The Bad Batch Echo X Reader - Blog Posts

This was super duper sweet <3

who needs a reason? (Echo x Reader)

I've had these in my drafts for a year and I'm just now getting to them with three hours until midnight. Happy New Year and happy season two, everyone!

Notes: Mostly fluff, mentions of Echo's PTSD in regards to explosions, Echo's insecure about his appearance.

Wrecker's love of explosions was particularly evident as Cid enlisted his and Tech's help with the fireworks display. Echo, however, was a bit more tense concerning the whole thing. It seemed that every once in a while, everyone forgot that he had quite literally been blown up.

"What would you like to do for the new year?" you asked him.

Echo rested his chin on your shoulder, "I'd really just like to get some peace and quiet, cyar'ika."

You glanced around the Parlor. Cid had a couple distinguished clients visiting tonight, the kind that preferred to keep a low profile. She was throwing this New Year's party in order to help them blend in, which meant more work for the rest of you.

"You think they'd miss us for a couple hours?" You asked as you finished cleaning the last of Cid's drinking glasses. Omega and Hunter were unloading the last of the drinks behind the bar, and Ketch and Bolo were stringing up the lights.

"You'd better not be breakin' any of my glasses, sweetheart!" Cid snapped in your direction. You rolled her eyes at her usual irritability and set down the last of the glasses.

A couple hours later, the party was in full swing. Cid's Parlor was full of people you'd met once or twice during your time on Ord Mantell.

Wrecker had found someone he could rant to about the fireworks display he'd planned, and Omega listened with rapt attention. Ketch and Bolo's brawls over the slot machines were becoming a popular form of entertainment, and you and Echo were stuck serving drinks behind the bar.

Tech and Hunter approached you two, and Echo got them their usuals.

"Cid's friends?" He asked.

"In her office. She said to come out and see if you needed any help," Hunter took a long gulp.

"We've been doing alright-"

"We could use a break," You spoke over Echo, squeezing his arm. He looked at you in surprise, but Tech just nodded. Hunter winked at you, and you pulled Echo to the exit, up the stairs, and to the streets above.

It didn't snow on Ord Mantell. Too much pollution made the planet too warm for that, so you were met with a downpour of rain. Still, it was a welcome sensation to the heavy air of the Parlor, shut up below the ground.

"You are something," Echo shook his head with a chuckle, staring up into the rain.

"Hey, you're the one who said you liked me," You shrugged.

"Huh, I guess I did, didn't I?" With a devilish grin Echo wrapped his arms around your waist, yanking you off your feet and spinning you around and out to the center of the street, where you were both caught in the pouring rain.

You shrieked with delight, begging him to spin you faster and faster. He stumbled once, and set you down before you could trip and fall into one of the puddles nearby.

"Well, we're here now, what do we do?" Echo asked, taking both of your hands in his.

You looked up and down the empty the street. The rain prevented people from bringing their celebrations outside, and Wrecker might have to cancel his beloved fireworks display.

"We should head inside," You chuckled sheepishly. Strands of your hair were starting to stick to your face.

Hand in hand, the two of you ran through the rain to the Marauder, where you both changed into a fresh set of clothes and sat together on Echo's bunk.

"Think the others will come looking for us?" He asked. He was holding your hand again, his thumb brushing back and forth across your knuckles.

"Who cares? Cid's people showed up, she won't mind."

Echo nodded, satisfied with your reasoning. You scooted closer, draping your legs across his lap and resting your forehead against his.

"You're so pretty," You whispered.

"Shut up," He chuckled immediately. You gently smacked his shoulder.

"I mean it!" You said.

Echo still chuckled, "Can you at least tell me what parts of me you think are pretty?"

You cocked one eyebrow at the challenge.

"Your loyalty."

Echo snorted. "My sense of loyalty...is pretty?"

"Hush," You hissed, "It's very attractive, and it totally makes me weak in the knees."

"Okay," Echo chuckled again, and his scomp arm wrapped around your waist to pull you closer.

"You don't take kark from anyone. You know your own value, and it's immensely beautiful."

"I thought you said I was pretty," He teased.

"You can be pretty and beautiful!" You insisted. You took his cheeks in your hands so that he could sense the weight of your sincerity.

"And your eyes," You said at last, tracing his cheekbone with your finger. Echo had no snarky comment for that one.

"They're so bright, so full of life. They're so warm, and they make me feel safe."

Echo's breath stuttered in his throat as he stared up at you. It was like he was seeing you for the first time.

Your nose brushed against his. "Do I need a reason to think that you're pretty?" you whispered timidly.

Echo's hand came up behind your neck, "Maybe not. But...it does feel good to hear it from you."

You ducked your head to hide a smile as your lips brushed against his cheeks, "I'll tell you anytime you want me to."

Echo hummed happily, "Thanks, cyar'ika."

A tinny chime echoed through the hold, and the two of you jumped up, worried that someone else had returned to the ship. But it was just the ship's chronometer, letting you know that it was officially midnight.

"Well, Happy New Year?" Echo laughed off his nerves.

"Happy New Year," You laughed, hiding for face in his chest for a moment. Echo gently tilted your chin upwards to look at him.

"Can I give you a kiss?"

"Hmm...do you need a reason for that one too?"

Echo shook his head, a smile breaking out across his face, "Never."

His lips claimed yours, and the only rumbling to reach your ears was the rain thrumming against the hull of the ship.

Only two more days until Bad Batch Season Two!