#tbb Shep | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

skellymom · 3 months

Text

"Return to Pabu" Part 2

Companion piece to "Cup Of Caf"

To read "Return to Pabu" Part 1

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/740375615328354305/return-to-pabu-part-1?source=share

Background: The Batch returns to Pabu with Crosshair in tow. How will he adapt? Particularly in this chapter, what will life look like for the other Batchers as they settle into civilian life? Pabu is this happy little bubble. This tiny slice of happiness and stability before the Empire shits all over this beautiful planet. Want you readers to enjoy The Batchers being happy in this chapter.

The reader (main character) from Cup Of Caf is mentioned. This story is from the point of view of The Batch and Crosshair.

(My OC Maadienne "Mad Momma" Dax makes an appearance as Hunter's love interest. Since this story takes place in an alternate universe from "Vagabonds", Love, Sil, and Tiggy do not make an appearance. Admittedly, since TBB S3 will be starting up here in a few weeks, this might be the only happy ending Hunter and Mad get. I am currently unsure if I'll be able to finish the "Vagabonds" series before the S3 hype hits. Lol, started myself a fucking novel with that one! So...I'm being really self indulgent with my OC and her love interest in this shorter series. IT FEELS SO GOOD! Thanks for understanding.)

Word Count: 1.5K

Warning: None. Angst, sadness, fluff, some alcohol use, babies. Affection and types of romantic relationships other than Cishet.

Lovely dividers by the talented @saradika

The next morning Crosshair was gone, his bed empty. Hunter, terrified of losing Cross again, was about to track him down. Echo intervened.

“He’ll come back. Just needs time to sort out his thoughts...alone.”

Hunter nodded and proceeded to Omega’s room. She was gone. He had forgotten she slept over at Lyana’s house. Wrecker spent the night with Shep.

Mad emerged from their bedroom dressed and planted a kiss on Hunter’s cheek.

“Bye Hunky.”

Hunter mildly panicked “Wait. Where are you going?”

“Phee and I are spending the day doing ‘Woman Stuff’. Probably don’t remember, you seemed pretty drunk last night.”

She stopped, looked at Echo then Hunter. “What’s the matter? Lookin’ sad there Handsome.”

“Oh...uh...nothing.”

“He’s sad because his squad up and left him.”

“Now Echo...”

“It’s strange not being totally in charge, huh? Gives you lots of time to do other things?”

Hunter was silent, still sulking.

Mad’s heart went out to him. “You want me to stay home with you today?”

Hunter gave her puppy dog eyes.

“Use your words, Hunky. What’s your head say versus you heart?”

Hunter scowled. “Both say words are hard.”

Echo chuckled. “Run away Mad, I’ve got him. Go have fun with Phee.”

Mad smiled, hugged Hunter who took in her scent, and squeezed back.

“You can’t ever leave Echo. This man needs you as an emotional interpreter.”

She kissed Hunter then pecked Echo on the cheek before dashing out the door. “THANKS!”

Both stood there red-faced grinning.

“I LOVE that woman.” Hunter beamed.

Echo clapped Hunter on the back. “C’mon, let’s go sneak Tech some caf at the Med Ward.”

And so, the weeks passed by with Crosshair disappearing all morning, finally returning by afternoon. No idea where he went. The Batch didn’t ask at first. Omega had theories, which she shared with her brothers, Mad and Phee.

Then the rumors started around the island: The local potter, usually rather withdrawn, was making the rounds around the island. Purchasing food for “The Grumpy Man.” Rumors were confirmed as the skinny bald sniper started filling out. His skin and hair becoming healthy and lustrous.

Omega set out to start learning how to cook, roping Wrecker in as her sidekick. They packed up meals for Crosshair, insisting he share the food with his new friend. At first, he scoffed, then relented. Eventually Cross slowly started inserting himself into the evening cooking sessions in The Batcher House.

Crosshair would imbibe in drink and eventually loosen up...for his standards. Sharing small bits and pieces of his experiences while away from the Batch. But nothing TOO deep. Cross was always content to watch the antics of his very happy family.

Wrecker and Shep would bring in the catch of the day. Then sit and drink, sharing loving touches and sweet glances at one another. They announced their engagement and planned to wed soon. The whole island was invited to the ceremony and reception. They coordinated with Echo on refreshments and Wrecker planned the menu, wanting to cook for his own wedding reception...with Omega’s help, of course.

Echo, in charge of refreshments, would open a bottle of Spotchka or throw together a Fuzzy Bantha or some other cocktail. Tech had built Echo a mechanical hand that could be switched out with his scomp. From that point on, Echo was the official Batcher Bartender. It wasn’t just throwing together a drink, it was a SHOW! He tossed bottles in the air, catching them, pouring with finesse, lighting the brightly colored alcohol on fire (for Wrecker especially), adding exotic ingredients that Tech helped suggest for certain palates, some of which Phee brought back from her travels.

On the crazier nights, Echo would toss bottles and Wrecker cooking implements in unison while Mad and Phee sang and Shep hammered percussion on the wooden table with his large hands. Hunter would get up from the table to dance, dragging Crosshair with him. The competition was fierce as both men had an intense “Dance Off” to one up each other.

Tech was learning the fine art of highbrow humor, especially after one (or several) of Echo’s cocktails. He and Phee would have constant banter at the table. They were hysterically funny when Tech reached the confused slurry speech stage. Phee enjoyed playfully teasing him while he rambled on, index finger raised...then trailing off as he had lost his train of thought. She’d gently slip her hand into his raised one and caress it. Tech would blush red(der) and smile.

Hunter and Mad sat leaning against each other, shoulder to thigh. Basking in love, occasionally whispering something into each other’s ear. Things that brought their own blush and smile. They shared a secret...eventually requesting Echo make her drinks sans alcohol. Hunter instructed Echo to add Mad’s to his drink, making it a double. By the end of the night Tech and Hunter would carry on a drunken conversation that NOBODY understood except the two of them. Everyone would get hugs though. Even Tech would embrace the guests before everyone left...as Phee eventually escorted him to the sofa. Hunter never made it that far, choosing the comfort of the floor. Wrecker tucked Lula under his head, before leaving to spend the night at Shep’s place.

Echo would help Mad and Phee clean up, then hug Omega goodnight. He would awaken early like clockwork the next morning, brewing caf in the kitchen. Echo and Crosshair would nod to each other, as Echo slid the packaged food across the kitchen island to him. Then smile as Cross quietly left the house. Afterwards Echo nudged Tech and Hunter awake to start the day.

Dinner came and went. The Batchers kept their drinking to a minimum tonight. Everyone just wanted a quiet evening. Hunter and Tech wanted to sleep in an actual bed again. Mad and Phee WANTED THEM to sleep in an actual bed again.

Besides, Hunter and Mad had an announcement to make: Mad was expecting. While everyone was beyond happy and joyful, it was no surprise. A definite event to celebrate. Wrecker brought a cake to the table and Hunter handed Mad his vibroknife to cut it.

“Uh...we don’t have something maybe...CLEANER to use?”

“Made sure to wipe it down properly.”

“Let me guess...this has some kind of significance, yeah?” Mad cocked an eye at Hunter.

“Well, I WILL be using this knife...MY knife to cut our child’s umbilical cord.”

“WHAT???” Mad frantically searching Hunters stone cold expression for any trace of total BS.

“I’ll wipe the blade down properly beforehand. Especially if it’s a C-section.”

“HUNTER, HAVE YOU LOST YOUR DAMNED MIND???”

Hunter’s face was dead serious...until everyone at the table burst out laughing. Then he winked at Mad.

"Kriff! Thought the booze pickled your brain!!!”

Hunter gently took the knife from Mad, flipped it back and forth expertly one handed and slid it back into its sheath. Suddenly, he knelt down beside her on one knee. The laughter in the room died down to total silence. Mad could see from everyone’s face this was spontaneous and unexpected.

“Mad” Hunter took both of her hands in his.

He cleared his throat. Hunter’s expression was mixed: Intensely passionate but nervous. He was out of his element and not used to doing this sort of thing in front of others.

“Ah...As you know, I’m not the kind of guy whose all about grand public gestures...but I was struck in the moment to tell you...in front of the most important group of people in my life to the most important individual who is carrying my child...that I LOVE YOU intensely with my VERY BEING.”

Mad slightly cocked her head and gave him her veiled sassy “No duh, Hunky” expression. Hunter almost broke out in nervous laughter but caught himself. Clearing his throat again, he leaned in slightly. Mad got serious and mirrored this gesture. They were close enough to intensely look into each other's eyes and focus on one another. The rest of the room seemed to fall away into the distant background and disappear. Just two people declaring to each other their deepest desires.

Hunter continued. “I know we didn’t plan for this to happen.” He lovingly stroked her belly. Mad squeezed his hand. “I also know we didn’t plan to be formally married...and I don’t expect that. Heck...” He looked slightly embarrassed letting it all hang out. “I don’t have a ring...or technically own ANYTHING...I’m...poor. But I have a life to give and I want to give it to you. I’ll be the most devoted father to this baby and the most devoted partner to you.”

“I know the Nomaadi don’t stay in one place too long. And...if you’ll have me...If you want me...I’ll go anywhere and everywhere you want to go. I want both of us to be together for whatever amount of time we have left in this life.”

Silence.

Then Mad spoke. “Hunter...” Her voice caught a hitch and she inhaled sharply. She was touched deeply by this gesture of vulnerability and commitment. The baby, barely formed yet, fluttered sharply inside her belly...the first time she ever felt its presence. Everything seemed so REAL suddenly, not just the concept of being pregnant...

PLEASE like, comment, and/or REBLOG!

Part 3 will drop next week!

32 notes · View notes

letsquestjess · 1 year

Text

Phee, trying to ask Tech out: Would you like to stay for dinner?

Shep: WOULD YOU LIKE TO STAY FOREVER?

#tbb #the bad batch #sw the bad batch #sw tbb #star wars the bad batch #tbb incorrect quotes #incorrect bad batch quotes #incorrect quotes #incorrect tbb quotes #tbb tech #tbb phee #tbb shep #source: scatterpatter's incorrect quotes generator #source: mulan

84 notes · View notes

potio-kanjiklub-zevzeca · 1 year

Photo

Part 1 - Team Pabu

18 notes · View notes

thegalaxys-edge · 1 year

Text

thoughts on s2e13; spoilers

- tech playing again himself if everything i didn’t know i needed. literally love this man

- PHEE I LOVE YOU SO MUCH OUR ARCHEOLOGIST QUEEN

- finally someone actually paying attention to techs feelings and interests..

- techs little smile when he turned to look at phee it’s too cute

- omega finally getting to be a kid !!!

- also you can tell tech and omega have a better bond now because he’s watching out for her emotional needs and it’s so sweet

- “AS A FATHER” OH MY GOD

- i can’t help it i want them to settle down so bad :’(

- now that you’ve had 5 seconds of peace and hope, we bring to you: natural disasters

- i really thought they were gonna kill shep for a moment

- gah they want to stay but i know they won’t

- filoni tryna give us a fluff piece to make up for everything he’s about to put us through in the finale

#tbb #tbb s2e13 #tbb phee #tbb tech #tbb omega #tbb hunter #tbb spoilers #tbb shep

17 notes · View notes

dragon-pups · 8 days

Text

More for the collection!

153 notes · View notes

faceofpoe · 7 days

Text

Getting into Bad Batch fandom late in the game is wild because every episode you glean new insight into old fan wishlists such as: "wet-hair Hunter" and "Echo's ears" and "Crosshair gets to finish a goddamn meal."

#And I'm loving every moment #Tbb #The bad batch #tbb spoilers #Sort of?#the bad batch spoilers #Still waiting on Crosshair getting a real meal in though #Help me gentle epilogue everyone gathered around Shep's terrace you're my only hope

88 notes · View notes

dindjarindiaries · 28 days

Text

CX-2 hot

#is this a safe space to say that?#when he was threatening shep......#LISTEN HEAR ME OUT--#cx-2 #the bad batch #the bad batch spoilers #tbb spoilers

43 notes · View notes

littlefeatherr · 11 months

Text

The Bad Batch S2 Rewatch: Pabu

Phee doesn't tell the batch what they need as a family. She shows them by example and by letting them draw their own conclusions. She's helping them unlearn thinking strictly as soldiers with tactical objectives. Some examples I picked up during my rewatch:

Phee takes them as far from the Empire as possible, where other displaced families have made a life under the radar.

She puts her "pirating" activities in a different light with the batch by revealing that she's acquiring items for the benefit and cultural preservation of the refugees.

Teaching them by example that helping others is important even if you're not personally affected by their struggles, and:

That the preservation of all cultures and art is worth much more than money.

She introduces Hunter to Shep, a single father who's successful in his career and serves his community while raising a happy, well-adjusted daughter.

Introduces Tech and Wrecker to Shep and Lyanna, regular people who aren't clones and who are friendly and don't judge them. Incidentally, up until they met Suu Lawquane and later, Romar, the batch mostly had bad experiences with the regular citizens of the galaxy (Cid, Rafa Martez, Roland Durand).

Phee introduces Omega to another girl her age, Lyanna. It allows her brothers to see how happy it makes Omega to have a little friend and that it's good for both girls.

Shep teaches them that there's more to being a parent than providing necessities and protection. Fun, hospitality, and playtime also teach kids independence (as well as the batch).

In Shep, a big man with a big heart, generous and caring who enjoys relaxing with friends, Wrecker discovers a friend who accepts him as he is. Others in Pabu also befriend Wrecker.

Tech discovers that much of the knowledge he has can be useful to rebuild communities, infrastructure and help people rather than solely for war.

Phee encourages Omega to explore and enjoy nature and wildlife away from her brothers.

She essentially gives Tech and Hunter permission to relax and take time to enjoy the simple things, like twinkling lights at sunset.

The community effort to work together saved them from the destruction of the earthquake and sea surge. This is a brand new experience for the "trust nobody but your squad" batch.

They learned thst community is vital during unpredictable life events, and:

Staying together as a community and sharing resources provides a sense of safety and security regardless of the circumstances.

It's important as a member of any community to help strangers, children, elderly and disabled, risking your own life to do so. Very different than prioritizing your fellow clones over the local people during combat.

The batch experienced being part of a community, giving more than money: each one shared their time, skills, labor, food, and friendship.

These are just a few of the things that stood out to me.

Wrecker sensing the earthquake along with Hunter was also a surprise. He turned to Hunter just as he looked around, and then Wrecker also turned as well. It made me wonder if he sensed the movement or if he heard the noise that accompanies large earthquakes. And just what abilities their enhancements give them.

It struck me that Pabu is the first inhabited planet the batch has visited that was untouched by war - no garrison, no scarred landscape, no Empire, no clone troopers on duty. It struck me that they've probably never seen what peace actually looks like for the citizens of the galaxy. It's a deeply sad realization.

Please feel free to share anything you noticed to this post. 😊

#the bad batch #tbb s2 #sw tbb s2 #phee genoa #tech #tbb tech #hunter #tbb hunter #tbb wrecker #wrecker #tbb omega #omega #lyanna hazard #shep hazard #star wars the bad batch #star wars

164 notes · View notes

talesfrommedinastation · 7 months

Text

My redneck neighbor Doug watches 'The Bad Batch': Pabu

So, maybe it's because the Razorbacks are currently up over the Tigers, which makes Doug's LSU loving self extra fired up this evening, but I have made the mistake of asking him again about his opinion on the episode after 'The Outpost', which was 'Pabu'.

He called this both 'HR Goes to Daytona' and 'Did I miss an episode?'.

Doug: Make sure you put one of my Baton Rouge boys on the internet too right now. GEAUX TIGERS.

CW: Doug insults everyone, everything, and is generally a cantankerous old jerk in this one. His wife should have unplugged his internet. Lots of adult everything, ranging from language to...well, if you're under 18, please be warned.

Prepare thyself, especially if you're a TechxPhee fan. The amount of angry emojis I got in the text messages were pretty wild.

----

'Pabu' aka 'HR Goes to Daytona'

Oh it’s Church Lady and it’s Sunday service. Why is little orphan blondie in the bar with her? Daddy Rambo has his knife but you know the man was plowing vodka out of sight here. He’s tired.

I thought he hated Church Lady? Did I miss an episode?

Ah, now Ryan-from-Accounting is playing solitaire. Atta boy, get your mind off the bitch wife Laura. If he makes out with that garbage robot I’ll throw up.

Time to skee-daddle. Woah! Church Lady just grabbed Ryan-from-Accounting. That man looks terrified, probably because he found a Youtube video of her taking down muggers behind Manning's after a Pelicans game. Bitch wife Laura gonna blow a gasket.

But such is the way of the Church Lady, I have known many in my day. “I groped the hot new usher in Jesus’s house, but it’s okay, The Lord forgives”.

(praise the Lord and pass the Tabasco)

No, seriously, did I miss an episode? I feel like I did.

Houma-BBQ bitch is bitching, as is her wont. I wonder what sauce her tail would taste best with. Carolina Gold? I’d cook her brisket style. Oh, wait, back to the show.

And now they’re on paradise! Daytona Beach! Who is this guy, he looks like he used to play hoops now he plays how much dessert he can eat at Golden Corral. Props to him, that lava cake is gold. Hope Rex and Toaster Strudel are there.

Where are Rex and Toaster Strudel.

No, really, where are Rex and Toaster Strudel.

I’m getting real mad here, where are Rex and Toaster Strudel.

CHURCH LADY, GET BACK IN YOUR SPACE UBER AND GO FIND REX AND TOASTER STRUDEL. I DON’T CARE ABOUT YOUR MUSEUM OF SHIT YOU FOUND IN PEOPLE’S BACKYARDS AND THE DUMPSTER BEHIND THE KEY LARGO PUBLIX, GO GET REX AND TOASTER STRUDEL.

SHOVE RYAN-FROM-ACCOUNTING BACK INTO THE DRIVER’S SEAT, PAY FOR HIS GAS, AND GO GET REX AND TOASTER STRUDEL.

“You have some competition”. From what, there’s gonna be a hot dog eating contest or something? Why does Ryan-from-Accounting look so upset?

(“I think they’re trying to set him and Phee up, Doug.” “What, when did that happen? Did I miss an episode?”)

Ryan-from-Accounting looks either sad or excited and I’m so confused. Maybe it’s because I’ve been married since before the dinosaurs but why is he either frowning and freaked out by Church Lady or smiling at Church Lady? Is he having a breakdown like my nephew did after he lost his job? Does Bitch Wife Laura know about this? Does he like Church Lady or is he planning on pepper spraying her? Did I miss an episode? Is this how the children flirt on the Ticky-Tack? No wonder y’all aren’t getting married any more.

(“Doug, you did not miss an episode. And it is called Tik-Tok.” “I MISSED AN EPISODE. I KNOW I DID, AND IT IS CALLED THE TICKY-TACK!!!”)

Ya know who would solve these questions? REX AND MOTHER LOVING TOASTER STRUDEL, WHO AIN’T HERE. THEY NEED TO BE HERE. WHERE ARE YOU HIDING THEM CHURCH LADY.

Oh lovely, Hoops forgot to make a reservation at BoneFish, so they’re having his gas station sushi. Not one shrimp or crab on that table? Y’all Hoops is failing so hard right now, as a boy from Louisiana I’m just offended. His momma raised that man WRONG.

You know who would love sushi on the beach while watching the sun set? REX AND TOASTER STRUDEL, and Daddy Warcrimes and Sassy Park Ranger too.

I MISS SASSY PARK RANGER ALREADY!!!!!!

But no, Rex and Toaster Strudel are busy at work saving the galaxy while Julio and the gang throw back cocktails and stare at the sun like they dropped cheap acid they bought in a sketchier part of Biloxi. Which is all of Biloxi, I guess.

Oh, and Ryan-from-Accounting is awkward around Church Lady and stares at his phone lest that Bitch Wife Laura of his get a snap of them sitting together and Little Orphan Blondie pets a monkey. I hope they all get food poisoning. I’m so mad.

They need Toaster Strudel the way I need FSU to lose this weekend, I have money on that game too. WHY IS ARKANSAS STILL UP IN THE SECOND QUARTER.

Ah, Little Orphan Blondie’s on a boat with her new buddy, that’s nice. If she doesn’t find Rex and Toaster Strudel out in the ocean with James Cameron I hope–oh, shoot, I was in the navy. I know what that water means. Oh boy.

Well bless Ryan-from-Accounting, he watches Big Tuna and knows how to do a rescue. Church Lady looks happy. He finally touched her, it only took a natural disaster and a whole lot of nagging on her part. Oh, poor Church Lady, you need a guy who actually likes you back.

Seriously, why does that man look like the subject of them shitty videos HR makes us watch once a year so we don’t get sued? I don’t know, but I’m starting to understand why his Bitch Wife Laura is the way she is. I can’t believe the episode they filmed in Daytona makes me feel for her, but it do.

(“Doug, you’re making up Bitch Wife Laura in your head. She’s not in the show.” “Well, it’s clear that I missed some episodes, so maybe I missed the Bitch Wife Laura ones.” “No, you didn’t miss any, I promise.” “Are you SURE?!”)

Man, the tsunami got people running like it’s Black Friday Wal-Mart in Tampa. But they rescued an old guy and Daddy Rambo got the stolen work truck working to rescue the kids. Hooray, I guess.

You know who would have done a better job? Of all of this?

REX AND MOTHER-LOVING TOASTER STRUDEL. But they ain’t here!

(Doug's love for them runs hard and it runs deep, for which I can empathize)

You know who should have been on a beach horking down Mai Tais and getting into Church Lady and her handsy hands?

POOR POOR SASSY PARK RANGER. BUT HE DIED BACK IN WYOMING. I bet he’d love a back massage from Church Lady too! He’d sass her, she’d sass him back, and they’d make out on the beach while Daddy Warcrimes played the saxophone behind them or something. I support that. I’d like that. He’s got brown eyes.*

Make it work, Star Wars, damn it.

(Doug has unlocked a new rarepair, I guess: Mayday and Phee? WTF?)

Well they’re hanging out here in Daytona for the time being, I guess. Julio passed out under a tree like a drunk uncle at a cookout. Everyone's smiling.

I’d be smiling too, knowing that REX AND TOASTER STRUDEL ARE ACTUALLY SAVING PEOPLE WHILE YOU CLOWNS STOMP AROUND FLORIDA.

Stop smiling at Church Lady, Ryan-from-Accounting! Is it because you finally filed HR complaint paperwork or because you filed for divorce papers from Bitch Wife Laura? Why are you smiling?! Church Lady belongs to Sassy Park Ranger!

(“Doug…Sassy Park Ranger’s dead. He and Church Lady never met. You need to stop.” “IF THEY CAN BRING PALPATINE BACK, THEY CAN BRING SASSY PARK RANGER BACK TOO!”)

*=I NEED FAN ART OF THIS NOW, please @amalthiaph! Help me out!

89 notes · View notes

kajira-kreations · 7 months

Text

Preview of the doujinshi adaptation of Fennecsrifle's TechPhee fanfic, The Right Partner.

Please give their fanfic a read! It's so cute!

#star wars #the bad batch #sw tbb #tbb tech #tbb hunter #tbb wrecker #tbb omega #tbb shep hazard #techphee #tech x phee #making comics #doujinshi #manga style #fan comics

74 notes · View notes

trapezequeen · 16 days

Text

Hunter Being Omega’s Dad -> Tipping Point

117 notes · View notes

blogmyheartout · 3 months

Text

damn, Shep's a big guy!

#the bad batch #tbb hunter #tbb wrecker #shep hazard #pabu #star wars

32 notes · View notes

smolbean-17 · 22 days

Text

They’re definitely retrieving a person from a prison, and it doesn’t seem like they’re being incredibly gentle…

Rampart???

#and it’s not Shep #crosshair couldn’t lift Shep like that lol #the bad batch #star wars #clone wars #sw tbb #tbb #star wars tbb #the bad batch spoilers

53 notes · View notes

skellymom · 3 months

Text

"Return To Pabu" Part 1

Companion piece to "Cup Of Caf"

To read "Cup Of Caf":

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/735755898541277184/a-cup-of-caf-the-bad-batch-crosshair-one?source=share

Background: The Batch returns to Pabu with Crosshair in tow. How will he adapt?

The reader (main character) from Cup Of Caf is mentioned. This story is from the point of view of The Batch and Crosshair.

Word Count: 1.1K

Warning: None. Angst, sadness, fluff. Passionate kissing and types of romantic relationships other than Cishet.

Lovely dividers by the talented @saradika

The Havoc Marauder skimmed over the jewel toned waters of Pabu. Echo was at the controls, humming to himself. The only other sound than Wrecker snoring from the seat behind him. Omega had been snuggled up in his arms securely but lovingly after the escape from Mt Tantiss. When Wrecker had passed out, she climbed into the copilot's seat next to Echo. He occasionally smiled and stroked her hair.

Behind them sat Crosshair with Hunter passed out in his lap, both brothers in embrace and sleeping. Hunter immediately fell into a deep sleep as soon as the Batch was out of harm’s way. Cross rested his cheek on the top of his shorter brother’s head and fell back asleep. Occasionally, Crosshair would awaken to make sure Hunter was still with him, give his brother a gentle squeeze...then drift off. Hunter sighed in his sleep and squeezed back.

Phee Genoa trailed behind the Marauder in her ship. Tech rested on a stretcher next to her, holding hands, fingers intertwined. He babbled nonstop to Phee about everything: The mission to Mt Tantiss, his fall, his infiltration of Hemlock’s laboratory. She listened intently peppering in the occasional, “Mhmm” “Yeah” or “Oh Brown Eyes.”

Both ships arrived at the island and touched down. Hunter awakened and sleepily stood. Omega hopped down and hugged Echo fiercely.

“You’re staying with us...right?” Her large brown eyes pleading with him.

“For a little while. At least until Rex needs me.”

Omega squeezed Echo HARD and held on. He embraced her gently.

Hunter stooped down and kissed the top of Omega's head then poked Wrecker awake.

“Huh...uh...here SO SOON?” Wrecker stretched and cracked his back.

“Been out for quite some time.” Hunter chuckled. “C’mon, let’s help Phee get Tech off her ship.”

“Yep, I got it.” Wrecker stole a glance at Echo and Omega. He smiled then playfully smacked Crosshair on his shoulder. “Come check out your new home.”

Crosshair refused to open his eyes. “I’m in no hurry.” He sneered at Wrecker as his brother exited the ship.

Hunter glanced down at Crosshair. Cross opened one eye to stare back at Hunter. They both grinned at each other. Then Hunter followed Wrecker to Phee’s ship.

She had yet to lower the gangplank for entry...which seemed strange.

“Their heart rates are elevated. Hope everything is ok.” Hunter was concerned.

“Here, step up.” Wrecker stooped down on one knee, allowing Hunter to step up. He grabbed Hunter’s feet and lifted him high enough to see into the ship’s cockpit.

“OH!” Hunter gave a surprise gasp and chuckled...

Phee and Tech were locked in a passionate embrace, neither one aware of Hunter peeping through the ship’s windscreen at them.

“Bring me down, Wrecker.”

Wrecker caught Hunter’s flushed face and burst out laughing, while dropping the sergeant to the ground. “WELL, IT’S ABOUT TIME!”

Hunter cleared his throat...then felt a familiar presence behind him. He spun to face...Maadienne Dax. She was leaning against the Pabu Archium Tree and had been watching the whole interaction with a sly smile.

“Hey Hunky.”

Hunter was love-struck and relieved that she was still on Pabu and waited for him. He knew her restless nature. The Nomaadi never stayed in one place for too long.

They tentatively stepped toward one another. Then swept up in an amorous embrace, gently rubbing noses, leaning in for a serious deep kiss, mouths parted.

“Omega!” Lyana and a group of other children ran up to the ships.

“Lyana!” Omega released Echo, jumped out of the Marauder to greet them.

They mobbed past Shep who waved in greeting. “Hello Miss Omega. Relieved to have you back!”

“You too, Shep! Sorry, gotta go!!!” as the children dragged her away towards the town.

Shep stopped and met Wreckers gaze. “Hello to you, too.”

Wrecker grinned from ear to ear and gently took Shep Hazard into his arms and lovingly kissed him.

Crosshair and Echo watched all of this silently from the inside of the Marauder. There was a palpable yearning in the air.

“You have someone here on this planet too?”

Echo was taken aback that Crosshair would suddenly ask that type of question.

“No...” Echo sighed longingly. “She’s back on Coruscant. Well, she’s not MINE per se...” He rubbed the back of his neck. “...a VERY close friend. You leave anyone behind...back there?”

Crosshair’s expression changed to intense sorrow. Echo immediately regretted his inquiry. “Apologies. None of my business...”

“Back on Barton IV...he didn’t survive The Empire.”

“My condolences, friend.” Echo hesitated, then reached out to put his hand on Crosshair’s shoulder.

Cross gazed up at Echo with moist eyes. “Thank you, Vod.”

Phee eventually lowered the gangplank and engaged Tech’s hover stretcher to bring him out. Both wore flushed complexions with a twinkle in their eyes. Mad hugged Phee and was introduced to Tech. The women picked up where they left before the mission with an enthusiastic gaggle of conversation. Reunions with Wrecker and Echo commenced. Shep informed everyone a large dinner was waiting at his home on the patio, after everyone freshened up of course.

Crosshair, being the last to exit the Marauder, timidly stepped out. He didn’t feel like part of the merry group and unsure how to make his entrance. He quietly stood and took in each interaction with his snipers calculating eye. Shep stepped up to Crosshair and offered his hand.

“Finally get to meet the famous Crosshair. Glad to have you here on Pabu.”

Crosshair nodded quietly but didn’t take Shep’s hand. Shep was a good sport about it, chuckled, shrugged, and followed up with, “Look forward to you joining us for dinner tonight.” before stepping away to reunite with Wrecker.

Hunter put his hand on Shep’s arm “Don’t mind him. He’ll come around.”

“Understandably he needs time. Most of the inhabitants here did when they first arrived too.”

Dinner was lovely.

Crosshair sat quietly and ate very little, while taking in the conversation around the table. He watched the happy faces of the couples and friends interacting with each other. The loudness, emotion, intensity of it all.

His head hurt, heart ached, and yearned to escape it. Cross silently excused himself and sat alone on the patio overlooking the island. Hunter paused from his drinking, concerned.

Echo leaned in, “I’ve got this. Enjoy your time with Mad.”

Hunter nodded, still concerned, but snaked his arm around Mad and squeezed. She unconsciously reached up and caressed Hunter’s cheek while laughing at the table conversation.

Echo poured two stiff after dinner drinks and took them to the patio. He settled into a seat next to Crosshair, handing him a cup. Cross nodded in thanks. They both sat silently nursing their drinks and watched the sun set over Pabu.

PLEASE like, comment, and/or REBLOG!

To read "Return to Pabu" Part 2

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/740838054339723264/return-to-pabu-part-2?source=share

48 notes · View notes