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“Hey Wrecker?” Crosshair asks from where he’s bundled up in his bed. Wrecker is next to the bed on the floor, rummaging through his “secret” stash of his favorite snacks and candy that he brought over for his time with Crosshair. Wrecker lifts his head back up.
“Was up?” He rests his forearms on the bunk. His eyebrows pinch in worry. “Need the bucket again?”
“No,” Crosshair shakes his head. “I was thinking of ways to tell Omega about my pregnancy. I want to do something fun for her, but I don’t have any ideas.” He picks his datapad up. “Would you like to help me research?” Wrecker lights up.
“Of course I would!” He cheers. He grabs his own datapad, picks out a pack of gummy loth cats, then props himself up next to Crosshair. He covers them both up with the fluffy blanket Omega had brought him. “My candy won’t make you sick right?”
“Nope,” Crosshair answers as he begins searching the holonet. “You’ll have to share though.” He smirks as he glances at his older brother.
“Sure,” Wrecker grabs a handful and passes it to him. “Just don’t tell Tech I shared with you. He’ll get pissy cause he never gets any.” Crosshair snorts.
Since officially entering his seventh week of pregnancy, Crosshair’s symptoms have begun to really wreak havoc on his body. He’s nauseous and vomiting far into the afternoon, fatigued no matter how many catnaps he takes, and, embarrassingly, experiencing diarrhea. Crosshair remembers shrugging off Tech’s warnings about common symptoms telling his twin, “it can’t be that bad”. Now, Crosshair is eating his words.
Again, his brothers are nothing but accommodating. Each of them showing their support in their own ways. Hunter had quit caf and soft cheeses in solidarity, Tech has researched every little thing concerning pregnancy, and Echo walks with him around the ship every night. Wrecker, as usual, is his physical support. He’s the one Crosshair finds himself going to when he needs a backrub or warm hug.
Spending the past few rotations going from bed to fresher and back has caused Omega to become suspicious. Hunter said she’s actually nervous that he’s sick. Crosshair asked him not to say anything just yet because he’d like to tell her himself. He ignored Hunter’s sappy little look.
“I think it’s sweet,” Wrecker comments.
“Hm?” Crosshair hums in questions.
“Wanting to do something special for Omega,” Wrecker smiles at him. “You love her too, admit it.”
Crosshair scrunches his nose, but he knows Wrecker can see the blush spreading across his cheeks.
“She’s a nuisance,” he says. “As bothersome as you.”
“Yeah,” Wrecker laughs. “You love her.” Crosshair grunts and focuses on scrolling through the article titled, “ten fun ways to announce your pregnancy to your siblings”. He sighs reading the ideas presented to him. Many of them are too cheesy for his tastes, but he finds himself drawn to them. Seeing what his life can be now that he’s free from the Long Necks and the Empire.
“Oh!” Wrecker gasps. “What about this one?” He tilts the datapad in Crosshair’s direction so he can read it. It’s a picture of a young Tholothian child grinning from ear to ear wearing a shirt that reads “I’m going to be a big brother”.
“Yeah that’s cute,” Crosshair remarks, shruging one shoulder. “But she’s not getting a sibling. I’m pretty sure I would have remembered if I had given birth to her.”
“Ugh!” Wrecker whines, throwing his head back. Crosshair bites his lip to avoid laughing out loud at the reaction he was hoping for. “We could get a shirt that says aunt instead.”
“She would only wear it, like, once or twice,” Crosshair says. “It’s not very practical.” He ignores Wrecker’s groan of disappointment as he continues his own reading. “Some of these we can’t do. Like sharing baby photos, we don’t have those.” Crosshair cuts his eyes back to Wrecker. “Kinda glad we don't, you're ugly even as it is. I couldn’t imagine you as a tubie.” Crosshair lets a shit eating grin spread across his face.
“If you weren’t pregnant,” Wrecker starts, playing mad through his own smile. “I’d shove you off the bed.”
“Nuh-uh-uh,” Crosshair wags his finger in Wrecker’s direction, grinning wider. “Echo wouldn’t let you.”
While Crosshair’s big brothers all have a certain tenderness when it comes to him, Echo especially treats him gently. At first, the extra coddling bothered him, but after a few rotations together, Crosshair began to enjoy it. If Crosshair gets into an argument with his brothers, he goes to Echo, who always takes his side. Echo was the one to check in on him after missions, cook him his favorite foods when he was sad, and listen to his worries. Echo told Crosshair he loved him everyday which he believed his vod’ika needed to hear.
“Hey, I think this one’s good,” Wrecker holds his datapad for Crosshair to take. Crosshair reads over it and thinks it does sound doable. The idea is to buy a photo frame and frame the ultrasound. Too bad they don’t have an ultrasound machine.
“I like it,” Crosshair admits. Wrecker beams, and Crosshair feels dispirited to be the one to burst his bubble. “But we don’t have an ultrasound.”
Wrecker’s beam never wavers. He sits up a little more and cups his good ear towards the door. He listens for a second, then bends down to whisper in Crosshair’s ear.
“Can you keep a secret?” Once Crosshair nods, his grin widens. “Tech already got one for you. He wanted it to be a surprise, so don’t tell him I told you.” Crosshair snorts. Wrecker couldn’t keep a secret to save his life.
“I won’t,” Crosshair chuckles. “However, what about the frame?”
“Well, Echo said we should be on Alderaan for another few hours, so we could go out and buy one. I heard there’s lots of artists here,” Wrecker suggests. “Or I can go, if you would rather stay in bed.”
“No,” Crosshair swings his legs off his bed. “I’m getting tired of looking at the same four walls everyday. Going out sounds like it would be nice.”
Crosshair showers, and gets sick one more time, before he’s ready to leave the Shepherd and explore a nearby artists’ market. Wrecker chatters endlessly about how excited he is about the baby, being a ba’vodu, and telling Omega. Crosshair listens, not adding to Wrecker’s ramble, but smiles at his brother’s enthusiasm.
His smile drops when he feels a familiar cold chill creep up his spine. He stops in his tracks and locks his knees. Crosshair can see outside of the open ramp. It’s snowing. It’s peaceful, slow, as it falls onto the ground below. It’s what some may call beautiful. Just beyond the ramp is Hunter and Omega playing in the snow, laughing as they pelt snowballs at each other. But all Crosshair can see is Barton IV and his dying lover.
“Hey?” Wrecker asks, seeing that Crosshair has stopped and is staring blankly into Alderaan’s snowy atmosphere. At first, he’s confused, but Wrecker is intelligent in his own right. Wrecker’s expression turns into a panicked one as he puts together what’s going on. He comes over to block Crosshair’s view and hold his hands in his own. “We’re on Alderaan. You, me, Hunter, Tech, Echo, and Omega. We’re going out to get something to surprise Omega about your baby.” He pauses, continuing to rub his thumbs across Crosshair’s hands. “You’re safe here.”
Wrecker’s words do help snap him out of his daze, but Crosshair still can’t bring himself to look back outside. He furiously shakes his head back and forth. Tears start to fall down his face without permission.
“Oh Crossy…” Wrecker sighs. He goes to say something else, but is cut off by Omega’s hollering as she runs up the ramp towards them.
“Crosshair!” She rams into him, wrapping her arms around him. “Hunter and I are having a snowball fight. Will you join us? Please? I want you on my team.” Her happy demeanor falls when she sees the blank stare and the tears. “Crosshair?” Her voice falters. “What’s wrong?” Crosshair doesn’t have to look at her to know she’s starting to cry as well. She turns to Wrecker. “What’s wrong with him?”
“Uh…” Wrecker trails off, rubbing the back of his neck. He never could lie.
“Everything okay here?” A familiar voice calls from behind him.
Crosshair swerves and sees Howzer observing the scene in front of him with concern. He feels ashamed at someone else seeing him in this state and looks away. Poor Omega is now full-on sobbing in her hands, Wrecker is still floundering, and Hunter is running towards them. Crosshair feels his bottom lip begin to wobble. He looks back up to address Howzer.
“I don’t like the snow,” he childishly whispers. He hears Hunter comforting Omega and wishes it was him being comforted instead. Feeling angry at his emotional outburst, Crosshair hastily wipes at his eyes. A hand caresses his arm, and Crosshair sees it’s Howzer.
“Yeah, I don’t like the snow either,” Howzer says, tone void of pity. “I spent too much time on Ryloth. My bones can’t handle a chill under seventy degrees.” While it is nice to have something physical to focus on, Crosshair’s anger flares anew. He yanks his arm back to cradle it.
“I don’t need you patronizing me,” he hisses. Howzer remains unfazed towards Crosshair’s mood.
“I’m not,” Howzer shrugs. “I really don’t like the snow.” A small smirk graces his face. Crosshair notes how the scar creases.
“Whatever,” Crosshair rolls his eyes. Howzer is still watching him, like he expects Crosshair to say something else. As Howzer watches Crosshair, Crosshair watches him back. Howzer’s gaze is open, kind, not unlike how it was on Ryloth. However, now his eyebrows give away that he's worried as well.
“Well,” Wrecker interrupts. He claps his hands in front of him. “Crosshair, do you still want to…” He trails off, eyes flicking over to Omega.
“No,” Crosshair answers. “I don’t- I don’t want to go out.” He places his hand on Wrecker’s shoulder. “You can still go.” Wrecker nods.
“I can walk you back to-”
“I can do that,” Howzer cuts Wrecker off. Seeing Hunter’s look of suspicion and Wrecker’s look of surprise thrown at him, Howzer quickly amends. “That is if Crosshair is okay with it.” He looks towards the man in question with the same kind look he always has for him.
“It’s fine with me,” Crosshair shrugs, trying to hide how glad he is that Howzer offered. Reminded of Omega’s upset, Crosshair gets down on one knee and opens his arms for her. Omega falls into his arms, hiding her face in his chest. Crosshair sits her on his propped up knee and runs his hand through her hair. “I’m okay, kid. I just…got a little nervous.”
“Will you-” Omega hiccups, trying to dry her tears. “Will you be okay?” He rubs his cheek on the top of her hair.
“I will be,” he replies. “I might just have to take another nap.” He jokes trying to lighten the mood. She nods, accepting that answer, then stands to take Hunter’s hand. Hunter clamps his free hand on his shoulder.
“Take care, vod’ika,” he squeezes the shoulder before letting it fall to his side. “Howzer,” Hunter nods, blush consuming his face as he likely remembers the tongue lashing from both Crosshair and Echo. As Hunter and Omega walk back outside, Wrecker turns to Howzer.
“Alright then,” Wrecker grabs the reg’s hand to shake it. “Take care of my vod’ika, yeah?” Crosshair sees Wrecker apply pressure to where his and Howzer’s hands are connected. To Howzer’s credit, he doesn’t flinch, maintaining eye contact with the imposing clone.
“I will,” Howzer responds, voice not allowing any room for doubt. A grin splits on Wrecker’s face. He bellows out a laugh.
“I like this one, Cross!” Wrecker lets go of Howzer and leans down to touch his forehead to Crosshair’s. “I’ll be back, don’t worry.”
“I know,” Crosshair presses himself closer to his ori’vod. “Howzer will take care of me; he has before.” Faintly, Crosshair can hear Howzer gulp. Crosshair turns around to face Howzer again, not wanting to look back outside. He hears Wrecker leave, and Howzer gives him a smile.
“I’ve got some shig in my berth,” Howzer says, motioning his head back towards the Shephard’s interior. “Interested?” Crosshair wills himself not to flush at the memory of the last time Howzer asked if he was “interested”.
“Yes,” Crosshair answers. He steps up to be in line with Howzer. “Lead the way.”
The walk back to Howzer’s is quiet which Crosshair appreciates. After his little meltdown, he doesn’t exactly feel really talkative. Plus, he feels a little awkward around the reg. Other than polite small talk and fucking, Crosshair hasn’t said much to Howzer. He’s tried over the past few rotations, but each time he holds the comm to call, he can’t think of what to say.
Howzer opens the door and motions for Crosshair to enter first.
“Kah'lehalle so fendoon,” Howzer says, his Ryl pronounced perfectly. The accent sends a delightful shiver down Crosshair’s spine. “Means the guests are welcome here.” Howzer goes to make shig for them, so Crosshair decides to look (snoop) around.
Howzer’s place is sparse. Besides the basic furniture that every room comes with, he has his electric kettle, a box of various teas, one gray blanket, and his datapad. The walls are free of any posters or any other decorations. Crosshair goes to open a drawer when Howzer speaks up.
“Stay out of that,” Howzer states , not unkind or harsh, or even stern. Crosshair whips his head to him, one eyebrow lifted up to display his confusion. Howzer grimaces then explains. “Well, I have something in there, but…” Howzer trails off as he walks over. Using his hand, he gently maneuvers Crosshair over. “I hope this isn’t too forward of me.” Howzer takes out something wrapped in glittering red paper with a white little bow. He hands it out to Crosshair, blushing as he looks away. “I got this for you.”
“Oh?” Crosshair accepts the gift, clenching it in his hands. “Thank you.” Crosshair doesn’t move to open it just yet. He stares at it. No one has ever gotten him a gift before-not even from his brothers. They weren’t big gift givers, more acts of service. The wrapping feels special, and Crosshair hesitates to rip it; the red color is perfect to him, and Crosshair thinks the bow is a cute touch.
“You uh,” Howzer’s voice interrupts his thoughts. “You gonna open it?” He nervously laughs.
Jolting himself into action, Crosshair rips the present open carefully. It’s a book. The top and bottom are decorated with green foliage and the occasional yellow flower. At the bottom right corner are two rabbits, one is obviously the mother rabbit with the other being the baby rabbit. The fancy font in the middle of the book reads, “My Pregnancy Journey”. Crosshair’s curiosity peaks, and he begins flipping through the pages.
“It’s a pregnancy journal,” Howzer interjects. His face screws up. “Well, you can read that, but…” Howzer comes over to stand next to him, just over his shoulder and point. “You can document your symptoms each week, doctor’s visits, ultrasound pictures, your emotions, feelings, and everything in between.” He flips to a page labeled “baby names”. “You can even jot down some potential names. I figured you wouldn’t wait for the ad to pick themselves.” Howzer nervously laughs. Crosshair peeks up at him through his lashes. Howzer shifts anxiously again. “I remember how meticulous you were…I thought you might like this.” Crosshair nods.
“It’s nice,” Crosshair inwardly curses at how his voice cracks. “We’ve been so focused on the ik’aad that we haven’t really thought about me.” Howzer frowns, he reaches and rubs Crosshair’s lower back. Crosshair looks back up into Howzer’s eyes. “I like it. Thank you.” Courage flowing through him, Crosshair lays his head on Howzer’s shoulder.
“I’m glad you like it,” Howzer’s voice sounds strained. “The lady at the boutique was really selling it.” Crosshair laughs and lifts his head, keeping his chin on Howzer’s shoulder.
“How much was it?”
“Don’t worry about that,” Howzer shakes his head. “I was looking for something for you anyway.” Howzer blushes at his admission. That’s when Crosshair realizes just how close he is. His nose is barely brushing Howzer’s, and he can smell Howzer’s natural scent with a twist of the minty toothpaste he must use. Crosshair feels himself begin to flush and steps back.
“I don’t-'' Crosshair stalls. “I don’t want your pity.” He spits out the last word like it’s a dirty one. However, Crosshair notices his voice lacks the usual venom when he’s upset.
“You think I got you a gift because I pity you?” Howzer asks, his little frown back. I got you something because I wanted to.” Howzer shakes his head. “I like you Crosshair. I would like to get to know you better.” He pauses, letting his words sink in. “We should work on that self-esteem.” Crosshair scoffs.
“My self-esteem is fine.”
“Yeah?” Howzer’s tone is now teasing. “What would Echo say about your self-esteem?”
Damnnit. If there is one thing Echo won’t let Crosshair get away with it’s his habit of talking down about himself. Crosshair has tried in the past to weasel his way out of talking about his poor self-esteem, but Echo is persistent. Crosshair hums in defeat. Howzer lets out a little giggle. Crosshair prepares to curse at him, but the kettle going off saves him.
“Tea’s ready,” Howzer announces as he goes over to pour two cups. “Any sugar for you?” He asks, pulling out the sugar shaker.
“A little,” Crosshair answers. His sweet tooth has only gotten sweeter since being pregnant. However, as he brings his cup to his lips to drink, the smell causes him to gag. Crosshair yanks his head back to take deep, controlled breaths to avoid puking in front of Howzer.
“Too much sugar?” Howzer takes the cup from Crosshair’s hand.
“No,” Crosshair admits. “I just can’t stand the smell.”
“Huh,” Howzer hums as he sets Crosshair’s cup down. “You liked it on Ryloth.” Howzer hands over his water canteen for Crosshair to take.
“Tech said I may become more sensitive to smells and tastes I was fond of,” Crosshair explains. He already had to say goodbye to his love of bantha milk sweets. He could smell it from a parsec away and it caused his stomach to churn.
“Damn,” Howzer comments. He looks away thoughtfully before addressing Crosshair again. “It’s worth it though, yeah?”
“I’ll let you know when they get here,” Crosshair deadpans. Howzer laughs, laughs so hard he starts snorting, bending at the waist to hold his stomach. Crosshair feels his lips twitch up and a smile forms on his lips. As Howzer keeps laughing, Crosshair joins him.
“Okay, okay,” Howzer wipes at his eyes, taking steady breaths to calm himself. After clearing his throat, he sobers up. “Sorry I interrupted whatever you and your brother were planning on doing.”
“It’s fine,” Crosshair shrugs. “He can get what we’re looking for.”
“What’re you looking for?” Howzer inquires. He grimaces and sighs. “Not to be nosey.”
“You’re not,” Crosshair smirks. He takes a sip of water. “We want to surprise Omega, our sister, the girl with Hunter. I haven’t told her about the baby yet.”
“Aw,” Howzer coos. “Need any ideas?” Howzer’s gaze is hopeful and his smile gentle as he looks to Crosshair.
“Sure,” Crosshair says, interested in what Howzer has to say and wanting to keep that expression on Howzer’s face.
“How about,” Howzer starts, eyes gleaming with excitement. “You guys pose for a photo, then right before it gets taken, you announce your pregnancy. That way you have the picture as a memory forever.”
“Huh,” Crosshair muses. “I like that idea.” He smiles. “Would you mind taking the picture for us?”
“I would love to,” Howzer answers.
After finishing their drinks and some more banter, Crosshair and Howzer depart to the Marauder. Crosshair commed Wrecker to tell him the new plan and Wrecker agreed that it sounded much more fun than what they had come up with. As they walk into the Shepherd’s hangar bay, Wrecker is in front of the Marauder. He sees them and bounds over. Howzer steps back.
“Hey Crossy!” He cheers, wrapping his vod’ika in a much more merciful hug than he usually gives. Upon seeing the journal in Crosshair’s hands, he lets go. “What’s that?” Crosshair smirks as he throws a glance at Howzer.
“Howzer got me a gift,” he says, opening the journal up. He flips through the pages and explains exactly what a pregnancy journal is. Wrecker’s smile broadens.
“That’s so cute!” He yells. “Oh! Can I help you pick out names?”
“Maybe,” Crosshair answers. “Lula is not an option though.”
“Ugh,” Wrecker moans. “I wasn’t going to suggest that.” His gaze flickers over the Howzer, and he waves him over. When Howzer is within Wrecker’s reach, he pulls him into an embrace. Wrecker laughs at Howzer’s “oof”. After a good minute, Wrecker lets him go. He pats him on the back, softer thanusual. Wrecker wraps an arm around the reg’s shoulder and squeezes.
“Thanks for getting Cross’ika a gift,” he says, squeezing once more before letting go.
“Uh yeah,” Howzer coughs into his hand. Crosshair sees him blush again. “Ba’gedet’ye.”
“I got you something as well,” Wrecker reaches into his pocket and whips out a box of toothpicks. Crosshair reaches out for them, mouth ready for the familiar feeling of the toothpick between his teeth. “I got the mint flavored ones as well,” Wrecker explains. “Mint’s supposed to help with nausea.”
“Thank you Wrecker,” Crosshair says, slipping a toothpick in between his teeth.
“Crosshair,” Tech greets from the top of the Marauder’s ramp. “It is nice to see you.” Tech sees Howzer standing next to Wrecker. “Howzer…olarom.”
“Hey Tech,” Crosshair calls. “I was hoping we could get an ultrasound machine so I could take a look at the thing growing inside of me.” Tech perks up.
“Hey…” Wrecker whines. “Don’t call my nibling a ‘thing’.”
“Well,” Tech stands up straighter. He adjusts his goggles in that haughty way of his and smugly smirks. “I have already acquired an ultrasound machine for you. Since you are seven weeks now, we should be able to see something.” Tech motions for him to board. Wrecker bounds in first, possibly more enthusiastic than Crosshair. Crosshair begins up the ramp then turns to see Howzer still standing at the bottom of the ramp.
“You can come,” Crosshair invites. Howzer lights up and follows up the ramp.
Tech leads them to the cockpit and points for Crosshair to sit in the copilot’s seat. He runs off to retrieve the machine. Wrecker sits in the pilot’s seat, bouncing his leg up and down.
“Cross,” he says. “At this stage, your baby is the size of a blueberry.”
“Really?” Crosshair’s eyebrows jump in surprise.
“Yeah,” Wrecker continues. “They’re developing tiny, little facial features, and your umbilical cord has formed!”
“Doing your own research, have we?” Crosshair playfully taunts.
“I have,” Wrecker replies. “I just don’t have to announce to everyone how smart I am, like Tech does.” Crosshair laughs. Out of the corner of his eyes, he sees Howzer’s shoulders silently bouncing up and down.
“Alright,” Tech sighs, entering the cockpit. Everyone quickly covers their laughs as the genius goes to prepping the machine. Tech rambles on about how the machine works and what all Crosshair should be able to see. Crosshair nods along the entire time. “If you would lift your shirt,” Tech requests, taking the wand in hand.
Tech rubs the gel on Crosshair’s stomach and tells him to stop whining when he hisses about the cold. He turns on the monitor and moves the wand around trying to find the fetus. Crosshair’s anxiety begins to swell as Tech searches for any signs. Suddenly Tech straightens.
“Ah!” Tech exclaims, circling his fingers around the shape on the screen. “There they are.” Tech moves the monitor so Crosshair can see. “If you look here,” Tech points. “There is their head and here is their bottom…It is truly remarkable what the body is capable of. I am unsure about how you feel, but I for one am delighted for you.”
Crosshair isn’t paying attention to his twin’s rare display of pure excitement. He’s too zoned in on the image on the ultrasound. He knows he’s pregnant and that he will be having a baby soon, but actually seeing them for the first time is different. Even though his baby doesn’t even resemble anything human, Crosshair feels himself becoming attached. He’s imagining a life with a child, a baby to love and cherish.
“Cross?” Wrecker asks, clasping his hand in his brother’s. “Tech asked if you want to hear the heartbeat?”
“Yes,” Crosshair answers quickly, shooting up in elation. He lays back down and tries to appear more nonchalant. “I would appreciate that.”
Tech smirks then increase the volume. A steady, yet light heartbeat fills the room. Crosshair barks out a wet sob; he covers his mouth to muffle it, but tears of joy peek from his eyes. He’s so caught up in his own emotions that he doesn’t hear Wrecker crying until it’s loud sobbing.
“It’s beautiful!” Wrecker blubbers, tears flowing freely down his face as he observes the monitor. He weeps as he carefully brings Crosshair to his chest. “I’m so happy for you!”
“Wrecker…” Crosshair complains. Despite his whining, he smiles, hiding his face in Wrecker’s neck. Once he feels his eyes dry a bit, Crosshair removes his face and looks around. Tech has a genuine smile on his face, the red light on his goggles is on, showing that he is recording the moment. However, it’s Howzer’s face that has Crosshair’s insides squirming.
Howzer’s eyes are soft, the softest ones Crosshair has ever seen. His smile was more prominent than Tech’s and was full of warmth and kindness. He catches Crosshair looking and grins. He mouths “congratulations”; Crosshair nods in thanks.
“Tech!” Omega’s voice cheers from outside the Marauder. “I was able to spot eight different species of birds!” Everyone looks at each other panicked. Soon, they start scrambling to cover everything before Omega ruins the surprise for herself.
“Hold on, Miss Omega!” Tech calls out, voice portraying alarm, as he stuffs the ultrasound machine in a nearby drawer.
“I’ll keep her from getting in,” Howzer offers, making his way over to the ramp. Crosshair gapes at him from where he’s wiping the gel off his stomach.
“You sure?” He asks. “Omega can be very…persistent.”
“I’ve dealt with persistent little girls before,” Howzer assures, smirking. He winks. “Trust me.” Crosshair, Wrecker, and Tech listen as Howzer cheerfully greets Omega. To their fascination, he’s able to distract her.
“I heard you spotted some birds?” Howzer sounds sincerely interested. “Did you see the Cairoka? I saw one when I was out earlier.” Omega responds to his questions and dives into conversation. Crosshair feels something warm come over him as he listens in.
“There you are,” Hunter announces, walking in the cockpit. “Howzer said you were here.”
“He also said you needed us,” Echo says as he moves Hunter out of the way to get to Crosshair. Hunter grunts in annoyance which Echo ignores as he grabs his hand and rubs his thumb across the back of it. “All good, vod’ika?”
“Yes,” Crosshair answers. He grabs Tech’s datapad from where it’s sitting. “He actually came up with an idea for telling Omega.” He smirks.
Crosshair explains the plan to his vode. They all agree it’s a pretty cute idea. Crosshair goes out to tell Omega about the photo. She busy talking Howzer’s ear off. Howzer notices him first, and Omega, seeing that Howzer is looking somewhere else, brightens when she turns and sees him.
“Crosshair!” She throws herself at him and plants her face into his stomach. She looks up without letting go. “Howzer was just telling me about how he and Hera used to search for lizards!”
Crosshair hums. He ruffles her hair then drags his hand down her face. He laughs at her disgruntled whine.
“We’re taking a photo,” he tells her. “You want to wear that?” He motions towards her outfit, one of his brothers cold fits swallowing her.
“We should wear our armor,” Omega suggests.
“I don’t have my armor,” Crosshair scrunches his nose. “It’s gone.”
“No it’s not,” Omega insists, shaking her head. “It’s still on the ship.” Upon seeing his disbelieving face, she holds his hand. “We knew you’d be back with us.”
“Go,” Crosshair twists her around towards the ship, trying to avoid another sensitive moment in front of Howzer. “Howzer politely offered to take the picture for us. Let’s not keep him waiting anymore.” Crosshair spares a glance to the man, blush heating his cheeks.
“You know I don’t mind doing this for you,” Howzer responds, his own cheeks warming.
“Oh?” Omega asks, tone bordering on the teasing tone she gets when she feels mischievous.
“Go!” Crosshair says a little more urgently, going to grab her. She squeals before running off into the Marauder.
“Don’t worry, Crosshair,” Howzer begins. “I know how little girls can be.”
“Yeah,” Crosshair starts up the ramp. “Be right back.”
Putting on his old armor feels…strange. It’s been so long since he’s worn it, and it feels like it belongs to someone else. Crosshair observes just how different he looks in it now. It’s like the armor is incompatible with his new life.
“You look nice, Cross,” Echo says. He hums in response. “C’mon,” Echo wraps an arm around Crosshair. “We’d better go before Omega explodes.”
Omega is outside the Marauder, bossing her brothers around about where to stand. After several trials and errors, Wrecker ends up in the back with Crosshair and Tech in front of him. Hunter kneels next to Crosshair, and Echo copies him next to Tech. Omega goes to sit down in the middle of Hunter and Echo, but Crosshair stops her. He places her in front of him, settling his hands on her shoulders.
“Are we ready?” Howzer asks, holding the datapad up. The Bad Batch all respond with an affirmative. “Alright then. Everyone say ‘Crosshair’s pregnant’!”
“Crosshair’s pregnant!” They echo, smiling bright. Crosshair’s eyes are trained on Omega standing under him. A few seconds pass, then she turns around to face him, confusion clear on her face.
“What’s that?” She asks. Her expression turns fearful. “Is it curable?”
“Omega,” Echo places a hand on her shoulder. “It means that Crosshair is having a baby.” She swivels to face Crosshair now, eyes wide and mouth agape.
“Really?” She asks, voice wavering with excitement. Crosshair grins and grabs her hands.
“Yes, really.” She begins bouncing up and down on the soles of her feet.
“You’re having a baby!” Omega shouts. Crosshair lets go of her hands to tickle her ears.
“Yes,” he confirms. “Do you have gunk stuck in your ear?” She continues to giggle. “No wonder you don’t listen to Hunter. You can’t hear!” He ceases tickling her, but Omega keeps squealing. She grabs his waist and hugs him tight, jumping up and down.
“Omega, be careful!” Hunter chastises. She doesn’t hear as she bombards Crosshair with questions.
“How long are they going to take to grow? Where are you going to keep the growth chamber? Could you pleeeaase try to make the baby a girl? Where are they going to sleep? Can I help you decorate a room?”
Crosshair grins at his little sister as she excitedly leaps around him. He chuckles to himself as he realizes someone needs to explain natural reproduction works. He looks up to see Howzer watching him, only him. The reg flips the datapad around to show he got the pictures. Crosshair closes his mouth and gives Howzer a softer, more subtle smile. Howzer returns it.
For the first time in a while, Crosshair feels hopeful for his future.