Inevitable {Tech}

Chapter Seventeen: Together Again

As soon as the ship landed, Tech hastily made his way to the exit and pushed past his some of his siblings. Hunter held out a hand before Tech could rush around him, and tried his hardest not to chuckle at Tech's eagerness.

"Easy there, lover boy. Let Echo go first," Hunter teased, then eased his hand away from Tech.

Tech made room for his siblings as Echo led the way towards the farm, Wrecker and Omega followed.

"I would appreciate it if you wouldn't call me that. It was quite unnecessary," Tech raised a finger while his face blushed beneath his helmet.

"Whatever you say," Hunter smirked.

Tech shook his head, hoping that the thoughts he had about Cass would somehow come together to make a complete thought. He didn't enjoy not understanding the feeling he got from her, but that only made it more enjoyable for his brothers.

Echo took the lead, which meant he was the first to turn the corner on the field path and see Cass. Echo prayed to the maker that his chip wouldn't activate so he wouldn't have to see the same pained and frightened look from Kaller. Cass swallowed hard and let Echo walk closer to her. He hated that she kept her lightsaber so close to her hand, almost as if she was waiting for something bad to happen.

But nothing did.

After a moment, when it was evident that their chips were defective and no shooting was going to ensue, Cass and Echo hurried to each other. She wrapped her arms tight around his neck and he held her close with his good hand.

"I'm so glad you're safe ad'ika," he mumbled into her hair. "I'm so sorry this happened."

"It wasn't your fault, don't apologize," she reassured him, gently moving her hands from his neck to his shoulders in a calming motion.

"I saw you on Kaller and...I've never seen you so afraid," Echo peeped as his head sank down. "I was so worried about you."

Cass gently placed her hands on the side of his face. "Echo," she whispered, but he didn't look up. She tugged his face lightly and made him look at her. He looked at her between his brows, his lips downturned in a remorseful manner. She felt his silent anguish, and watched as he blinked back contrite tears. "I'm alright, see?"

He examined her sedative face and his shoulders relaxed.

"You don't have to worry anymore."

"I'm always gonna worry about you," Echo grumbled.

Cass sighed and heartily grinned. "I know." She rubbed her thumbs against his hollowed cheeks, and his cold skin began to heat up.

"Aw come on, I'm dying over here! Can I hug her now?" Wrecker impatiently groaned and threw his hands up.

Echo rolled his eyes and moved aside, then dramatically gestured to Cass.

"Cassi!" Wrecker cheered and picked her up, easily lifting her high into the air. He spun around once as she threw her arms around his neck. She quickly kissed his forehead and he blushed sheepishly, then set her back down onto the dirt.

"Good to have you back, kid," Hunter nodded to her from the side. Knowing he wasn't keen on physical touch due to its overwhelming qualities, Cass smiled genuinely and returned the sentiment.

Then she spotted the magnetic source of the chill that ran down her spine. Tech blinked hard and slowly inched his way towards her. Neither seemed to be able to breath or speak or think. The only thing they could do was smile like a couple of idiots.

Cass fiddled with her hands, unsure of whether or not she should hug him like she so desperately wanted to. It was evident that Tech wasn't an affectionate person, nor someone who would know to channel such affections should he have them. And that's why Cass was completely caught off guard when Tech was the one to initiate the embrace. He gently placed his arms around her body, only just ghosting his fingertips on her waist.