tobesomeone | OPEN POST

[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.]

[It only takes a couple minutes for Scott to come in after Lexi is gone and he can't help the warm smile that spreads across his lips. Sitting up fully with a small wince he chuckles.]

Oh I'm good as new. Mostly.

[His hand rests over the patch on his side. See? He's okay, Scott. Everything is going to be fine now. Ignore the scars from their tumultuous 'break up'.]

Glad that things can finally get back on track. Everything can-

[Reyes reaches up to brush his fingers through Scott's hair.]

[ Ryder is definitely far more relaxed once he's at Reyes' side, despite how shaken he got. His eyes close, leaning into the touch before he reaches up to grab hold of that hand and press his lips over top of it.

He smiles, taking a moment to watch Reyes and remind himself yet again that he's fine. ]

Everything.

[ Even though his life is now destined for bullshit around every corner, he's not going to let anything keep them from each other ever again. ]

You scared the crap out of me.

[Oh how soft... what is he going to do with you, Scott? He almost feels the need to reassure him that he's here, everything is fine now, but would that really be fair? It may be true now, but can they promise it will stay that way for either of them in the future?

He can at least return that kiss, pulling Scott's hand to his lips in turn.]

Promise it wasn't intentional. Considering the way you respond to surprises I'll do my best not to from now on.

[The whole Charlatan reveal and Sloane almost killing him. Surprises suck for Scott. Do not recommend. Do not startle your Ryder.]

[ Don't cry don't cry don't cry don't cry—

Instead, he laughs, but of course, it's shakey from trying to withhold his goddamn crying. ]

Yeah, uh...never did too well with surprises. [ It's a wonder he's even functioning, considering how many surprises he's had coming to Andromeda. Probably a conflicting trait for someone who thirsts after adventure as much as he does. ] My grandmother tried to surprise us with a visit once and I punched her in shock. Right in the nose. Broke it and everything.

[ He's joking, of course, because that's all he can do right now to settle his feelings enough so he can at least pretend to not be a hot mess. ]

[Ah there he goes, rambling. Reyes is patient and gives his fingers a gentle squeeze, he gets it. Honestly he expected some tears, his sweet emotional Ryder, it still surprised him sometimes just how emotional he was and yet this was a powerful biotic solider who was a terror in battle.

Sometimes it felt like there were two separate people in one body. Not in a bad way mind you.]

Alright. So forget the surprise birthday party. Got it.

[Reyes chuckles, tired, but content for the very moment. Giving Scott a little tug he reaches up with his other hand to cup the back of his neck, lean up as he pulls him down for a kiss. Nothing a few kisses won't help fix, or at least settle some nerves he hopes.]

[ Sometimes Scott feels like he's bumbling and fucking things up. That he spends more time shedding tears than fighting kett. And yet, Reyes is here, holding him and kissing him, being as happy about their reconciliation as he is. Scott always had this feeling in the back of his mind that whenever someone liked him they were just putting up with everything else, or that they would eventually be warded off by his expressiveness. But with Reyes, he actually believes that the man cares about every aspect of him, good or bad. Whatever doubts he had are no more. However this ends in the long run, he'll know that much.

That is to say, the kiss definitely calms Scott down, gently wearing down his frantic nerves the way a tide ebbs away at a sandcastle. He returns the kiss hoping to express how grateful and happy he is right now because lord knows he's word vomited enough.

After a moment he pulls away with a sigh of contentment, though he continues to lean over the bed to keep their faces close. ]

Hope you were planning on getting at least a few hours of rest. I worry.

[ He's one to talk but consider, shut up. ]

[Reyes really has no place to talk when it comes to fucking up. The entire reason any of this happened had to do with him not coming clean to Ryder sooner than later. All of this could have been avoided... but again, what ifs aren't helpful.]

The good doctor said to avoid getting shot at and I'd be fine, I think that clears me to get back to work.

[There's things to be done, Scott! Kadara Port is a mess and he should be helping clean up. They'll need to figure out who they've lost... try to contact any family if they're here in Andromeda...]

Oh my god. I'm so close to just knocking you out.

[ It says something that Scott says this with a completely straight face, which...given his face fluctuates between several hundred emotions per second is something.

He takes the health of those he cares about very seriously.

That straight face doesn't last long, though, instead his brows furrowing in concerned annoyance. ]

There's nothing that needs to be done now that can't be done without you there for a little while. So you're going to rest even if I have to stand guard outside this door to make sure it happens. And my room is only three steps away, so I can still get work done while making sure you stay put.

[ He will keep both doors open and watch this man like a hawk he's not kidding.]

[Seems he's hit a nerve. It is a bit of a surprise just how exasperated Ryder is at him, but... well he did almost just get his brains splattered all over the place. Reyes supposed that the pathfinder had good reason to give him a good dose of shit for even considering going back out there.]

Are you taking me hostage, Ryder? Just making sure, because I'll need to let Keema know that Kadara Port is in her hands if so.

[Reyes winces a little as he shifts to move to stand up from the medbay bed, hand on Ryder's shoulder. Then he's reaching for his clothes, well, his shirt and jumpsuit. Meaning to tug his shirt back on he'll frown at it, no that's not going to work. The blood and hole in it just won't do.]

... while you're keeping me prisoner, mind if I borrow one of your nice Initiative shirts. I'll look like a proper law abiding citizen again.

Edited (words are hard at 10am) 2022-06-30 13:58 (UTC)

[ Noticeable relief spreads across his face. Maybe he's getting better at this lecturing thing than he thought. Suppose he had to pick up a few things from his father. He doesn't like to be a hard ass, which is why he never does it, but sometimes...he guesses he could see how the old man would find it a necessity. ]

Yup. Definitely a hostage situation.

[ Scott helps Reyes sit up, looking over his damaged clothes as well. ]

...Actually, I have something better than that. In fact — hold on to me.

[ He won't take him very far. Right now his priority is making Reyes nice and comfortable so he won't want to move for a few hours. ]

[He wouldn't call the lecture successful on a hard ass front, but from Ryder clearly being concerned about him... well. He's already caused him enough stress for once day. Maybe he could rest a little.]

You know Sloane didn't shoot out my kneecaps, I can walk just fine.

[His legs work perfect in fact, but who is he to deny him any requests at the moment? Arm around Ryder's shoulders he'll walk with him, enjoying the closeness.]

Now you've got me curious, the suspense might just kill me.

Can't hear you, busy walking.

[ But at least Reyes cooperates, Ryder carefully walking him to his quarters. Luckily, it's not far, being right next to the med bay.

His tone returns to normal, lighter, more joking. ]

If you die now I'm going to find the secret to resurrection just to kick your ass.

[ Ryder opens the door to his room and walks Reyes over to the bed so he can sit, which is currently covered in a mess of pillows and sheets, resembling more of a nest than anything. He lets him go a bit reluctantly before he meanders over to his closet.

There's also a pyjak watching curiously from the couch on the far side of the room. ]

When I packed for the journey I made sure to bring a few of my favorite shirts. Soft, just the right amount of oversized — pretty sure one of them I've had since I was seventeen. Oh, this one—

[ He pulls a shirt out, along with a pair of sweatpants, and heads back over to Reyes, holding them out for him. ]

Way better than an Initiative getup. Don't tell anyone I said that.

[ The shirt seems like a regular white t-shirt until it's unfolded, then there's a terribly dramatic, graphic scene very similar to what a comic book cover might look like. ]

[There we go, that's better. Reyes laughs lightly at the threat, but a part of him thinks if anyone could do such a thing it would be Ryder.

The bed is huge and he wants to flop right back onto it as he's made to sit. The fact it's not made and just a mess of pillows and blankets only makes it more appealing. Everything too perfectly neat didn't seem much like Ryder anyway, he liked to see these little bits and pieces of him.]

Set you up nice in here didn't they, I'm almost jealous.

[He does feel like he's being stared at, in fact he is... the pyjak is quiet but those big empty eyes are looming none the less. There's a small animal cage over on the desk area too and Reyes breathes out in amusement.]

Starting a zoo?

[His eyes do finally end up back on Ryder who's come over with clothes for him, warmth in his expression at the young Pathfinder. It does really hit him how young he is, just dropped into this mess, when Ryder says he's had the shirt since he was seventeen, like that was so long ago for him.

The shirt is delightfully normal. Not Initiative or Alliance, just the shirt some normal teenager would have worn back on Earth. Back when things weren't like this. Back when there were no Reapers or Kett trying to kill everyone.]

Your secret is safe with me, Scott.

[Reyes takes it, fingers rubbing the material. It's soft and worn from being washed many times, this means something to him even if it's just a shirt. Tugging it over his head he'll look down at it then back up at Ryder, chuckling.]

What do you think? Not sure it's my style.

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