Since their small moment on Felucia, Ryki constantly found herself dreaming about the kiss she almost shared with Hunter. It was unexplained what both of them experienced during that time and barely acknowledged it after.

Walking down the streets of Ord Mantell, Omega realized Ryki's absent presence. Turning around she saw the mirialan healer trailing behind. "You might want to go talk to her" 

Omega looked up to face Echo, who also noticed the mirialan, "Do you know what's bothering her?" The female clone asked. Echo shrugged, "Whatever happened in Felucia seemed to have stayed in Felucia." Echo then gestured to their leader, "Hunter seems to be distracted as well. He's never easily distracted." 

Omega's precious smile turned sour, "I'll talk to them," she decided, making Echo smile while she skipped off to fall by Ryki's side.

"Hey," Ryki's green eyes meet Omega's warm brown ones. "Maggie" she nodded with a smile. The younger girl giggled at her nickname. They walked together in silence until Omega finally decided to question the mirialan, rather boldly, "So... how are you?" 

"I'm fine, I guess," Ryki replied, feeling slightly confused about the situation. A small turn of her head to the group of boys upfront brought her to meet Echo's seemingly innocent smiling face. "Echo asked you to talk to me, didn't he?" 

Omega smirked teasingly, "Yeah. Actually, I myself wanted to talk to you. Why are you so distracted today?" 

The innocence in Omega's voice was enough to make Ryki realize the underlying worry. She found it useless to lie to the child, also seeing as the young clone was more perceptive to the well-being of her new family. "I've had a very confusing day," Ryki sighed.

"With Hunter?" 

Ryki found herself flushing at the name, "I'm not really sure Maggie. I think so...but, it's complicated." Omega raised a brow, "What's so confusing about liking Hunter?"

"What? I didn't say-"

"Do you love, Hunter?" Omega thought out loud. Love. Was it love, or just the heat of the moment? Ryki thought back to the few moments she shared with the Sargeant. The first time they actually talked was during Omega's kidnapping by Cad Bane. It would mark their first argument too. Hunter was the first to apologize. Was it out of pity or just people's customs? What about the time with Vendi? Hunter risked his entire crew to rescue her. Is that love, or duty? 

Truthfully Ryki didn't know. She was never one to pick up on hints or loving gestures, given her tortured past. Omega tugged on Ryki's sleeves, drawing her from her trance. "Love is a big word Omega. I don't think I understand it much to realize it." 

The female clone thought about it, then she nodded "But you do like him." Ryki huffed, not knowing what she felt but nodded. She did like him after all. Omega squeezed Ryki's green-skinned hand reassuringly, "I think Hunter like likes you too." 

--- 

Usually, Cid's dingy bar was not on a tourist's top ten must-visit list but today spelled otherwise. The group was surprised to see the sudden surge of bar-goers rushing into Cid's parlor. "Think it's another bet?" Omega tugged on Hunter's hand. "We'll see. This parlor is not exactly a tourist spot," Echo said, cautiously surveying a few clad black armored people shifting by the parlor's entrance. 

Hunter turned back to whisper to his group, "Keep your eyes open. Whatever is going on here, I don't like it." The group nodded, naturally trusting Hunter's instincts. They marched on ahead while Hunter lingered back, pulling Ryki by her forearm to face him. As they met each other's eyes, both came to a stutter as words failed to pour out from their mouths. Ryki looked down to where Hunter's fingers firmly wrapped around her arm. It was the first time since their secret moment on Felucia where the two stood this close. "Uhm, I meant to ask you to stay safe in there," 

Ryki chuckled weakly at the deep rumble of the sargeant's voice, "I don't think there's much to worry about in there." She offered him a smile and tried to pull away but Hunter did not relent on his hold. Sudden seriousness flooded his senses as a protective instinct took him over, "Ryki, I mean it. Please, just be cautious" 

His eyes wandered her face, taking in the realization that gleamed in the pools of green of her eyes. "Please, Ryki. I can't- I cannot take another incident like that again. Not with you. Not with Omega." Wordless walls that surrounded them slowly began to crumble. The pair were left with the lingering unspoken admiration they held for each other. Both wanted to hear those words from each other but neither had the courage to speak them, fearing that they won't be able to keep to that promise. 

"Okay," she whispered, hoping it would at least calm her man when she knew she could not control the future. Nodding, he let her enter the parlor where the others were already waiting. "There's more of those people" Omega hid behind Ryki's legs. More black-armored people lingered around the lively bar, taking notice of the small clone squadron that just entered. Other than the ominous stares the Bad Batch received from the newcomers, the armored people seemed to ignore the Batch's presence.

 Hunter nodded for his team to enter Cid's office, only to be met by a total stranger. A young devaronian sat in Cid's place. "Welcome to my office. How may I help you?" 

An audible gasp escaped Ryki when she finally heard his voice. It couldn't be, could it? The devaronian glanced to the back of the squad, spotting the mirialan hiding behind them. His greedy eyes gleamed with mischief, "Well, hello there toots. Didn't think I'd see you around this area again" 

The Bad Batch quickly turned their glances towards their herbologist. Hunter wearing a more suspicious look on his face. "Durand," Ryki distastefully spat only to make the devaronian laugh. "Still feisty aren't you. Did I not ask you to address me as Roland? We are on a first-name basis, right?" 

Ryki continued to staredown Roland as he began to approach her. Hunter quickly noticed this and blocked Roland's path. Automatically the rest of the Bad Batch came into a protective stance, barricading both Omega and Ryki. "Your, body guards? " Roland now stood face to face with Hunter. The sargeant hovered his hands above his blaster.

"They are friends of mine. What's it to you?" 

Huffing, Roland pushed Hunter aside. Ryki quickly met his eyes to assure him that she was not in danger. Gently, Ryki pushed Omega behind her to keep Roland away as he neared. "Oh, you know. I was worried. I don't like how we left off," slyly he reached for her only to be pushed away roughly by Wrecker. "Hey, keep your hands to yourself, pal!" Silently, Ryki thanked Wrecker.

Roland grunted and his personal guards broke to a fighting stance. The Bad Batch naturally prepared to fight back. "Enough! Roland, stand down," Ryki's voice boomed with frustration. Weirdly enough, Roland surrendered almost happily. A little too happy when Ryki spoke his name. Hunter noticed this and didn't like it one bit. "Warming up to me, love? I knew you'd come around"

While Omega remained oblivious to the situation, Echo, Wrecker, and Tech began to see the old relationship Ryki may have shared with Roland before they met her. The three noticed Hunter's shoulder's tense when Roland spoke his nickname for Ryki. "Calm down, Hunter" Echo warned through their private comm channel. It didn't stop Hunter from burning angry glares into Roland Durand's head.

Ryki ignored the devaronian's annoying charm, "Where is Cid?" she demanded. "Cid's out" Roland casually threw. Worry began to stir in Ryki's chest. "This parlor and Ord Mantell are now my territory. You know, love, if you're looking for work I may have use for you" Roland beamed proudly, finally deciding to throw an arm around her shoulder. Ryki cursed the Durand in silence and pushed him away. "Don't touch me" Ryki warned him. Roland sighed disappointedly, "Ryki, dear. I'm offering you a way out of this life. Join me and don't worry about your troubles again." He turned to face the clones and Omega, "Let them do the heavy lifting. We will celebrate with the fortune they give us"

"Nice lie, Durand. Your mother sells lies better, you not so much." 

Disgust and shock etched on Roland's face, making Ryki smirk in victory. "Fine, if you're not here to find work, you might as well leave. I'm a very busy man." 

Ryki laughed mockingly knowing she hurt Roland's fragile feelings very successfully. Hunter kept his eyes trained on the mirialan, pride swelling in the depth of his heart witnessing Ryki shutting down the arrogant devaronian. A love-sick smile was hidden beneath the helmet only enforcing the admiration he already held for her. That and the additional mischievous twinkle and glee in his woman's eyes made him fall head over heels for her. 

"The job offer is still on the table!" Roland shouted after Ryki. The mirialan stalked out of the office with her head held high. Omega proudly followed along. Hunter's snapped from his trance as he turned to give Roland one final disgusted look, "We'll think about it." The sarcasm was obvious in the sargeant's voice. The Bad Batch filed out of the parlor leaving Roland Durand to swim in his shame.

---

"We're getting of Ord Mantell. Tech, prep the ship. The rest of us will gather supplies."  Hunter instructed as the Marauder came into view.

Omega looked up in shock, "But what about Cid?" Ryki nodded in agreement. The young clone tugged on Ryki's hand, "What did he mean when he said she was 'out' ?" Ryki had an inkling of what Roland meant, but she hoped it was a lie. 

"Given his tone, it is a plausible assumption that Cid was either forced out or taken out." Tech bluntly informed, receiving a tired sigh from Ryki. "Well, we don't actually know if Cid is "out". In any way. We have to find her and help her." 

Before anyone could reply, the group was interrupted by none other than the trandoshan herself. "Nice to see two of you cares." 

"Cid, you sarcastic lizard, you're okay!" Ryki ran up to the cranky lizard and hugged her. "I knew Roland could not possibly force you out." She didn't notice Hunter bristle irritatedly just at the mention of the Durand.

Cid grunted and pushed the mirialan away. "I don't do hugs, but thank you and Tiny for caring. Either way, Roland's a wimp and too weak to force me out. I just gave up easily." 

Of course, Ryki thought. "Still, you could have mentioned that Roland was here. I did not think I'd see his face any time soon." Again, it seeped into Hunter's mind and made him wonder how a fool like Roland managed to meet a strong, independent woman like Ryki. He did not like it one bit.

"Inside, now" Omega was quick to bounce after Cid into the ship while the others followed. 

"Hey, Ry. You might want to tell Hunter about, you know who..." Wrecker whispered quietly before he headed into the ship. Ryki turned to see Hunter awkwardly standing at the ship's steps, fiddling with the helmet in his hands. Ryki grimaced, "You have questions." The sargeant sighed and nodded, "So you and-" 

"Karks no, Hunter," Ryki gagged. "Roland... Roland was a huge mistake. On so many levels, a huge mistake." Hunter nodded. Somehow the situation became more awkward as neither knew what to say, "You didn't mention." 

Ryki pinched the bridge of her nose and tiredly sighed, "I never actually thought I'd actually see him again." 

Again, Hunter nodded. It came to him as a relief that Ryki had no intentions of seeing this 'Roland' again but it didn't settle with the sargeant right. The all to casual way Roland openly flirted with Ryki made Hunter's insides churn with annoyance. No, not annoyance but a different more wild and possessive feeling. Jealousy. "Hunter?" 

The sargeant noticed he'd gone quiet for quite some time. Ryki felt worried by his long silence. Worried that the appearance of Roland might have inflicted damage on whatever growing relationship she and Hunter had going on. She cared about what Hunter thought about her, a little too much. "Y-yeah, I'm-we're fine."

"We are?" He heard the hope rise in her voice. It gave him a surge of confidence to take the next step. Hunter paced up the steps, meeting her at the top. "Yes, we are." Ryki let out a sigh, shoulders visibly relaxing, "Thank the maker. I really didn't expect him to show up you know." Hunter smiled softly and cupped her face. Ryki's breath hitched but Hunter calmed her down by resting the crown of his head against her's. She instantly relaxed against him, closing her eyes in content. "Sorry if I worried you. I just didn't like how..."

Ryki peeped out her closed eyelids, "How?" Hunter shifted nervously under her gaze and mumbled something under his breath, eyes shifting shyly from hers. Ryki nuzzled into him and Hunter gave in, "I said, I didn't like how he looked at you, and how he tried to be friendly."

Ryki felt her heart jump because of Hunter's protective actions, which she did notice. But hearing him say it out loud made her heart soar. Giggling, she braced herself on Hunter's armor. The poor sargeant was confused but laughed anyway, "What?". "Nothing, nothing. You're perfect," Ryki replied between small giggles. Hunter froze with his face turning red, and also quick relief. Quickly regaining his boldness, Hunter brought her close holding her tightly in his arms. "Roland knows I'm not interested in him. Plus, I'd had to be lunatic to go back to him." 

"Really?" Hunter quietly asked. Ryki hummed in reply, "Plus, I think I already found the better man."

The sargeant's eyes sparked, so did something in his chest, "Oh, really. Whose that I wonder?" He played along. 

"Hmm, we'll he's a shaggy-haired man. I do admire his hair. Also, he's a sargeant or so they say." 

"Ah, handsome too?" 

Ryki rolled her eyes playfully, "Very. Beautiful eyes too." Hunter groaned, "I wanted to tell you that" 

The couple erupted in giddy laughter, "You got many chances too. I'd be here to listen to them." The sargeant sighed contently, "You're perfect." He admitted. "So perfect," a delicate kiss was planted onto Ryki's head. 

There was a string of words that wanted to leave the mirialan's lips. She tried to muster the courage, so did Hunter. Still, was this the perfect time? Maybe they had more. A small mistake on their part went unnoticed as they toyed with time. Hunter strengthened his grip, bringing Ryki's body impossibly closer to him. He needed her desperately. To be able to hold her anytime, love her, tell her that he cared so much. Little did he know how much Ryki herself wanted to do the same, desperately. 

They stayed that way for a while, content with each other. Ryki decided to lighten up the mood, "It's okay to feel a little jealous, Hunter. I won't judge. I'm a luxury only one can afford." 

Hunter saw the small smirk slyly making its way to her lips. Ryki raised her eyebrows, "I'm just saying. You look all cute when you get jealous."

"I was trying to protect you," 

Reluctantly separating themselves, Ryki pressed a kiss to Hunter's chin. He was significantly taller than her. "I noticed, and thank you. I appreciate it greatly." 

"Let's regroup?" 

Hunter nodded and pulled her into the Marauder with her hand in his.

----

Authors note

I'M FINALLY ON A MID-SEM BREAK! -sorry for the wait, here is the new update  -Adanna