Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

You look tired." Reyes studied the Pathfinder on the screen in front of him. "Yep. Tired. The council still bugging you?"
"Every day." She leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. "Even with Meridian found."
"That's what you get for making yourself indispensable."
"Yeah", she laughed. "That was really stupid of me."
"Well, cheer up. You'll have more help soon. I'm sure your brother is dying to explore."

The easy smile that had been on her face disappeared for a second before coming back brighter than ever.
"True. Now I'm sorry, Reyes, but I have-"
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Uh huh." Sara had become his closest friend in the cluster. His only friend, if he was being honest. He had learned to read her well. "You're lying."
"No, I-." She sighed. "It's classified, Reyes."
"And when has that ever stopped us."
"It's about Scott."

"Scott? What about him? He's still on Meridian, isn't he? Recovering and probably driving his doctors insane."
"That's just it. Except being on Meridian isn't doing him any favours, his recovery has stalled, and he won't talk to me anymore. I don't know what to do."
"How bad?"
"Not sleeping, night terrors when they manage to sedate him to sleep. Exhausted all the time. He still can barely walk. He has constant tremors. He's worse than he was when he woke up last time."
"What do the doctors say?"
"Wait and see. They're trying to treat the symptoms because they have no idea what's wrong. No one else has been used as a conduit for an alien processor. He could recover tomorrow or he could...."

"Sorry." He had no siblings. No family to mourn him when he went. He didn't know what she was feeling. But maybe he could help her work through it. "Have they considered moving him off Meridian?"
"Yes but there is nowhere he could go. He needs quiet. All the outposts are bustling with people. And the Nexus looks too much like Port Meridian to be considered."
"He could stay here." The words were out of his mouth before he could stop and think them through.
"What?"

"Here. On Kadara." Yes. This could work. And it was about time he payed her back for not interfering in his plans.
"That outpost is-"
"Didn't say outpost. Said here."
"The slums? Reyes, no. I trust you but I don't fully trust your people."

"Smart of you. But he'd be protected. I guarantee it. And none of my people would know he was here. Well, except for Keema. I would have to tell her." He could see her resolve wavering. "He doesn't need doctors and tests, Sara. They already know what's broken in him. Let me help put him back together. It's the least I can do after everything you two have done for the cluster."
"And how do you plan on smuggling him onto the planet with no one knowing?"
"Leave that to me."

Chapter Text

"One more step and we'll call it a day." He glared at Matt, one of his many physical therapists. One more step might as well be a thousand steps. He couldn't do it. His hands were shaking as he held the bars tight and sweat was pouring off him. "One more step, Scott. You can do it." He tried but his leg refused to lift. Stupid leg. "Okay. We're done. I'll get your chair." He left his sight.
"Don't want it, Matt. Don't need it."
"Uh huh." Matt placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Sit down. It's right behind you."

Even that took more effort then he would have liked. And positioning his hand on the arm of the chair took the last of his strength.
"You did good today, Scott. Definite improvement."
"It was ten steps, Matt. Not what I'd call earth shattering." He hated this. Hated what his life had become.
"Still. It's the best you've done all week." He studied him for a moment. "I'll help you back to your room."
"I don't... Thank you."

Matt left him at the door to his room. Well, his father's room. Or was it his sister's now? In any case she had told him it was his for as long as he needed. The way things were going, he'd need it until he died. And that would be sooner then he ever thought. He wheeled himself into the room.
"Scott."
"Hi, Sara." When had she got here? Last he talked to her, she was on Voeld with no plans of visiting anytime soon. To tell you the truth, he'd been relieved. He didn't want her seeing him like this.

He maneuvered the chair against the bed. He could do this. No problem.
"Let me."
"No", he growled. "I've got this." Relying more on pure stubbornness then anything else, he managed to pull himself out of the chair and laid down on the bed. "See? I'm fine."
"Yeah." She walked over and sat down on the bed beside him. "You look good, Scott."

He scoffed.
"You're a terrible liar, sis. Always have been. Why are you here?"
"Checking in."
"What, my emails aren't good enough now?"
"Harry says you're not improving anymore."
"It's been six months, Sara. I think we need to start thinking this is permanent." Though it killed him to admit it. This was his life now.
"You've never been a quitter, baby brother."
"Maybe that's my problem." He couldn't look at her anymore. He turned his gaze to the ceiling.

"This place really isn't doing you any good."
"I'm fine. Where else could I go?" That he wouldn't be a burden. Nowhere.
"Kadara."
"What?"
"You heard me. Reyes has offered-."
"Reyes?" He looked back at her. "The charlatan? The one who flirted with you?"
"He didn't. Okay, maybe. But he stopped when he saw I wasn't interested. He wants to help."
"Help you lose your pants, maybe."
"I did inherit some of the Harlow charm. He's not the first guy I told no only for him to become my friend."
"Yeah, yeah." It's part of the reason he didn't worry when their alliance assignments separated them. Not only could she take care of herself but she had friends who would look after her too.

"I can't go to an outpost, Sara."
"Not an outpost. Reyes says he has a place hidden in the slums you can use. Only him and an angara named Keema know about it."
"Until I get there."
"We're sneaking you in. No one is even gonna know you're on the planet. You can't stay here. You know that." He did. But was this move only delaying the inevitable? "This will help you." And it would make Sara feel better, he was sure.
"Okay. When do we leave?"

Chapter Text

"It's a nice place." Sara came back to the living room, still looking around. "Bit small but I'm surprised no one lives here."
"Barely anyone even knows there is a place here. It's well hidden. I use it for a safe house." Technically correct. He didn't tell her it was his home. Or Scott, who sat in his chair trying to stay awake. He would be staying in his room at Tartarus anyway so why bother them with details?
"Is any place safe on Kadara?" Scott yawned. "Sorry. It's so early."
"Best time to sneak around."
"I'll help you get settled. You need a nap" Sara walked to the bedroom, disappearing inside.

"So demanding", Reyes teased.
"Yep." Scott smiled at him. "Thanks for this. I really needed to get off that planet. Hope I didn't make too much work for you."
"So I hear. And no you didn't." Boxing up the few personal items he kept here hadn't taken long. Neither had removing one of the nightstands and pushing the bed against the outside wall so Scott's chair could fit. "Place was empty anyway."
"Still, I-." The bedroom door opened.
"Are you coming, Scott", Sara asked.

He laughed as Scott rolled his eyes before wheeling himself to the bedroom and disappearing inside also. He had been shocked at Scott's appearance when he met them on the docks. Even blaming it on the fact he hadn't seen him since that day on Meridian didn't account for everything. Dark circles were under eyes that struggled to remain open as he greeted him. The chair had been a surprise too. Last he heard, Scott was hobbling around. But most surprising of all was how thin he was. He had to have lost at least thirty pounds, which on his frame was very noticeable. He looked like he was on deaths door if he was completely honest.

"Thanks for this." Sara voice surprised him as she walked back into the living room. "If you need me for anything-."
"No. This is me paying you back."
"Thank you but you don't need to."
"I insist." Should he? "He looks a little rough." She laughed but it was devoid of humour.
"Which is the nice way to put it, I know.

She sighed and wrapped her arms around herself. "I don't know what else to do. Neither do the doctors. It's been six months. Shouldn't he be better now?"
"I don't know but this can't hurt. Maybe he'll get more sleep here. That can only help him."
"And if he gets trapped in one of his night terrors?  Actually, it's more of a when than an if. Maybe I should stay."
"This house is wired with cameras. I can monitor him. He'll be fine, Sara."
"I promised mom I'd look after him. Look how well I've done so far." He had no response to that. He'd never had anyone to look after besides himself.
"I'll call you everyday if it makes you feel better."
"It would. It really would. Thanks, Reyes."

"Don't mention it." Her omni-tool signaled an alert. "Busy, aren't we?"
"Yep." She groaned. "I have to leave for Eos. Now." She glanced toward the bedroom. "I never said good bye."
"I'll tell him when he wakes up. Go. He'll be fine."
"Thank you, Reyes." She kissed his cheek and ran out the door. He smiled and shook his head. He needed to get to work too. But nothing said he couldn't do it here. He walked over to the couch and sat down, one ear directed to listen to any sounds of trouble coming from the bedroom.

Chapter Text

He sat up in bed, wiping a hand over his face. That had been a bad one but it was over now. It was over and he'd gotten out of it himself. That was an improvement. He removed his hand as he heard the front door open. Reyes. It must be. He was the one who always got him out since he got here two weeks ago. Should he say something? Stop him from coming in? Too late. The bedroom door opened and Reyes walked in.

"Hey", Reyes smiled at him. "You're awake."
"Yeah. Guess you can stop watching me now."
"Hmm." Reyes sat down on the bed. "That's too bad. I like watching you. You're very beautiful. "
"Sure", he scoffed. "Everybody's lining up to get me now."
"Scott."
"Don't. Just don't. Okay?" He knew what he looked like now. Too skinny and stuck in that stupid chair. Who would want him now? No one that's who. Sorry, mom. Guess I'm going to fail on your last wish for me.

"Are you hungry?"
"What?" The sudden change in topic left him confused. Yes, he was hungry but what did that have to do with anything? "It's the middle of the night."
"Didn't ask for the time. Asked if you were hungry. Nevermind." Reyes stood up. "I'll go make you something." When Reyes left the room, he realized they had both forgotten something. His chair was in the hallway.

It had been left there when Reyes had challenged him to walk to the bed. He'd been able to do it, holding on to the rails Reyes had set up in the room. Reyes had set up rails all over this place including across the middle of the living room. But he hadn't used them until last night. He could call Reyes for help or... He could do it himself. And did it he did. He was just sitting down while Reyes came down the small hallway and saw him.

"Just a whole bunch of firsts for you tonight, Scott."
"Don't patronize me."
"I would never. Food's ready if you want some." Reyes walked to the kitchen. He debated not following. Going back to bed instead. But his stomach growled, forcing him to wheel himself to the kitchen. They ate in silence, the only sound silverware on plates, until Scott was finished and getting ready to leave the table.

"Scott, I have something to tell you." He removed his hand from the chair's controls.
"Tell me then."
"I won't be available the next couple of weeks. I, unfortunately,  have some business that I need to take care of. I could see if-."
"No. I'll be fine." He wheeled himself to the living room.
"I could get one of my-."
"I'm not a child, Reyes. I can look after myself. I'll see you when you get back."

His resolve to leave the chair in the hallway and walk back to bed had left him at Reyes's words so he wheeled himself into his room, right up against the bed. He didn't know why he felt upset at the thought of Reyes not being around for a couple of days. He had told the truth. He could take care of himself. And someone wouldn't be hovering over him for the first time since waking up in Andromeda.  He should be looking forward to this time with joy. So why was he so sad?

Chapter Text

Scott was still asleep. He looked so calm. So peaceful. Maybe he would be okay. Reyes turned off the screen of his omni-tool as the nomad came to a stop in front of him.
"Reyes", Sara said, walking over to him. "Didn't expect you. Aren't you too busy doing something else?" He didn't notice any gesture but Vetra and Drack walked back to the nomad. Did she order them back or did they know they needed privacy?

"How is he?"
"Good. Great, actually."
"He hasn't called or emailed me since I left him here. Think he's mad at me."
"Here." He turned on the screen and held his arm so she could see.
"He does look better. No more nightmares?"
"No, he still has them. But last night he managed to wake himself up. And he walked across the bedroom too. Twice."
"Really? That's great. Guess he did need the change." She studied him. "What do you two do all day anyway?"

"I work. Sometimes there but mostly at Tartarus. I think he reads. What I can't say. But if I had to guess, he's trying to catch up on what he missed. Preparing for when he's all better."
"I thought he had given up." She hugged herself. "Thought he was waiting to... Nevermind. You're good for him, Reyes."

Good for him? In what way? And why was he wanting to be more than just the person watching over his recovery? Scott didn't need any extra complications right now. And if he did try something and Scott didn't feel the same way, he'd probably head back to Meridian. And go back to how he was before. He couldn't let that happen. He would be purely professional. It was the only way.

"Think anyone would be right now. He just needed a change of scenery. My place just happened to be free."
"Your place?" Stupid slip of the tongue.
"Isn't this whole planet not my place? Don't you call me king of Kadara?"
"If I knew it was going to go to your head, I wouldn't have even started." She laughed and it light up her eyes. She was a good looking woman. No doubt about that. But she did nothing for him. Now, Scott 2when he laughed. Mesmerizing.

"You think he's going to be okay alone?"
"Yeah." Should he tell her this was just the start of Scott's time alone. No. "The cameras are all on and I told him never to take off his omni-tool when I wasn't there. I also let Keema and Kian know I would be gone. And told Scott to call them if he needed anything." And had woken him up before he left to make sure he was okay with everything. And almost said screw it all and climbed in beside him. Some time away would be good for both of them. "He'll be fine, Sara. He can take care of himself."

"He used to... No, you're right. You were right about him coming here and you're right now. Should we get on with this?"
"Sure. After you."

Chapter Text

Two weeks were almost done. Reyes would be back soon. And he was glad. But also not. Two weeks and what had he done? Nothing. Well, not exactly nothing. He'd caught up on all the reports he had to read. But as far as working to get back into shape, he'd done nothing. No exercises. No attempting to walk. Nothing. He glanced at the camera. Reyes was probably so disappointed in him. No more. He still had at least a couple days until Reyes was back. Time enough to try.

He wheeled himself into the living room. The longest straight line in the house. Might as well start at the hardest part, right? Holding onto the bar, he pulled himself out of the chair. Standing. A good start. A couple steps. No problem. But he got over confident halfway across the room and took his hand off the rail. Which is when the trouble happened of course. His foot didn't rise fully and he fell to the ground.

"Damn it", he hissed. His pride hurt more than anything. Especially knowing Reyes saw that. He sat up, rubbing his foot, waiting for his omni-tool to ring. But it didn't. He glanced up at the camera in the corner of the room. What was he playing at? Lavish him with attention and then nothing for the last two weeks. Why? Had he done something wrong? Had Reyes seen the glances he had been giving him and decided to remove himself rather than face him?

That was for the better though. Wasn't it? Even with all his improvements, he knew he'd never be fully back to what he was before coming to Andromeda. Two traumas back to back had seen to that. But it was the last one that had brought him to here, sitting on the floor of a planet he'd barely had a glimpse of.
Maybe he should return to Meridian. He knew where he stood there. The physically and emotionally traumatized little brother of the Pathfinder.  Instead of...

Why did he dare to dream he could be something different? He knew why. Reyes. He knew what he'd done to get to where he was now. How he had started as a nobody and changed his life. Now he was the uncrowned king of Kadara. But he had chased that wonderful man away. The man who had given up so much of his time for him. He knew he only did it to try to win Sara but it was still a big commitment.

No. He wouldn't give up. He wouldn't go back to Meridian. He was staying here. When Reyes came back, he'd just be more careful in how he acted around him. With Reyes's help he was getting back to full health.  Well, as close as he would ever get. He wouldn't let unrequited feelings get in the way of that. He stood up, gripping the bar tight. The faster he healed, the faster he could leave. Time to get to work.

He spent the rest of the day walking back and forth, using his break times to read the current mission reports about Voeld. Did that planet never go above minus thirty? He wasn't looking forward to visiting there. After supper, he wheeled around the house, bored. Couldn't exercise more. His body was already protesting what he'd done. What else could he do? He hated having nothing to do.

His omni-tool rang. He glanced at the name. Sara. That could work. He answered it.
"The illustrious Pathfinder is calling me. What an honor."
"Shove it. I see your sense of humor is still broken."
"Yours is. SAM tells better jokes."
"Should have heard his first few. He's definitely improved. Anyway. Whatever you were planning on doing, don't."

"I wasnt-."
"My 'Scott is bored so he's going to break something' sense is going off."
"That is not a thing. And even if it was, you're on Voeld. Way too far away."
"It's a twin thing. How did-. Are you reading my reports? My yet to be sent reports."
"Maybe." His eye caught on the panel for the security system. Figuring out how that worked would probably take him to bedtime. He wheeled over and opened it up.

"What did I tell you about hacking into my stuff?"
"Back in the milky way. Doesn't apply here." Nice set up. But it could always use improvement. But first checking who owned this place. He had a suspicion that needed quelling. "And if you're mad about that, you are not going to like where else I've been."
"How did you even get past SAM? Are you hacked into my ship too?"
"No. Should I be?"
"If you hacked any of the directors, I don't want to hear about."

"Plausible deniability. I like it." Lots of layers on this system.
"Scott, did you-."
"Plausible deniability doesn't work if I tell you."
"How?"
"A certain salarian has horrible security on his stuff.  And a certain human. Someone should tell them."
"You do and I'll-."
"You're no fun." He stopped as a name appeared on the screen. Shena. He knew that, didn't he? Reyes. That was Reyes. Reyes owned this place. So why hadn't he told him? "Sara, I have to go."
"Remember you're a guest there before you break anything."
"Uh huh. Love you. Bye."

He hung up and just sat there staring at the screen. Reyes owned this place. Which wasn't a total surprise. He was king of the planet. He obviously owned a fair bit of it. But what was this place when he wasn't here? Kadara didn't seem the place that needed a safe house. At least not one in the slums. Easier just to have a place out in the badlands. Easier to get off planet undetected that way too. He had more questions than answers. But not for long.

Chapter Text

Reyes rotated through the camera feeds until he found him, having a shower. He looked better. He'd gained a little weight in the three weeks he'd been on Kadara. Seeing the scars on his chest and stomach reminded him he had wanted to ask Scott about them but it had never seemed the right time. And then he'd have to admit he had him under constant surveillance. Though Scott had to have figured it out by now. He hadn't exactly been subtle in the placement of the cameras.

"Vidal." He looked up to see Cruz approaching him. "Ready to go?" She craned her neck, trying to get a look at his screen  "What are you doing?"
"Just some recon." He shut off his omni-tool and stood, checking his weapons were all still in place.
"We already-."
"Different situation." He needed to focus. Focus so he could get back to him. "Tell everyone to move out. Let's do this."

A week later he was letting himself into the front door of his house. He hadn't checked the cameras or contacted Scott the last couple of days. Hopefully everything was okay.
"Scott", he called. Looking to his right, he noticed Scott's chair parked outside the bathroom door. But the door was open so Scott wasn't there. So, bedroom? Peeking his head in he saw the bed was empty. Where was he? He wouldn't go far from his chair. So the living room or kitchen would be out of the question. Or maybe not.

He walked to the living room and there he found Scott, asleep on the couch. He quietly approached him, kneeling beside the couch. He looked infinity better than he had when he first got here. Though still just as breath taking as before. He could probably leave soon. Why did that thought make him sad?

"You didn't see enough when you were gone", Scott asked, opening his eyes and smiling at him. "Hey."
"Hey back." He stood. "Would you rather I lied about it? Hide it from you?"
"No, thank you." He sat up, running a hand through his hair. "Had enough of people hiding things from me to last a lifetime. Well, other people's lifetimes. Mine..." He sighed. "Did everything go okay? With whatever you were doing?"

"It did." He sat beside him on the couch. "You're able to walk more, I see."
"Yeah. Started trying more a couple days ago. Gave me something to do. I will be very appreciative if you don't tell anyone else about my face plant."
"You okay?"
"Yep. Nothing wounded but my pride."
"Especially since I wouldn't have known about it if you hadn't just told me."

"But you've been-."
"Not the last couple of days. Seems I missed all the good parts."
"And here I was walking around naked." He buried his head in his hands. "Sorry. Ignore me." Usually he'd flirt back but something stopped him.
"It's fine. Do you want me to make you anything? Help you to your room?"

"Your room, you mean. This is your house."
"Okay, how did you figure that out? And don't say because I just told you."
"No", Scott laughed. "It is nice to find out I was right though. But first answer my questions."
"Why I let you use my home or why I lied about it?"
"Both."
"I owed your sister. Without her, I wouldn't be where I am now. Plus what you both did to give us Meridian."
"I didn't-."
"Stop saying that. You did plenty. Including being tortured for it."

"Yeah, the torture wasn't fun." Scott ran a hand over his chest. "But that was all before reaching Meridian. Well, the physical torture. The type without that evil floaty thing, I mean. The head splitting, mind numbing-."
"Scott." He placed a hand on his arm. "It's okay. You're safe now." Scott took a deep breath before nodding.
"Yeah. Sorry. It just... Just catches me sometimes. Mostly in my dreams."
"You never have to apologize. Take as long as you need here. It's not going anywhere."

"Why here? Why your home? You have plans to try to woo me, Charlatan?"
"No. Not that you're not..." Woah, stop. He didn't need that right now. He cleared his throat. "No. It was the only place I knew that was completely safe. No one knows I have this place except Keema. I have a small room at Tartarus that I started with. I've been staying there. Or on this couch. Easier to be closer to wake you up."
"I should go. Back to Meridian."

"No."
"You're sleeping on couches, Reyes."
"I have a bed at Tartarus. And you're not ready to go back. You'll be right back where you started if you do that." Please don't leave me.
"So I'm supposed to keep you out of your own home instead?"
"I barely use it anyway. And being here is helping you. You'd given up on Meridian. Don't deny it. We all saw it. Now you're sleeping better. You're attempting to walk more. You're not going anywhere. Especially back to Meridian."

"You can't stop me." Scott put a hand on his shoulder to support him as he stood up before walking to the railing going across the room. "I'm leaving." No.
"So you can erase everything you've accomplished?" He marched over to him. "No way you could have done that when you first got here. You could barely stay awake then."
"Because someone had the stupid idea to bring me here at six in the morning." God, he was gorgeous when he was angry.

"Because I didn't want anyone knowing you were here. Some people on Kadara still aren't very happy with the Initiative. Figured you'd been kidnapped and used enough in your life already."
"Then why the hell would you bring me here", Scott screamed.
"Because I care about your sister", he screamed back.

"I knew it." Scott shoved a finger into his chest. "You did this to try to get into her pants. Well bad news buddy. She-."
"Not like that." Not like I feel about you. He swatted Scott's hand away. "She's my friend. One of my only friends if I'm being honest. Seeing you like you were was hurting her. She said the doctors had run out of ideas. I figured if you were so keen to die you could do it out of sight."

"You think-. Fuck you." Scott shoved him. "I was tortured. My body treated like somebody's toy. They cut into my flesh and injected me with who knows what until I passed out from the pain. Then they woke me up and did it again. And to top it all off, they then decided to scramble my brain with that evil device. I had to fight while in blinding pain because if I didn't everything Sara had done would have been wasted. It would have been wasted because I was stupid enough to get kidnapped in the first place."
"You were saving your sister. If anything it's her fault." Oops.

Scott punched him, knocking him to the ground.
"Don't you ever say that again! It wasn't her fault. The Archon used her. Just like he used me. We never..." Scott moaned before joining him on the floor. "I'm sorry, Reyes. Are you okay?"
"Yeah", he laughed, touching his cheek. Bruised but not broken. "I'm fine. Worth it since you finally realized the truth."

"What truth?" Scott tried to touch his cheek but he grabbed his hand, stopping him.
"None of it was your fault. Or Sara's."
"I guess not. Still wish it hadn't happened."
"So do I. Except for one reason."
"And that is?"
"You wouldn't be here." Looking so beautiful.  And so close to him. He couldn't fight it anymore. "So I wouldn't be able to do this." He pulled Scott closer and kissed him. "Sorry. I've been wanting to do that since-."
"Shut up and kiss me again."
"Well since you asked so nicely." And he did just that.

Chapter Text

Warm. Safe. He woke up but he didn't know why. He didn't have a nightmare so why...
"Hey", Reyes murmured. "You okay?"
"Yeah." He lifted his head to find out he'd cuddled against Reyes as he slept. Good job, Scott. Finally convince him the bed's big enough for two and you hang all over him. He sat up. "Sorry, I didn't mean to-."

"Don't go shy on me now." He grabbed his hand. "Unless you're having second thoughts?"
"No. But are you sure you're okay-."
"Seems to me you're worth the wait." He kissed his forehead. "Go to sleep."
"Keep saying things like that and maybe one day I'll believe you."
"Good. Lay down."

Reyes pushed him down, kissing his neck. He hummed happily. Until Reyes's lips reached his chest.
"Reyes."
"Hmm?"
"Stop." All his happiness faded. "I can't..."
"I know." Reyes kissed him before laying down beside him. "I can wait."
"No. Not that. I mean-." Reyes's omni-tool started to ring. "You going to get that.

Reyes glanced at it.
"Since it's your sister, I believe I should."
"No video."
"Why?" Reyes pressed a button. "Pathfinder, to what do I owe this honor?"
"Am I disturbing your beauty rest?" Oh, no. Reyes. He darted under the cover so Sara wouldn't see him.
"I dont know what time it is where you are. But here it's the middle of the night."

Reyes peeked under the cover at him.
"What are you doing" he whispered.
"Nothing. Don't tell her I'm here."
"She knows you're here."
"You know what I mean."
"Is it?" Sara's voice had him trying to go lower into the bed. Reyes grabbed his hand, stopping him. "Sorry. Hard to keep track sometimes. But doesn't Scott wake you up anyway?"

"Exactly. Scott wakes me up. Not you. Don't you have your own person to bug right now."
"So that's how it is. Leave you two alone for a month."
"That's not how it is. Scott, is that how it is?"
"Shut up", he hissed. "I'm not here."
"Scott says he's not here."
"Is he hiding under the blanket?"
"So you have experience with his type of crazy?"
"Yep. Years of it. Well, this changes things."
"Oh?"
"Maybe. I don't know. I called to say we'll be touching down on Kadara about the time the sun rises, I guess. See you two then."

"She's gone. You can come out now." He sat up and slapped Reyes.
"What the hell? I told you-." He growled before flopping back down onto his pillow.
"You make noises like that and the waiting is going to be torture."
"My doctors would murder not only me but you as well." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Sorry about that."
"Going to explain?"

"Ever lived in someone's shadow? Had someone else's expectations of what your life was going to be forced on you since before you were born?"
"The opposite actually. You think Sara-."
"No. Maybe. She probably did have someone in mind for me. But she wouldn't push. She'd just want me to be happy. And I am so... I don't know." He couldn't explain why his first reflex was to hide when Sara called. Why he'd been mad at Reyes. "I'm a mess, Reyes. Even before Meridian. If you were smart-."

"Hush." Reyes pulled him close, kissing him. "I want you. All of you. We'll take every day as it comes. Every moment. Okay?"
"Okay. Deal. We should continue from where we left off."
"Sounds like a plan." Once more Reyes's hands moved to his chest. Once more he felt nothing.
"Reyes, stop."
"Okay." Reyes pulled away and turned on the bedside lamp. "This isn't a complaint but you're giving off mixed signals, baby."

"I know. Give me your hand." He took it, breathing out. "Okay. Feel this." He put Reyes's hand over one of his scars. "I can't... Whatever they did. I can't feel you. I can't feel anything." He waited for Reyes to saw something. He knew he already didn't mind the sight of his scars. But would this now change with him knowing he would never respond to his touch completely? "No one knows if it's permanent. But it looks like it might be." Reyes traced a finger over his scars. When he touched the small patches in between them, he flinched. It tickled.

"Hmm. I had wondered. What do you remember happening?"
"Not a lot. Until I was sitting on the bridge next to Captain Dunn. I see things in my nightmares but I don't know if that's what really happened or I'm making it up to cover up something worse."
"Whatever it was. Whatever happened. You survived it. You survived and you're here now. Safe with me. They're dead and they're never going to hurt you again."
"Not all of them."
"No kett will ever get close to you again. I promise you that. Okay?"
"Okay. We're okay?"

"Yes. You didn't run seeing my scars. Why would I run seeing yours?"
"Your biggest one is a slight divot from a bullet. Mine almost cover my entire front."
"I like your front. Scars and all. I like all of you actually. Can I turn off the light now?"
"Yes." He did so before laying down beside him, tugging him close.
"Now I don't know about you but I'm tired. And we're having a visitor in the morning. Let's go to sleep, huh?"
"Sounds like a plan."
"A great plan. Hush now. Close your eyes." He listened to him and knew nothing else until the sun was shining into the window.

Chapter Text

"Where is it? Stupid shoe." Reyes sat on the couch, scrolling through a report on his data pad as Scott mumbled to himself, stalking through the house. "Where are you?"
"Do you actually expect it to answer? Because if so, I think we need to add that to my report to Harry."
"No. But it was right here. Right beside my other one in the closet. Where is it?"
"Maybe I hid it so you couldn't leave."
"Sounds like something you'd do."

He smiled as Scott sat down with a huff beside him.
"Do you really think so little of me? Hiding a shoe? I could do way better then that to get you to stay."
"Then why don't you?" Scott cuddled against him, resting his head on his shoulder. "What you working on?"
"Double checking my report before I send it to your doctors."
"What's to double check? Just put 'he's cured. I'm a miracle worker'."
"I am but you're not. Which is why I'm not trying to prevent you leaving."
"Thought you liked me. Don't make me go."
"I love you. You're going."
"Love you too. I'd love you even more if-."
"Go find your other shoe. Your sister will be here soon."

Scott had been with him for two months. Two glorious months. But now his doctors wanted to see him in person. And they wouldn't come to Kadara. Not that he really blamed them. So in less than an hour the Tempest was landing to pick Scott up and take him back to Meridian. Take him away from him. He was going to miss him so much. But he needed the check up. Sure, Scott was walking easier now but he still stumbled occasionally. His tremors had calmed except for when he was tired or upset. And his nightmares had gone from every night to every second or third night. But his headaches were still bad. Just a couple days ago, Scott hadn't been able to do a thing besides lay in bed in the dark because of one. He needed to be checked out. Reyes didn't want to lose him.

He pulled his legs up and leaned against the arm of the couch. Something poked him in the back. He reached behind him and pulled it out.
"I found it."
"Found what?" Scott walked back into the living room. "Oh." He walked over and grabbed his shoe out of Reyes's hand. "Yay, now I can leave", he deadpanned.
"Did you hide it?"
"Really, Reyes." Scott pouted, putting a hand on his chest. "I can't believe you think so little of me."

He laughed and pulled him down beside him.
"If you hid it, I'd never find it?"
"Exactly. You promise to miss me?"
"Every minute you're not here." He stood up and held out his hand. "Come on. I'll walk you to the docks."
"I'm walking? Thought I was going to get thrown in a crate and carried there."
"We did think about it. Thought you would enjoy this more. Ready to see Kadara?"
"Absolutely."

He deliberately made them leave the house early. He wanted to show Scott Kadara just as much as he wanted to see it. He deliberately hurried Scott through the slums though. Still a little bit too dangerous for him right now. But Scott loved the port. He gave as good as he got when it came to Umi, managed to convince the weapon vendor to give him a pretty hefty discount on a mod, and charmed Keema utterly. She wanted them to stay a while longer but Reyes had other plans. Another spot he had to show him.

"Here." Reyes got off the ladder and turned, extending his hand to Scott. "Give me your hand." He pulled Scott up. "There we are. You okay", he asked, noticing he was breathing a little hard.
"Wow." Scott looked around, not seeming to hear him. "That's some view."
"Worth the climb?"
"Definitely." Scott threw his arms aroumd him, kissing him. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. But what for?"

"Giving me my life back."
"That was all you. I just provided a safe place."
"You did much more than that." Scott sighed, leaning his head on his shoulder. "I don't want to go back. I know why I have to but I don't want to."
"Come here." He lead Scott to the container he'd set up ages ago. "Sit." And he pulled him down with him to make sure he did.
"You know this place would be a great place to watch the sunset."
"It is. Ask your sister. We came up here after Sloane's party. With some incredible whiskey I had stolen." Scott studied him. "What?"

"I have never been happier that Sara doesn't like men. Because otherwise..."
"Lucky for you, she doesn't. But even luckier for us, I only had eyes for you."
"Sap", Scott slapped his shoulder. But he saw the blush red cheeks Scott tried to hide. "Bet you say that to all the boys."
"Well you know flirting is my middle name." Scott laughed. Just as he hoped he would. "But seriously, I always knew it would take a very special person to settle me down. You're that person, Scott."
"Wow." Before Scott could say anything else, the sound of the Tempest split the air.
"Come on. The sooner you leave, the sooner you'll return."

Chapter Text

"Great. You took my blood. We talked. Can I leave now?" He hated it here. The sooner he could leave the better. Harry didn't respond as he placed the vials into his case. Screw this. He started to stand when Harry grabbed his arm.
"Nice try. But we're almost done. And you might as well stay here because your ride back doesn't leave for another twelve hours." He groaned and laid back on the bed as Harry released his arm. At least he'd been able to convince him to conduct the tests in his dads quarters instead of the med bay. The bed was a lot more comfortable here.

"It's not that bad", Harry teased him, tapping his bent right leg. "Straighten this, please."
"I'm comfortable." He closed his eyes, snuggling his head into the pillow. "Very comfortable."
"Should have stayed where I was. I bet Lexi doesn't get this much grief from Sara."
"Told you that was a bad move. She's the good twin. Fine", he sighed. "Go ahead. Let's get it over-." He opened  his eyes and raised his head to see Harry had his hands on his chest. "Oh. Fuck." He dropped his head back down.

"So still no feeling then, I see."
"No." Reyes had spent a night with him mapping out how far the damage went. Turned out the nightmares he was staying awake to avoid would have been more enjoyable. "Can't feel anything from the base of my neck to my waist."
"Nothing?"
"In-between the scars at some parts I can a little. I can-. Here." He raised his head and grabbed Harry's hand placing it against his skin where it met the mattress. "Can feel here. And my back. And my arms."
"Just your core then."
"Yeah", he scoffed. "Just my core. That's  nothing."

"You're actually very lucky, Scott."
"I feel lucky."
"You can't feel contact but your muscles still respond. You still have function."
"Feel luckier if I could feel anything."
"If this had gone another way, you wouldn't be saying that. We believe your nerves overloaded somehow causing them to die."
"Totally forever dead or temporarily dead?"
"If they instead got stuck in that state, even the slightest touch of air would be agony for you. You can sit up now."
"So what you're saying." He sat up and pulled his shirt back on. "Is my only options were agony or nothing? I had SAM. Couldn't he have done something?"

"You told me the Archon only connected SAM to you once you reached Meridian. We believe the damage was already too great for him to fix on top of trying to keep you alive."
"Could still feel everything on Meridian." When Sara had finally reached him and started to pull everything off him, he had screamed and almost blacked out. The feel of his jump suit over his bloodied skin had been horrific. But worse was when he was in med bay and getting it peeled off him. He was sure he had traumatized some with his screams of agony before they were able to put him under. "Until I woke up from that stupid second coma. If you hadn't-."

"You wouldn't be here now. The damage to your brain was-."
"I know. I do. And I'm grateful. Most days anyway." Reyes had helped him get there. And was proving impossible to get rid of. Not that he was trying too hard. "Be more grateful if I was fully cleared to do the job I came here to do."
"Scott." With that one word he knew. He was being permanently benched.
"Why", he glared at Harry. "You owe me that much."
"It's not just me or Lexi looking at your reports. And some have expressed concern of you getting injured in the field and not noticing because-."
"My armour has sensors. I could adapt it."
"Yes. But that wasn't the only concern. Your tremors."

"Get better everyday."
"But they still increase during times of stress. What's more stressful than being shot at?"
"I've been training since I was ten. I can keep my head in battle." He stood up, clenching his hands shut as he felt the tremors grow but not his biotics flickering over his arms."Dad made sure of it. What they think I'll drop my weapon or not be able to shoot straight?"
"Scott, you know I don't believe you'll never get out there. Neither does Lexi. Or Sara. You just have to take it one day at a time like you've been doing. You'll prove them wrong eventually."
"Or I could do that now." He was sick of feeling weak. Broken. Useless to everyone. "Where's the firing range here?"
"Scott."
"Tell me or I'll find it myself. It will just take me longer." Harry sighed.
"Take the tram two stops then make a left and two rights. Do you want me-."
"No." He stormed out of the room.

Chapter Text

Reyes knew Scott could handle himself. Especially when all he faced was an examination by his doctors. So he wasn't worried. He only missed him. Which was ridiculous. They hadn't even known each other two months ago. He shouldn't be missing him this much. Missed him since the moment the Tempest lifted off into the setting sun. And had thought when Scott was back, he'd make sure they enjoyed watching it together.

"When will he be back?" He turned his attention from the report he had read but had no memory of to Keema. She was sitting back against her throne, legs crossed, looking very pleased with herself. Too pleased.
"Who?" He looked down at the report and grabbed a name at random. "Cruz?" No, idiot that's a she.
"Your delightful visitor, Scott Ryder."
"He hasn't even been gone an." He checked the time. "Hour. Hasn't even barely left. Want to give him some time before you start with the questions?"
"You miss him."

"Hasn't been gone long enough for that either. And if I did miss him, which I don't, it would be because the last two months my entire focus has been on him. He left a big hole in my schedule I now have to fill."
"And in your heart as well."
"Didn't you once tell me I have no heart?" A conversation between two new business partners after their first successful job. A long time ago.

"What I said is you act like you don't. It's what makes you appear so ruthless. What makes everyone second guess you."
"Except for you."
"Me and Ryder. And I mean both of them. You opened up to each of them. You've become a better person because of it. You found love."
"Love? It's been two months." No need to mention to her he'd already told Scott that he loved him. "Way too soon for that talk."
"When you know you know. And I know one thing."
"What?"

"We need someone to fly to Meridian to pick up that shipment from Voeld. Or else it will sit there for a week or more before being cleared. Then the food in it from Eos will rot instead of feeding families here. So we need a smooth talking pilot to catch the midnight shuttle at the outpost. Do we know someone like that", she asked, smiling like a cat who had eaten the canary
"You planned this?"
"No. But sometimes things have a way of lining up perfectly. I can give you a couple days. The N'salia issue is too time sensitive to wait longer than that."
"And yet you're sending me away."
"To bring that boy home. He needs you. So go get him."

Chapter Text

Scott laid in bed cursing his continued existence. He was worthless. Why was he still here? He couldn't do anything productive anymore. His failure at the firing range proved that. He hadn't been able to hit a quarter of the targets. Hadn't got through but half of the program before he had to quit due his tremors making it hard to hold the pistol. The pitying look the turian supervising the range gave him just added to his shame. His feeling of worthlessness. But he was worthless. All he was good for was... Nothing. He was a good for nothing who shouldn't even be alive. He hated what his life had become. Constant tremors that were very bad at the moment. The headaches, one of which was amping up to be another killer.

"Scott, are you alright", SAM asked.
"Still here, SAM." He clenched his hands, trying to slow the tremors. "Still here."
"That is not what I asked. Are you having one of your bad days?"
"I'm having a bad life. Have been ever since I woke up here."
"Okay." The lights of the room dimmed. "Do you want me to call Harry?"
"No."
"Sara will be free in an hour but I could get her here sooner if you wish."
"No." He turned onto his side. "Just go away."
"Okay. But I'm here for you if you feel like talking." He didn't feel like feeling anything. He just wanted to be numb. To fade away to nothingness.

                *                  *                   *

Reyes thanked the men and locked up the shuttle. The pretense for his visit was finished. Now to find the real reason for him being here. To start he should find Scott's doctor. He wanted to hear first hand how Scott was doing. He walked onto the commons scrolling through his data pad. All he knew was his first name. There he was. Harry Carlyle. Now to find him.

"Reyes?" He looked up to see he'd almost ran into one of Sara's crew mates.
"Hello, Vetra. What are you doing here?"
"Doing my job. Isn't yours on Kadara?"
"My job takes me lots of places."
"If you were coming to Meridian, why did we have to pick Scott up? Not that I'm complaining. It was nice to see him. But why didn't you?"
"Didn't know I was coming here until after you left. Do you know where Dr. Carlyle would be? Or Sara?"
"Sara's in a meeting. Or on her way to one. She planned a bunch for when we were here. Harry should be at the clinic. But he also might be at Ryders quarters. It's where he treated Scott before. Sara told me he hates anything medical."

And yet he was constantly surrounded by doctors. Poor Scott.
"Do you know the way to the clinic?" Following Vetra's directions he soon found himself stepping inside the clinic. Looking around he spotted Dr. Carlyle sitting at a desk in the back of the room. Totally focused on his work, he didn't look up until he walked over and spoke.
"Dr. Carlyle?"
"Yes? I know you. Don't I?"

"Reyes Vidal. I was looking after Scott on Kadara. How is he?" He saw Dr. Carlyle was going to protest. "And I don't mean medically. You've known him a long time." Since the twins were babies from what Scott had told him. "I know you care about him." He pulled out the chair in front of the desk and sat down. "You want what's best for him. As do I. He survived what the Kett did. I want to make sure that remains true."

"That just became harder. Damn them."
"What?"
"Two days ago, the council, or rather Tann, adjusted Scott's file. Unfit for duty due to medical reasons. I've been arguing with them ever since it came through. I told Scott. He didn't take it well." Damn it.
"You left him alone?" After all his work to get Scott to a better place mentally. It was ruined. Scott hadn't even been here six hours.

"Of course not. He charged to the shooting range, determined to prove them wrong. When he finished there, he returned to his room. SAM's monitoring him. He doesn't want to see me. And I don't want to see him. I'm just a reminder of what happened to him. I thought to leave him alone for the rest of the day. But if the reports I read from you are accurate, he would probably love to see you right now."
"Good." He stood up. "Because I only came here to see him. Where is he?"

Chapter Text

A sudden change of pressure had him whimpering. His head was killing him. The pain beating so loud he worried his head would explode. His trembling hands were unable to use his omni-tool to call for help with the pain. He didn't want to ask SAM to call for help because even the sound of his own breath was too loud for his head. He just wanted everything to be over. Nothing could be worth staying alive for with all the pain he was in. No one would miss him anyway. Not his useless self.

So focused on the pain, he didn't feel the hand run down his back. Didn't hear the murmured words of comfort and love. Didn't feel the blanket being pulled over him, tucking him in tight. What he did feel was the pain slowly lessening. Dying down until the sound of his breathing didn't hurt him anymore. No. Not just the sound of his own breathing. Someone was in the room. Someone was beside him on the bed.

He cracked open his eyes to see a shadowed figure sitting beside him. SAM would have called security if they were a threat, right? Of course. So who? As his eyes got used to the dim lighting, he finally realized who it was. Reyes. No. He must be dreaming. Reyes was on Kadara. He'd wanted him here but was too afraid to ask, not wanting to hear no. He'd left him behind. So he must be dreaming.

"Seems to be helping", Reyes whispered. "Feeling better, Scott?"
"Reyes? I'm dreaming."
"Do I feature in your dreams regularly then?"
"No but you're not here."
"But I am here."
"No I mean." Reyes grabbed his hand and kissed the back of it.
"I know what you mean. Keema practically threw me in a shuttle. Seems I was pinning away without you beside me."

"I haven't been gone that long." He loved Reyes. And he knew he loved him. But he could never figure out why. Especially when he was at his lowest. Reyes ruled a planet. He was a king in all but name. What could he offer him that someone who wasn't as broken as him couldn't. "You didn't miss me yet."
"I miss you every moment you're not in my sight. Even when I know you're just in the next room. You give me purpose, my love."
"You rule a planet."
"And it would feel like a barren wasteland without you beside me."

Oh. He had no reply. What could he say that wouldn't sound hollow compared to that? Reyes didn't seem to expect one as he turned and started fussing with something beside him.
"Now if you feel like you can keep it down, I have some pills to help with the pain. Or if not or you think you need it working quicker, I do have it in needle form."
"Sick of needles."
"I figured." Reyes turned back to him and removed the heat pad he hadn't noticed was on his forehead. "You can't be laying down though. Let's get some more pillows under you."

Slowly and carefully, Reyes got him into a half sitting up position before placing the heat pad back on his forehead.
"Don't move too fast or that will slide right off. Remember?" He did. It had been Reyes who had helped him figure out a heat pad on his forehead helped make his headaches disappear. He had done so much for him. Was still doing so much for him and never expecting anything in return.
"Reyes."
"Hush. Pills first. Open your mouth." Reyes slipped the pills in then held a bottle of water to his lips so he could wash them down, rightly realizing he wouldn't be able to do it himself. Reyes always seemed to know when he needed help. Just another reason he was lucky to have him beside him.

"There." Reyes checked his pillows. "Now we wait for that to work. Need anything else."
"You love me."
"I do. I never thought I'd love anyone as much as I love you."
"As broken and as useless."
"You are not useless", Reyes interrupted him. "Broken, yes. Useless, never. Even if you never convince the council and I don't, for a second, believe you won't prove them wrong, you will never be useless. I want you to forget you even know that word. And as for the matter of you being broken, I believe you will change that too. You've already started too."

"Because of you."
"No. It was all you. I just provided a safe place to heal."
"You're mine."
"That I did not expect to happen." Reyes smiled, placing a gentle hand on his cheek. "But I'm glad it did."
"Me too." He closed his eyes as he felt the pain disappear. "Me too."

Chapter Text

"This is weird." Reyes turned around to see Scott touching his chest. Careful. No judgment. Ready with reassuring and loving words. Maybe some teasing.
"I imagine it is. You haven't been in armour for a long time. Probably going to take some getting used to." He walked over and kissed him. "But you'll get there."
"I can't feel part of it, Reyes."
"You can't feel part of your clothes that you wear everyday. Though I wouldn't mind if you decided not to. This is no different."

"Clothes don't have weight. Or barely any. This does." He stayed silent knowing it was the best way to get Scott to tell him how he was feeling. "What if I get injured or die because I can't feel the fatigue?"
"You're going to die because you're chest hurts and you don't realize it?"
"My reaction times will be slower because I'm fatigued but won't realize how bad. This is stupid " Then he said the words he hated. "Tann was right", he said, hand going to undo a clasp. "I can't do this."

"Don't." He grabbed his hand, stopping him. "Tann is not right. He's never been right in his life. We just need to adjust it for you. Remember? That is why we chose this armour. It's highly adaptable."
"Thought Sara forced it on me so it didn't rust in a container."
"That too." He was happy she did. He looked good in the blackish gray armour.  Also the Initiative armour wouldn't be able to be modified as much as Scott needed. "Plus you look extremely gorgeous in it."

"Everyone will want me." There we go. "Until they see the horror underneath it." Nevermind.
"Good. I never liked competition." He smiled as Scott laughed. He loved the sound of it.
"Looks good, baby brother." Sara walked in and circled them. "How's the fit?"
"Good. On the parts I can feel anyway."
"So now we work on the parts you can't. For example." She stopped in front of him and wedged two fingers under the chest piece. "Forgot something basic. Shouldn't be able to get even the tip of your finger under this."
"Was afraid to tighten it too much. I do need to breathe."
"So tighten it until you can't breathe then loosen it a notch. Problem solved."

"And that is why everyone knows I'm the funny twin", Scott whispered to Reyes. "Ow." He rubbed his arm where Sara had slapped him. "Mean sister."
"You love me. So one problem solved. What's next?" What followed was a lot of technological babble that Reyes only understood half of. Sara had even called Gil to get his advice. Reyes was sitting on a crate listening to them argue over one fix or another when he noticed Scott rubbing at his eyes. Okay. Time to wrap it up.

"Sorry to interupt but I'm starving. Can I steal him? I hate to eat alone." Sara glanced at him before looking at Scott.
"Sure. We can work with what we've got for now. He needs to eat also."
"He is standing right here and can talk for himself. And I'm not hungry anyway."
"We won't be able to solve this in one day, Scott. Besides I probably have tons of emails to answer." She tugged his arm so he bent over and she kissed his cheek." Go feed your boyfriend. Love you." She left them alone.

Reyes walked over and kissed him.
"Been dying to do that all morning. You need help getting that off?"
"I got it."
"Okay." He stepped to the side so he could figure out what to order for lunch. Something easy. So Scott didn't have to deal with utensils. And fast. So he could eat before his nap.
"Reyes?"
"Yes, my love", he asked, not looking away from his omni-tool.
"I need help." He looked up to see Scott struggling to reach the clasp in the middle of his back. He walked over and released it.

"Should we add that to the list?"
"Considering that was a stupid place to put it in the first place, I think so. Help me with the rest?" Reyes got to work figuring out how to release Scott from his armour. By the time the last piece hit the floor, Scott was leaning against him, his head on his shoulder. Utterly exhausted. He should have paid better attention.  Cursing himself internally, he rubbed Scott's back.
"Hmm", Scott whispered. "Feels good."
"I'm glad. I'm sorry, Scott."
"Don't. You're amazing. It just hit me so fast. Sorry about lunch."

"It's okay." He looked around. There. A pile of blankets for the emergency caches. He guided them toward it, practically dragging Scott. "Baby?"
"Hmm."
"We're going to sit down now. Okay?" Scott said nothing. He carefully sat them both down, frowning as he saw Scott was asleep. He should have been paying better attention. He never should have... He sighed. Get Scott comfortable first. Then you can beat yourself up. He laid Scott down on the blankets, using one of them to cover him. He kissed his forehead before standing. He'd let him sleep here for a couple hours before returning to his room. Then when he woke he would apologize again. He had failed him. He needed to do better.

Chapter Text

Scott opened his eyes. This wasn't his room. He stared up at the greenish ceiling for a moment. Why did it look so familiar though. No. His heart started to race as he realized. No. Not again. Never again. He tried to sit up but quickly found out he couldn't.  He was strapped down including his head. Just like last time. Last time when the Kett. No. He couldn't do this again. Kill him but don't do this to him again.

"It's awake." No. He recognized that voice. It was the same kett who had tortured him before. How? He was dead. Had died alongside the Archon inside Meridian. "We can begin. Get rid of those."
"No", he sobbed as they cut his clothes off. "No."
"Soon you will be one of us. This is just to help us help you."
"No. Please. Don't do this again." He had to stop this. Stop it before.

He screamed as fire raced through his veins.
Screamed as they cut into him. Screamed as they inserted their evil devices into him. He screamed until he couldn't scream anymore. But they didn't stop. They never stopped. He was going to be trapped forever. Trapped in this hell with no escape. He managed to scream again when the mind scrambling device appeared over his head. He screamed and sat up into Reyes's arms.

"Hush now, baby", Reyes murmured, rubbing his back. "You're safe. I've got you."
"Reyes." He clung tightly to the other man, too scared to let go. "It felt so real."
"It wasn't. It was just a nightmare. You're safe. I've got you."
"I don't want to be here anymore." His nightmares were never this bad on Kadara. Why had he come here?
"You're okay. I'm with you. I'm not going anywhere." He wasn't getting it. For someone so smart, he could be really dense sometimes.

"No." He pulled away so he could look him in the eye. "Here as in Meridian. I want to return to Kadara. Take me home, Reyes. Please." Reyes smiled before kissing his forehead.
"Of course, my love. Of course I'll take you home." He laughed and buried his head in his shoulder. Reyes kissed his cheek. "We'll go home."
"Thank you."

              *                       *                            *

"Leaving so soon", Sara asked, behind him. He didn't bother to turn around but continued to look at the computer screen, checking the status of the downloads. "Going back to your kingdom?"
"It's not my kingdom." There. Finish. And that should do it.
"The way I hear it you're gonna to be crowned any day now. Is that why you're leaving? Can't miss your coronation?"

"Exactly." He shut off the computer and stood up, walking over to the bed where she sat and sat down beside her. "Did you come here just to tease me?"
"That and to tell you your armour is being packed and moved to Reyes's shuttle. Along with the first couple mods Gil's worked up."
"The man works fast."
"He does. What were you doing?"

"Gathering every spec of information about Kadara the Initiative has. I didn't do my research before leaving last time."
"You could barely leave the bed last time."
"True. Look how far I've come." He smiled at her before looking away. How to tell her? Tell her all their plans of exploring this new galaxy was no longer possible for him. "Sara."
"I know." She laid her head in his shoulder. "Promise to stay safe."
"I'll try my best."

"First undiscovered star system we head to, I'm stealing you back for a bit. And give me a call whenever you get sick of being planet bound."
"I will." He rested his head on hers. "I'm going to miss you."
"Me too. Tell Reyes I'll kill him if he hurts you."
"Think he already knows that. But I will."
"I'm sorry, Ryders", SAM broke in. "But the Moshae would like a word, Pathfinder. As soon as you're able."

"Duty calls." He stood up and held out a hand to her. "Come on, Pathfinder. Stop slacking off." She took his hand and stood up.
"You wouldn't have lasted a day in this job."
"I don't know. How long did you have the job before meeting Tann", he asked, walking her to the door.
"Four hours."
"You're right. Punching him in the face would have had me having the shortest Pathfinder career ever."

"See? I know you too well."
"You do. Better than anyone else."
"Even Reyes?" Oh boy.
"He." She held up her hand.
"Stop. You're happy. That's all that matters. Just try to get him to keep the lawlessness under control."
"Kadara doesn't really have any laws."
"Okay, your majesty." She stood on her tip toes to kiss his cheek. "Have fun. Keep safe. And give my love to Reyes. I love you."
"Love you too." He watched her until she turned the corner. Then, shaking his head, he returned to the room and the few small things he had left to pack.

Chapter Text

Reyes let himself into the house and looked around for Scott. He'd taken down the cameras the day they came back. It had been a week and he had come to realize how much he had come to rely on them. He found himself multiple times the past two days going to check them only to realize they were gone. Leaving him with no way to check on Scott during the day except to call him.

Which had eased some of his worry. Except today when Scott didn't answer. It had been a very frightening hour until, when he was in a shuttle halfway home, Scott finally answered. He'd had taken a nap and turned off his omni-tool.  He was always telling him that he was capable of anything. Now that he was listening to him and losing his fear, Reyes realized he wasn't quite ready.

"Busy day?" He turned his head to see Scott sitting at the kitchen table which was currently covered with his armour. Scott smiled at him before turning his attention back to the mod on the table.
"It had its moments. See you're back at." He walked into the kitchen as the smell of something delicious hit his noise. Looking to the stove, he saw a covered pot.
"Yeah. Gil sent me a few new pieces to try out. Don't think we're there yet but we're close."
"Good. Good."

Something occurred to him. There had been no food in the house except for what he'd left for Scott's lunch. He had planned on taking him to the market when he got home. Also how had the pieces Gil sent reached Scott.
He walked over to the fridge and looked inside. Eggs, cheese, and meat stared back at him. What the.
"You hungry", Scott asked him. "Supper's still a couple hours out if you want to make yourself a snack."
"You get a delivery I didn't know about."

"Yeah. I already told you. Remember? Gil sent me some things."
"Which included food." He walked over and sat down opposite him.
"No. But when Keema called and said she had something for me, I decided since I was already out picking it up I'd pick up a couple things for us. Save you going right back out again. But I couldn't pick up much so you still might have to go out tomorrow. But I got supper and breakfast for sure. And you said a shipment was coming in from Eos tomorrow so I guess that we were waiting to fully stock up until then anyway."
"Keema called you."

"Yeah." Scott,  who had been absorbed in his task and hadn't looked at him during his whole explanation finally looked up. "Was she not supposed to?"
"Yes. I mean no." Be still his beating heart. Scott walking around the slums and port unescorted was fine. Totally fine. He could handle himself. Had handled himself. He was sitting across from him with not a scratch on him. "Thanks. You saved me a trip." Scott got out of his chair and walked over, kneeling in front of him.

"You're not fine." How could he tell?
"I am."
"You are almost as pale as I am right now."
"I am not." Scott smiled and took his hand.
"Maybe not but something's wrong. Don't lie to me, Reyes. What is it?"
"Besides me being a hypocrite?"
"Why are...?" Scott sighed before standing up. "I left the house. And you don't like that."
"It's not that you left the house."
"No. It's the fact I was alone. Isn't it?"
"Partially."

"Fuck, Reyes." Scott stalked into the living room before turning back to him. "What", Scott angrily spat. "You expect me to stay locked up in the tower all day when you're gone? Never going or doing anything without you being there?"
"No." He walked over and tried to take his hand but Scott pulled away. "My love, please listen to me."
"Am I?"
"What?"
"Your love. I thought I was. Thought I was coming here to begin a normal life. Turns out I was just trading one cage for another."
"Scott, no. I love you. I just-."
""Just don't trust I can handle myself. Just like Tann."

"Do not compare me to that slimy, no good, bottom feeder", he screamed, stabbing a finger into his chest.
"Why", Scott screamed back. "You're both the same. All anyone thinks I'm capable of is sitting quietly for the rest of my life. Well fuck that and fuck you too." Scott stormed into the bedroom as he stood there, trying to figure out how it had all gone so wrong so quickly.
"Scott. Scott, no. It's not you it's me." Scott walked out of the bedroom, a bag slung over his shoulder. "What are you doing?"

"What does it look like?"
"No. You can't leave. We need-"
"Why? Because I'm going to die as soon as I'm out of your sight because I'm incapable of doing anything myself?" No. Dont say that. Don't say the fear that woke him the past couple nights. The fear that haunted his every waking moment. "What? Nothing to say in your defense?" He tried but the words wouldn't come. Even breathing was becoming difficult. "Fine. That's fine. I'm out of here. Thanks for the help but I can't live like this. You can send my things to Meridian. Good bye." And then Scott was gone. Leaving to who knew where. Reyes collapsed onto the floor, screaming in frustration before he broke out into uncontrollable sobs.

Chapter Text

He glanced at his omni-tool as it rang. Sara. Great. Reyes had obviously tired of him ignoring his calls and had called her for help. He sighed before answering.
"Hey, Sara. I'm not going back."
"What? To where? Meridian? Of course you're not. Did you think I'd make you?"
"No, I... Why did you call?"
"Why did you think I called?" Great. Now Sara was curious. He didn't answer her as he walked through the gate to the badlands. No armour and a pistol with only 8 rounds. Yeah, this was a bad idea. But he couldn't think of any better ones. "Scott?"

"We had a fight. Reyes and I." Standing still wasn't a good idea either. He started walking towards the lake.
"No. About what? You need me to pick you up? I can be there in... sixteen. No, make that eighteen hours."
"Maybe. I don't know."
"Do i have to kick his ass? Why did you fight?"
"I don't want to talk about it." Stupid lake looking so close but being so far away. Or maybe he was just really out of shape. Nope. Had to be the devious lake.
"Scott."
"Sara. Shouldn't you be pathfindering?"
"I'm on a break. A hot chocolate break. Tell me or I'll call Reyes and get his side."
"His side involves locking me up and throwing away the key." Screw it. He'd visit the lake another day. He sat down in the grass.

"You do something to be locked up?"
"Breath?"
"Scott."
"I don't know, Sara. He flipped out about me leaving the house alone today."
"Alone? Why didn't you wait for him?"
"So you're on his side?" Of course she was.
"I'm not. Why did you leave the house? Where did you go?"
"To see Keema at headquarters. Gil had sent me some mods."
"Oh, good. You got them."
"Yeah. Tell him thank you."

He laid down, putting his hands behind his head.
"And since I was already out, I picked up a couple of things for us at the market before returning home. I had supper started and was fiddling with my armour by the time he came home. When he found out I'd left his cage unescorted, he flipped and I left." Remembering Reyes's response reignited his anger.
"You left? Where are you now?"
"I can handle myself, Sara", he snapped. "I don't need a nurse maid."
"Do not snap at me, mister. I just want to be sure you're safe. And you being in some random place on Kadara, isn't exactly making me think you are."

"I am. I'm just not where you left me locked up."
"I left you with a friend. And our goal was never locking you up. We wanted you to get healthy. So you could do whatever you wanted. That's all I want for you. It's what Reyes wants too."
"No. He wants-."
"What did he say after you told him you visited Keema?"
"I already told you. He flipped out."
"And what did he say as he was flipping out?"
"I don't remember." Why hadn't he just ignored the call? So he could wallow in peace? Instead of rehashing it with her?

"Scott." He sighed.
"He thanked me for saving him a trip to the market. I think he was planning to go back out. We were out of food before I picked some up."
"He thanked you and you screamed at him."
"No." What kind of person did she think he was? "I mean not because of that. He looked pale. I thought something was wrong with him. Turns out I was right."
"Don't need the extra commentary."
"Okay, mom."
"Don't start. One of us has to be the mature twin." He pulled his arm from behind his head and stuck his tongue out at his omni-tool. "I know what you're doing. Grow up."
"Make me."

He put his arm back behind his head and stared up at the sky.
"He called himself a hypocrite. I asked if it was because I'd left the house alone. He said partially. And I-."
"Yelled at him. Did he yell back?"
"Yes." He thought about it. Oh. "No. I didn't really give him a chance."
"So you screamed at him. Didn't give him a chance to defend himself. Then you packed a bag and left. Did I get it right?"
"This is when you tell me I'm an idiot. Isn't it?" He'd welcome it. He was starting to feel like an idiot.

"No. This is when I take Reyes's side. Scott, you arrived there unable to walk and barely able to stay awake."
"Because you two decided-."
"Shut up. My turn now. He helped you heal. Not only that but he fell in love with you. He wants you to be confident and able to do anything but at the same time he's terrified you'll get hurt again. And I know this because that's exactly how I feel."
"I can-."
"And we know that. But we saw you at your worst, Scott. Part of us, I think, will always feel like we have to protect you. You two should have talked about this before. Instead of letting your pride and stubbornness get in the way." Damn her. She was right. Except.

"I'm not-."
"Oh, you are. Both of us are. We got a big helping of Ryder stubbornness."
"So what? I'm supposed to take it slow? Do nothing all day when you and Reyes do amazing things? I wasn't meant for this, Sara. I was supposed to-."
"Be a soldier, I know. Ever since we were little, it's all you wanted to be. And maybe that's part of your problems now." Hold up. Not going there.
"No, my problem is Reyes-."
"Maybe he has a reason for wanting you safe. For being so protective of you. I think you need to return home and talk to him. After that, if you want, I'll come pick you up."

"I don't need you to drop everything for your worthless brother either."
"You're not-." She sighed. "Forget what I said. Before you and Reyes talk, I think you need to talk to yourself."
"Tired of being the crazy twin?"
"Not like that. I knew what I wanted coming to Andromeda. And you thought you did too. But I had hoped, reaching here, you'd find your own purpose. Instead of trying to be dad. Trying to get him to notice you."
"I never-."
"Alliance academy. Enrolled in N school as soon as he was able. Sound familiar? Great test score, son. Excellent aim, Scott."
"Shut up", he ordered, sitting up. "Just shut up. You know nothing. I wanted to join the alliance. Be a soldier. For me, Sara. For me."

The lies slipped so easily off his tongue. He had almost convinced himself over the years.
"Scott", she sighed. "What time is it there? Seventeen hundred?"
"About that, yeah. Why?"
"Find a place for the night. A safe place. Do some thinking. Some soul searching. Think about what I said. Because you've done some stupid things in your life. I'd hate for losing what you and Reyes have being one of them."
"Sara."
"I'll call you tomorrow. You'll find your way, Scott. You always do. I love you."
"Yeah, yeah. Love you too."

He closed his omni-tool and stood up. She had never steered him wrong before. He'd listen to her. First, he needed a safe place. He glanced back at the slums. If he went there, Reyes might find him. Must be somewhere out here he could spend the night. He started to walk toward the lake again.

Chapter Text

Sara was right. He had done some stupid things in his life. Jumped into the citadel lake.  Biked down a  way too steep hill. Rock climbed without any protective gear. That one had ended up with him having a broken leg and being very lucky he hadn't broken more. But this had to have been his stupidest decision. Storming out of what had become home after a stupid argument. An argument where he hadn't let Reyes get one word in. What an idiot he'd been.

And now he had nowhere to go. He knew no one else on this planet. Well, Keema. But he couldn't go to her. For one, he had no idea where she lived. And two, that was the first place Reyes would look. And he didn't want Reyes to find him. Not because he was still mad at him. His anger had dissolved after talking with Sara.. He now knew he was the one who was wrong. And when he did go back he'd tell Reyes that. If he'd have him back. Now that he was-.

There. That right there was why he couldn't go back yet. Sara was right. He never felt worthy. Not just of Reyes but of anything. Not since he woke up on Meridian. Not since he was pulled from active duty. And he'd come to realize why too. His self worth was tied up in his abilities as a soldier. Because since he was little, the only praise he got from his father was when he aced a test in military history, got a perfect score on the range or gave the right answer to his supper time lessons on tactics. And he had yearned for that praise. Worked for it like a puppy wanting pets.

And since the only way to receive any sort of love or praise from the great Alec Ryder was to be a soldier, that's what he sought to become. Even through he was happier with his mom in her lab. He loved his mom. She had just wanted him to be happy. So despite her misgivings, she let him apply for the military academy on the citadel. Let him figure out what he was trying to become was a mistake. Not that he wasn't a great soldier. It would have been easier to be himself if he hadn't been. But he aced every test. Mastered every field training. His superior officers all praised him. Said he'd make N7 one day. Just like his dad. He'd been so proud that day.

And then came the news. Mom was sick. Mom was dying. He took a leave of absence, because his instructors wouldn't let him drop out, and hurried to her side. And saw the real truth. His dad didn't care about them. Sure he said he loved mom. But he was barely there. Too consumed with what he had learned was SAM.  It had been her son who took her to her appointments after school. Her daughter who helped her complete her work when she had bad days.  Her son who made supper when just standing became too exhausting. Her son who stayed up those last two weeks of her life, holding her head up and brushing her hair out of the way as she threw up everything she ate.

He came to hate his father. Hated him for abandoning his family when they needed him the most. The last months of mom's life were just endless screaming matches between them. But by that time it was too late. Alec Ryder's influence ran deep. He was in the alliance. No way out. So he tried to convince them to let him be part of the scientific unit. But Sara was already there so no go. He did manage to get himself assigned to a peacekeeping squad instead through. And, using the fact he needed to be near because of his mother, got assigned to a mass relay. Started turning his life around. Then came Andromeda. The two comas. The Kett. His benching. Reyes.

Reyes who told him he was useful still. That benched or not, he could still find purpose. Be and do whatever he wanted to do. Be capable of anything. Be worthy of love. Reyes loved him. Issues and all. Had helped him get back to himself. Gave him a safe and caring place to recover. And what had he done in return? Screamed at him. Yep. Idiot didn't even cover it.

Which was why he was currently examining a small cave not too far from the lake. It could work. No bed but he'd slept rough before. A part of him still wanted to go back home. But he resisted that urge. He had figured out a lot since their fight a couple hours ago. Since talking to Sara. But he still had some thinking to do. And he felt he deserved some form of penance for not realizing what a gift Reyes was. And he couldn't explain all that to Reyes because calling him would give him his location and he'd come running to make sure he was alright. Just as he always did. Was there a bigger word than idiot? As he laid down in the cave, trying to get some sleep, he couldn't think of one.

Chapter Text

Reyes paced the living room. What next? He had called Kian but he hadn't seen him. Not that he figured he would. Scott couldn't drink with his medications. Dalton hadn't seen him, even through he saw everyone who came off the lift. He had mentioned seeing him that afternoon but that didn't help and just reminded him of their argument. If Dalton hadn't seen him, there was no point in calling Keema.

All he would get there was an I told you so. She had said they needed to sit down and have an open and honest conversation or one day they'd regret it. Great advice, Keema. Why hadn't he listened to her? If he had he wouldn't have been pacing the living room for the last two hours, trying to figure out where Scott had run to. The outpost? No  his guards hadn't seen anyone matching his description. And he placed them there because of their excellent attention to detail. If they said he wasn't there, he wasn't there. Plus, he had no idea how Scott would have even reached it without Dalton seeing him.

He could try calling again. See if the call would actually go through. What was the point? Well, it would give him something to do. He tried Scott again. This time it rang and he picked up, though he didn't say a word. Fine. He wanted him to beg? He'd beg.
"Scott? Baby, I'm sorry. Please come home."
"Baby, huh?" A chill went through him. That wasn't Scott. "Seems we stumbled on a gold mine, Lex."

"No names, you idiot", a female, who had to be Lex, ordered. "Give me that. Mr. Vidal, seems we have something of yours. How much is he worth to you?" Everything.
"What do you want? Credits? Immunity? Back into the Initiative?" Anything they wanted, he would give them. But he had to stay calm. Couldn't let them see how much Scott meant to him. "Speak fast. I have other things to do tonight."
"But nothing more important than this, I'm sure", she practically purred. He would enjoy ending her. And the idiot. "He's cute, Vidal. I can see why you like him. Oh. Actually, I can't."

She wouldn't die quickly, he'd make sure of it.
"Get your hands off him."
"Does it continue further down?" Damn her. Scott was perfect. How dare she think otherwise?
"Hands off or you get nothing. What do you want?"
"If you think we want less because of the shape he's in, you'd be wrong."

"Name it." No matter what, he'd pay it. He'd get it back anyway.
"A million credits. No. Make it two million." That was a big chunk of his worth. Good thing he didn't plan on letting them keep it.
"How much do you think I have?" Give in too easily and they'd want more. He'd done this sort of dance before. He just needed to remain calm.
"If you don't have it, get it from the Charlatan. I'm sure she wouldn't mind helping out her right hand man. Considering she looked very cozy with your baby this afternoon." This afternoon? These bastards were collective?
"You have to give me some time." Time to research who they were. Find out if he needed to eliminate anyone else. "And I want to talk to him."

"He's having a nap. Sorry. He'll have to call you later."
"Let me see him or you get nothing." A brief silence before his screen flickered on, showing Scott laying flat on his back, unconscious, hands cuffed behind him. That would hurt when he woke up. "See you don't care about being kind to your captives."
"He's aleady damaged goods. Some more bruising won't hurt him. Now back to business. You have one hour to meet us at this nav point. And don't think you can come early and set a trap. We're already here." The call cut off before he could say anything else.

Okay. Breathe, Reyes. Just breathe. He would get Scott back. And kill the bastards who had dared to put their hands on him. Dared to think he was damaged goods just because of what the Kett had done to him. Lex? He didn't know that name. Must be a nickname. Let's see. He scrolled through his list of collective members. Two possibilities. Alexa Newton or Lexia T'Sela. Guess it would be obvious when he got there. But if he had to guess he'd go with the asari. He had it noted down that she was doing recon out by sulfur springs. Along with a Billy Smith. And they had been due back from the badlands an hour ago and hadn't checked in. So he had the people. Now he needed a plan.

Chapter Text

He slowly became aware of his surroundings,  carefully keeping his eyes closed so whoever it was wouldn't know he was awake.
"Stop kicking him", a woman insisted somewhere on his left. "It obviously hasn't worn off enough." Someone was kicking him? Why didn't-? Oh, right. Couldn't feel anything. Unless it had lots of weight behind it. And even then it took Reyes putting more than half his weight on him to even feel a tiny amount of pressure. "I said quit it."

Okay. She was obviously the boss and the idiot kicking him was annoying her. New partnership? Maybe.
"But Lex, you said-."
"No names. How many times do I have to tell you that?" Yep. Idiot was accurate. Now was there more than two? He only saw two outlines in the dark as they put the biotic damper on him and knocked him out. "Start listening to me or I won't divide the credits equally."
"But you said half for you and half for me." Only two. Thank you, idiot.
"Just shut up. He'll be here soon."

Who? Reyes? How? He carefully slid a finger up his wrist. His omni-tool was gone. That was how. Not that it would have done him any good. He'd turned it off when he reached the cave. Which meant no one could track it and find him. But they had called Reyes and he was coming to save him. Again. But how did they know to call him specifically? He had Keema's number on there. And Sara's too. Barely anybody knew he was even on Kadara. He had barely been out of the house. Except for today. Or maybe it was yesterday depending how long he'd been out. Was his outing the reason he was in this mess? Well, yes. He wouldn't even be in this cave if Reyes and him hadn't fought. What an idiot he'd been. Running from the one person who had done nothing but care for and love his stupid self. And now he had added on to that by being kidnapped. Again. Did he have a sign on him that said 'please kidnap me. I love it?' Focus, Scott. He needed to get out of this. And waiting around for rescue had never been his style.

Slowly and carefully, he got his fingers under one of the cuffs. Step one, get out of these.
"He's late", idiot said. Okay. Faster would be better right now.
"He's not. He still has two minutes." Two minutes? He could do two minutes. Especially since he was now partially free. Do the other cuff or go now? "Quiet. He's coming." Other cuff it was. He didn't want to ruin whatever Reyes's plan was. Hopefully he had a plan. A plan that wasn't 'there's your credits. Now give him to me'.

"Hello, Mr. Vidal. I like a man who's punctual. As you see, I haven't laid a hand on him but that will change quickly if you make any sudden moves." Lady, your villain talk needs work. You've obviously watched too many bad action movies. "Hand over the credits and I'll release him." Hand over? Way too many movies.
"Fine." Reyes. I'm sorry. I was an idiot. Well not as big an idiot as idiot here. Focus, Scott.
"There's your credits. Now give him to me."

What? That's your plan? That's the Charlatan's plan? Was he serious? You don't pay the kidnappers. Everyone knew that. Fuck this. He wasn't going to just lie here and get shot. He opened his eyes and reaching up pulled the biotic damper off. Ouch. He hated them. Always left a mark. He set his sights on the asari, standing in the glow of lantern light, her back to him, and activating his biotics, he pushed her into the cave wall. Or attempted too. All he ended up doing was moving her a tiny step sideways. She turned her head to look back at him. Oh, you've got to be kidding me. What to do now?
"Um. Hi."

Reyes pulled out a pistol and shot them both in the head before walking over to him.
"Um, hi", he asked with a smirk on his face.
"There's your credits. Now give him to me", he retorted, standing up. "You don't pay them, Reyes. Then they shoot me."
"Oh. Right." Reyes opened his omni-tool and pressed a couple buttons. "And now it's mine again. Well, it always was. She wasn't very smart."
"He was dumber. And meaner. Kicked me a bunch of times. Not that I felt it." Reyes pulled out his pistol and shot them again. "They're dead, Reyes."
"And I would have made them suffer more before that if you hadn't interrupted." Reyes sighed before placing a hand on his cheek.
"Are you okay?"

"Yes. And I'm sorry."
"No, Scott. I'm the one-."
"Let me finish and then it's your turn. Okay?"
"Okay."
"I'm sorry." Reyes opened his mouth. "Not done. I'll tell you when. I'm sorry. I should have realized you'd be nervous having me out of your sight. Especially since I spent the last two months under constant surveillance by you. You saw how I was when I first got here. And even through I'm better now. Well, betterish. You still probably kind of picture me that way. Even through I can now take care of myself. Mostly take care of myself. And I should have at least called and discussed leaving the house without you before I actually did it.

"When you started questioning me today. Is it still today?"
"It is."
"Okay. When you did that, it took me back to my first days of recovery. Of not being able to do anything without a dozen people monitoring me to make sure I didn't pull anything out or have a seizure or something. Took me back to the days of being helpless. Worthless. Useless."
"You're not-."
"And I know that now. Because of you. You gave me... Me. Before all this, I only knew how to be a soldier. All my self worth was tied into that. You showed me I still had purpose here. Even if I'm never cleared for the field. Even if I never convince anyone else I'm capable of doing anything other then what I was supposed to do here. You believe in me. And because of that, I now believe in me. You saved me, Reyes. I'm sorry. I should have listened to you. Okay. Now you can go."

Reyes just stared at him, smiling.
"Go. Your turn. You could also take your hand off my cheek anytime too. Your wrist must be getting sore." Reyes laughed before removing his hand.
"Oh, Scott. I adore you."
"No. We're apologizing. Start with I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry."
"There we go. Now you continue with..."
"You're right."
"That works for me."
"Hush. You got your turn. Now it's mine. You're right. I knew you were better. Able to go out on your own with no issues. Even on Kadara. You did go armed right?"
"I'm never not."
"Because your biotics worked so well just now."
"And I had my pistol", he said, rolling his eyes. "And a knife."

"That's my boy. You could handle anything. And you would have. I know that. But you were right. Part of me still sees the barely able to stay awake, barely able to move, boy I first saw."
"Man. Barely able to move man."
"Okay, baby. Now hush. And since we removed the cameras, I was afraid of you being from my sight. Afraid I'd find you dead. Everyday I reach home, my heart never relaxes until I lay eyes on you. Safe and sound. I love you. I've never loved anyone as much as I love you. Never let myself.  Because I thought all I wanted was power. And the easiest way to hurt someone is kill the ones they love. I should  know. So I vowed never to get close to anyone. And I told myself I was happy.

"Until I offered to provide a safe place for a very stubborn young man. One of the heroes of the cluster."
"I'm no-."
"Hush. My turn still. Everyone had almost given up hope you'd recover. But damn if you didn't prove us all wrong. But the more time we spent together, the more you got past my defenses. Not only did I fall in love with you, I never wanted you out of my sight. And part of that, I think, is because for the longest time you weren't. I always had eyes on you. And then we took the cameras away. Which was good. You didn't need constant surveillance anymore. But losing them, all my old fears came back. Someone would try for you. Because of me. And yes, I know it was silly. Barely anyone knows you're here."
"It's not. I'm scared every time you leave the house. Why should you be any different?"
"But I'm not stuck in a chair, barely able to move."
"I'm not-."
"I know. But as I said, part of me still pictures you that way. I think that's part of why I freaked out when you told me. And then you freaked out. And accused me of being just like Tann." 
"Yeah", Scott winced. "Sorry. Should not have done that. You're nothing like him."
"I'm glad to hear it. And I promise to do better in the future. To not lock you up in the tower, as you said."

"About that", he said, running a hand over the back of his neck. "Blame Sara for that one. She called me your majesty before we left. And you are a king."
"But you're not my princess."
"Well, of course-."
"My queen, maybe." He glared at him. "What? You don't want to be my queen?"
"I am a boy. A man, I mean."
"And you're my queen. Do you want a tiara or a crown for your coronation?" Reyes kissed him, not letting him answer. "So. You're sorry. I'm sorry. And next time we have an argument, how about we let each other speak before we storm out of the house?"
"Or at least storm to another part of the house so I don't get kidnapped again?"
"Sounds like a compromise. I like it."
"I have another. "
"Oh?"

"We go slow on the me leaving the house thing. Maybe when we go to the market tomorrow, you go to one shop and I go to another.  But one where you can still see me. Then maybe I visit Keema while you're busy elsewhere at headquarters. Later, you wait by the lift while I do the shopping."
"I get it. We go slow. I love it. Thank you."
"No. Thank you." He grabbed his hand. "But right now I just want to go home and be in your sights for a few hours."
"We can do that." Reyes started leading them out of the cave. "I turned the pot to the lowest setting. Should I have just thrown it out?"
"It was supposed to be a stew so I don't know. It should still taste the same but everything in it might be mush."
"I've eaten worse."
"So have I."

Chapter Text

Reyes worked, keeping one ear open for any alert from his omni-tool. It had been a very long and lonely week. But it was finally over. They should be docking any moment now. Dalton promised to call the second he spotted them. He didn't need to go up there. He needed to stay here and finish this guard roster. He needed to focus. Everything was going to be fine. Nothing was going to change.

His omni-tool tool rang just once before he was answering it.
"Yes?"
"She's docking now. Surprised you aren't already up here."
"I will be shortly." He hung up and left his house, fighting the urge to run to the elevator. He  somehow managed to keep his pace subdued as he made his way up from the slums to the docks.

There she was. The Tempest had never looked more beautiful to him. He walked over and stood at the bottom of the ramp,  debating whether to board or not.
"Reyes!" Scott settled the matter as he ran down the ramp and into his arms. He'd never admit it to anyone but, with Scott in his arms, he felt whole again. "Oh, I missed you." He kissed his cheek. "Did you miss me?"
"Of course, my love." And to prove it, he kissed him before dipping him and kissing him again.
"Reyes", Scott laughed, his cheeks a beautiful pink colour. "Stop that. Let me up." He righted them before grabbing his hand.

"Well", he asked, hoping the answer was the one he wanted to hear.
"You are looking at a fully cleared recon specialist." Yes. But also no.
"I never doubted for a second."
"I'm glad one of us was sure. I was terrified the entire time." Scott looked around before whispering in his ear. "Can we go to our spot?"
He smiled, through his stomach was in knots.
"Of course. Anything you want." He lead them through the market and up the hidden ladders until they were above everything. He waited until Scott had sat down on the container before sitting down himself.

"I missed this", Scott sighed, leaning back on his palms. "Missed Kadara. Missed you."
"Did you sleep okay?"
"Yeah. Had some nightmares but they definitely weren't as bad as they used to be."
"Glad to hear that." And he was. But a selfish part of him wasn't. "Glad to hear you're fully cleared too."
"Yeah. Almost didn't believe Harry when he said that. Thought I'd never hear those words. Still doesn't feel really real. Maybe when I actually do something more strenuous than shopping it will."

"I'm sure." Come on. Ask him. "Any idea when that will be?" No. Not that.
"No clue. But I've decided not to make any plans very far into the future. Planning my whole life was part of my problems. No. It was planning my life around what someone else wanted. That's what it was. Never doing that again." No use pleading then. He would just have to accept whatever he did. "I've got to say. I like my life here in Andromeda way more than I ever did back in the milky way."
"Especially since you're now cleared."

"That definitely helps. Fully cleared and able to do whatever I want. No one telling me no or where to go. I love it." He smiled as Scott moved closer and leaned his head on his shoulder. No need to ruin this. He had time. Didn't he?
"When does the Tempest leave?"
"Huh? Oh. Two days. Sara wants to check out the monoliths. Then just some general surveying, I think. Didn't really pay attention during the meeting." He was attending the meetings now? Well, that was it. Might as well enjoy the time they had. He stood up. "Reyes?"

"Do we have time to go back to the house before the Pathfinder needs you?"
"Pathfinder?" Scott's face was pure confusion.
"Or is she letting you have time off before you leave?"
"Leave? Oh, Reyes." He stood up and kissed him. "You think I'm leaving?"
"Aren't you? You're cleared. You can finally do what you came here to do."
"Recon specialist was what Alec wanted me to do. Remember?"
"Yes but-."
"Okay. We need to clear a few things up. Come sit back down? Let me tell you about my week."

He sat down and Scott grabbed his hand.
"Let's see. Landed on Meridian and was told by Harry he couldn't see me until the morning. Did some reading. Had supper with Sara. Went to bed. Had a nightmare. But it was about the same as the few I have here so that was alright. Saw Harry in the morning. Lots of fun medical tests. Still no improvement on my front but that's okay. Supper with Sara again. More nightmares. Next day, more of the same. Day after that, started on my field assessment. Aced everything. Which was a surprise to me. Got cleared. Which was another surprise. Spent my last day on Meridian thinking about what I wanted to do now. Asked Sara for advice. Figured it out. Got on the Tempest and flew home."

"And what did you figure out?"
"I'm keeping my title and place in the Initiative." Oh. "But only until they figure out my back pay. Not letting Tann weasel out of paying me every credit I'm owed. Not that we need it. But I think I'm owed something for what I went through. Not changing a thing until Sara lets me join her team on an unexplored planet. I do still want to be the first to do something here. And I also want to visit Havraal. Never got to see the rain forests on earth. But I only want to do those things if I have a home to come back to. Turns out I like having solid ground under my feet. Like falling asleep in your arms every night. I still don't know what I fully want to do with my life. But I do know I want you beside me while I figure it out."

He watched as he dug into his pocket.
"What are you-?"
"Sorry. Should of had this ready but wasn't sure when I would. But now seems perfect."
"For what?" And then Scott was on one knee with a small box in his hand. "Oh."
"Marry me", he asked, opening the box to reveal a gold band with a diamond set in it.
"I know it's crazy. It's only been-."
"A year. A crazy, wonderful, year." He put a hand in his own pocket and pulled out a box identical to the one in Scott's hand. An identical ring shined when he opened it. "Seems we shop at the same place."

"Oh. Reyes." He grabbed the box in Scott's hand and placed his box in its place. "When did you-."
"Last time I was on Meridian."
"That was six months ago."
"Was it?" He pulled Scott up into his arms, kissing him. "Thought you were going to tell me you were leaving. I was so scared, baby."
"I love my life now. Why would I change that just because I now can do what Alec wanted me to. I don't want to do it. I never did. You helped me realize that. I don't care if all I do with my life is being a house husband. As long as I'm your house husband."

"If that's what you want, I'll support you."

"But?" He laughed.
"But, my able to easily read me fiance, the Collective could use someone like you. You worked hard for those skills of yours. Shame to waste them. Of course that's only if you want to."
"I love you. I owe you everything."
"No, you don't. You got here by yourself, baby."
"With tons of help from you. Come on." He stood up and pulled him to his feet. "Let's go home so I can repay you."
"That's not really necessary. But if you feel you need to."
"Anything I want, right?"
"Exactly."
"I could get used to that."