tobesomeone | OPEN POST

[ 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.

Hey, I like animals.

[ That's it, that's his defense. There's no guarantee that his room won't turn into a whole zoo, though. But Bubin is a bit of a handful himself, at times.

Ryder gives Reyes an appreciative once over, gaze soft and lips pulled back into a smile, laughing lightly. Wow, they both may have come from the Milky Way but they're certainly from different worlds. But seeing Reyes in a shirt that he's had for so long (it's long to him shut up), that's been with him through many of his young, stupid, experiences — ]

It looks perfect on you, [ he offers after a moment. ]

Yes. You do.

[Does the entire thing with Reyes not count as a young, stupid experience? Reyes' hands find Ryder's waist, pulling him in between his legs and he'll smile softly up at him.]

You know what else would look perfect on me?

[He does give a small pause for Ryder to question "what" or raise a brow at him. Either or.]

You.

[Insufferable.]

[ Definitely still a young, stupid, experience that ended with Scott laying in bed in said shirt, so it definitely counts. Who said this shirt was done seeing more of Ryder's shenanigans?

As he's pulled closer to Reyes his hands find his shoulders, indeed arching a brow and canting his head curiously. He snorts, features twisting in exaggerated exasperation. ]

Oh my god — stop talking. [ As if he isn't ridiculously charmed by Reyes' corny lines. And he is definitely not one to talk. But for now, he will pretend as if he isn't saying something egregiously cheesy every day to the vexation of his crew.

He leans down to press a soft kiss on Reyes' lips. ] Now stop trying to seduce me and get in bed.

[Half of the fun is making Ryder groan at how terrible his flirting is. Why did you fall for him again? This corn flake shady sonuvabitch?]

Try? Don't act like you aren't entirely seduced.

[But he'll behave, mostly, scooting back onto the bed and into the nest of pillows.]

Are you going to read me a bedtime story at least?

[Reyes fluffs one of the pillows up and lays back, settling in with a sigh. Mm... this is nice. Really nice. It smells like him, whatever wash or scent Ryder might wear, the bed holds onto it and he has to stop himself from cuddling a pillow and burying his face into it.]

[ Don't call him out like this.

Seeing Reyes settle on his bed reminds Ryder that he is...ridiculously exhausted. Normally ignoring the comfort of his bed wouldn't be too big of a problem (getting up is a whole other story) but the thought of passing out alongside Reyes is...so, so, tempting. Not to mention, he looks so snug right now, like he hadn't almost died. It's nice to see.

Maybe if he got off his feet for a bit, until Reyes falls asleep. Just a tiny bit.]

I could tell you a spooky ghost story?

[ he offers with a laugh, climbing into the bed and flopping beside Reyes, sinking wonderfully into the nest of pillows as he smiles adoringly at him. ]

Comfortable?

[It's been a pretty crazy day, lots of planning and then for as much as things mostly went smoothly, mostly, it did get a bit tense at the end. They both could use some down time.]

I am now.

[Rolling onto his left side, the side he didn't get shot in, Reyes reaches out. Fingers brush across Ryder's cheek and back into his hair.]

Let's hear this spooky ghost story then.

[ Ryder closes his eyes briefly, concentrating on the sensation of those fingers brushing alongside his cheek and into his hair, smile stuck on his face still. He holds Reyes' wrist there, thumb caressing his hand. ]

Hmm...I wasn't expecting you to take me up on that and now I've got nothing. How embarrassing.

[ Without moving too much, Ryder reaches for a cover to pull over the both of them, feeling himself grow cozier and cozier and less likely to get his ass up by the second. ]

Next time.

[He'll chuckle, tired. Oh there's a little yawn too, now that they're comfortable like this and the adrenaline of everything has worn off it's hard to not succumb to sleep.]

But I'm holding you to it, Scott. Better think of something by then.

[ Now this is a mental image that Ryder wants to commit to memory forever. Reyes, in his shirt, all comfortable and tired, ready to slip into sleep, inches from his face.

He can feel his own lids becoming heavy, but he keeps them open for now. It's not like he's worried about falling asleep and Reyes making some kind of dramatic escape so he can go work his ass off, but...still. He'll feel better.]

'Kay. [ Reyes' contagious yawn catches him too. ] I'll scare the crap outta you next time.

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