--Building a New life --Tech x Reader Bad Batch

Chapter 39 --Back on track--

Wecker and Omega were passed out and Hunter was seated at the Marauders computer looking over plans but mostly waiting for the 'love birds' to return home. Echo and Rex were asleep in the cockpit since the chairs were comfortable and they had settled down there to talk about old battles.

You stepped onto the ship after returning from the outpost with Tech and quietly step into the back to avoid waking anyone. You let your bag slip off onto the floor with a sigh "sorry for the late return. Tech wanted to speak with me" you quietly said as Hunter turned and looked up at your arrival.

Hunter raised an eyebrow and you gave him a beaming smile with a thumbs up and he chuckled "Get some rest, we'll be leaving for Kiros tomorrow".

You nodded, unable to wipe the grin off your face and sat down to start taking your armor off. Tech now enters the ship, says nothing and puts down his own bag. Hunter and him make eye contact with Hunter winking at Tech and Tech rolling his eyes in response.

You did your best to quietly put away your armor and then you found a towel, hopefully clean, and went to the back of the ship to step into the refresher. If there was going to be a mission in the morning you'd rather take a chance to get clean now rather than later.

You double checked that the door was securely shut, testing it by pushing against it firmly, before undressing and turning on the warm mist. Now that you were alone you allowed yourself to be giddy with excitement. You relaxed your face which quickly broke into a smile and you did your best not to squeal in joy.

Tech liked you.

Not just some compatriot appreciation.

Not just a teammate's acceptance.

Romantically!

The excitement at the thought alone sent shivers down your spine and made your chest ache with happiness. There were concerns begging to be heeded at the edge of your brain but you ignored them. You just wanted to enjoy being happy in this moment and not feel guilty or shy or nervous.

The morning could not come soon enough.

--meanwhile, back in the middle of the ship-

Hunter had turned to Tech with a grin after you had stepped away " "so I see you two stuck it out a little late".

"You had advised me to speak with Y/N, so I decided I should act upon that advice as soon as possible" Tech replied flatly, although he was doing his best to hold back his emotions. The reaction he was having to your mutual interest was surprisingly intense and he didn't know how to describe it beyond chaos.

"Looks like the conversation went well" Hunter added, sensing the overwhelming feelings Tech was experiencing even if his words didn't express them.

Tech nodded "Indeed, with our open communication established I believe we will both function at more optimal levels".

"Good, I'm going to expect a solid performance from you both".

"That shall be achieved, however I would remind you that the main detriment to my performance is the meddling influence of Echo not Y/N" Tech replied with a stern look and Hunter chuckled again. Those two always seemed to be at odds although they also operated as a highly successful duo as well.

"Well that will not be as prevalent now. But that does remind me, since you at Y/N are on good terms now, would you prefer to have her as your fill-in co-pilot?"

"Your input is satisfactory" Tech replied flatly and Hunter sighed "She and I would switch out as needed, she is knowledgeable in ship flight and we need more capable flyers".