Okay, I know this was just supposed to be a two part-er but this is just a little bonus chapter; though it doesn't really tie into the other two. This was just about the same theme and I figured I might as well.
Now, I haven't seen the last episode yet (obviously, since this is posted the day before) so this could be completely off canon and a total fantasy, but I don't care. This is a rant I wrote while stressed (and tired since I stayed up to get most of it in), and I know that. But I also figure I'm not the only one who likes Crosshair because he's relatable. Is it probable that this is sappy? Yes. Do I care given the topic? For once, no.
Summary: Crosshair is facing the squad on board the Marauder, finally spilling everything that he kept locked up.
Genre: Hurt/comfort, drama.
Warning: might be OOC and rushed.
Some time later aboard the Havoc Marauder as it travels through lightspeed...After the events of Kamino...Time: near midnight standard time...
''Are we still going on about this?!''
''Are we?'' the sniper challenged.
''Crosshair, they left you for dead.
''It wouldn't be the first time I'd been left behind.'' he snapped.
At that, Hunter backed down a little, nodding in regret. His tone was gentler now, all heat leaving him.
''Yeah...true...Just, when we left, we didn't try to kill you. The Empire did. Why do you still want to go back?''
Crosshair lifted his gaze, staring at Hunter incredulously.
''You think I want to be controlled like that?...''
Sighing, Hunter shrugged.
''That's all you kept saying. You kept telling us to join the Empire...what did you expect?''
Crosshair didn't blink, that same numb feeling he'd felt when he'd told the others that he'd had his chip removed creeping back, stilling his features til he barely moved and his own voice sounding small and hollow in his ears.
''All I had wanted was my squad and a purpose. I had been told every day that I had ever had that I was a defect...useless...worth nothing to no body! I wanted that to change. I didn't want to be just another clone. I wanted to believe I was here for more than just mindless service to something that never showed itself! I never wanted to be who I am if this is all I'll ever get to be!''
The words echoed off the Marauder's walls, the pause weighing even heavier on the sniper's chest now that it was out. It was out, and so was the emotional energy. Now, he was tired and all he could do was add softly, ''...I -I just don't know how to change.''
Trying to take in everything thrown at him, shaking his head as if asking himself why he hadn't seen it sooner as he stepped forward and clasped Crosshair's shoulders, Hunter breathed, ''Why didn't you tell us?''
Crosshair couldn't meet his eyes, glancing away as he whispered, voice nearly cracking, ''I didn't want to get in your way.''
The tension shattered.
Tech stepped forward, placing his hand on Hunter's shoulder as Wrecker did the same on the other side; Echo and Omega both hung back, watching in silent fascination, somehow knowing that this was a matter that could only be settled between the original Batch.
Leaning forward, the sergeant murmured, ''And we never wanted to get in yours...But Cross...it's over now. It can be over now. It's just up to you. I have to ask...But you're the only one who can make it happen.''
Hunter let go and took a few steps back, opening his palms outward.
''Crosshair...come home.''
He looked up. Hunter's hands were shaking.
''Is this real?'' he asked, barely daring to breath.
Throat tightening, Hunter could manage a brief nod.
Haltingly, carefully, Crosshair took a step forward...and another.
Hope filled the others as they watched...Crosshair took the final step forward, for the first time meeting his brother's pleading gaze with his own.
''I -I...want to be home.''
A small, painful smile cracked the corners of Hunter's lips.
''Then what are you waiting for?''
That was all he needed. The next second later, Crosshair was burying himself in his brother's arms, clinging to him as if for dear life. And on the flipside, so was Hunter. He had broken a promise...he wasn't going to break it again.
Clutching his brother to his chest, he whispered in his ear, ''I forgive you, brother. I'm sorry. I love you.''
It took a moment, but soon Crosshair's short breathes became hiccupping sobs as for the first time since they had been kids, he wept openly, surrounded by the brothers he had thought had abandoned him.
How long had he waited to hear that?
A few hours? Few months? His whole life?
His whole story had been a question...but there was one more. Did they know how much pain they had just helped him release?
It didn't matter...He was home.
The End...
Thank you to everyone who read, I hope the tissues aren't completely gone yet and that you enjoyed reading this short fic. :)
(Promise this is the last Crosshair POV story like this (for now...until tomorrow probably) :D See you later!
