hide (the fall is pretty high, but they are using force). She stayed in the back, ensuring each child would go down safely. She heard shouting from afar and ran towards the noise, fighting back against any who tried to harm her and the children. She was wounded by three shots but kept up the fist fight she began with a clone. Her back was facing the window, which gave the clone the idea to push her through the window.

Her scream was deadly as she flew. Feeling the pressure from gravity surrounding her prompted her to close her eyes. Waiting for the deadly impact at the bottom of the Jedi temple. A place where she began working and developed multiple friendships with the people who attempted to kill her that night. Remembering the good times she had with a particular clone, someone to who she never had confessed her love. The biggest regret she had at that moment.

Dawn abruptly felt the force hug her as she landed peacefully on the cement. Looking around, she found the eyes of the kids she swore to protect.

---

Dun, Dun, DUN!!! How is it so far? Any feedback??!! 

Pinterest

sanatorium on Twitter | Star wars characters pictures, Star wars clone wars, Star wars fandom

Oct 26, 2021 - “Omega：HeeheheheheOhhohohohoHehhehHiahiahiahiahia——————!!!”

Saw this on Pinterest 😌

Hello! I’ve been enjoying every written work you release 🥰

For the Bad Batch HCs, would you be able to write about the boys having a short partner?

I’m 4”6’ (O.o) - would the boys tease? Do they have a preference on who is the big spoon?

Thanks, love!

Makes me very happy to read that! Always delighted to see people enjoying my stuff :)) 🥰

Oh that's cute :), I'm 5'6. Which is still small compared to some of the boys :D

Let me see...

The Bad Batch x Short Reader HC's

Hunter

He doesn't give it too much thought, honestly, he likes you, he thinks your cute, your height is not really something he cares about much. Maybe because he is the shortest of his CF99 brothers.

He loves to be the big spoon and he is a cuddle machine in bed, if you let him he is pretty snuggly and hands on, you'll probably be wrapped in some of his limbs all night.

However, he doesn't like it when someone makes fun of your size. Makes him pretty angry, pretty fast.

Echo

He is very caring and protective. The smaller you are, the more protective he is for some reason, as if your size has an impact on how dangerous the world around you is.

The smaller you are the more delicate he handles you. But let's be frank, Echo is overcaring either way, you could be Wrecker's size and he would still be all around you to keep you safe, it's just who he is. But it for sure as hell intensifies the smaller you are.

He really likes cuddles but in the beginning he might be a bit hesitant and super careful, but that's not because of your size, it's his prosthetics, he just doesn't want to hurt you.

Wrecker

"Maker, you are so cute, you are so tiny!"

He doesn't mean to insult you, not at all, he really is surprised about your height the first time he meets you and he really does think you are cute.

He doesn't make fun of you, not even in a loving way. He never mentions your size in a negative way, at least not on purpose. But be prepared to be carried around a lot, he just loves to pick you up, swing you around or carry you around, cause that way he's got you close to him.

As you might have suspected; Wrecker is indeed a cuddle machine, all day if he get's the chance. He loves to be the big spoon and he is very soft and sweet with you, careful and loving. He can be an elephant in a china store, but with you he is so smooth and tender that you can hardly resist him.

Tech

When he meets you the first time, he is a little surprised, looking at you examining. Sometimes he forgets that he actually is not only exceptionally clever but also exceptionally tall.

If you ask him what he thinks about your height he will say something along the lines of, "Well, you are quite short. Other than that, there is not much to think of. Should I think about your height in a certain way?"

If he falls for you, he falls hard and he doesn't care about your size, height or weight.

He's a spider monkey, I haven't figured out why yet but he likes to clasp his legs around you, at every opportunity you are embraced by his long legs, from behind or from the front.

Crosshair

He will be mocking you about it, a lot, mainly to get your attention. Holding things out of your reach, or putting them out of your reach, making little remarks and stupid but harmless jokes.

He doesn't mean any harm, he's actually fascinated by you, he likes you and his way of showing interest starts always with mocking and little remarks. You'll get used to it if you really want to.

Crosshair is not much of a cuddler, in bed sure, but not generally. He doesn't really care who the big spoon is, when he is in a cuddly mood, all that counts is body contact, to have you close.

@rintheemolion

@andyoufollowyourheart @clone-whore-99

@brynhildrmimi @kaliel2310

@misogirl828 @tech-deck

@meshla-madalene

@chxpsi

@thebahdbitch

@nahoney22 @ladykatakuri

Crosshair Theory

There's a whole lot of ways Crosshair's story could go this season but I've been considering something I hadn't really thought about. I've done a lot of thinking about how Cross could defect from the Empire but I didn't really consider the idea of the Empire turning against him.

I don't think we're going to get a Crosshair redemption/recovery arc this season because it feels too soon. He isn't going to change without some self-reflection and I don't think that's really going to sink in until he hits rock bottom. And that could happen if he loses the only thing he feels even mildly supported by: The Empire.

We've been told that at the beginning of S2 The Empire believe The Batch to be dead, meaning that Cross didn't tell them about CF 99 escaping Kamino. But they're gonna find out. We know from the trailer that the Batch are being hunted down which means that their survival must have been discovered.

And that's gonna cause the Empire to question Crosshair. Now he could lie and say he got separated from them and without seeing them leave, had assumed they had died. But I doubt the Empire are going to trust him much with that. In reality, they don't actually care about him, so they're not going to risk keeping someone around who could betray them.

With them turning against him, Crosshair would have to go into hiding to escape being hunted. But without The Batch, he would be completely alone.

And I think that could be his rock bottom. Realising that he is on his own. Realising that The Empire aren't going to be there this time. Realising that maybe if he'd gone with CF 99, he wouldn't be in this situation.

And knowing that his insistence that The Empire was the way forward, and his own ignorance, were what led him here, Cross could realise that he messed up. Big time.

By having the season end with Cross on his own and the Empire hunting him, it would leave future seasons for that redemption/recovery to really be fleshed out. Ultimately owning up to his mistakes and seeking help from The Batch again.

To me, I think this theory makes a little more sense than Crosshair just defecting. He's so wrapped up in the Empire that it's going to take him being stranded to realise he screwed up. Because if the Empire can do what they've done up until this point and Cross still sides with them, it really begs the question as to how far they would have to push it for him to leave. A forceful removal seems more likely to me.

Regardless of what actually happens, I think we're going to have to watch Crosshair get a lot worse before he gets better. There's going to have to be a big push to get him to really look at himself.

But I'm excited to see where his story goes. With a lot of praise being thrown towards the Cross storyline, I think this could he a really great season.

Edit: fixed a sentence because it made no sense

°•°•°•°•°

Also quick thanks to @intrepidmare. Discussing Crosshair in another post actually made me think more about this and inspired me to write this. <3

@moonlight-sonata99 you brought hope 🥹🥹

My friend has just brought this to my attention and I might cry. What if the eventual Ep in S2 where Rex teams up with the bad batch, echo leaves with him. Although I’m not mad at that decision and I’ll actually be sorta ok with it? However, if it means he will leave the show entirely or not get anymore screen time or any new character development I will be very disappointed and sad and die of sorrow.

(I’ll also point out, yes if he goes with Rex he will die at some point but..as long as I don’t see it happen I will survive..for the most part)

Tech and Echo, Chaotic Besties TM

You write the best content for us mf with baby fever 😩 what about proud parent echo who can’t stop fussing over the newborn and wants to keep one eye on them at all times? I feel like echo would be such a protective parent and the type to read every single manual on babies before they came

MWAHAHAHAHA Baby fever fics are my calling 🥰

"Echo, it's time for him to go to bed."

"But he's asleep already," Echo said, not seeing what the problem was.

You leaned against his bunk frame, "Echo, honey, he needs to sleep in his bassinet," You nodded to the crib hovering in the corner of your bunkroom.

Echo shook his head, "I just got him to calm down, it'll be too much of a hassle to get him into the bassinet without waking him up. Besides, the bassinet's too far away," he almost whined.

Baby hiccuped I'm his sleep, and your heartbeat fluttered for a moment as you both admired your child, wrapped up in Echo's arms.

"Look at how comfy he is like this," Echo insisted, voice much quieter to keep baby from waking up, "He can just sleep like this."

"Echo," You scolded softly. His bottom lip jutted out, trying to imitate the newest creature that had carved out a space on your heart.

Oh how you loved them both.

"He needs to learn to sleep on his own," You sighed, sliding into the bed next to him. Echo scooted over eagerly, taking this to mean that you were giving up.

"When he's older," Echo acquiesced, "He's too little. He doesn't need to worry about learning anything right now. That's what we're for."

You had to laugh at how sound his logic was, pressing your face into his shoulder to keep from waking the baby.

"One more night," You said with a yawn, "Tomorrow he has to go in the crib."

"No." Echo said.

Baby made little grunting noises in his sleep, his fists opening and closing around the fabric of Echo's shirt.

Echo traced his finger up and down baby's spine, humming softly to soothe baby back to sleep. It was probably gas, but baby smiled in his sleep, cooing softly as a bubble blew from the corner of his mouth.

Who were you to argue with that?

Ain’t know way we are losing him right now 😭

I BEGETH OF YALL TO STOP THIS MADNESS

FILONI- it’s right on site 🙃

Okay but what if Echo's gonna die and the reason that they're making us happy with all the new content now is because they know we're gonna be miserable in 3 months 😰

Kibo and Kisses

Taking a breather on a remote planet after working yet another job for Cid, Echo steals away with you for a moment.

Pairing: Echo x f!reader

Word count: 3.3k

Warnings: cuteness, sweetness, fluff, Echo is self-conscious but we love him, eavesdropping brothers, idiots in love, first kiss, pet names/nicknames, brief mention of Fives (who else was Echo going to learn some moves from?)

Translations: Uj’ika – kinda like ‘cupcake’

He was sweet behind all the gruffness and bad puns. If anything, it just added to his charm. War changed many men, and being kept prisoner, body altered without consent, and mind used to defeat your brethren? Yeah, that would undoubtedly change a man.

You wouldn’t think it, though, watching Echo listen intently to Omega’s story, laughing at the right moments and nodding to encourage her to continue. She only had a handful of stories, late-night tales Nala Se used to tell her back on Kamino, but she could remember them like the back of her hand, and once she grew tired of the boy’s war stories and the ones about your childhood, she would share hers.

You’d lost track of how long you’d been roaming the galaxy with Omega and the boys. Cid had insisted you accompany them on a mission, and that mission rolled to two and then to three…

Shaking your head fondly, a sigh slipped from between your lips. The Trandoshan had given you such a sly smile when she’d shoved you onto a ship with four charming men and a cute kid.

“He’s not going to disappear, you know.” Warmth blossomed in your chest as Hunter sat next to you on the crudely made wooden bench you’d fashioned shortly after landing two rotations ago on Yavin 4. While the boys had armour to protect their behinds from the damp grass, you and Omega didn’t have that luxury.

“Don’t know what you mean.” You lied, tilting your head to meet the Sergeant’s gaze, squinting a little as the setting sun dared to blind you.

“Mhm.” The corners of Hunter’s lips quirked up in amusement, but he refrained from pushing his point too far. Watching you moon over his brother from afar was adorable and frustrating that you were too stubborn and anxious to do anything about it. “What story is Omega telling this time?” He switched topics, noting how the tension melted slightly from your shoulders.

“You’re the one with the enhanced hearing, you tell me.” You rocked to the side, lightly nudging Hunter’s arm with your shoulder. You’d grown up with a brother, and though the war had taken him from you, it had also graced you with a few new ones.

Turning your gaze back to Echo and Omega, you waited as Hunter tuned in to their conversation. At first, his ability to eavesdrop from afar had caught you off guard, forcing you to switch to your mother tongue when quietly cussing anyone on the ship out. Still, you found amusement in using it to your advantage, twisting Hunter’s arm until he would eavesdrop on gossiping women in marketplaces or creepy men with lousy pick-up lines in cantinas.

“It’s not a Nala Se special.” He admitted, eyebrows rising closer to his hairline as Echo’s laughter filled the tiny clearing Tech had set the Marauder down in. “Did you tell someone that you prefer they take you for dinner before calling you names?”

The colour drained from your face, and your jaw slackened. “Oh no.” You squeaked, wide eyes watching the way Echo’s whole frame shook with laughter, while Omega grinned, oblivious to the true meaning behind the comeback you’d snapped at the rude market attendant the last time you’d touched down for supplies.

Turning your gaze to Hunter, his thinly veiled amusement had you stammering out an explanation. “A- A fruit vendor wasn’t looking where he was going. He walked into us. His goods went everywhere. He called me some choice names; I told him I preferred dinner beforehand – it slipped out before I could stop it. Oh, Maker, you think Omega knows what I meant?”

Allowing himself to chuckle at the horror on your face, Hunter stood, bringing a large hand down to land on your shoulder. “I hope not but try not to make such comments around the innocent child next time. I don’t think any of us are ready to have that talk with her yet.” He shook his head in disbelief, smile firmly in place as he retreated onto the ship.

“Omega.” You called out, desperately hoping to stop her from telling any more stories before she embarrassed you further.

Your voice drew the young girl’s attention, and with a quick wave of your hand, she came racing across the clearing, stopping right in front of you. Echo trailed behind her, his pace much more languid. “What is it?” Omega offered you a sweet smile, rocking on the spot with her hands locked behind her back.

“It’s getting dark, and we should head inside.” You gestured to the setting sun, which had dropped a little further towards the horizon since you’d first sat down to watch Omega and Echo.

Frowning, the young clone glared at the sun before returning her smile to you. “But you and Echo are out here with me.” She retorted, tampering down her grin as she watched Echo sit beside you on the bench, his knee lightly knocking against yours.

Grateful he couldn’t hear your heart hammering away at the physical contact, you bit down on the inside of your lip. “I know, but it’s bedtime.” You insisted. You tried to keep a routine for her, conscious that she was young and growing. Omega never skipped a meal, even if it meant you did on the quiet, and where possible, she got eight hours of sleep.

“I’m not tired.” Omega’s smile turned to a pout. She wasn’t ready for the evening to end.

“It’s been a long day. You’ll fall asleep as soon as you’re in bed and have Lula.” Echo chimed in, catching how your shoulders relaxed as he took the reins. He enjoyed that you mothered Omega, offering her one of the things that they had been deprived of. But he also knew how difficult it could be, especially when the child in question wasn’t your own. There were invisible boundaries to negotiate and rules to establish, but whenever he felt you might need a helping hand, he was more than willing to step up. Sometimes, it was good to remind himself that Omega was still a child, even if she was older than him and his brothers.

Shooting Echo a thankful smile, you returned your focus to the quiet girl before you. She looked to be contemplating Echo’s words. It was time for the big guns. “Besides, you’ll need plenty of energy if we’re going to track down a Ysalamiri tomorrow.”

Omega’s face lit up brighter than the suns of Tatooine. “We’re going to go and find one?” She gasped. When you’d landed, Tech had pulled out his datapad to research the planet. He’d found a list of native plants and animals, pointing out which ones to avoid. Omega had caught sight of the Ysalamiri and loved the non-threatening, furry creatures.

“Yep, so you’ll need your sleep. They’re fast and live in the trees, so we might need to do some climbing.” You explained, silently praying Hunter wasn’t actively listening to the conversation. He would have a fit if he knew you’d scramble amongst the branches, but it was part of a normal childhood.

“Will you come too, Echo?” Omega swung her wide gaze to her brother, pleading for him to join them.

Eyes widening as he was put on the spot, Echo stalled for a moment. He’d told Tech that he would help him perform maintenance on the ship in the morning, but was he about to give up the chance to explore with you? “Sure.” He decided, knowing he’d have to break the news to Tech. His brother could maintain the ship alone, but Echo didn’t want him to bear the weight alone. “I’d be more than happy to escort my favourite girls.” It slipped out before he could stop it, and he studiously kept his eyes on Omega, ignoring the weight of your soft gaze on his profile.

“I’ll go to bed then.” Omega declared, conceding with a grin that had you narrowing your eyes in her direction. What was going on in that young girl’s mind?

Opening his arms, Echo accepted Omega’s goodnight hug. It had taken a short while for him to grow accustomed to the action – a shoulder thump was the usual level of affection his brothers gave, and he was conscious that his cybernetics made everything uncomfortable and awkward. Sometimes he wondered if he could swap his scomp out for a proper arm and hand, but they didn’t have the credits or time to purchase and make such adjustments.

Omega threw herself into your arms after hugging her brother, giving you a tight squeeze before she bounded into the Marauder, leaving you with Echo.

“If you’d rather have a girl’s day tomorrow, that’s okay. I know you and Omega enjoy your time together.” Echo broke the momentary silence. As much as he wanted, no yearned, to join you tomorrow, he would respect your decision. You and Omega didn’t get much time to explore marketplaces or local fairgrounds together, and he would hate to take that from you.

“I’d love for you to come with us.” You stated, reaching up to tuck an errant strand of hair behind your ear.

Echo wasn’t entirely convinced. “You sure?” He gave you one last out. “Feels like you haven’t wanted to be around me lately. You left the cockpit quickly the other day when we swapped watch.” He added dejectedly, shrugging his shoulders as if he didn’t care.

Your heart ached, and your mind berated you. You’d just wanted a little space to determine whether your adoration for the man at your side was genuine or forged because you lived in each other’s pockets. Some hypothetical questions had been posed to Tech, your confidence in the man’s research capabilities unquestionable, and done a lot of soul searching.

Reaching out for him, your hand found purchase on his scomp, and though he couldn’t feel anything from the rigid metal, you still gave him a gentle squeeze. “Ecks.” The nickname slipped out quickly as you scooted closer, registering the flicker of surprise across his face at the new name. “I’m sorry, I’ve had much on my mind lately. You didn’t do or say anything wrong; it was just me getting stuck in my head.” You explained. “Of course, I want to be around you, and I’d love for you to come with us tomorrow.”

The frown creasing Echo’s brow disappeared at your reassurance, but your words kept playing over in his mind. What have you been thinking about? Could he help ease the weight of it, if only for a little while? “You should probably rest too then, uj’ika, if we’re to keep up with Omega. And don’t tell me you’re not tired. You yawned twice when Hunter was handing out rations.” Echo chided. You might’ve thought you were being subtle, but from the vantage point of his bunk, Echo could see the faint glow of your datapad screen each night as you stayed up late.

The term of endearment made you smile, but you were still none the wiser about the meaning. The first time Echo had used it, Wrecker had given a hearty chuckle, Hunter and Tech shooting you amused smiles before glancing at each other – communicating in that silent way only the Batch boys could. With Hunter’s words from earlier playing through your mind, you took a small leap of faith. “I should, but I was thinking about going for a small walk – want to join me?” You offered, rising to your feet and offering the sweet man before you your hand.

Echo hesitated. He wanted to go with you, Maker, he did, but he was supposed to be on watch with Tech. “Go.” Tech’s voice clipped through his cybernetic headpiece, and Echo gladly placed his hand in your own, rising to his feet as he watched the momentary confusion marring your features smooth into a beautiful smile.

Tinkering with the ship’s engine, Tech had heard the entire exchange between you and his vod. It took only two taps on his vambrace to isolate Echo’s comms and deliver the instruction. While some assistance would’ve been helpful, and another set of eyes for the watch was optimal, ensuring his brother’s happiness was back on track and your anxiety levels lowered would be better for the group.  

Letting you lead, Echo savoured the warmth of your hand in his, the way your fingers curled to grasp him tightly, and how you brought your other hand over to clutch at his forearm, suffocating all space between you. Fleetingly, he was grateful that you’d grabbed hold of his arm and not his scomp. “We shouldn’t go too far; we have no idea what could be out here.” He warned as you approached the edge of the clearing.

Shoulders shaking with your small laugh, you turned to stand in front of Echo, letting go of his forearm in the process. “You’re right, but I know I’m safe with you.” There had been some close calls over the last few missions, but Echo had been behind you, blaster in hand. He always had your back.

The softness of your words and the way you smiled at him took everything for Echo not to stride forward and steal his first kiss. Were you even aware of the effect you had on him? How his heart raced, and how he sometimes struggled to find the right words? “Always.” He vowed. His body had been through plenty. What was another blaster shot if it meant keeping you safe? 

The distant look was back in Echo’s eyes; the one you knew meant he was lost in thought. “Come on.” You gently prompted, moving to his right to loop your arm through his, fingers resting on his scomp.

“The other side would be comfier for you.” Echo swallowed, highly aware of how unforgiving his altered arm was. His first few weeks with the Batch had been spent relearning how to fight, sleep comfortably, eat, and wash himself. He’d sometimes wondered if it would be easier not to have the scomp.

Shrugging, you lightly pulled him forward, starting your journey into the tree line. “I like this side too.” You reassured him. “I like all of you.” You took a leap, throwing the comment out into the open, avoiding Echo’s gaze as you moved nimbly through the woods, avoiding the mighty trees that stretched up to the sky. At the same time, the crisp crunch of fallen leaves and the sweet music of local birds provided a beautiful soundtrack.

“You do?” Echo blinked in surprise, lips parting as your words settled in his mind. Your hum of affirmation as you released his scomp to jump across a small creek made him grin. “Well, it’s mutual.” He offered, reaching up to rub at the back of his head.

Giggling, you turned back around to face Echo, but your smile faltered when you caught sight of something above him, eyes widening as you gasped.

Watching your expression change, the galaxy slowed for a moment as Echo reflexively pulled his blaster from its holster, finger on the trigger as he aimed it upwards in the direction you were looking. His body tensed, every nerve on high alert, ready to take down whatever was up there and protect you. But while scanning the branches, leaves, and colourful flowers, he found no danger, no noise of a droid or person, or even an animal beyond the melodic bird song – was there something he couldn’t see?  

“Uj’ika…” Echo searched for an answer.

Returning your gaze to Echo, you hopped back across the creek, reaching out a hand to take his arm and slowly lower it, along with his blaster. “It’s okay, there’s no danger.” You explained quietly. “I’m sorry I spooked you.” You apologised, watching as he slid his blaster back into its holster, questioning brown eyes turning in your direction.

“It’s a Kibo.” You whispered, awe lacing your voice as the softest smile crossed your features. “The purple flowers. They’re so rare, Ecks. I never thought I’d see one in person.”

Flowers. You were in awe of rare flowers. And he’d nearly shot them. “Are they going to eat us?” Echo asked, fingers twitching near his blaster. He tried to ignore how his heart clenched again at the nickname, warmth daring to seep through the few bones he had left.

Laughter bubbled forward, and you raised a hand to cover your mouth. “No, they won’t eat us.” Your laughter tapered out as you watched Echo relax.

Reassured, Echo could now ask his next question. “Why are they rare?”

“The seeds of the Kibo can restore sight. They’re prized for it. Healers and medics have searched for and taken them, so few are left.” You explained, moving closer for a better look at the flowers.

“Can they restore anything else?” Echo questioned, admiring the delicate blooms.

“I’m not sure. All that’s been documented is how they can literally and metaphorically restore a person’s vision, allowing them to see what’s right in front of them.” You shrugged, head tilting towards the flowers, watching the petals shift in the light breeze. You couldn’t believe you’d finally seen them – and out in the wild, too!

Echo couldn’t help but watch you, the awe on your face exquisite. Swallowing thickly, tendrils of fear try to creep down his spine, but he pushes them aside and reaches out with his hand. Sliding it across your cheek, he tilted your head towards him. “I don’t need a flower to let me see how beautiful you are.” He whispered, silently praying the years of watching his twin compliment women would pay off.

Surprised, your lips parted, eyes widening at the compliment and physical contact. Warmth seeped through your body. Was he flirting?

Emboldened by the fact you hadn’t reacted badly, Echo slipped his scomp around your waist and pulled you close. He had the opportunity, and he wasn’t going to waste it.

Your breath caught in your throat, your heart pounding with anticipation. A soft, nervous smile formed on your lips and Echo’s eyes dropped to them – it was all the warning you got before he leaned in and closed the distance.

His lips met yours in a soft, gentle kiss, like the brush of a feather against the skin. It was sweet and tentative, filled with all the unspoken feelings you’d both been withholding since you’d joined the squad. The world seemed to stand still as you savoured the sensation, lips lingering against each other’s.

You pulled back slightly, breaking the kiss, and your eyes opened to find Echo gazing at you with warmth and affection. Your bodies pressed together, heart racing.

You watched as a glint of something crossed his eyes, and with light steps, he guided you backwards, pressing you against the trunk of a nearby tree. His lips found your throat, and he peppered kisses across it, pulling a gasp from you.

His hand gripped your waist, keeping you close. You were still out in the open on an unfamiliar planet, and your safety was his priority. More kisses were left up your throat until he pressed his lips to yours once again. There was a little heat behind this one, making your insides turn to mush as Echo’s fingers grasped at you tightly.

He pulled back after a moment, resting his forehead on yours while you caught your breaths. The soft sound of the wind rustling the trees filtered back into your mind, along with the chirp of forest creatures.

“Maker, I’ve wanted to do that for so long,” Echo whispered, nervousness settling in.

You chuckled, a smile breaking out on your face. “Me too.” You admitted, sliding a hand to the nape of his neck, careful not to snag his cybernetic headpiece. “I think we should do it again.” You whispered.

As Echo’s eyes snapped open, you were no longer unsure what their glint meant. Those soft lips you’d just kissed curved into a wicked smile. “Yes, ma’am.”