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dragonrider9905 · 1 year

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Sunset in Your Eyes, Sunrise of My Life

Thank you so much for the prompt @photogirl894!!! I really like how this one turned out, and I hope you do too!!!! This piece is a participation in @clonexreaderbingo!

Bingo card square: sunset

Being a bartender at 79’s had its perks and its downsides.

One of the perks was serving a very lively and lovely crowd: the clones.

One of the downsides: you had strange, strange late hours that threw you for a loup.

But you loved it.

Tonight was one of those nights that got your blood boiling a good kind of heat. You were laughing and dancing around the bar table filling orders, flirting and socializing with what came to be your favorite group of human beings. These clones were (almost) always respectful, kind, considerate, brave, modest, funny…there were a few bad apples in the bunch but overall, whenever you worked this job, you always had fun, and left with a glow in your face and warm feeling in your heart.

If only you didn’t have to work your other job to make this one possible!

The lights were low and the music was high, loudly beating out a jukebox favorite. The bar was busy, just how you liked it. The dance floor was filled and you saw many happy faces, as there ought to be. All of your favorite people were gathered for a relaxing evening where they could forget the war for a little while. All your favorite colors were in town. The grays, the golds, the blues, and finally a few teals showed up. A familiar kind face finally making his way to his normal spot with the same kind, tired smile.

“Hey Howzer, how’s it going? Your normal?”

You knew most of the regulars and their orders by now. Howzer was more than a regular to you though. He’d become sort of a brother, watching out for you when the boys would get rowdy or when nat borns would get disrespectful. He was quiet at first but you brought out the playful side of him. You always looked forward to seeing him and worried when he was deployed, whether or not he’d come back.

“Yeah, you know, not bad. Better now that I’ve seen you.”

“Thanks hun. Here you go. You know, there is more to life than Mailoorun cocktails? Try branching out a little, it’s on me. If you hate it, you can get your next regular free.”

Howzer laughed, “No thanks, I’m good. I like the fruity stuff. It is one of two reasons I come back here.” He held up his hand and coughed into it while saying “I’ve got to make sure my vod’ika stays out of trouble.”

You gave him a look and he returned it with a goofy grin.

“Plus, I don’t want to take money from your hard earned tips…I know you don’t earn a lot working here.”

“You’re worth it though.”

Howzer’s face softened a little. “Thanks…but all the same. The fruity stuff, vod’ika. Tell me how you’ve been?”

For a good half hour, you went between chatting Howzer’s ear off, ragaling him with tales of work, 79s, school and your family life. Howzer returned with stories of his brothers. Never of the war, always jocular tales of the boys.

During this time, clones would come and go but out of the corner of your eye, you saw a pair of clones who always made you smile. They entered not too long ago but were engaged in conversation so you hadn’t approached them yet. The one with the five tattooed on his forehead had his arm slung over his buddy with a hand painted on his chest piece. Quite obviously annoying his brother by the look on his face. Howzer grinned a knowing grin at you and eyed the same pair, raising his eyebrows a little.

“Shut up.”

“I didn’t say anything! He’s a good lad, and he’s obviously nervous. Why don’t you talk to him?”

You chuckled. “I know who he is, Howzer. He’s one of my favorites. I’m going to do more than that. I’m going to flirt with him first; let’s see how red we can make his face.”

“You’re horrible, but I love you for it.”

“Aw shucks, thanks!”

You made your way down the bar, talking and pouring more drinks. The closer you got, the more you caught of their conversation.

“You should talk to her.”

“No! She is too good for someone like me. I’ll just bongle everything up.”

“You’re so sweet to her; you’ve got a chance. This isn’t your first time talking to her. You should just ask her out.”

“No way; that could be taken as disrespectful. She deserves all the respect in the galaxy, and if I mess it up, she wouldn’t speak to me again—wouldn't blame her for it either.”

“Hey, she’s coming over this way. I’m going to call her over and you’re going to talk to her.”

“Don’t you dare! Fives!”

“Hey miss! We’d like to order here, please? When you have a moment?”

“Fives you little—” His angry expression cut short when you walked up to the pair with a smile, shocked nervousness and wide eyes replacing the annoyed look of before.

“Uh, hi, yes, we’re thirsty, water please? Water good. You’re pretty. Good. You’re good at this, and kind. Thank you for asking.”

“This is a bar, you can have something else besides water.” You leaned over the counter and practically put your face next to his, and watched the clone blush at your closeness to him. That, or from his embarrassment. “We do have good Corellian whisky. Might be a good change from your normal, Galaxy Explosion.”

“Uhhhh, yes please, Ma’am. Sounds good. Wait, you remember what I drink?”

You smiled, “I remember a lot about you, Echo.”

He froze, and stared into your eyes, mouth agape. You could almost see the cogs turning in his brain, trying to figure out what you meant by that.

“Here I was hoping you’d say the same thing, love. I’ll be right back with your drink. What’ll you have, Fives?” You leaned over to give the extroverted brother some attention.

“Give me the same as him!”

“You got it!”

You chuckled, then went to fetch the glasses and materials needed to concoct the specialty. You saw Echo let out a big breath then shove his brother next to him.

“Fives, I swear…” but you interrupted again, coming with a few bottles.

“Have you ever seen one made? Watch this.”

You started flipping the bottles, tossing them in the air then catching and pouring them. You lit the top with a blue flame then served him, smirking satisfied at his gawk.

“You are…that was perfect. Thank you.”

“You haven’t tried it yet, hun. Wait til you do, then compliment the work.”

He eyed the glass suspiciously, turning it around in his hands.

“I didn’t poison it if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Echo looked up aghast. “I…it’s not that. How do I drink something flaming?”

“You blow it out first.”

“Oh.”

Still not looking convinced, he blew out the flame and brought the cup to his lips, face still scrunched up suspiciously.

Echo was a person of habit, you knew exactly why he was reacting this way but it was too good not to tease him about it. You snickered and he raised his eyebrows.

“I’ll get you your regular, hun. I can tell you don’t like it!”

“No! It is really good…”

“But it isn’t what you wanted. I’ll be right back.”

While you were mixing Echo’s new drink you saw Echo run a hand through his hair.

“I’m digging my own grave right now, Fives. I just insulted her and I have no idea how I did that. Just bury me now.” Echo clunked his head on the counter.

“Eh, I don’t think she took it as an insult…hey, she’s coming back.”

Echo shot straight back up.

“I like what you made, but thank you for this. I’m sorry I was rude…”

“Echo.” You broke him off rather sharply. “You weren’t rude. I’ve seen you in here a bunch of times and this is what you get because you like it. If you weren’t in the mood for the other one, I wasn’t going to make you drink it, even if it was good.”

Echo let out a breath.

“Still…”

“No buts or stills. Tell me how you’ve been, love.”

Echo colored a little bit at the nickname and slowly the shyness melted away as his slow, calculated speech started to turn playful and quick, filled with fun and smiles. It did not escape your notice that Fives was being uncharacteristically quiet, signature smirk ever present on his face.

The nervousness was replaced with a happy glow, and Echo soon started to smile at your special nickname for him. Throughout the night, you bounced between the customers but always came back to him to finish one of the many conversations you’d started. Howzer just smiled. He liked where this was going.

“That’s why I like sunsets…” you concluded. “They say everything is going to be ok. A sort of promise, you know? After a long day, they offer some peace, some serenity. A farewell to the day, even if it was bad, there is still something to be grateful for. I can’t even describe how I feel when I watch one…each is so different! If I miss a sunset, I try to watch the sunrise. It either starts my day out right, or ends my day well.”

“Good luck seeing anything on this polluted planet. I swear it just turns from night to day. Nothing like what I’ve seen on other planets.” Echo scoffed.

“Coruscant has some of the most lovely sunrises and sunsets, if you know where to look for them.” You placed your hands on your hips, raising your chin challengingly, “You can’t see them most places but believe me, it is worth it—if you know the right spot to sit. I know some secret places that would rival some of your ‘oh so great’ sightings.”

“If you say so.”

“Say, I get off at 400 hours. Want to head back around six thirty and we can watch the sunrise together?”

“Or how about I just stay here, you know, to protect you. Fight off all those unrulies for you. Make sure you’re alright. Some sketchy people can sit in a bar late at night.”

“I’ve survived before you came along, Echo.” You smirked but your eyes betrayed their sparkle. “But if you wanted to stick around, I wouldn’t protest. And by unruly, you mean Fives right?”

Echo’s lips pulled up into a smile.

“Of course.”

“Hey! I heard that!”

“Then it’s a date!” You said excitedly.

“A…date? Yes! A date!” Echo looked flustered. You could only snicker, it was so cute.

The night went quickly and slowly the patrons trickled out of the bar. You said goodnight to Howzer, Fives took his leave, then it was just you and Echo alone in the empty room.

“I have to clean up, then I’ll be ready.”

“I can help.”

“No, Echo, just sit and enjoy yourself…”

“No, I’m helping. The sooner we finish, the sooner we can go on our ‘date’.” Scooping up a bunch of glasses and heading for the kitchen, the discussion was ended. You could only shake your head with a touched smile.

— — —

You and Echo climbed to one of the highest buildings of the city. The world below buzzed with activity but up here, it was only a distant noise. The lights of the city were glowing softly, like a blazing campfire.

You took a seat on the platform and patted the spot next to you.

“You’ll have to admit I’m right.” You said a little winded. “This spot is the best on Coruscant.”

“Ok, you win with this one. No matter what the sky looks like, this is pretty amazing.”

You smirked a little and looked out towards the east, waiting for the glorious gold you knew was to come. Echo fiddled with his hands a little trying to form his thoughts. Finally, he came up with something.

“You know, what I wanted to say was that you’re pretty, and kind. Still stands. Would you go out with me?”

You tore your eyes away from the horizon.

“What?” Had you heard him right?

Echo turned a deep red. “I said, uh, would you go out with me, on a date—a real one where I can treat you special?”

Your confusion turned to pure bliss. “Echo, I couldn’t love anything more.”

You looked into his eyes and noticed they were their own sunset. The amber color threw off golds and rich browns as the reddened sun flashed across them. There was a firmness, a fierceness, enflamed there yet a kindness that ruled them all.

His eyes held all the power of the setting sun and you knew you no longer would have to wait until the end of the day for serenity and peace and certainty. All you’d have to do was look deeply into the eyes of the man before you.

“Say, we come back here and watch the sunset tonight? I’ll pack some food, and maybe some music, if you want to dance that is.”

“Echo! You’re such a romantic!”

“You have no idea.”

In that moment, the sun broke from its cage in the clouds, spilling over the planet, blanketing it in a sheet of gold. Echo gasped, spellbound.

“Ok, you were right. This is…amazing.”

You chuckled but he interrupted you.

“But I’ll just have to one up you by bringing you to Kamino to watch a sunset or sunrise there. They’re rare but nothing can beat a sunset at home.”

“I’ll look forward to it.”

You watched every sunset you could together after that. Your relationship grew with every rising sun. When you’d work late, Echo would stop by and watch the sunrise with you. If you had school and worked your other job, he’d join you for the sunset. You continued your routine when Echo was deployed but it wasn’t the same. It was always so much more special with him. Every once and a while, he’d comm you but nothing compared to having him sit in silence next to you while you watched the sky transform before you.

When he was finally home, you’d spend the evenings chatting away. Tonight was different though. An unknown heaviness weighed on your heart. You couldn’t explain it, or put your finger on it. It just sat there, its presence demanding to be known. Echo had been back for nearly two weeks and you soaked up every minute you could together before he was deployed again tomorrow. You’ve been through this so many times. Why was this different?

“Echo, I have a strange feeling about this one. I wish I could tell you not to go, but I know I can’t…just…be careful, ok?”

Echo knew he hadn’t told you much about this mission. It was dangerous and he didn’t want you to worry. But he was an ARC. This is what he was made for. Besides, when he got back from the Citadel mission, he’d have a good story to share with you. But all he could say was:

“I promise.”

You stayed silent after that, snuggling up a little closer to him, as if it would be the last time, and watched the world fall to night.

— — —

To say you were in a foul mood was an understatement.

School sucked today, your other boss was being a jerk for no good reason, and you just mourned the first year anniversary of Echo being killed.

If another person tried to make a pass or ask you out, their hand was going to be shattered today. If another kriffer told you to move on because enough time had passed, you were going to kriffing break something, like their face.

You weren’t nearly ready for that.

No one could replace your Echo.

It had been so long but at the same time, it felt like only yesterday you’d seen Fives walk in, dressed in full uniform before the bar closed, face more serious than you’d ever seen it, and you knew. He didn’t have to say anything, you just knew. And you were grateful for him coming at the end of your shift because you wouldn’t have been able to make it through that day if he’d come sooner.

You remembered how Fives helped you close up, took you home, and took care of you in the following days. You helped each other heal. You’d always been friends, but you became good friends after that. A knowing smile here, a remembrance there, a slight “he woulda loved this” “I know.” Shared between the two of you.

But then Fives was ripped from you as well.

Lots of men never came back. It always saddened you, but it never weighed as heavily as it did now after Echo’s demise. Every death stung so much more.

“Don’t you ever do that to me.” You’d told Howzer. “Or I’ll kill you.”

He’d smile sadly at you and make the promise he knew he didn’t have the power to keep. You knew he couldn’t keep it because life had different ideas in place. You just needed to hear him say it, promise that he’d do anything he could to survive. He came less and less to 79’s due to his new outpost on Ryloth but you kept in contact through holocalls. It became your only reassurance he was alive, as his barstool sat abandoned more and more frequently, only to be taken up by some stranger instead.

Heart and feet heavy, you strolled into work to prep the bar for an evening of “fun”. You had an hour to sulk in before you had to plaster a smile on your face. Clean the counter, set the glasses, cool some of the products, prep the pretzels, then give yourself five minutes to rehearse a convincing laugh.

The minutes went by quickly, and you were lagging. Becoming more exhausted, earlier than normal. You knew why, but that didn’t help. It only made it harder. Bracing your palms in a tight grip on the back counter, stepping back and bending at your middle, you leaned over hoping that would relax you and help the air into your lungs.

You just needed a few minutes, then you’d look like you were ok, even though you weren’t.

You heard a throat clear behind you, and you could tell whatever the man had to say was going to be a jest or a horrible flirt. To be frank, you weren’t in the mood. You opened your mouth to say so in the most (un)kind way you could think of so the kriffer would back off and leave you alone (plus you weren’t even open yet, what the heck) when you heard:

“Uh, hi, yes, we’re thirsty, water please? Water good.” The man had to stop and compose his voice before continuing. Laughs and emotion hidden under the surface. “You’re pretty. Good. You’re good at this, and kind. Thank you for asking. But what I wanted to say was that you’re pretty, and kind. Still stands. Would you go out with me?”

You froze. Not daring to move.

“Hm, I remember the service being better here before I died. Perhaps my memory is wrong. Thought she’d at least glare at me for how bad that was. Rude really.”

You gasped and gripped the shelf behind you until your knuckles lost feeling, not daring to look back. You could feel your lungs protest, claiming an unusual rhythm on its own, body shaking, eyes stinging.

It couldn’t be.

“Echo?”

It was barely a whisper but the voice heard you, and responded with a chuckle.

“How could you tell, was it the corny compliment?”

The voice was closer; it was no longer behind the bar but directly behind you. You could feel his breath tickle your ear and push your hairs to your cheek.

“I-is this real?”

You couldn’t look up. If you did, he’d surely vanish. After all, that’s how dreams worked. If you didn’t look up, the longer he’d stay.

Instead of an answer, you felt an arm snake around your waist, your back flushing against his chest. Instinctively, you closed your eyes and grabbed the arm wrapped around you. You couldn’t look, if you did, you’d wake up. This brief moment of happiness would be over.

“I hope so. Because if this isn’t, I’m not leaving this dream.”

“...that sounds like something someone would say in a dream…”

The phantom of Echo, with very real arms, huffed.

“Or perhaps it is something half romantic, half stupid, only Echo could come up with.”

“Now I like that a lot better.” His voice sounded so jocular.

“Echo…?”

“Hm?”

His face was in your hair now. You could feel him nuzzling his way to the crook of your neck so he could rest his chin there.

“You were dead. You…”

All strength left your body as the shock wore off. Tears fell unchecked and unstoppable. Your legs gave beneath you. If it wasn’t for Echo holding you, you would have fallen. Echo held tight but guided you to the floor so you could rest. He didn’t move from behind you yet, but waited for you to turn around when you were ready.

Sobs wrecked your body, so Echo decided to sway you back and forth in hopes it would comfort you. Assuring words easily came. When none seemed to be working he tried something else.

“Death cannot stop true love; it can only delay it for a little while.”

Your gasp turned into a snort and airy laugh, his words having the desired effect at last.

“We’ve watched too many old holofilms together. They give you the worst ideas. You really had to say that, didn’t you.”

You could feel him grin against your cheek.

“That was pretty good, you have to admit. I planned that one out for a while. Never thought I’d be able to use it, then I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.”

“Oh, did you now?”

You finally shifted in a half circle to look at him directly. What you saw was not what you were expecting. One hand was gone, replaced by a metal scomp, his head where his goofy hair used to be, had ports, and his cheeks were hollow, face pale. A look of all the suffering he endured plastered on his face.

But those eyes…they were the same. You would know them anywhere.

You reached your hand up to stroke his cheek.

“I know I look different…” a shadow of doubt clouded his face. He looked away trying to find words. Your hand gently guided his gaze back to you.

“Echo I couldn’t care less what you look like…You’re here. You’re back…”

Another wave of emotion crashed against you. Heaving, you hid your face in the crook of his neck.

“I’m just so glad you’re back. I missed you so much.”

“Cyar’ika, we’ve….got a lot to talk about. Can we talk after work tonight?”

“Echo, you’ve been dead for a year. We can talk right now.”

You glanced at the clock. “I’ll get Ted to cover my shift, we’ll still have time to catch the sunset.”

— — —

You jostled the crate in your arms. It was heavy, but you were used to hard work.

You heaved and pulled it closer to you, grunting under its weight. Sure you were used to it, but this kind of work also used to be more pleasant.

This bar wasn’t as good as the one you were used to, but it was a job, you got paid, and it was away from all the ‘noise’ in the galaxy. You knew it wouldn’t last forever but for right now, it was what you needed.

After the Empire rose and the Jedi Order fell, you fled Coruscant and ended up here of all places.

By here, you meant the backwater, sketchy, seedy, good for nothing planet of Ord Mantell in a bar owned by someone of similar repute. She went by the name ‘Cid’ but some part of you doubted that was her real name. You couldn’t help but to be suspicious. You trusted less than no one here.

Nevertheless, she hired you and didn’t ask questions (too many questions); just how you wanted it.

You’d lost Echo one more time…Your heart was so sore but numb by now; After what you’d seen what had happened to the clones, how they all weirdly changed from robust to robotic, you never reached out. Echo never reached out either…from what you knew. You changed your comm channel a long time ago. If he’d suddenly decided after a month of nothing to contact you, you wouldn’t know it.

Your arms started to ache. Cid had you running all sorts of errands that weren’t technically your job, which made you salty, but you couldn’t afford to lose this job. Money was a rare thing in the galaxy and earning it honestly, was even rarer.

A sigh escaped your mouth—you couldn’t decide which was more rare, money or love. You’d gained a beautiful man who loved you, only to lose him. He came back, only to disappear again without a trace. Was he dead? Did he just forget about you? What had happened? You didn’t get it.

Maybe we just weren’t meant to be. Perhaps our sunrise was supposed to melt into something else. Maybe our relationship has had its final sunset.

Thinking like that wasn’t going to help anyone. Shaking your head, you tried to rid yourself of the thoughts, but they’d always haunt the back of your mind and you knew it. You had other things to worry about so you tried to focus on that.

Cid’s ‘special team’ was going to be in today. Apparently they’d run a few high risk jobs with very successful outcomes—a very rare feat for some of the rumors you heard about the jobs. It was unfair you hadn’t met them yet. It honestly felt like Cid was keeping you from them on purpose and you didn’t like it. It wouldn’t be in your interests naturally. If she didn’t want you to know them, you’d better introduce yourself soon, you thought.

The door slid open quietly. Cid’s gravelly voice already talking at a loud volume.

“My bartender is out. Should be back with the stuff you boys want soon. Why don’t you wait in my office while I’ll settle stuff with her before we discuss your next job.”

Yeah, yeah, whatever Cid, I’m moving. I’m moving.

You weren’t supposed to be back for another half hour…you’d gotten back early. Perhaps this was a good time to make an entrance, bother the cranky old lady by not only showing her your efficiency (not that that would do anything) but you’d drop in on the team. The look on her face would be worth it.

But when you stepped fully inside, your body locked up. Your fingers turned cold and became rigid, but in their rigidity, they lost all their strength.

The box crashed on the floor with a bang, undoubtedly cracking the crate. You heard the bottles clank, probably broke a few. Your feet started to get wet, so that was a good guess.

But you couldn’t look down. Your eyes were locked on the scene in front of you.

Four men and a little girl were crowded around your counter, now all turned to look where the noise came from. A familiar set of amber eyes rested on you, first with surprise and shock, then excitement and love.

“E-Echo? I-is that you?”

Your throat tightened and tears sprung to your eyes without permission, breathing becoming irregular, air demanding to be let in in heaves.

The clone in question broke from his brothers and made his way to where you stood, cautious but quickly.

“Echo!” You cried again, breaking out of your stupor and running towards him. “Echo! You’re ok? You’re alive? Echo…”

Echo scooped you up in his arms and held you tightly.

“Oh cyar’ika…I was so worried about you.” He cradled you against him, stroking your hair and rubbing soothing circles on your back to abate your sobbing, “I tried to call you but there was never an answer. I was so worried. I couldn’t at first because it was too risky. It made me sick but I had to protect you. Not hearing from you…I thought something bad happened…”

When your cries finally overpowered his own worries, he tried to calm you by abating those. “I’m here; I’m fine. I’ve got a sister now, I’d like you to meet her. She’s great and she’ll love you. I’m ok, I’m really here…It’s over now…I’m never leaving you again.”

You had to laugh. Of all the places, this is where you’d meet him?

“So your Cid’s special team?”

He chuckled. “So your her amazing bartender who always disappears when we show up? All this time you’ve fetched us things and I didn’t even know it was you…”

Your mind ran through all the errands Cid had you do at the request of her ‘special team’ getting parts or food and whatnot.

“Still looking out for me, even if you didn’t know it.”

You bit your lip. Did Cid intentionally keep you apart? Anger started to course through you, but you’d never said anything to her about Echo. Had Echo said something to her?

Echo watched the different emotions cross your face. He knew you must have questions and there would be time for answers later. Now he only wanted one thing.

He leaned down, lips grazing yours as he whispered:

“Would you like to watch the sunset? It's been so long…”

You prayed there’d be more sunsets between you. You hoped beyond hope that this sunrise wouldn’t end. That you could sit together side by side and watch the days melt away together and weave a glorious glow of memory. The only sunset you needed was right before you, in Echo’s eyes.

#the bad batch #tbb echo #clone x reader #clone x you #echo x you #echo x reader #fives clone wars #echo #clone trooper x reader #echo the bad batch #echo the clone wars #howzer #captain howzer #CFB2023

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