The Bad Batch - One shots

Bedtime

Hunter couldn't focus.

He was trying to read some information Rex forwarded him about the building resistance against the Empire- which was difficult enough to read because it was all written in different codes- and the rest of the batch decided that it was the perfect night to play some stupid computer game and scream at the screen- or each other, Hunter couldn't tell- for hours on end.

He had a throbbing headache. His enhancements were both a blessing and a curse. On missions, he was as alert as Sergeant Hound's old Grizzer, but in his off-time, he could never switch off his amplified senses. It got even worse when he was stressed, and the burning pain at the front of his head could not be tamed with painkillers or water.

Quiet. That was what he needed.

Tucking his datapad away and standing up, Hunter winced at the noisy protest of his back. It creaked like old floorboards- a consequence of both his job and also having to crouch to Omega's level to make sure she understood every word that left his lips; not that he minded.

His head hurt impossibly more as he stepped into the room where the boys were huddled. Wrecker had to sit on the floor or else nobody else could sit on the sofa, and Omega was beside him- tongue poking out between her lips as she focused intently on the illuminated scream. It was a warfare game- where she and Wrecker were playing commandos taking control of an outpost during some war centuries ago.

It was Wrecker's favourite game, and Hunter knew he partially played it as a coping mechanism. Omega, on the other hand, just played along because it was fun and made Wrecker happy. She hadn't seen enough of the war yet to be playing for relief from reality- fortunately. Hunter hoped it stayed that way, although it didn't seem likely with the way the Empire seemed set on hunting them down.

Tech and Echo were watching, occasionally chipping in to encourage the two players. Tech's focus was divided to his datapad- doing the same sort of research that Hunter was- whereas Echo was sitting quietly. It was clear that there was a lot on his mind. He turned over a pendant in his flesh hand- something that Fives gave him when they were with the 501st. Hunter never pressed him to stop moping around- he knew that seeing Rex again gave him a lot to think about.

Sometimes, Echo talked about Fives like he was still alive, and the rest of the batch silently agreed to just go along with it. If he needed to vent, they weren't prepared to tell him to shut up. Omega is a blessing for the former-reg, always asking questions about his old company and batch mates.

Hunter's sure he would've liked Fives if they ever met, although judging by what Echo's said, Fives and Omega together would be a nightmare.

It was Echo who noticed him stood in the corner of the room and jutted his chin upwards, "You alright?"

"Fine," Hunter lied, even though his headache had amplified since entering the room, "We ought to turn in for the night."

"Agreed," Tech stood up, tucking away his datapad. "We will need adequate rest for tomorrow."

Echo stood slower, putting the pendant around his neck subtly, "Good luck telling those two, Hunter."

The Sergeant moved his gaze back to Omega and Wrecker, a wry smile falling onto his lips when he noticed Lulu tucked between the pair. They hadn't seemed to have heard what he said, and it was clear that all of their attention is invested in the game.

"Omega, Wrecker," he said, walking in front of the screen which made them both groan and try to lean around him to see, "Time for bed."

Wrecker was the first to protest, "Let us just finish this round and then-"