tobesomeone | OPEN POST

[ Ah shit.

He hears his name again and it's almost enough to melt his heart. He hates it. He had been so mad because he thought he was played. And as much as that hurt, as hard as that was to deal with, right now it would be easier if he could just believe it was as bad as it felt.

His eyes shut as a free hand comes up to run fingers through his hair. He wants to stop this conversation from happening right now, except maybe he doesn't. That's why he's here, alone with Reyes. When it came to matters of the heart...well...he followed said heart. ]

Yeah, well, that's what made it suck so bad.

[ He only just realizes that Reyes had moved in a little closer when he opens his eyes again. So close. They were always so far away from one another but right now they were so close. That's all Ryder ever wanted. Was to be close to someone.

They had been. That was real. Reyes had said as much when he accused the other of lying to him about "everything", and he was too angry and stubborn at the time to consider that...it was the truth. And now he's saying it again. Shit.]

I just...I've always been an open person, and...obviously...

[ —look, he's just trying to acknowledge that he understands...that that's not something Reyes can always afford. But it's a lot harder to say than he thought. ]

[It would be easier if Ryder told him right now that they were over. Done. Told Reyes to shut up. He still hasn't and maybe it should just be obvious, but it's clear there's still something there.

Oh Ryder is always so emotional, easy to overwhelm with them and it's not his intention in the least, he just wanted to have that cleared between them. If nothing else, he needed to make sure Ryder understood that his feelings were not a lie. If this is really the end between them, he wants the truth to be there at least.

Honestly he doesn't realize he's moved closer, but he has, hand sliding across the table to stop just short of Ryder's.]

I wanted to tell you. It was never about trust... I just... I liked- the way you looked at me, Ryder.

[Fingers stretch to bridge the gap between their hands, fingertips of his gloves sliding up over Ryder's, testing the water.]

I didn't want the Charlatan to cloud your view of me.

[A lot of the rumors of what the Charlatan did or didn't do were false, things attributed to him just because people could. The anonymity had it's pros and cons let's just say that. Of course plenty were true and some weren't great either. He wanted Ryder to know him first, to see him.]

[ Ryder is pretty much beyond the point of no return now. His feelings are overtaking all the logic in his brain that's been yelling at him, now distant shouts that are soon drowned out by his beating heart. That's why he doesn't move his hand away. ]

You're the shadiest bastard I've ever met, Reyes, but I trusted you enough that I wouldn't have thought any less of you. [ Up until now his eyes had been shifty, trying not to stare at Reyes for too long, but he made the mistake of looking him right in the face and holding his gaze there. ] But, I don't know, maybe I get it. I mean...sometimes it's tiring to be Pathfinder to everyone instead of just Ryder. Or, god forbid, just Scott.

You...[ Oh shit, ah fuck, his heart is telling him to just fucking say it and he can't ignore it. His hand turns, palm up, fingers tentatively clasping around Reyes' like a small animal trying to be cautious. His voice has the smallest hint of a quake to it. ] You never stopped being someone to me, Reyes.

[The Point of No Return has left the station, there's no going back now. When Ryder doesn't pull away from his touch again it's a small victory and he'll take whatever he can get right now. It's even better when their eyes finally are able to meet.

It's good to hear that there's an understanding between them, that while they're two different men they have a lot in common in some ways. Ways that help Ryder overcome the betrayal of his lies a little easier with time. Usually Reyes is one to have more than plenty to say, but Ryder is moving to take his hand and he's rendered speechless by him.

An echo of their moment under the setting sun of Kadara, he looks vulnerable in ways he doesn't let most others see him. Reyes knows he's not talking, he should be saying something, the silence will only poison the tender bridge they're trying to build between each other. Blinking rapidly as if snapping out of a daze he'll return Ryder's hold, giving his hand a squeeze, free hand coming up, fingers grazing over his cheek to cradle his face as he dips in to claim his lips. Maybe it's presumptuous of him, but in the moment it felt like the right thing to do. It's not as soft as the kiss it's echoing, there's a desperation to it and a passion.

Words wouldn't be enough, please understand him.]

[ It's almost comical how mad he had been, how hurt, and how he thought he would never recover from it and how easily Ryder is drawn back in with a simple touch of their fingers, a held hand, and a squeeze, and then Reyes' hand on his face—

—and a kiss that finally forces him to face the fact that he had been avoiding underneath all the anguish since that day in the cave.

He made such a big fucking mistake.

In spite of Ryder's now weak knees, his hand squeezing hard from a mix of surprise and desperation, and the way he practically melts into the kiss — he forces himself to pull away only after their lips touched for mere seconds. Seconds in which he saw fireworks, but nevertheless— ]

Are you crazy? [ he asks breathlessly, blue eyes wide. But that moment of logic prevailing was more like a glitch than anything, seeing as Ryder immediately tosses aside the notion that this is ridiculous and maybe they should stop in favor of throwing himself forward to press their lips together again with matching desperation and passion.

Ah well, he tried. ]

[They'd both made a mistake, it wasn't all just on Ryder. Now wasn't the time for arguing who was right or wrong. Not that Ryder doesn't give him a start, pulling back from his kiss and asking if he's crazy.

Guess he'd misunderstood, read everything wrong- or not. God this fool, this ridiculous man. Ryder would call him crazy in one breath and then kiss him the next, just a little whiplash to go along with everything why not? At least they seem to be on the same page now which Reyes is thankful for, both hands now holding the pathfinder's face, kissing with abandon. He'd missed this, missed the intimacy of them, for what little they'd been allowed of it before everything fell apart. Each kiss is more passionate, needy and it doesn't take long for a hunger to creep in.

Making up for lost time perhaps.

Reyes shifts them with his own body, guides Ryder towards the table as it knocks against the small of the pathfinder's back, skidding sharp and loud in the mostly empty room. It's enough to startle an embarrassed laugh from him, giving him a second to smile before he presses in for another kiss.]

[ Ryder couldn't even begin to express how nice it feels to have Reyes holding his face in that gentle way most probably wouldn't expect from him. To have the passion from this kiss sweeping him off his feet. His own kisses are desperate and eager — he's so enraptured in the moment that he doesn't realize he's being moved until the table screeches across the floor, and the helmet he had been holding in his free hand drops to the ground with a loud clatter.

He joins Reyes in his startled laugh, smile soft and smitten. Now that both his hands are free they find their way to Reyes' shoulders, fingers gripping as if afraid of letting go. Ryder sighs into the kiss as if easing into a warm bath after a long day of getting bruised and beaten...healing. It feels healing. Exhilarating.

In between a kiss—] I should've let you explain— [ and another kiss ] I'm sorry. [ There's way too much to say that hasn't been said, and it can wait, but that he just has to...get out there. In case he hadn't made his regret clear enough. ]

[As much as he appreciates the apology, it's not needed. He doesn't want to stay in the past, looking forward to what they can do and be now is more important. His intentions with calling Ryder here today were never for reconciliation, it would have just been a bonus if it happened, but now that it seems to have happened he's greedy for more.

As he's been told before, he's selfish and maybe that's true. So he's going to be selfish, hands that had cradled Ryder's face lovingly move down to heft the pathfinder up to sit him on the edge of the table as he'll push between his thighs to claim his mouth yet again.]

Shh--

[Reyes shushes him, kisses him slow, languidly. Savoring the moment as his hands pull Ryder firmly against him by his hips. Kiss broken he'll nuzzle in against an ear.]

You understand now... and you're here with me. You're better than any apology, Scott.

[ Of course, he wasn't done, and he was about to continue a tirade of apologies when they get caught in his throat as he's lifted onto the table and effectively shushed. Yes, right. If he doesn't stop now he never will, he supposes. And — oh...

Those words mean the absolute world to him. No, the whole galaxy and then some. Ryder's arms snake around Reyes' shoulders and his legs wrap around the man, hugging him with his entire body.

A tear rolls down his cheek. So it begins. Ryder doesn't try to hide it...he's not embarrassed to cry in front of people he cares about, if at all. He would still like to keep it together considering why they gathered here to begin with, but...he's allowing himself this moment, damn it. He's really goddamn happy right now. ]

I'm not going anywhere. [ Well, literally he kind of has to go anywhere and everywhere, but he's sure Reyes understands what he means! ]

[This man is going to be the death of him. Ryder koalaing around him as if he thinks Reyes will disappear is almost too much. He has no intention of going any where, especially not away from the pathfinder. Did he run on Kadara? Yes, but if he'd stayed his head would have been on a pike next.

Seeing that tear creeping down Ryder's cheek a thumb will carefully wipe it away.]

What am I going to do with you, hm?

[Cherish the hell out of him since he has this second chance? Yes. Definitely.]

[ Ironically, the simple act of Reyes wiping away Ryder's tear makes another one fall right after it. He can't help it, truly. The mix of happiness and relief and just all of the pain washing away is too much for him.

He smiles through the tears anyway. ]

I dunno, but you're stuck with me now, so you better figure it out.

[ Ryder is about ready to dive in for another kiss, but his lips stop just before making contact. ]

—oh, uh...we were kinda talking about something...important, weren't we?

[ As much as he would love to sit right here in this position for the rest of his goddamn life. ]

[He'll just wipe the next tear that falls, an amused little huff leaving him.]

Yes, you are very important.

[See what he did there? Reyes smiles then, brushing his fingers through Ryder's hair and steals one more gentle kiss.]

It wouldn't be proper of me have you how I want with guests right outside the door... first we handle Sloane and Kadara, then I'll make everything up to you.

[He'll give Ryder's thigh a good pat pat before pulling away, needing to turn away and breathe out a second. Simmer down and get back to business. Clearing his throat he looks back over his shoulder.]

Before we make any advances on Kadara Port it would be wise to let Tann know what we're doing. I'd rather not have Sloane try to call in any Initiative connections to help her and have them get caught in the crossfire.

[Best to negate as many casualties as they can. Keep it to Outlaws only if possible.]

Cut that out, you.

[ Don't just throw smooth ass lines like that at him, he cried enough. Though, that one draws an almost giddy chuckle out of him more than anything. Ugh...this man. This man will be the death of him.

Reyes turning away to catch his breath is the perfect opportunity for Ryder to do the same, exhaling softly as he hops off the table and picks up his helmet. Okay, back to business. ]

Right. I'll contact Tann as soon as I get back to the Tempest and let him know what's happening. Hopefully we can make this go as smoothly as possible.

Well, as smooth as things can be when I'm involved.

[Let's hope not, he quite likes Ryder alive. Preferably.]

Don't worry, Ryder.

[Coming back over he'll grip his shoulder.]

We make a great team, remember? Besides- now we're on the same page... no more lies.

[Which means no more blunders like back in the cave.]

Edited (words are hard how do) 2022-06-19 14:01 (UTC)

[ Okay, even though he was going back to all business, he can't help the small smile that creeps back onto his face. Happy, relieved (again), and grateful. ]

At least...not about the really big things. I get it, you know?

[ He knows Reyes has to be careful in his line of work. ]

And I trust you to decide what you can and can't tell me.

[Those words mean so much. It was never that he wanted to lie to Ryder, even here hiding his identity and voice, but it had felt like what he needed to do. Now he didn't need to anymore, but who can say there wouldn't come a time when he would... just, nothing like this, not again.

His hand moves up, fingers cupping his cheek.]

Thank you, for trusting me.

[Reyes knows it mustn't be easy, after everything that's happened. It's a struggle to not give in to pulling the pathfinder in for another kiss, or several, hand dropping away from his face. Later. They will have time later.]

I'll get my people ready. Let me know how things go with Tann and we'll work from there.

[ Even though he understands why Ryder still finds himself struck by the fact that Reyes cares that much for his trust, for the way he sees him — maybe because it's not something he's used to. People care about the Pathfinder's opinion, sure (sometimes barely) but...he wasn't just the Pathfinder when he spoke to Reyes.

He doesn't even want to let himself smile too wide because this is all very serious and he's trying very hard, okay.]

I'll try not to take too long. It's...Tann, you know. [ That man will always find a reason to be a pain in the ass. Anyway, he does end up allowing himself at least the smallest smile as he puts his helmet back on his head. ] I'll be in touch, Reyes.

Stay safe.

[ He never knows with you, okay. Not that...he has much room to talk. Just don't go getting into too much trouble until then, damn it. ]

I look forward to hearing from you.

[And who gets into trouble? Not him. Not without purpose at least.]

You too, Scott.

[He expects things to take a few days, which is fine by him. The time it takes Ryder to bring Tann up to speed with Sloane's activities gives him adequate time as well to get his pieces all lined up. Tann offers no assistance, they can't afford to expend resources to deal with this, it's up to Ryder of course. Tann is wary enough that they're turning on Sloane now and siding with The Charlatan, who everyone knows is Reyes as this point. No way of hiding it after what happened in the cave, Sloane had dragged his name through the mud then.

Payback was going to be a bitch. While Tann won't help directly, the other pathfinders hear of the situation and offer their support and the help of some of their people. They can't give much, everyone is strung tight, numbers are low, but Ryder had helped them all in their time of need, it was the least they could do. Pathfinder Raeka lands with a team to go protect the outpost as Reyes suspects that Sloane would attack it to try and stall them as much as she could. Not giving her the chance to get the one up on them would better their chances and protecting the people should be a top priority.

There's little room for error now. They'll attack in two teams. Ryder will hit the slums first, securing it for civilians in the port to go to during the assault and Reyes will attack from the ship port. Once they've taken that they'll meet and make the final attack on the Outpost stronghold. It goes smoother than Reyes expects actually, he has Ryder and his team sneak in through the access point they'd used to get Vehn Terev out of jail months prior, Keema had made sure it was still accessible for them to use. Reyes and his people storm the main entrance, it's a bloody fight but eventually they make it into Sloane's 'throne' room.

By the end of it his men are dead and Kaetus has a bullet in his skull courtesy of The Charlatan. He almost gives Sloane a matching one, but she manages to disarm him, gets a shot off before he can get behind any cover. The pain bites into his side and she's on him before he can do much else. Her boot presses into his wound and she's furious.]

I should have known you'd come back here, Reyes, but with the pathfinder? Isn't that just cute. He might not have killed you, but I was stupid enough to think he wouldn't become a problem, much less help you.

[Reyes manages to laugh a little, grinning through the pain.]

Surprise.

[The boot grinds down and Sloane looks over at the body of Kaetus, her anger fueled more by sorrow and he'd almost feel bad for her, almost. She sneers, leans down and presses her pistol to Reyes' temple.]

About time I clean up the fucking mess he left me, put you down like that goddamn dog you are-

[ Whenever things went smoothly, Ryder knew a giant bag of shit was ready to hit the fan at a moment's notice. That's just how things went. He could do everything right but either the unpredictability of Andromeda or his genuine shit luck would always catch up with him. That being said...he doesn't let the looming threat of Murphy's Law distract him from what he's doing. He, Vetra, and Drack make quick work securing the slums for the civilians, and by the time they reach the access point to their final destination he's feeling good about things.

That is, until he got closer and heard mostly silence, followed by a couple of shots. Not a gunfight — just two shots. Ryder picks up the pace and instructs the others to watch his back in case anyone managed to come through after them, focusing on reaching the throne room.

It all happened so fast, and yet at the same time, it seemed to go in slow motion. He saw Reyes on the floor, and Sloane standing over him with a bullet to his temple, taunting him no doubt — he was already hurt and Ryder didn't have much time to act. Half to draw her attention, and half because the anger and panic inside of him burst forth and manifested into a brilliant blue aura around his body, he shouts Reyes' name and charges her. His arm thrusts forward and her gun is knocked out of her hand, just in case she decided that she was going to pull the trigger and take out Reyes with the precious few seconds she had left. The force was enough to knock her off balance.

At some point he dropped his gun, he supposes, but it didn't matter. Sloane had no time to grab her secondary weapon as Ryder was upon her, pulling an arm back and thrusting it forward with every ounce of energy he had left in his body. She went sailing through the air until it slammed against the window — the metal slats probably digging painfully into her back. He held her there for only a moment, still fueled by anger, the groan of metal and the sound of glass cracking echoing loudly in the room. Then he pushed her again. One more thrust of his arm and she broke through the window.

Ryder always favored a more vanguard approach in his fighting, which naturally meant things often got...gritty. But he can't say he ever quite lost it like that before. Fortunately, he doesn't give himself nearly enough time to consider this as he immediately rushes back over to Reyes, the glow of his body and his eyes gradually fading away until he's at his side. Vetra and Drack must have had to stop some stragglers because they only just entered the room. ]

Reyes — what are you feeling? We're going to get you help — can you move?

[ He begins to fidget with his omni-tool, administering omni-gel in the hopes that it'll be enough until they can get him proper help. His voice is strained, panicked, scared. ]

Just...be okay, you jerk. We did it.

[Reyes is here seeing his life flash before his eyes when a brilliant flash of blue rockets into the room yelling his name. He half expects the gun to go off still, but Ryder is on Sloane before she has the thought of mind to do anything. It all happens so quick Reyes can only watch, clutching at his side.]

Ryder, you sonuvabitch-

[Sloane is able to grit out before the glass of the window behind her throne shatters and her body plummets down below. Her screams echo until there's nothing else to hear. During all of this he could have been administering his own medi-gel, but watching Ryder go off was far too distracting, besides, he wasn't dying, it's fine. When the pathfinder is at his side, concern furrowing his features he can't help but feel bad. Reaching up he'll grip the back of his neck, smiling.]

Just a flesh wound, Ryder. I'll be fine, promise.

[It's the fear in Ryder's voice that has him pulling him down so he can press their foreheads together.]

I'm okay, Scott.

[ One would think seeing Reyes was okay would quell his fear, but all that replayed through his head were the seconds it could have taken for this to turn out far worse...for Reyes to end up adding to the bodies.

His voice gently coaxed Ryder out of his panic as their foreheads pressed together. Right...he's here, right in front of him, alive and...alive. SAM reassures Ryder in his head that Reyes isn't in any mortal danger, calming him significantly.

Still...if he had been even just a second later— ]

Why does everything with you have to be so dramatic? [ He laughs, but it's shakey, holding back the tears that are always primed in his tear ducts and ready to go at a moment's notice. ] We should get you to Nakamoto, okay?

[ He briefly shifts his attention to his two companions. ]

Just make sure we're in the clear.

[ While Drack shows some hesitance, Vetra nudges him with her elbow before they go make sure they dealt with the last of the stragglers. He looks back at Reyes with growing concern that isn't just going to go away until they're out of here. ]

Maybe Lexi might be better. Nakamoto is going to have his hands full. [ Also he just feels as if he won't be calm unless Reyes is nearby being looked at by one of the best. ] Not exactly how I wanted to give you a tour of the Tempest.

[Strangely enough he's pretty calm considering he almost died. Reyes is more concerned for Ryder than his own well being. The pathfinder may have just biotic charged a woman through a window, but he was a gentle soul still. The fact Ryder wasn't in tears at the moment was honestly impressive for him.]

Can't say life is boring around me, hm?

[Not that Ryder's life was boring in the least with or without him. Holding a hand up he'll push himself up a bit, grunting at the pain. The medi-gel helped, but jesus, getting shot never got any less painful the first to however many it was now. With the Tempest's state of the art medical facility this may not even scar.]

Help me up-

[On his feet with some aid, he peers around for his gun.]

Ha, might have to save the full tour until we've cleaned up this mess. [He'll sigh.] More casualties than I would have liked... but they knew what we were fighting for. As much as the exiles may have felt slighted by what happened on the Nexus, the Collective knows working together will benefit us all in the end. Eating each other alive will make us easier pickings for the Kett.

[Wincing he'll lean against Ryder. Nevermind, he'll worry about finding his gun later.]

I couldn't have done this without you, Scott. Thank you.

[ Ryder hooks one of Reyes' arms around his shoulder to help him to his feet, joining him in his survey around the room. He knows how much Reyes wanted to limit the casualties — he did too, of course. ]

Now they have you looking out for them.

[ Something Ryder still regrets not seeing sooner. That he thought dealing with Sloane on his own would have been the safer and better decision.

No, not now. ]

Don't thank me yet. Just hold on tight. [ Because Ryder is going to lean down a bit and hook under Reyes' legs to quite literally sweep him off his feet. He's feeling drained from going full biotic smash on Sloane a moment ago, but he's doing well, all things considered. Just in time, Vetra's voice fills the comms that they're good to go. ] Medical first, everything else later. SAM? Tell Lexi to wait for us in medical before she does anything else.

"Pathfinder, I also suggest having Dr. T'Perro administer a check up with you as well. Your heart rate is erratic."

Shut up, SAM.

[ Fortunately, Ryder is able to take Reyes back to the Tempest with no incidents. He spots various members of his crew along the way, helping out...they give the Pathfinder very quick updates to which he replies with a nod, an order, or a "thank you", all without slowing his pace. Occasionally someone contacts him through the comms and he has a brief discussion before he informs them what he's doing.

Once in the medbay aboard the Tempest, carefully lowering Reyes down onto the medical bed, Lexi is quick to notice Ryder's manic state. ]

It doesn't look serious, fortunately, [ she places a hand on Ryder's arm, tone growing firm. ] I've got it from here, Scott.

[ Ryder hesitates before nodding his head. But not before placing a hand on Reyes' cheek. ]

I'll go update the Nexus.

[ Lexi clears her throat. ] Scott.

—I'm going, I'm going! [ Hands up, he backs away, off to the meeting to contact Tann, his favorite part of the day...hooray. ]

[It was unfortunate that things couldn't have been dealt with sooner, that they had to do things like this, but Reyes can't put the blame solely on Ryder. If he'd come clean to him before taking on Sloane then... there's no point in ifs ands or buts now is there?

Some how it had worked out in the end. It feels strange what Ryder says, that now they'll have him to look out for them, but he guessed he was right. Reyes is no saint and he would never say he is, but he did want better for people here. They'd all come for something better after all, what Sloane was doing was keeping people down. There needed to be some control of course, order, but hers was with fear and withholding resources. Putting heads on pikes and demanding payment to have protection. What sort of life was that?

Enough introspection for the moment, Ryder scoops him up and Reyes can only make a vague attempt at complaint. Ryder he's The Charlatan, he has a reputation to uphold! Being carried like a virginal bride might ruin his big scary standing with his people! Yes, his people who knew he was a huge softy and for the pathfinder.]

... my legs aren't broken you know.

[But he actually doesn't mind this at all. Arm around Ryder's shoulders as he's awkwardly is carted around while they make their way back to the Tempest. Not to say that Reyes isn't relieved when they finally get to the med bay. It's endearing just how concerned Ryder is for him even though he's fine, he's going to be fine. The wound isn't fatal, not even close and the doctor even affirms this. He leans into the hand on his cheek, smiling softly.]

I'll be here. Go on.

[The doctor has to all but kick Ryder out for him to leave and he tries not to chuckle, but once Scott has been shooed away it tumbles out.]

I'm glad I'm in capable hands, doctor.

[Lexi has him strip down to his pants, the jumpsuit is discarded for now along with his shirt. She'll eye the messy scar on either side of his right shoulder, working to clean up his newest wound so it won't end up the same.]

Reyes, I would appreciate it if you didn't put anymore strain on the pathfinder's heart.

[Her eyes flicker to his face, watching his reaction, but then she'll focus on her work again. Reyes is quiet, not what he'd expected, but he guesses he was bound to get this talk from those close to Ryder at some point.]

As his doctor... his friend, I want what's best for him. I'm sure you understand.

[A smile tugs at his lips, nodding.]

Perfectly, yes.

[Placing a self adhering bandage to his wound to keep it clean while it healed, she'll stand back, removing her gloves.]

It seems like you'll live, Mr. Charlatan. Go easy on the gunfights and you'll be back to normal in no time.

[Lexi excuses herself then after gathering some supplies to go help with the situation out on the port. Other people that need mending besides their new leader. Reyes will sigh heavily, laying back and knows he should probably head back out himself, get to work, but just for a moment he'd like to take a breather.]

Edited 2022-06-26 13:45 (UTC)

What a pain in the ass—

"You have yet to disconnect the call with director Tann, Pathfinder."

[ Ryder glances back up at the holo and sure enough...he must have imagined frustratingly disconnecting the call. ]

—That this...entire day has been. I'll, uh...notify you of further updates. If any.

[ Ryder doesn't give Tann a chance to reply before he disconnects the call for real this time, heaving a heavy sigh. He finds Lexi in the research room as he descends the stairs. ]

Scott, Reyes will be fine, but I'd like to—

—Get a look at me, I know. [ He holds up a hand. ] I'm fine. I just—OW!

[ Lexi is stealthy with that syringe, he never sees it coming. He holds his arm and practically pouts at her, but she remains unphased. ]

When we're done here, come see me.

[ And with that, she gathers the remainder of the supplies she had also collected from the Biolabs and heads out. She's definitely going to be busy for a while, it looks like. He feels slightly guilty that he's relieved he can put it off for that long.

Rubbing his arm, Ryder heads for the medbay. When he spots Reyes actually laying back and having a moment to breathe he can't help but smile, despite the reason he's even there to begin with. ]

Hope she was gentler with you than she was with me, [ he jokes, heading over to Reyes' side. God, he is just...so glad he's here, okay, not dead. He's replaying that moment in his head less as the hours drag on, but it's still very vivid.]

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