During the Clone Wars, the Bad Batch is tasked with a variety of missions across the galaxy. An unexpected addition to their team throws a wrench in the mix, particularly for Tech, who finds a particular connection with the disillusioned Padawan-tur...
Tech was oblivious, fingers tapping deftly on the screen as he re-crossed his legs in front of him, butt resting on the speeder seat. Vel's approach would have startled him if he weren't always aware of his surroundings, although his awareness didn't always extend to the nuances of the emotional climate. She walked to him slowly, eyes roving from his angular features to the gaps between his armor plates, thrilled and terrified by the growing heat in her core. He looked up finally as she stood beside him, emanating an inexplicable hunger and intensity that caught his attention. He furrowed his brow, shifting to his feet and facing her fully.
"Is everything alright?" he asked pertly, tilting his head and sending another spark of affection through her.
"Yeah..." she said breathily, swallowing hard at the perceived risk of putting herself out there. "It's just that... you were... are... really amazing."
He rested a hand on his hip, jutting it out to the side as he appeared deep in thought, as though her words were puzzling to him. He searched the ground for answers, brown eyes roving here and there as he pondered what could possibly be so impressive. Vel took a step closer, bringing herself into his personal space, and placed a tentative hand on his chest plate.
"It's... really hot," she continued, eyes shifting sheepishly off to the side. Her gaze was averted, but her body ached for his, leaning forward imperceptibly to almost rest against him. When she finally turned her face back to him, she lifted a hand to his cheek, relishing the sharp inhale of surprise from his beautiful mouth. "You're really hot," she said with a smile, lips slightly parted as she memorized every detail of his irresistible face.
"What are you doing?" Tech said suddenly, causing Vel to pull back in shock and, though she hated to admit it, a good amount of hurt. She stared at him, eyebrows drawing together as she clasped her hands anxiously.
"I... uh... Geez, Tech. I was trying to kiss you... Didn't you like it the last time?" her words came in a flood of embarrassment at his interruption. "I mean... I'm sorry, not to be accusing or anything... I'm just... I'm just confused."
"Ah," he said, realization dawning upon him, although there were still some mysteries to it. "But... It does not seem like a fitting time for physical affection... We are on a mission, and the setting is neither leisurely nor romantic."
An exasperated sigh cushioned her words as Vel shook her head with a smile. She could be quite compartmental in her own thinking, although not to the extent that he was capable. "I'm sorry," she repeated, stepping closer one more time. "If it's jarring or unwelcome, I totally get it. I just.. um..." She fidgeted with her fingers, looking down at them, "I just find it really attractive. Your strength and capability. I know you think it's no big deal, but... it makes me feel things." She laughed at the last phrase, agonizing in the awkwardness of having to explain it but wanting to make sure her motivation was understood.
Razor-sharp comprehension glimmered in Tech's amber eyes, accentuated by the magnifying effect of his goggles. He cleared his throat, a tiny smirk touching the corner of his lips. For someone who was so quick to share calculations and expertise, receiving a genuine compliment was still a bit of a novel experience for him. His strength and capability were... expected, baseline. His only value in a galaxy at war. But perhaps that was not entirely true.
"I am sorry for... surprising you," he took a stab in the dark. "I did not perceive any of my actions to be particularly noteworthy. But... I appreciate your... admiration." His voice had a husky tone to it now, catching Vel's attention, and she studied him intently, hoping it meant what she thought it did.
"It's okay," she said softly, in a simple vulnerability that Tech somehow found magnetizing. Something shifted in his brain, and he took a look around the alley they'd been left in, assessing a great many factors before determining his course of action. He lowered his chin slightly, moving forward purposefully and placing his hands on Vel's waist, and pushed her backward, up against the dark wall of a building.
Fireworks were exploding in her heart, her mouth going dry with shocked delight. The look on his face was... inexplicable. It was a flickering flame finding dry kindling to feed its appetite, alight with a warm glow and radiant heat. She opened her mouth to speak, not really having any idea what she was going to say, but the press of his lips on hers took away the need to decide.
His kiss was harder than before, his body heavy against her with his legs staggered between her own. It felt possessive... commanding... overwhelming in the best way. He turned his head, meeting her mouth again and again, lingering more and more each time until he finally opened his lips a bit, gently sucking her lower lip in one smooth movement. Her body was on fire, mind swirling in utter bliss, and Vel wrapped her arms around him, pulling his plastoid frame as close as she could.
Tech kept going. Kissing, turning, cupping her face, kissing her again. He tried his open-mouthed technique again, sending a shiver down her spine. His breathing was growing heavy again, as was hers, in the few gasps of air she was able to suck in through her nose. His passion was like ocean waves on the shore, rolling in steadily and gracefully, crashing into her with waves of bliss before receding. Again and again. She never wanted it to end, completely losing herself in the taste of his mouth, the scent of his sweat and armor. A tiny noise escaped her lips, a soft moan of euphoria, and her hands splayed across the hard plates on his back.
He pulled away, assessing her face immediately, alerted by her noise. The sudden departure of his intense presence opened Vel's eyes in surprise, and she looked at him quizzically. And sheepishly. Was that a turnoff for him? Had she done something wrong?
"Do you want to stop?" Tech asked, as frank as if he were asking if she wanted a glass of water.
"Never," she sighed, smiling stupidly at his flushed face. "That was a happy sound. You're incredible."
"You appear to think a great number of ordinary things are incredible," he murmured, and she truly couldn't tell if he was joking or not. Either way, it was ridiculous and endearing, and she laughed freely, turning to bury her forehead against his shoulder. His following words were even more heartwarming.
"It bodes well for me that you are so easily impressed."
