Chapter Text
‘Coming to this place feels like coming back home.’
“Wrecker! Wrecks!! Over here!!!”
Shep was eagerly waving at Wrecker, having seen the Marauder dock after the team having been on a rather secretive mission once again.
Not that Shep needed for the Bad Batch to explain their movements of course, knowing the simple fact they were helping their kin and running interference against the Empire. Their mutual enemy. But sometimes Shep worried for them. Especially the one he held near and dear to him.
Wrecker.
“Shep!”
Wrecker eagerly waved back. The huge grin on his face a clear indiction he was enthralled when the mayor of Pabu, not that titles mattered as they really did not, not to Wrecker at least, noticed the powerhouse of all people. The team having just gotten back and wanting to see him, Wrecker first of anyone. Warming the man’s heart to no end. They were great friends after all.
“I made something I think you will enjoy.”
Shep was a great cook and it was one of the things Wrecker loved about the man.
Oh oh. Loved?
Yes, Wrecker could and would say the L-word. Wrecker loved his team, his family, some of the residents on the island having grown on him for sure. And yes, he loved Shep. As a friend, right? An extended family member even?
Pretty uncomplicated if he thought about it!
“Oh? Lemme have a taste then!”
Wrecker had run the rest of the way like a kid eager to sample new candy.
Except it wasn’t a lure Shep had put out and this wasn’t a sordid thing at all. Or was it? No, Shep was a nice guy, always feeding others. His friends and family. And having realised how much Wrecker appreciated his cooking skills, Shep always made the extra effort for his friend’s(?) benefit.
“Sure! But, it’s still hot so be careful!”
Shep warning flew right past the ears as Wrecker, half seated on the open terrace beside the table there was already deep in the bowl with his large size spoon. Digging into the stew which had a heavenly odour, never mind the heat or the spiciness of the stuff! Wrecker showed the food into his mouth while his eyes rolled in his head when he got the first sample on top of his tastebuds.
“So? Any good?” Shep asked with a hint of mirth in his voice.
“Heavenly!” Was all Wrecker managed, letting the tastes wash over his buds before swallowing it. “So, so so good.” Wrecker closed his eyes again, wallowing in the after shock of the food before looking back at Shep whose eyes seemed to be fixed on Wrecker with a… rather curious look on his face. “Wot?” Wrecker wasn’t reading the expression right for sure.
“I… um… nuttin’.” Shep swallowed thickly, clearing his throat, trying to push down the images having been conjured up from deep deep down. “I am glad you liked it.” Having his regular smirk back on with some effort, while trying to escape the sudden flush of heat taking over his body. The image of Wrecker swallowing the… food with such gusto… well… suffice to say only someone with complete lack of imagination would not have been effected by the visage.
“Of course I liked it.” Wrecker smiled widely, not really following the conversation they were having. As surely, Shep knew of how much Wrecker appreciated his cooking, right? “I love everything you cook.” Wrecker stared eyes wide at Shep for a moment before his gaze turned back to the pot, before going back to Shep.
“I hoped you would” Shep looked totally happy saying it. “Go on! Have another go!” Shep chuckled seeing as Wrecker really loved this new special recipe Shep had tried. Having Wrecker especially in mind while making the concoction.
And it had not only been Wrecker’s enormous appetite to digest food either. No, Shep was clearly in trouble, at least he thought that to himself. Seeing something in the other man more than simply a friend whom he shared interests with. Like food and fishing. No, it had certainly become so much more than that.
“Thanks Shep!” Wrecker was already picking up a bowl, ladling more stew onto it. But realising something Shep had commented on. “You made this… for me?”
“Yeah, Wrecks, I made this one especially for you.” Shep had a softer smile on his face as their eyes connected once again. Holding on for a moment before turning away from each other.
Wrecker could only nod. With his bowl and bread he continued digging into the tasty treat.
As Wrecker continued to chug down the fabulously tasting food, something inside of him shifted. Something he had not even considered. Not for himself anyway.
Seeing the other members of his team having gotten hitched, even Omega having a girlfriend now, well, a friend, but a close girl friend just the same. Something Wrecker teased her about sometimes. Seeing how close the two girls really were.
But that was puppy love. Wrecker and the others were grownups and guess, something like love and relationships other than friendships were things which happened. Being adults and all?
And guess, this had also happened to Wrecker. Unexpectedly for sure. But still. It had happened.
Wrecker stole a glance of Shep. The proud man he was, looking and smelling so totally great, Wrecker only now realising the why’s behind his… current thoughts. The feelings he experienced when around Shep. The others having already gathered around the man of the hour to sample his latest cooking.
Yeah, Wrecker knew now he had it bad. For Shep Hazard.