Clone Trooper Kix - Tumblr Posts

My favorite 501st Boi just arrived (KO Kix with official Jesse and Hawk)

Wow wow wow 😍

insert pirates of the caribbean theme here

a tricky situation

Kix x F!Reader

word count: 2.8k

description: you're used to the antics of the 501st as a mechanic aboard the Resolute, but one clone takes it too far. when pulling one of his typical pranks on you, kix does something you never expected.

warnings: angst, swearing, miscommunication, kinda enemies to lovers I suppose, blood & injury but not in detail, not really proof-read

a/n: I maintain that Kix is a massive tease, but also a massive softie so... here's this. feel free to tell me my characterisation is wrong, I'll probably agree with you

You were grumbling to yourself once again.

It was something you found yourself doing too often, and you worried that soon enough your colleagues would stage an intervention and send you to get psychologically evaluated. You weren’t actually going crazy, but sometimes it felt like it.

Being a mechanic that worked aboard the Resolute, you frequently found yourself at the mercy of the clones of the 501st. Everyday, there was some new trick, some prank they were pulling. Today, it was the classic hiding your tools that they did at least twice a week, sometimes even twice a day. It was the first of the day, but it still had you ready to pull your hair out.

There was very few of them that actually let you get on with your job, and they were unquestionably your favourites. Though, that only amounted to being Captain Rex and Dogma. The rest, were positively menaces.

You had already searched through their barracks, unapologetically waking a few clones up, you had been to the engine room, the control centre, and through every side room you could possibly find, and you still hadn’t found them. You could use the ones belonging to the other mechanics, but it was late at night, and there wasn’t anyone else working. You stood in the middle of a corridor with your head in your hands.

Where haven’t I checked?

It then occurred to you who would’ve played this stupid prank on you, someone who would also be up this late at night, and you ground your jaw. Kix. You stalked off to the medbay, and if anyone had walked past you, they would have seen the steam coming out of your ears.

There was something particularly irritating about the clone medic, something you couldn’t put your finger on that made him be able to get under your skin like no other. He didn’t even try as hard as his brothers, but every single conversation with him felt like a game, an infuriating dance of taunting and tormenting. It didn’t help that you found him to be the most handsome among his brothers. Perhaps that was the reason you found him so annoying, but you weren’t going to analyse that right now.

You kicked the door to the medbay open with one swift motion and stormed inside, a surprised look on the face of the one you were after.

“Kix, so help me maker, I will shoot you if you don’t give me them back now” You growled at him, and he stood, setting down the datapad he held on one of the cots.

“My dear, I have no idea what you are on about” He said, a small taunting smile gracing his lips.

You clenched and flexed your hands at your sides, “Kix, this isn’t funny, I’m on a deadline with this one. Give them back”

The medic came to stand in front of you and placed his hands on your shoulders, running them down to your biceps. If it wasn’t him that had made you so angry, you may have even enjoyed it.

“Give what back?” He asked plainly, and you shook your head, your teeth grinding together so hard you were positive they would break. Kix could see the flame of anger in your eyes that he so loved. Winding you up was certainly his favourite pastime.

“You know what. I need my tools”

“Why would your tools be here?” He asked, cocking his head to the side, then came in closer, “You do know this is the medbay, right?”

You rolled your eyes so fast they could have rolled out of their very sockets. You ripped your arms from his grasp, and stormed around the room, turning over every single thing and huffing to yourself when you didn’t find anything. Kix watched you with utmost amusement. He would have to tidy up after you, but it was almost worth it to see you so worked up. Almost.

“Alright, alright. Relax. They’re in the closet” He called, and you rushed to the door that he was pointing at.

You switched on the light, which afforded little more visibility, but you saw your toolbox sat on the floor just by the door. You picked it up as you heard the door slide closed, and turned to see that Kix had closed you in with him.

“Get out of my way” You huffed, giving him your best withering look.

“What? No thank you?” He grinned. That damn beautiful smile of his.

“Thank you? You must be joking”

“I helped you find your tools, I think I deserve a little something” He reasoned, and you let out a disbelieving laugh.

“And what, pray tell, do you think you deserve?”

“I was thinking something along the lines of… a kiss?” He suggested.

All of your insides constricted as the word left his lips, and you were frozen on the spot.

“What?” You almost whispered out, eyes still burning with some form of rage.

Kix smirked, “You see, I know you think you’re pretty slick, but I see you looking at me when you think I’m not paying attention-”

“I do not!”

You do.

“- and I know the reason you pretend to hate me so much is because otherwise you’d just be falling at my feet-”

“I hate you so much because you do things like this!” You argued, holding up your recently stolen toolkit.

“Is that right?”

It was then that you realised that you were only a hairbreadth from his face, your nose almost touching his. You breathed heavily, not daring to utter even one word for fear of losing your composure in an entirely different way. Your eyes burned into his with an intensity that you couldn’t control, and his infuriating smirk only made it worse. After a moment, his mouth uncurled from the taunting expression, looking at you only with interest and nothing else.

Your eyes fell to his lips, and he leaned ever so slightly forwards, brushing his nose against yours gently. Your eyes fluttered shut on instinct, and you breathed out shakily. Your mind was screaming out and silent at the same time, it couldn’t make sense of what was happening, and your heart took precedent, giving into whatever it was.

Kix then brought his lips to your ear, brushing back a piece of hair behind it with his hand.

“Gotcha”

You were immediately snapped from your trance and recoiled, a look of absolute shock plastered across your features. Kix just watched you with his knowing smirk, and your anger flared once again, but this time, it was underpinned by an emotion he wouldn’t have expected. Hurt.

“You’re a cruel man Kix” You seethed out as you shoved him aside, opening the door and storming out of the medbay.

He watched you go, his insides twisting with guilt. He had only meant to tease you, but he had taken it too far, and now you were actually upset. You were usually too mad at him to ever let any other emotions slip through the cracks, but now he realised that maybe he had just never pushed you to a breaking point before. He was foolish to think that you didn’t have a limit.

You fought to keep tears from spilling from your eyes as you finished your work that evening. You were so frustrated with yourself for letting your guard slip, and even more for reacting this way to what was really a stupid prank, and nothing else. It hadn’t occurred to you before that your attraction to Kix was anything more than that, but now that he had truly embarrassed you, you realised it was more deep-set than that.

You actually liked him, he was right, and he used it just to trick you.

“Hey, I need to talk to you” You heard a voice, his voice, call out as you were slid under a gunship the next day, your arms elbow deep in wires and grease.

“I have no interest in talking to you” You stated plainly, all emotion stripped from your voice.

Kix’s heart clenched at the sound of it.

“Please” He said your name in such a pleading tone, “I need you to know I-”

“Just can it Kix, I don’t want to hear it” You slid from underneath the gunship and looked up at him sternly.

He didn’t intend for this at all. In truth, it was him that really wanted to kiss you. While it was true, he had caught you looking at him sometimes, he had no reason to believe that it was because you liked him, and he only really said it to hopefully push you to a confession. Every time he had wound you up, it was just an excuse to see you react to him, to grab your undivided attention. It was a cowardly approach, making you confess before he did, but now he may never even get the chance if you wouldn’t let him.

“You don’t understand, I-”

“I understand just fine, you used my feelings as fodder for another prank, how surprising” You rolled your eyes, “Leave me alone from now on, if it’s not too tempting to try and embarrass me again”

Kix was floundering for the right thing to say, “It wasn’t a pr-”

“Fuck off Kix, can you not hear me?” You almost shouted, gaining the attention of a few of the nearby clones.

His amber eyes burned into yours. You could see he was sorry, but you’d rather let him feel guilty for what he did than accept any apology he could offer. As you stared each other down with an intensity to rival the previous night, you could feel your emotions getting the better of you.

“Just go away” You said quietly, sliding back underneath the gunship without another word.

You could see Kix hesitate, but you watched him ultimately decide to leave you alone, and walk away. You sighed, feeling your eyes well up with frustration. You were embarrassed all over again.

It had been a week since what the other mechanics were just calling ‘the incident’. They had no idea why you had shouted at the clone, and you wouldn’t tell them, but that didn’t stop them teasing you about it. A silver lining about the whole ‘incident’ was that the clones had started leaving you alone, and your tools had not been stolen once. It was certainly peaceful, and you were reluctant to admit that life now felt boring, for fear that the clones would all suddenly come out of the woodworks with the worst prank of them all. Not that they could top the one already pulled by their medic.

You hadn’t even seen Kix since said ‘incident’, but your head was still maddeningly filled by him. The most maddening fact of all being that it wasn’t your argument that was stuck in your head, it was the way he looked at you as he pretended he was going to kiss you. It had felt so real, so sincere, and as it kept replaying in your head you found yourself wishing to go back in time and just kiss him.

But that would do no good, it was still a prank at the end of the day.

You were working under a ship, your hands buried in wires and a tool between your teeth. You heard someone call out for you and sat up, whacking your head on the underside of the ship in the process, the tool falling from your mouth as you shouted out in pain. You vaguely heard the person shout something along the lines of ‘nevermind, got it’ and cursed them for speaking in the first place. You brought your hand up to your head and felt small trickle of blood, or was it grease?

Then there you were, grumbling to yourself once again.

You stormed off to the medbay reluctantly, but this time you had no intention of speaking with Kix. You opened the door forcefully with your shoulder and made a beeline for the nearest cot, rifling through the draws next to it for a bandage or anything else.

“What are you-” Kix had watched you come in, and was utterly perplexed by your actions until he saw the mix of grease and blood trickling down your forehead. “What happened?” He asked, coming over to inspect the wound.

You just stayed silent.

He said your name gently, drawing your attention and you glanced at him briefly, “What does it look like? I hit my head” You said, finally finding a small bacta patch in the draw. You took it and peeled off the back, sitting down to apply it.

“Woah” Kix reached forwards and took your wrist before you could place it down, “Let me clean that for you first”

You grabbed your wrist back, “I don’t need any help”

“The grease will only infect the wound” He said, grabbing the patch from you, “Sit still”

You glared at him, “I don’t care, I’d rather let it get infected”

“Well it’s a good thing I care then isn’t it” He replied, pulling out an antiseptic wipe.

You sat in silence with what he’d just said. Is this part of his latest trick? Kix gently grabbed your chin, tilting your head to get a better look at the wound. He brought the wipe up to it, “This is going to sting a bit”

And it did.

You hissed as the wipe came into contact with your wound, moving away from the clone inflicting the pain, but he just kept going until there was no more grease or blood dripping out of it.

“Wait here. Please don’t leave”

You watched him suspiciously as he moved away to retrieve something. He was being uncharacteristically serious and kind for someone who loved to tease you. He returned a moment later with some bacta and a bandage, and applied it without another word.

“You know, if I didn't know better, I'd think you were avoiding me” He said, the corners of his lips turning up at the attempted joke.

“Well clearly you don’t know any better then” You rolled you eyes.

He spoke your name in a soft tone as he finished applying the bandage, “That hurts” He said in mock hurt, a hand resting on his heart.

“Good” You replied instantly, looking up to his eyes to find him now looking at you seriously. He just watched you for a moment, and your own scowl softened slightly without your permission.

“I’m sorry” He said softly.

You bit your lip a little, looking away, “I know you are”

He brought his hand back to your chin, forcing you to look at him as he spoke, “I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I-” He gulped, “I wanted to kiss you”

Your heart leapt to your throat and your eyebrows furrowed, and then scrunched up, going through a million emotions at once.

“Is this a joke?” You asked, your tone hesitant and unsure.

“No” He said firmly, stepping forwards and finding himself between your knees, “I’m sorry for… the way I went about it. I only wanted to tell you that…”

You looked up at him with widened eyes, hanging on every word.

“I wanted to tell you that I have… feelings for you, and it- well, it all backfired” He chuckled slightly, and you let your mouth form a small smile.

“And this is real? You actually like me?” You asked once more for conformation.

“It’s real. I like you, I really like you” He admitted, his hand moving from your chin to cup your jaw.

You leant into his touch a little, and his heart did a flip, “I… I like you too, but I think you already knew that” You grinned a little and his lips formed the smirk that you usually found so maddening.

“I might’ve had some idea” He spoke teasingly, then stroked your cheek with his thumb, “Care to try that kiss again?”

You didn’t reply, and instead pulled him down by his chest plate to meet his lips with yours. It was a slow and meaningful kiss, both you and Kix making no haste and just savouring the moment. You felt him hum contentedly against you, and you smiled into the kiss, breaking away to catch your breath a little. He placed his forehead on yours, but you pulled away quickly when your wound began screaming out against the action.

“Sorry” He chuckled then placed a light kiss on top of the bandaged area, “There, that’ll make it all better”

You smirked, “Is that a treatment you give all your patients?”

“No” He smiled, “Only my favourite one”

SW Headcannons

The first time Rex has real, good coffee, he starts crying (happy tears). All the coffee on the ship slowly starts disappearing, and the next day Ahsoka finds him in a storage closet, surrounded by a mountain of coffee rations. She promises not to tell, as long as he shares. They make a pinky-promise on it (because that is totally something the clones would do, no I am not taking questions).

The first close call, though, came when Cody was making a routine inspection on the ship. He passed right by, but with his mom-friend powers he 'sensed' something wrong with one of the storage spaces. Rex has to subtly comm Ahsoka, who's busy with Jedi stuff. He must use the last resort. Fives answers immediately, and doesn't question why his captain wants him to blow something up. It works, and Cody bolts out to find out where the fire came from.

Unfortunately, though, Fives gets curious, and the secret eventually spreads to the entire 501st. Most of them find it amusing, but don't particularly care. But there's a few, like Jesse and Hardcase, who take it to heart. Other battalions begin to notice their coffee rations are disappearing. Nobody ever catches the 501st, because although they're often a hot mess, those boys are terrifying when united for a cause.

Soon, the 501st has turned into an unstoppable menace due to the unhealthy amount of caffeine they're drinking.

The one brother who can never know, though, is Kix. The vod even have to avoid drinking too much before their check-ins, as he might get suspicious about the crazy amounts of caffeine in their bodies. Despite their terrible lying skills, he never finds out. He might even steal from the stash on particularly late shifts (they'll never ask, because Kix is scary. Don't mess with the medic).

They're so overcaffinated that nobody questions it when Fives and Ahsoka disappear for a few days, and Palpatine mysteriously dies. Everybody lives happily ever after, and Senator Amidala makes sure that the clones all get extra coffee rations (Ahsoka too, because she couldn't escape her crazy brother's antics).

My favorite Star Wars characters in no particular order, categorized clone to non-clone; lemme know yours!

Kix

Hound

Fox

Dogma

Echo

Tech

Crosshair

Rex

Howzer

Gregor

Hardcase

Grey

99

Waxer

Boil

Odd Ball

Gearshift

The clone with Gearshift

Numa

Din Djarin/The Mandalorian

Finn/FN-2187

Kanan/Caleb

Ezra

Cal

Plo Koon

Quinlan Vos

Kallus

This is a petition to make Kix have his own show. Each upvote as an agreement with this statement so we can show Dave Filoni that we want a Kix-centric series because everybody loves the prettiest clone in the GAR. We require a series that details Kix’s discovery of the chips, his kidnapping, his experiences as the last vod alive, his time with the Crimson Corsair. WE NEED KIX!!!

Chapter summary: Hair mishaps and birthdays

Warning ⚠️: Mature themes and language, sex, drugs, abuse, blood, death, drinking, suicide attempt, and smoking

Word count: 7740

Rating 21+

Extra: alternate universe story

Chapter 12

Beka sat alone in the library, surrounded by the soft glow of the reading lamps. Wrecker had fallen asleep on one of the couches, and Beka took advantage of the quiet to immerse herself in a book. The door creaked open, and Phee entered, her steps light but purposeful. Beka glanced up, her expression wary. She had grown accustomed to being questioned and judged, and Phee's arrival initially stirred her anxiety.

Phee approached with a warm smile, shaking off the tension. "Hello, Beka. I hope I'm not interrupting. I was just curious about something."

Beka closed her book and looked at Phee with guarded eyes. "What is it?"

Phee settled into a nearby chair, her gaze steady. "I wanted to get to know the woman who has Hunter all in a tizzy. He's been all over the place since you arrived here, and I'm curious about what's got him so worked up."

Beka's eyes softened slightly, though she still seemed cautious. "I'm not sure what you want to know. I'm just a former cop who became a singer. There's not much more to it than that."

Phee leaned forward, intrigued. "I've heard bits and pieces, but I want to understand more about you. Your past, your family—anything you're willing to share. It might ease tensions here and figure out who might be after you."

Beka's gaze turned distant, her thoughts drifting to a past filled with pain and loss. She sighed and set the book aside. "I was a cop. I made a lot of enemies, it's hard to narrow it down to just one particular person. I don't have any family left. My parents died during the war. I was the youngest of three. I had an older sister, Lunella, and brother, Philip, but after they were gone, I was left orphaned as a child."

Phee's expression softened with sympathy. "I'm so sorry to hear that."

Beka nodded, her eyes reflecting the weight of her memories. "I was young and had to fend for myself. I was a street thief, eventually, I stole from the wrong person, but instead of turning me in, he gave me a place to call home. His name is Gruno, and eventually, he adopted me. I worked hard, got my GED, graduated from the police academy, and worked to become a detective. Gruno adopted a boy, Jetto, who became my brother. They were my surrogate family."

"But what's so special about you in particular to Hunter, the man who dated around but never anything serious? A hookup or two, but you, on the other hand, he stayed around for you?" Phee asked her curiosity spiked.

"I don't know, maybe because I was real and straightforward about shit. We were engaged, but after finding out who he really was I had to start over. Leave the force, leave him, leave everything, and start over. That's when I became a bartender in another state and eventually recognized to be a singer."

Phee listened attentively, her gaze filled with empathy. "It sounds like you've been through a lot. I can understand why Hunter feels so strongly about you. You've clearly been through your share of struggles."

Beka managed a small smile, appreciating Phee's genuine interest. "I just want to find a sense of normalcy again, if that's possible."

Phee nodded thoughtfully. "Well, sometimes it's just about finding the right balance and the right people who understand."

Beka's eyes met Phee's, and she felt a small sense of relief. "I appreciate that. It's nice to have someone who isn't just here to interrogate me."

Phee smiled warmly. "Well, I sort of am, but I wanted to know you personally. Just know, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here."

As Phee stood to leave, Beka nodded gratefully. "Thanks, Phee. That means a lot."

With that, Phee made her way out of the library, and Beka returned to her book, feeling a bit lighter.

As Phee reached the door, Beka hesitated, then called out, "Phee, wait a second."

Phee paused and turned back, a curious smile on her lips. "Yes?"

Beka took a deep breath, feeling a hint of vulnerability. "I was just wondering... how did you become part of this family? How did you get accepted and integrated into the business?"

Phee chuckled softly, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes. "Ah, that's quite the story. I wasn't exactly brought in the usual way. I was already involved in the business, working in a different capacity before I met the heads of the family." She continued, her expression thoughtful. "I started out working on the outskirts, dealing with smaller tasks and gradually proving myself. Eventually, I worked my way up and got the chance to meet Hunter and his brothers. Tech was part of that initial meeting, and from there, I became more integrated into their world."

Beka's interest was piqued. "So, you've been in the business for a long time?"

Phee nodded. "Yes, for quite a while. It wasn't an easy journey, but I earned my place by demonstrating my skills and reliability. I think Hunter and the others saw my potential and decided to give me a chance."

Beka nodded, absorbing the information. "It sounds like you had to work hard to gain their trust."

Phee's smile grew warm. "Absolutely. It took time and effort, but I think that's how it should be. Trust is something that has to be earned, not given freely."

Beka appreciated Phee's openness. "Thanks for sharing that. It gives me a better understanding of how things work around here."

Phee's expression softened, and she gave Beka a reassuring smile. "No problem. If you ever have more questions or just need someone to talk to, you know where to find me."

With that, Phee left the library, leaving Beka with a newfound sense of perspective. The quiet of the room felt more welcoming now, and Beka returned to her book, contemplating the stories of both her own life and the lives of those around her.

That night, as Phee and Tech prepared for bed, the room was dimly lit by a soft lamp on the bedside table. Phee sat on the edge of the bed, removing her shoes, while Tech meticulously organized his belongings on a nearby dresser.

Phee glanced over at her husband, curiosity evident in her eyes. "So, Tech, what do you know about Beka from your perspective?"

Tech, busy adjusting his gadgets, paused and looked thoughtful. "Beka's quite the puzzle," he began, his voice contemplative. "From what I've seen, her ability to solve problems quickly must be tied to her detective side. She has a deep knowledge of music and songwriting, which shows in how she's been restoring and playing the instruments. Her resilience is notable too—despite her situation, she's adapted remarkably well. The way she engages with the music room, the way she composes and plays... it's impressive."

Phee nodded, listening intently. "And what about her background? Anything you've learned about her past or her current state of mind?"

Tech shrugged slightly. "Not much beyond what she's shared. She's been open about her past as a former cop turned singer. She talks a lot about her surrogate family. She's had some rough patches, lost her family in the past, and seems to be carrying a lot of emotional weight. Her recent behavior suggests she's trying to cope with her current situation and find a semblance of normalcy through her music."

Phee raised an eyebrow, a note of concern in their voice. "And how do you think she's coping with everything, considering what happened that night?"

Tech considered the question carefully. "It's hard to say for sure. On the surface, she seems to be handling things better than expected, but I imagine there's a lot more going on internally. She's shown a lot of strength, but she's also been visibly upset at times. It's clear she misses her previous life and struggles with the constraints imposed on her."

Phee sighed, sitting back on the bed. "I've spoken with her a bit, and she seems like she's trying to make the best of her situation, but I can tell she's not fully content. I'm starting to understand why she's been so important to Hunter and why the others have had mixed feelings about her."

Tech nodded in agreement. "It's definitely a complex situation. It's going to take time for everyone to fully adjust and accept the new dynamics. But from what I've seen, Beka's trying to find her place and make a positive impact despite the challenges."

Phee gave Tech a thoughtful look. "Good insight. It's good to have a better understanding of her, especially considering how important she is to Hunter."

As they prepared for bed, Tech simply nodded. "Why are you asking these questions?" he asked.

Phee gave a playful smirk and replied, "Because, my love, it might just help everyone involved."

Tech raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Phee's response. "And you think it will?"

Phee's smile widened as they slipped into bed beside him. "I believe understanding Beka better will help us all navigate this situation more smoothly. Plus, it's a way to show her we care."

Tech's gaze softened as he took Phee's hand. "I suppose you're right. We've all been affected by this and showing her, we're invested might make a difference."

They settled into their pillows, the room dimly lit by a soft bedside lamp. The gentle rhythm of their breathing filled the quiet space, each lost in thought. As they drifted toward sleep, the warmth of their closeness provided a comforting contrast to the complexities they faced.

The next morning started peacefully in the mansion. Beka was sitting by the window, enjoying the quiet as she read a book. Tech was nearby, engrossed in his latest invention—a small device designed for cutting through tough materials with pinpoint accuracy. He was absorbed in his work, fine-tuning the settings, his usual muttering filling the air.

Beka was barely aware of what Tech was doing, lost in her book. She had no idea how close he was getting with his device until she suddenly felt a sharp tug at her hair. Her head jerked back as the gadget made a horrifying whirring sound, pulling a large chunk of her hair into its mechanism.

"Tech! What the hell?! OW!" Beka screamed, her heart racing as she instinctively grabbed at her hair that she had been trying to grow back out for months now. Panic surged through her as she realized the device was stuck.

Tech's face went pale as he saw what had happened. "Oh shit!" He stammered, his fingers flying over the controls as he tried to shut the device down. But instead of stopping, the machine seemed to whirr even louder, pulling more hair into its grip.

Beka's panic turned into outright terror. "Get it off me! Tech, get it off me now! It hurts!" she yelled, her voice rising in fear as she felt the hair being yanked painfully.

Wrecker who was dozing off in a nearby chair woke to commotion. Echo came running into the room at the sound of her screams. They both froze for a split second, taking in the chaotic scene of Tech desperately trying to free Beka's hair from the snarling device.

"What the hell did you do, Tech?" Echo demanded, rushing over to help. His hand moved quickly, trying to pry the machine away from Beka's head.

"I didn't mean to! And it just—" Tech's voice was panicked, his usual calm completely gone as he fumbled with the device. "Damn it, it's stuck! I'm trying to turn it off!"

Beka was on the verge of tears, her panic overwhelming her. "It hurts! Get it off me!" she cried, trying to pull away as she held her hair, but the device was tangled too tightly in her hair.

"Hold still, Beka, we're almost there!" Wrecker said, his voice urgent as he carefully tried to untangle the mess, his large hands surprisingly gentle.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Echo managed to yank the device free, but the damage was done. Beka's hair was left a jagged, uneven mess, with chunks missing in places. She looked at the floor at the chunks of hair, horrified, and then back at the mirror.

"My hair... my fucking hair!" she gasped, tears streaming down her face as she took in the disaster. She started stringing her fingers through the chopped-off part of her hair.

Tech looked like he wanted to disappear. "Beka, I—shit, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen."

Just then, Phee walked in, drawn by the commotion. She stopped short, confusion turning to concern as she saw Beka standing there, tears streaming down her face, her hair a ruined mess.

"What the hell happened in here?" Phee asked, her voice sharp as she looked from Tech to Beka. "Why is she crying? What the hell did you boys do?!"

Beka turned to Phee, her voice breaking. "Tech's fucking invention! Look at me!"

Phee's eyes softened with understanding as she quickly moved to Beka's side. "Oh, sweetheart, I'm so sorry. But don't worry, I can fix this."

Beka shook her head, still crying. "How? It's all gone! I look awful!"

Phee gently guided Beka to a chair, her voice soothing. "Trust me, we can make this work. Let me help you."

Beka hesitated, wiping away her tears, but she nodded, too distraught to argue. "Okay... just please, be careful."

Phee gave her a reassuring smile and set to work. As she carefully trimmed and shaped Beka's hair, she spoke softly, distracting Beka from her earlier panic. Slowly, the jagged mess began to transform into something sleek and stylish bob.

When Phee was done, she handed Beka a mirror. "Take a look. I think you'll be surprised."

Beka looked at her reflection, her breath catching as she saw the chic bob Phee had created. The soft curls framed her face perfectly, giving her a classic, elegant look. It was a dramatic change, but it was undeniably beautiful. "It's... nice," Beka said quietly, trying to muster a smile, but her voice was tinged with sadness as she ran her fingers through the much shorter strands.

Phee, noticing Beka's mixed emotions, gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "I know you miss your long hair, Beka. It's okay to feel that way. But you still look beautiful—just different."

Beka nodded, her eyes still a bit misty. "Thank you, Phee. I appreciate it."

Phee smiled softly. "Anytime. And remember, it's just hair—it'll grow back. In the meantime, you can rock this look like a movie star."

Beka managed a small smile, feeling a bit better. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

Phee squeezed her shoulder gently. "You're welcome. Now, let's go show those boys what a real hairstyle looks like, shall we?"

Beka sat at her vanity, still getting used to the sleek bob that Phee had expertly cut for her. Her hair was undeniably chic, but Beka couldn't shake the feeling of loss for her long hair. She was running her fingers through the short strands when she heard a soft knock at the door.

Omega peeked in, her eyes bright with excitement. "Beka! Can I come in?"

Beka looked at Wrecker who nodded approval. Managing a small smile Beka motioned for to come in. "Sure, Omega. How can I help you?"

Omega entered the room right as Wrecker shut the door, clutching a small wooden box. She looked eager, her enthusiasm evident. "It's actually what I can do for you, I heard about what happened earlier, and I was thinking... maybe I could help make your new hairstyle even better for dinner tonight."

Beka hesitated, glancing at the mirror. "I don't know, Omega. I'm still getting used to this," she said, her tone uncertain. "It feels so different..."

Omega's expression softened, but she wasn't discouraged. "I know, Beka. But I really think I can help. I've been collecting these hairpieces, and I think they'd look great with your new haircut. Please, let me try?"

Beka looked at Omega, who was practically bouncing on her toes with anticipation. She could see how much the young girl wanted to help, and after a moment, she sighed, giving in. "Alright, Omega. If you think it'll help, then let's do it."

Omega's face lit up, and she immediately called in a few of the servants who had been waiting outside the door, ready to assist. They bustled in, smiling warmly at Beka as they set up around her.

Beka sat back in the chair, still a little hesitant, but she couldn't help feeling touched by how eager Omega and the servants were to help her feel more like herself. Omega opened the wooden box, revealing an array of delicate hairpieces—combs adorned with pearls, jeweled clips, and silk ribbons.

"I've been collecting these for a while," Omega explained, her hands moving with surprising skill as she selected a few pieces. "I know it's not the same as having your long hair, but I think we can make you look really beautiful for dinner."

Beka bit her lip, still unsure, but she nodded. "Okay, Omega. I trust you."

The servants joined in, one of them gently brushing through Beka's hair while another handed Omega the hairpieces she requested. Together, they worked with quiet efficiency, weaving the silk ribbons through Beka's hair and pinning them in place with the jeweled clips. The combs were added last, carefully positioned to catch the light and add a touch of elegance to the look.

Beka watched in the mirror as they worked, her earlier hesitation slowly melting away. The bob, which had felt so unfamiliar before, was gradually being transformed into something that felt more like her. The delicate hairpieces gave it a refined, sophisticated touch that made her feel special, even in her new, shorter style.

"There," Omega said finally, stepping back with a satisfied smile. "What do you think?"

Beka looked at her reflection, her breath catching slightly. The finished style was beautiful, the hairpieces adding just the right amount of sparkle and charm. It wasn't the long hair she had missed, but it was something new—something she could feel confident in. "It's... really pretty," Beka said softly, her voice tinged with surprise. She turned to Omega, her smile growing. "Thank you."

Omega beamed, clearly pleased. "I'm so glad you like it! And the servants did a great job too."

Beka nodded, her heartwarming at the kindness of those around her. "Thank you all."

One of the servants smiled warmly. "It was our pleasure, Miss Hardt. You look lovely."

Beka stood, smoothing down her dress as she took one last look in the mirror. "Alright," Beka said, taking a deep breath. "I think I'm ready for dinner now."

Omega grinned, giving her a quick hug. "You're going to look amazing, Beka. Let's go show everyone how beautiful you are."

Beka hesitated for a moment, her heart fluttering nervously at the thought of walking downstairs with her new look. But Omega's confident smile and warm grip gave her the encouragement she needed. She nodded, squeezing Omega's hand in return. "Alright, let's go."

Omega led her out of the room, her small hand firmly guiding Beka down the grand staircase. Wrecker followed close behind, his heavy footsteps echoing in the hallway. As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Beka spotted Hunter standing in the entryway, talking with Echo. The moment he saw her, his conversation halted mid-sentence. His eyes widened in surprise as he took in Beka's new hairstyle, the elegant curls framing her face, and the sparkling hairpieces that Omega had carefully placed.

"Darling... your hair," Hunter said, his voice a mix of surprise and concern as he stepped closer. "What happened?"

Beka felt a wave of anxiety rises in her chest. She knew Hunter wouldn't be thrilled to hear about the accident, especially since Tech was involved. But she forced herself to stay calm, taking a deep breath before she spoke. "There was an accident," Beka explained, glancing up at Hunter. "Tech was working on one of his inventions, and it got caught in my hair. It... well, it wasn't fucking pretty."

Hunter's expression darkened, his jaw tightening as he looked over at Wrecker. "Tech did this? Where is he?" Hunter caught sight of Tech, lingering nervously in the hallway, his eyes darting around as if he were searching for an escape route.

The moment Tech spotted Hunter glaring at him, his face paled. He seemed to realize that a confrontation was inevitable, and before anyone could stop him, he turned to make a hasty retreat.

But before Tech could take more than a few steps, Phee appeared from around the corner. With lightning speed, she reached out and grabbed him by the collar, effectively halting his attempted escape. "Not so fast, genius," Phee said, her voice laced with playful sternness as she pulled him back.

Tech froze, his wide eyes shifting between Phee's firm grip and the rest of the group approaching him. "Phee, I was just... um, I thought it might be best if I—"

"If you what? Ran off before Hunter could talk to you?" Phee finished for him, raising an eyebrow. "Nice try, but you're not getting out of this one."

Hunter's stern gaze settled on Tech, and for a moment, it seemed like he might still be angry. "Tech..." Hunter began his voice low and measured.

Beka quickly stepped forward, placing a hand on Hunter's arm to stop him. "Hunter, wait. I'm not mad at him—well, not anymore. It was an accident, and he feels terrible about it. There's no need to be angry."

Hunter's gaze softened slightly as he looked down at her, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Are you sure, darling? If you're upset about it—"

"I'm not," Beka interrupted gently. "It was just an accident, and Phee and Omega helped make it better. I'm starting to like it."

Hunter sighed, running a hand through his hair as he shook his head. "Alright, if you say so. But if you change your mind..."

"I won't," Beka assured him, smiling up at him. "Really Hunter, it's fine."

Hunter finally relented, his stern expression giving way to a small, relieved smile. "Okay. If you're happy, then I won't do anything to Tech. You do look beautiful though."

Beka blushed slightly, the compliment catching her off guard.

Tech blinked, clearly surprised by her words. "You're... not?"

Beka shook her head, offering him a small smile.

Phee released her grip on Tech's collar, patting him on the back with a smirk. "See? No need to go into hiding."

Tech straightened his glasses, still looking a bit sheepish. He let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding and nodded quickly. "Thank you, Beka."

    Wrecker in the background stifled his laughter, which Tech gave a death stare.

Omega, still holding Beka's hand, grinned up at her. "See? I told you you'd look amazing."

"She's right." Echo whose been quiet this whole time gave a warm smile.

Beka's smile grew, and she nodded. "Thanks, but can we just move on, okay?"

Phee gave her husband one last playful nudge. "I think we should all head to dinner before anyone else decides to try and make a break for it."

With a collective sigh of relief, the group began to move toward the dining room, Tech still looking a bit flustered but relieved that the situation hadn't escalated. As they walked, Beka felt Omega squeeze her hand.

"Hunter don't forget to remind the servants they need to pick up the cake for tomorrow," Echo said as he sat down, placing a napkin on his lap.

Hunter looked at Echo with a puzzled expression. "For what?"

"Your birthday party tomorrow—the whole family will be here in the grand hall." Echo stared back, equally confused by Hunter's lack of awareness.

Hunter blinked, clearly having forgotten. "Oh, right. Just have the servants cancel it."

Phee shot up from her seat, exasperated. "Oh no! You do this every year, Hunter. Do you know how hard it is to get the whole family together for celebrations? We are having your birthday tomorrow, and you will enjoy it."

Hunter sighed, resigning himself to the inevitable as he continued cutting his food into bite-sized pieces.

"Damnit," Tech muttered under his breath, drawing everyone's attention. He sighed, realizing his mistake. "I forgot to book a singer for tomorrow."

Echo frowned. "Tech, you know how hard it is to find a singer on short notice."

"But we already have a singer," Omega piped up, a spark of excitement in her voice. Everyone turned to look at her with curiosity. "We have Miss Ribbon Singer right here!" Omega gestured enthusiastically toward Beka.

Beka, mid-bite, froze. Her eyes widened in confusion and terror. "What...?" She looked around, trying to process what Omega had just suggested.

"Yeah, you can perform tomorrow! We already have a band; we just need the singer," Omega beamed, clearly pleased with her idea.

Tech's mind immediately started working. "Not a bad idea. I can have the servants prepare a nice dress, maybe even get a replica of her mask..."

"Wait a minute, I didn't agree to this," Beka tried to interject, feeling the pressure mounting.

"Please, Beka," Omega pleaded, her eyes wide and hopeful.

"I... I don't know, Omega..." Beka hesitated, placing her fork down as she felt the weight of everyone's expectations.

"Please," Omega begged again, her tone even more earnest.

Beka turned to Hunter, hoping he might step in. "Are you going to interject or something?"

Hunter leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. "Well, it'll be a reason for me to actually want to celebrate my birthday."

Beka shot him a sour frown, feeling cornered.

"Okay, it's settled," Tech said, already walking off to start making arrangements.

Beka could only sigh, realizing she had little choice in the matter now.

Early the next morning, the whole family rushed around preparing for tonight's birthday celebration. Beka wandered through the halls, catching glimpses of the hustle and bustle. Phee was busy arguing with the servants about the placement of decorations, while Echo meticulously went over food preparations. Tech directed people in every direction, Crosshair and Hunter discussed which guests would be attending, and Omega, as usual, was in her own little world, completely oblivious to the commotion.

Wrecker led Beka to the grand hall, and her eyes widened at the sight. The grand hall of the mansion was abuzz with quiet activity. The chandelier's crystals caught the light like diamonds, casting a warm glow over the polished marble floors. Servants were busy arranging flowers, adjusting the grand tablecloth, and setting out the finest China in preparation for the evening's celebration. Beka stood at the entrance, taking in the scene with wide eyes. Her dress—a simple but elegant frock in deep green—swirled around her legs as she walked further into the room.

As she moved through the hall, Beka's gaze fell upon the small stage at the far end, where a band was setting up. A thought sparked in her mind, and she found herself drifting toward them, her curiosity piqued.

"Excuse me," Beka said, her voice soft but clear. The musicians turned, their expressions curious. "Would you mind playing something lively? Something with a bit of swing?"

One of the band members, a man with a trumpet, squinted at her for a moment before recognition dawned. "Wait a minute... you're Miss Ribbon Singer, aren't you? We performed with you in Alderaan."

Beka blinked in surprise, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I suppose I am, and I do remember you."

The musicians exchanged excited glances, and the man with the trumpet grinned. "We'd be honored to play for you, Miss Ribbon. What's your pleasure?"

Beka thought for a moment, then gave a nod. "How about 'They're Staring at Me?' Let's bring a bit of life to this old hall."

The band members didn't need any more encouragement. They launched into the familiar tune, the brassy notes bouncing off the walls, filling the grand space with energy. Beka felt the music wash over her, pulling her in like an old friend. Without a second thought, she began to sing, her voice slipping effortlessly into the rhythm, smooth and jazzy.

As she sang, Beka moved through the hall, her voice and the music entwined with the work of the servants. She twirled around one of them, then grabbed a broom from a nearby stand. With a playful wink, Beka used it as a makeshift partner, dancing and twirling it around as if it were a gentleman in a fine suit. The broom's bristles skated across the floor as she dipped and swayed, the sheer joy of the moment evident in every move she made.

Wrecker watched from the side, his face split into a wide grin as he leaned against the wall. Omega, who had just entered with Tech, Echo, and Phee, paused at the sight before her, eyes wide with awe. They all shared a look, smiling warmly as they took in the scene.

The music swelled, and Beka's voice soared with it, filling every corner of the grand hall. She spun around once more, laughing, and ended her song with a flourish, the broom still in hand. For a moment, the room was silent, and Beka, breathless and flushed, wondered if she had overstepped. But then, applause erupted from all around her. She jumped slightly, startled by the sound. She hadn't realized anyone was watching. Omega clapped the loudest, a look of pure admiration on her face.

"That was amazing, Beka!" Omega said, running up to her. "It would be the perfect gift—you performing!"

Beka hesitated, her hand gripping the broom's handle a little tighter. "Uh, thanks, but I don't want to take the spotlight."

"Oh, come on!" Wrecker chimed in, stepping forward. "You saw how everyone loved it. Hunter will too. He's always talking about how he likes your singing, even if he doesn't say much."

Echo nodded in agreement, his expression encouraging. "It doesn't have to be a big production—just you, doing what you do best."

Phee added, "And what better way to celebrate than with a bit of music."

Beka bit her lip, thinking it over. The idea of performing in front of everyone, especially Hunter, made her nervous, "It wouldn't be any different from my other past performances." Finally, she nodded, though a bit hesitantly.

Omega's face lit up, and she hugged Beka tightly. "He's going to love it, I know it!"

The evening had fallen over the mansion like a velvet curtain, the grand hall now fully transformed for the celebration. The chandeliers sparkled even brighter against the deepening twilight, casting a golden hue over the polished marble and the elegant decorations. Hunter's family and closest friends had gathered, mingling and talking in low tones, the atmosphere warm and filled with anticipation.

But in a quiet room just off the hall, Beka was anything but calm. She stood in front of a full-length mirror, her fingers trembling slightly as she adjusted the mask over her eyes. The mask was delicate, a lace creation that framed her face and hid her identity just enough to let her become someone else—Miss Ribbon Singer. Her gown, a deep, midnight blue, flowed around her like water, cinching at the waist and flaring out in soft waves of fabric. The gown was adorned with tiny crystals that caught the light, making her look like she was draped in starlight. She adjusted her now very short hair and wrapped her faux fur around loosely off the shoulders.

Beka took a deep breath, smoothing the fabric nervously. She'd done this before—sung in front of crowds, worn the mask—but this felt different. She was performing the whole Marauder Family.

"You got it, girl," Beka said as she prep-talked to herself.

"Beka, it's time," Omega's voice came from the doorway, soft and encouraging.

Beka turned to see the young girl standing there, her eyes wide with excitement and her smile filled with reassurance. "You look beautiful," Omega said, coming forward to take Beka's hand. "Hunter's going to love it."

"Do you think so?" Beka asked, her voice wavering slightly.

"I know so," Omega nodded firmly. "And we'll all be there, right by your side."

Beka smiled at herself, the nervousness in her chest easing slightly. With a final nod to the mirror, she allowed Omega to lead her toward the grand hall.

As they entered, the hum of conversation began to fade. One by one, people turned to see the figure gliding into the room. Beka moved toward the small stage that had been set up for her. The band was already in place, waiting for her cue.

Hunter stood near the center of the room, his back to her as he spoke quietly with Crosshair, Tech, and Echo. The sound of the piano playing the opening notes of her song, soft and inviting, made him pause. He turned slowly, his sharp eyes narrowing as he took in the scene, and then, his gaze fell on Beka.

For a heartbeat, the room was suspended in silence, all eyes on her. Drawing in a deep breath, she began to sing. Her voice, smooth and rich, filled the hall with a haunting melody—a song that seemed to wrap itself around every listener, drawing them closer. Her voice carried through the room, gentle but with a strength that demanded attention.

Hunter's eyes never left her. He was captivated, his usual guarded expression giving way to something more open, more vulnerable. The song was familiar, an old jazz standard that spoke of longing and love, and Beka delivered it with a sincerity that struck a chord deep within him. The others watched in silence, their own conversations forgotten as Beka's performance held them in thrall.

Wrecker's grin was wide, his pride for her evident. Omega, standing beside him, looked up at Hunter, waiting to see his reaction. Even Phee and Echo exchanged a glance, knowing how much this moment would mean to him. Crosshair frowned, receiving a small punch from his twin, while Tech only smirked.

As Beka reached the crescendo of the song, her voice soaring, she closed her eyes, letting the music take her. When the final note lingered in the air, she opened her eyes and found herself staring directly at the crowd. The silence that followed was heavy, almost breathless, and then as if pulled by a thread, the guests began to clap. The sound grew, and a wave of applause filled the hall.

The music started up again, and Beka, now filled with confidence, let the rhythm of the song carry her. Her voice, strong and clear, resonated through the hall as she embraced the energy of the moment. With each note, she moved gracefully around the stage, her body swaying in time with the melody. A radiant smile spread across her face, lighting up the room and drawing the audience in even closer. The tempo picked up, Beka added playful flourishes to her performance. She executed small dance steps, her movements fluid and effortless. Her smile widened with each playful line she sang, and the audience responded with enthusiastic laughter and appreciative whistles, their earlier formality melting away.

As the song reached its joyous conclusion, Beka held the final note, her voice ringing out with a triumphant flourish. The applause was immediate and thunderous, filling the hall with a wave of appreciation and admiration. When Beka stepped off the stage, the energy of the crowd surged toward her. Eager faces surrounded her, people vying for her attention, their words of praise and admiration overlapping in a joyous cacophony.

"You never said you had the Miss Ribbon Singer performing for your birthday," one of the family members remarked, eyes wide with surprise.

"You've heard of her, Rex?" Tech asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Heard of her? I've watched her perform in person. Absolutely incredible," Rex responded with a nod of admiration.

"I thought she went missing during that fire, though," another voice chimed in.

"It's complicated, Bly," Hunter pointed out, his gaze lingering on Beka as she graciously interacted with each guest.

Bly looked between Hunter and Beka, a knowing smile spreading across his face. "Ah, complicated," he smirked, nudging Hunter playfully.

Hunter chuckled and playfully punched his cousin's arm. The whole family knew how to keep secrets, and they knew this one had to be a big one.

"Well, son, I'd say this was a good party," a voice cut through the commotion. Hunter turned to see a man with his arm wrapped around a young woman, two small children trailing behind them.

"Cut, Suu, you made it!" Wrecker beamed, his face lighting up.

"Uncle Wrecker!" the two children shouted in chorus.

"Shaeeah! Jek!" Wrecker grinned, scooping up the kids as if they weighed nothing. He set them down gently as they giggled with delight.

"Can we meet her?" Suu asked, pointing towards Beka.

"Be my guest," Hunter smiled, gesturing toward the stage.

The family began making their way to Beka, while Crosshair grumbled something under his breath.

"Mad that people actually like Beka?" Echo teased, elbowing his brother.

"They only like her because she's some famous performer," Crosshair muttered.

"Actually, Crosshair," a voice cut in, "she's also very charitable. After every performance, she donates half the profits to hospitals, research, and orphanages."

"Well, if it isn't Senator Riyo Chuchi," Hunter said, turning to greet her.

Riyo returned the smile, her arm linked with another man. "Fox, can you get me a drink?" The man nodded and walked off to fetch it. "Miss Ribbon Singer also donated a large portion to my trust fund project for soldiers from the war," she added.

As Beka continued to chat with the guests, they bombarded her with questions, some even flirting with her.

"You are just gorgeous, Miss Ribbon Singer," one man said, his admiration evident.

"Back off, Gregor, let me talk to the lady," another chimed in.

"Howzer, I was talking to her first," Gregor smirked, not backing down.

"You two are worse than Hardcase," yet another man joined in, shaking his head with a grin.

"Shut it, Kix," Howzer said, playfully punching his friend.

"Easy, lads," Beka teased, her eyes twinkling. "I'll be here for the whole party."

"Miss Ribbon Singer?" Cut called out as he and his family approached.

Beka looked up, her smile warm and welcoming. "Hello there," Beka greeted, walking toward the family.

"I'm Cut Lawquane, this is my wife, Suu, and our children, Shaeeah and Jek. We're huge fans of your music," Cut introduced, extending his hand.

Beka shook his hand with a smile, then shook Suu's eager hand. She looked down at the small children, her expression softening.

"You're so pretty," Shaeeah said with a shy smile. "I want to be just like you."

Beka knelt down to the young girl's level. "You do?" she asked gently. "Hmmm, well, you have to look the part." With a smile, Beka removed her fur wrap and draped it around Shaeeah's shoulders. "There you go, little singer."

"Thank you!" Shaeeah beamed, holding the fur tightly around her.

"Shaeeah! Jek!" Omega called from the top of the stairs, waving enthusiastically. The two children squealed with delight and ran toward her, laughing as they went.

"We'll pay for a new one," Cut offered, nodding toward the fur wrap.

"No need," Beka replied with a warm smile. "Please, just enjoy the party."

Hunter watched the entire exchange, his heart swelling with affection as he saw Beka's kindness.

"Hey, birthday boy, you still with us?" A man waved a hand in front of Hunter's face, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"Sorry, Waxer, just..." Hunter trailed off, his gaze drifting back to Beka.

"Distracted? I'd be too if I had Miss Ribbon Singer here," another voice interrupted with a chuckle.

"Keep it in your pants, Boil," Riyo laughed, shaking her head.

"Excuse me," Hunter said, excusing himself as he made his way toward Beka. He stepped forward, moving through the crowd with a grace that was so uniquely his. When he reached the edge of the stage, Beka felt her breath hitch once more, this time from something much more powerful than nerves.

"That was beautiful," Hunter said quietly, his voice just loud enough for her to hear over the applause.

Beka smiled beneath her mask, feeling warmth flood her chest. "Happy birthday, Hunter," she replied, her voice soft but steady.

"Time to blow out the candles!" Wrecker yelled. All turned as a giant three-tier cake was brought in by the servants.

Hunter took Beka's hand and guided her to the middle of the room. Hunter stood in front of the cake as the candles were lit.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you," Beka began in a very sweet singing voice. The whole crowd joined in with her singing.

Hunter only smiled all he could hear though was Beka's singing. As the song ended, Hunter took a deep breath and blew out the candles. Loud cheering and applause erupted throughout the grand hall.

The applause gradually died down. Beka walked back on stage and the band began to play a new tune. Something more upbeat and sultrier, a different kind of energy filled the room. The bassline was smooth, the rhythm infectious, and Beka found herself swaying to the music, a playful smile tugging at her lips. She had an idea—a daring one, but tonight felt like the night to take a few risks.

She caught Hunter's eye under her mask, and with a mischievous glint, she leaned into the microphone and began to sing. Her voice was light and teasing, the lyrics playful as she sang. But the way she sang, the way her voice dipped and swayed with the melody, made it clear that this woman was anything but subtle.

As she moved across the stage, her hips swayed in time with the music, her gown swirling around her legs. She let her gaze wander over the crowd, but it always returned to Hunter, who was now standing with his brothers and friends, his arms crossed over his chest as he watched her with a bemused expression.

When Beka reached the chorus, she added a little extra flair, her voice curling around the words with a seductive tone.

Hunter's brothers, standing nearby, started to catch on. Echo raised an eyebrow, a slow smile spreading across his face. Tech adjusted his glasses, trying to hide his amusement, while Wrecker openly grinned. It was Phee who made the first move, playfully nudging Hunter with her elbow, a knowing look in her eyes.

"Looks like someone's got you pegged, big guy," Phee teased, her voice just loud enough to carry over the music.

Hunter shot her a warning glance, but the flush creeping up his neck betrayed him. Before he could respond, Wrecker, never one to miss an opportunity, gave him a playful punch in the arm. Echo let out a small chuckle. Crosshair annoyed twirled the toothpick in his mouth, and he went to grab another drink.

"May I have this dance?" Tech asked extending his hand to his wife.

Phee chuckled, "Of course brown eyes."

Tech guided her to the dance floor and the two started dancing, Tech's hand resting tightly around her waist.

Beka couldn't help but laugh softly into the microphone at the sight of Hunter, who was now rubbing the back of his neck, clearly flustered. But there was a smirk on his lips, a sign that he wasn't entirely opposed to the attention. In fact, the way his eyes never left hers told her he was enjoying this little game more than he was letting on.

With a final, teasing glance, Beka twirled on stage, the movement making her gown shimmer like the night sky. She sang the final lines, her voice dripping with playful seduction, her eyes locked on Hunter's. The crowd erupted in applause once again, louder this time, filled with laughter and cheers. But all Beka cared about was the look on Hunter's face, the way he was still watching her like she was the only person in the room.

Beka took a small bow, her eyes never leaving Hunter's, the smile behind her mask full of promise and mischief. She had taken a risk, and from the way his smirk turned into a full smile, she knew it had paid off.

The evening was winding down, the music softening to a gentle hum as guests began to drift into smaller conversations. The grand hall was still alive with warmth, but the vibrant energy from earlier had mellowed, leaving behind a more intimate atmosphere.

Hunter found himself slipping away from the crowd, his eyes tracking Beka as she moved through the room, still the center of attention but now more subdued. She was laughing with Phee and Omega, her mask still in place. The two girls saw Hunter and they excused themselves.

"They're playing the last song." Hunter pointed out. He held his hand to Beka.

Beka looked up a bit surprised. She took it gingerly in her, Hunter led her back to the middle of the grand hall. As the slow music began to play gently, Hunter wrapped one hand around Beka's waist and guided his other hand in hers. The two began dancing to the melodies. The room all gazed at the two, but to Hunter and Beka felt like it was the two of them.

"Hope you enjoyed yourself," Beka said in a low whisper in his ear.

"Darling, tonight was incredible." Hunter gently brushed a lock of her hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering against her skin. His voice dropped to a husky whisper, "But as much as I loved the show, there's something I'm looking forward to even more." He leaned in, his lips close to her ear. "Tonight, the only thing I want to see you wearing is that mask... and nothing else."

Beka's cheeks flushed crimson beneath her mask. She felt a surge of heat rising within her as she looked at Hunter who only gave a devilish grin.

"The Mandalorian" and "Ahsoka" this.

"Andor" that.

Cool, cool. Very cool.

Now, where is my pirate!Kix show you cowards?

This just added onto my issues. I will be crying myself to sleep tonight.

Then there are the whispers of a clone frozen in stasis. A medic trying to save his brothers, only to wake up and realise he is the last, all his brothers are gone. They are just rumours. No one's sure if they are true or not, until one day.

One day where Kix sitting in a cantina in the outer rim, where he sees a group of people gathered around a holo. He pays no mind to it at first, that is, until he hears someone say a familiar name. A name he hasn't heard spoken out loud in a long time. A brothers name.

So he gets closer, and he sees what the group of people are looking at. It's the photo. The photo that Rex had hanging on the wall of his office, the one of him, Fives, Echo and Cody. The photo that Fives always said made him and Echo Rex's favourites. Kix remembers that holo, he remembers the battle when it was taken. Remembers it was just after Fives and Echo had gotten back from Arc training. Remembers that he was just behind the camera, waiting to chew Fives out; because 'even if you have ARC training now. It doesn't mean that you can go and do stupid risky shit all the time trying to impress the shinies.'

Kix is drawn from the memories of ghosts when he feels someone tap him on the arm. It's a young girl with big blue familiar looking eyes, and she says that she thinks it cool that he looks exactly like the brave soldiers she learnt about in school. She asks him if his grandfather was a clone, if he knew any clones, if he's heard any stories of the clones. Kix stares at the girl for a moment, thinking about another girl with curious blue eyes, before he answers her. He tells her that he is a clone, that he has so many stories that he can't even count them.

With wide eyes, the girl drags him closer to the holo and pointing at it asks him if he knows the clones in the photo.

And Kix, looking at the holo, thinks of the old mando'a that they used to say; Ni su'cuyi, gar kyr'adyc, ni partayli, gar darasuum. 'I'm still alive, but you are dead. I remember you, so you are eternal.'

So he tells the girl.

He tells her how they were his brothers. He tells her how he was apart of the 501st. He tells her how they fought for freedom. He tells her how they were always finding ways to laugh during the war. He tells her how they adopted the jedi into their family. He tells her how no matter how bad things got the clones knew they would be okay as long as they had eachother. He tells her their names.

The more stories he tells the more people listen. And word spreads. The Clones are not all gone. There is one left. And he's telling the stories of the clones, the stories that, when there where millions of clone alive no one wanted to hear. But they want to hear them now, they want to know the clones now. They want to know the worriors that fought for freedom and laid down the foundations for everything after. They clones story may be a tragedy, but it will not be forgotten.

The Vode will be remembered.

Thank you so much it's awesome.

A short comics inspired by/based on GOING TO THE BAR by @anakinandthecaptainrex

—

star wars: the clone wars © George Lucas/Dave Filoni/LucasFilm/Disney

Day 5-Geonosis Rexwalker week:

@rexwalkerweek

i can’t believe lucasfilm & co. really just said, “oh yeah so we’re not actually gonna mention it in tcw but kix decided to investigate the order 66 plot after what happened to fives, and then got captured by the separatists because he knew too much. but before he could be transported to dooku his ship crashed and he was stuck in cold storage for 50 years before finally being found, long after all his brothers were already dead. so now he’s the last clone in existence.” and then just. ONLY EVER TALK ABOUT IT IN PERIPHERAL PIECES OF STAR WARS MEDIA.

LIKE ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME

It was a lifetime ago for us, but I still wonder… if I’d been there, would it have happened at all?

Star Wars Karaoke Headcanons 🎶

catgriller.tumblr.com

Kinnie

They had a successful mission!!

Inspired by original artwork by @catgriller

Anakin:

Anakin was the one who discovered the karaoke dive bar on the 13th level on Coruscant, which became his crew's regular haunt. His go-to song is "Somebody to Love" by Queen. It makes Obi-Wan cry if he's had any measure of liquor. "He sings like the sweet little cherub that he is."

Obi-Wan:

If you've watched the Lego Star Wars: Summer Vacation, then you know that our man can sing when he wants to, but it takes some liquid courage and peer pressure before he finally caves. Go-to song: "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey

Ahsoka:

The team figured out early on that Ahsoka is surprisingly tone deaf. She blames it on having montrals instead of human ears. She may join in on group songs, but she's happy to sit on the sidelines and just enjoy the show. This gives her time to thumb through the catalog and secretly sign up her friends for time on stage...except Anakin. He takes the fun out of it. One time, she signed him up to sing "Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles, expecting him to get embarrassed by it. He nailed it and worked up the crowd in the process!

Padmé:

Despite how much experience she has with delivering moving, passionate speeches center stage on the Senate floor, Padmé is EXTREMELY shy about singing. She'll feign working late on paperwork to get out of it.

Cody:

Cody is secretly part of a barbershop quartet with Rex, Wolffe, and Kix. Rarely can he get all four of them together at the karaoke bar at one time, and he doesn't like to sing without his vode; however, his weak spot is "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen. If the group sings, he will join.

woah hey! I’m glad people liked the lil comic I drew! 💕💕 have some doodles for more tookaverse!

Today is a good day to headcanon Kix as aspec

Pride Month Aspec Headcanons Day 6

Kix - The Clone Wars (2008) - Aspec

Admittedly, I have written quite a few fanfics with Kix at the center of them. no i will not be linking my ao3 on this post this blog is separate for personal reasons No matter how many times I write him, he just screams aspec to me. Particularly in the way that he just doesn't care for romance or sex and doesn't ever bother with them or trying to figure out if he falls anywhere on any sort of spectrum.

Along those lines, if he ever did feel any sort of attraction to anyone, he just brushes it aside. He's like "ah, okay" and just continues about his day. Nobody ever questions him about it and he goes about his life doin' his own thing. He's living his best life (in regards to that... let's not get into the tragedy of his story right now, I do that enough in fics lol)

Are there more specific terms to define him? Yeah, probably. He just tells everyone "I'm fine as is" if the topic ever does actually arise and that's good enough for everyone