"Cayde?"

"Hey Sugarbird. Been a long time." He held out a hand to help her up and she threw her arms around him. "It's like you missed me or somthin'," he chuckled.

"I did. But it's over now it's…" she paused, realizing there was no sound other than their voices. "I died again."

"Yeah."

"I don't remember. What happened?" she pulled away from him but kept her hands firmly around his wrists. He adjusted to hold her hands instead.

"You can do it. What was the last thing you remember?"

Wren glanced around. This place was the same it ever was. Pitch black. Thin layer of water. Cayde. Go back…

"Ghaul. He was transformed and the Traveler… did the Traveler kill him? The last thing I remember is Cabal. Right. There were a lot of Cabal shooting at me and I think the ship was going down. It could take them days, weeks to find me if Kiran can't bring me back."

"That's fine. I'll be here with you the whole time. That's not so bad, eh?"

Wren grinned. "No. It helps that you're here."

"Even if I'm not the real deal? Aww, I'm flattered. Always knew you had a thing for me." Cayde held his arms out wide. "Bring it in. We'll get through this like everything else."

She moved to put her arms around him but instead of falling forward into comfort, she jolted and hit her knees in a sudden burst of light and heat and sounds so loud they made her ears ring.

"Move!" Kiran demanded before vanishing.

Move to where? All around was fire, shredded metal, and screaming. Gunfire and explosions echoed from everywhere. Smoke billowed from the wreckage of the ship that she was still dangerously close to. She must have been flung off before it hit the ground. A small explosion within the ship told her the whole thing was going to blow. And soon.

Boots dug in and she scrambled across broken pavement and stone, unsure of where she was going. As long as it was away from Ghaul's ship, it was good enough for her. She tried to keep a straight path for as long as she could, leaping over slabs of buildings, ships, and debris until the blasts behind her became deafening.

She slid to the right, hitting her palms which she used to get grip and pull herself into an alley before flames and smoke engulfed the street she had just been on. The building to her back could no longer sustain itself and collapsed.

Heart pounding she cleared the area where it was falling, whole sections of wall crumbling to dust that filled the alley to the point she couldn't see her hand in front of her face. Palms out she ricocheted from the walls until the ground caved under her, dropping her almost twenty feet into a sinkhole while the building collapsed overhead.

"Hang in there!" Kiran said.

Wren covered her helmet with her arms and waited as rocks and metal pelted her from the hole she'd fallen through. Pain shot through her legs and for a moment she considered that she might have broken them but nothing was processing right. The pain was there, but somehow distant. Like she was having phantom sensation from hearing of another in agony.

The dust settled long after the rubble stopped falling but Wren didn't move. She rested the forehead of her helmet on the ground and waited for her breathing to slow and Kiran to heal her legs, which he insisted were not broken.

When she did finally sit up the situation made itself clear. There were several small holes in the wall that had fallen to cover the pit she'd gotten herself trapped in, but none were large enough for her to squeeze through. Still, she climbed up and put an arm through to hang from one of the holes enough to get a peek outside.

"The fire's spreading," she muttered as she dropped to the floor. Not so bad when she was expecting it. She'd fallen farther than that before. "What happened after I died?"

"Ghaul died. It was the Traveler."

"That's what I thought. Does that mean the Guardians have their Light back?"

"I think so. I've been getting comms here and there but the City is in chaos right now. I can't even get a message out but now that we're stuck I guess I'll try to send out a beacon instead. I know Cayde and Sun will be looking for us. Do you think she made it out okay?"

Wren took a seat on a boulder that rested in a puddle that was a few inches thick but was grimy and nearly black with soot and debris. It wasn't drinkable.

"I'm sure she's okay. Cayde wouldn't let anything happen to her."

"Yeah… yeah you're right," he said, landing on her knee. He didn't sound convinced but what could she expect? She had the same fears for Cayde. But he was still out there. Right? And now he had his Light. She could rest, somewhat.

"I'll keep trying to reach out to him but I'm putting out a beacon in the meantime."

"Do you think I can push my way out of here?"

"Let me see."

Kiran floated through one of the holes in the ceiling but never left the immediate vicinity in case of danger. When he returned his shell slumped.

"I don't want to give you bad news but… that's all I have right now. There's more rubble up there than I first thought. I'm afraid if you try to move it from in here, you'll be crushed. On top of that, there's a lot of wood and fuel fumes which will likely catch on fire. Now, you're safe from the flames down here, but it'll get hot and smoky pretty fast. I'm still trying for Cayde. I can hear him, but there's too much going on with comms and I don't think he's picking up the signal. We'll just have to wait."

Wren rubbed her face. "How do we always get ourselves in these situations?"

"Because you're the Vanguard's golden child. They trust you and now all of humanity owes you. You brought back the Light."

Wren scoffed. "No. The Traveler killed Ghaul. It didn't need my help."

"You've killed gods."

"Not without my team. Cerulean is at the root of all of this. I just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Like now." She lay back on the debris and stared up at the holes in the ceiling where the City glowed red. Sweat beaded under her armor but she knew it wasn't from the fire. It was being trapped. Again.

The way the light filtered through the holes made her flash back to the holes the Golden Gun had punched in the lid of the water tank. Water, now fire… there had to be something prophetic about that. She sighed and stripped off her helmet and gauntlets.

"What are you doing?"

"I already feel trapped. The armor doesn't help."

She continued to pull off armor until she was in her undershorts and tank top. While she had expected to feel a cool breeze on her sweat slicked skin, instead she realized how still and stagnant the air was in the pit. All she could so was sit and wait and hope it didn't take them too long to find her.

The promise that he was coming for her ended up being a lie. Five days passed and the City was still ablaze. Ships circled around, carrying water to douse the fires while ground troops stormed street by street and eradicated the remaining Cabal. Many had fled when Ghaul fell, but not all of them were able to get out. Actually, Cayde was surprised at how many had been left behind; too late to get to ships that wouldn't wait for them. They so readily abandoned their own.

But who was he to say anything? It had been four days since Ghaul was killed by the Traveler and the Hunters Cayde had sent to find her had yet to get to the section of the City where Ghaul's ship went down. Damn City was so chaotic it was hard to get messages through. The Vanguard had all but given up on comms and had resorted to older methods of relaying messages but as soon as Sundance could, she searched the whole City for any sign of Wren. Kiran's beacon came in loud and clear once they were able to sort out anything else and Cayde had kept her locked on it since.

It didn't bring him any comfort however, as there was no communication from Wren herself and all attempts to contact Kiran directly had been intercepted by other comms. He had no idea if she could even hear him.

"I thought I'd find you here."

Cayde relaxed his shoulders a bit as Ikora joined him, standing at his side from atop the Wall where they watched the City burn.

"Reports are in about the fires. Most of what we're seeing now is smoke from extinguished blazes. It's the area where Ghaul's ship went down that the fire brigades are working on currently."

Cayde held his head a little higher, as if doing so would allow him to see clear across the City where the black plumes were the darkest. She was there. He knew it.

"They'll find her."

"Somethin's gotta be wrong. She should have been back by now."

Ikora gripped her hands behind her back. "I won't lie to you, there's a chance she's dead or trapped. Somewhere Kiran doesn't feel comfortable bringing her back. But we have our Light again. We are capable of anything if we work together and you? Well, I know you won't let her stay lost out there."

"Right." Of course, he'd considered what she'd said already. Wren was likely trapped or dead and frankly, he didn't know which was worse. At least if she was dead she'd have a vision of him as comfort. If she was trapped? Then he'd let her down. What if she was out there in the flames somewhere? Or trapped in Ghaul's ship? How long would it take them to find her? "Zavala needs to let me leave."

Ikora sighed. "You know he can't do that. The Hunters need you, Cayde. I understand that you want to—"

"Oh you understand? Is your… do you have someone you care about stuck out there somewhere? I told her I was comin' for her and I've been stuck here."

"You have a duty, Cayde. A responsibility to your Hunters. I'm sorry, but this is why Zavala is against your relationship with her. I can't say I fully agree with him, I want you to be happy, but from a Vanguard point of view, you don't think clearly when it comes to her. Any other Hunter and you'd be fine letting your search party find them. Yes, you'd care, don't look at me that way. I know you'd care. You adore your Hunters. But Wren is a different story and we both know it.

Cayde looked away.

Ikora paused, then nudged his arm with her elbow. "I see you took care of that missing arm. Didn't you say something about a replacing it with a rocket launcher?"

He didn't want to talk about it. Without parts available, he had to resort to methods he wasn't proud of to get his arm back. Sure, what was a few playful Guardians throwing themselves from the Tower? It had been all in good fun for a long time but what he did? Well, all he could say was that the Ace was the picture of efficiency.

"Nah, ammo's too hard to find these days."

Zavala approached from behind but he didn't join them.

"Ikora, Cayde, it's time to go."

"Go?" Ikora asked, turning to him.

"We're taking refugees and the wounded to the Farm. We have a private connection between the two points. Most of the Cabal are gone but we have work to do before the people of the City are free to return and start to rebuild."

"I'm not goin' anywhere," Cayde said. "Do what you want but I'm—"

"Going to uphold your duty as Hunter Vanguard," Zavala interrupted. "I trust you remember our previous conversation?"

Cayde set his jaw.

"Please don't make me the villain," Zavala said. "You know I only have the best interest of the civilians in mind and you should too. Pack up. We leave in half an hour."

"Commander, Fireteam Cerulean reporting."

Ah Rorick. Good ol' Rorick.

"Cerulean, I'd like you to join the party scouting for Wren and find her. Bring her back to the Farm as soon as you find her."

Franz scoffed and without warning turned on his heel to leave.

"I'm sorry, Commander," Sisre said. "He's… things are still hard for him. But we have a third member we'd like to take with us. If you approve."

Koro stepped around the corner, scout rifle over his shoulder. Cayde bristled.

Seriously? They'd send Koro out to find her instead of letting him go? He couldn't help but go back to their last conversation in the Tower hall outside of Wren's room. Now Koro stared him in the eye and Cayde wanted to slap the taste out of his mouth. Stupid Koro.

"Very well. But keep an eye on him and move cautiously."

"Of course, Commander," Rorick said. "We'll leave immediately."

"Do so. We're going to leave with the refugees and injured. Comms are still largely inaccessible but as soon as you can, I expect updates."

Zavala gave them a subtle bow of his head, shot a glance at Ikora and Cayde, and left. Ikora gently stroked the back of Cayde's arm as she passed to follow their Commander.

Sisre approached. "I know you're worried about her. We are too. I promise we're going to find her."

"Sun'll send you the coordinates for Kiran's beacon. It's pretty deep into the sector where Ghaul's ship went down."

Sisre reached out and ran her fingers through the favor tied around Cayde's arm. "How does it seem a lifetime has passed since then?" she said so quietly only Cayde could hear her. "I promise I'll bring her home to you."

"I know. Just… make sure she knows I didn't want it to be this way."

"She has a lot more faith in you than you think," she grinned.

"It's time to go," Rorick said and Sisre caught up with him.

Cayde watched as they leapt from the Wall, boosting to nearby buildings. Soon they disappeared into smoke, and he had no choice but to turn his back on the City, again leaving Wren's fate to someone else.

Wren rolled to her right shoulder, facing a slab of pavement from what used to be the street above. She grabbed a rock and drew another mark in line with the others. Eight days. Eight days in this damn pit. Everything hurt and yet it was a numbing pain at this point. Her mouth was dry, lips chapped. The only water she had was from the ships overhead dousing the flames. It poured in through the roof and puddled on the floor but it was horrible and acrid, tasting more of ash and chemicals than anything else and sometimes it left her mouth feeling like charcoal.

She couldn't go on like this much longer. Where was Cayde? He said he was coming for her. She rolled to her back again, her arm falling into the water. Damn.

Kiran had taken to darting in and out of the holes in the ceiling to look for anyone who might be getting close. They've been hearing the gunfire growing closer and the heat of the flames that had raged over the pit for days was finally out and that gave both of them hope that someone would come soon.

"Are you alright?" Kiran asked, setting down on her knee as she sat up.

Wren shook her head. "I can't do this much longer. I feel sick."

While that was in part true, she had a nausea she couldn't shake, it was more than that. The vile water she'd had to drink was bad enough, but she couldn't remember the last time she ate anything. Hunger pains had kept her from sleeping properly as she hated to admit she'd spent days crying from being miserable. Why was it that she was seen as some hero to humanity, but she was always in these horrible positions?

"I got a message from Sundance earlier. I don't think she heard me reply, there was an operation dropping water a block from here and that overran most of the comms and I think it was a repeating communication but she… well, the Vanguard pulled out a few days ago."

"What?"

"They fell back to the Farm with a bunch of refugees and they're going to prepare civilians there to start rebuilding the City once the fires are out."

Wren's heart sank.

"Cayde left?"

"Yeah… yeah I guess he did. But he's safe. That's good right?"

"He left me here."

"Wren, you know he wouldn't just do that. There has to be a reason. And besides, even if he couldn't come himself, you know he sent Hunter looking for you."

Part of her knew it was unfair. She knew Cayde had Vanguard duties to other Hunter and people of the City before her, but hunger and thirst and exhaustion couldn't help but punch a hole in her reasoning. All she wanted was for him to come after her. To save her himself and he was back at the Farm. She'd been waiting on someone who would never come and frankly, she felt like—

"Wren?"

Kiran lifted slightly, shifting toward the ceiling. "Did you hear that?"

"Wren? Kiran?"

"Sisre?" Wren whispered.

Kiran flew outside and Wren waded through water to get a better look, ashes swirling around her ankles. Kiran said something but it was lost to her. She didn't have to hear him to know he was excited. His little shell spun wildly and he bobbed in the air until a shadow reached out to touch him.

"I'm done here," Wren said, but her voice broke. Her throat was to raw to call out to them but a moment later she saw Rorick's helmet looking down on her.

"Get your armor on and stand aside," he said. "We're going to clean some rubble to get you out."

Easier said than done. She was so shaky on her feet and had a horrible time standing straight. Putting the armor on was a struggle and took far longer than it should but she could hear Rorick and Sisre moving debris overhead. Dust and ash crumbled into the water below but Wren stayed out of the way. Pulling armor on over damp, grimy skin wasn't pleasant but she was almost out and that brought tears to her eyes.

"Are you ready?" Rorick asked.

"Yeah."

"Okay, stand aside. We found a weak point we're going to collapse."

Wren put herself as far from the center as possible and covered the back of her neck with her forearms, hoping the armor would add extra protection while she listened to them toiling overhead. A few minutes went by and her knees were shaking so badly she could hardly stand. When the ceiling did collapse, it was enough to put Wren on her hands and knees.

Rorick jumped down after her. She was so relieved she wrapped her arms around his neck and let him pick her up and get them out. He set her down outside and Sisre hugged her so hard their helmets knocked together and Wren's vision swam.

"I was worried sick about you," Sisre said. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah I.. I'm sorry I didn't come see you when you were hurt I just…"

"I know. It's okay."

"Where's Franz?"

Sisre's helmet turned slightly. "He's safe. He just…"

"I know. I just need him to be safe."

Koro knelt beside her and handed over a canteen. "We brought food and water for you."

Wren stripped her helmet off and greedily drank from the canteen, fresh water running down her chin and splashing over her armor.

"Woah, slow down," he said but it was too late. Wren's stomach violently protested and she barely leaned to the side before vomiting water and bile. "She's worse than I thought."

Sisre handed Wren a cloth to wipe her mouth and Koro brushed her hair away from her face.

"She's bad," he whispered. "Where's that medical unit?"

"They're coming," Rorick said, standing guard over them. He waved down a crew of Hunters who approached with bags full of medical supplies.

They checked Wren over while one of them assembled a stretcher. As much as she wanted to protest being carried, she knew her legs wouldn't hold out long enough to get her out of the City. She let them help her onto it while Rorick and Sisre insisted on carrying the stretcher for them. A Hunter wrapped her cloak around her while Koro helped her take smaller sips from the canteen.

"There," he said, stroking her hair. "Don't make yourself sick again. Hey, do one of you have rations?"

"Yeah, Cayde said she'd need them," one of the Hunters said, handing over a small pack from her belt. "All of this was for her specifically. Usually we'd not be too keen on special treatment but for this one? I get it."

"Thanks," Koro said, rummaging through it. He opened a cannister within and took a hesitant sip. "Broth. Pretty bland but he probably knew it would be easy on your stomach. Looks like some sort of crackers in here too…" Koro continued to look through the pack and nodded approvingly before tucking it in beside her. "Nothing in here that you'll have a hard time with, but you're going to take to take it easy and only eat a little at a time."

"Alright Koro, enough playing doctor, we have to go," Sisre said.

"Actually, I see something," Rorick said. "There's a weapon over there under that pile of brick. Right. What is that? A Skyburner's?"

"It's mine," Wren croaked, then swallowed the pain. "I borrowed it from another Hunter. I need to return it."

"We'll get it where it needs to go," Koro promised, attaching a better sling and swinging the scout rifle to his back.

"It's a long walk out of here," Sisre said. "Why don't you get some sleep. The medical crews will probably want to keep you at the wall for a few days until you're well enough to travel back to the Farm."

"I can't go now?"

Sisre smiled down on her from the foot of her stretcher. "I know you're in a hurry to get back to Cayde, but it's not time for that. You have to be able to fly first."

Wren laid her head back as they started to walk. Koro kept pace beside her, rifle in hand. He tucked her cloak in tight around her arms like a cocoon.

"Shh," he said. "Your throat sounds awful. Get some sleep. We'll talk about it later."

"Brixx, Kiran, Sambo," Rorick said, "send word to all comm channels that we have Wren and we're taking her home."

Twelve days. Cayde counted every sunrise and every sunset and watched the skies for any sign of a familiar ship. The Farm was buzzing with life. The civilians hadn't started packing yet, but they were making preparations for the restoration of the City. Groups of them left with Guardian escorts to start mining stone and ores. Some made smelters, forges, and planned for farming. Trees were cut and prepared for ships to take them back to the Last City. There was an air of hope that had been hanging on by a thread and now that Ghaul was dead that hope blossomed into progress.

But for Cayde, time stood still. Being busy all day and most of the night only served him so much. Sleep was impossible, even when he got a few hours to spare for it, and guilt ate at him for leaving Wren alone after everything she'd done. Word go to them the day before that she had been found but apparently she was in such bad shape that med crews on the Wall decided it was too dangerous for her to fly, even to the Farm.

He hated to think about that. No one told him where she was found or even her exact condition, which didn't do well for his imagination. Damn thing had run away with him time and again, especially when he tried to sleep or rest. How could he sleep when she was out there suffering?

"Cayde?"

He put on a smile for Ikora.

"Hey."

"Wren's ship is incoming. Zavala wants us to meet with her as soon as she lands. She'll be here in any time so we need to go now."

Cayde's shoulders relaxed and now, he smiled in earnest. She was back. Finally! He and Ikora walked almost shoulder to shoulder across the compound to the farmhouse where Zavala waited in a front room over a table they had been using as a command center. It was trashed with maps of the City, mines, logging areas, and more. Fallen offenses and savaging parties as well as areas where Guardians were still trying to flush out Cabal. Despite the mess, Zavala still knew where every map was and was observing one when they came in.

"I have a plan for the new Tower," he said, pointing to a blueprint of the wall to the north of the old Tower. "It's close enough that we can secure areas that were hit hardest by the initial invasion and it puts us closer to the citizens of the City. As devastating as this war has been, I believe it has united us more than ever. The people of the City no longer see us as individuals that sit on high, we are a part of them."

"I agree," Ikora smiled. "Rebuilding will take effort from everyone, Guardian and civilian alike. I'm expecting Warlocks back within the day to inform us on preparations for relocation. It will take time and patience, but I think we have a solid foundation."

Zavala turned to them, the hint of a smile on his face. Cayde had almost forgotten what they felt like. Maybe it was how close to death they'd gotten. Like when you walk out in the street and you're not paying attention and almost get run down by a cart or something. You get that spark in your soul where you know you cheated death. Guardians didn't get that much. Cheating death was part of the game. Part of the job description. Maybe this brush with mortality give them all a little more… perspective.

It gave Cayde anxiety.

This whole thing had only built Wren up more in the Vanguard's eyes, or as he saw it, painted a target on her back. They'd put her in more and more dangerous situations and tensions between himself and Zavala would continue to rise. But how could he help that? He was toeing a hard line between duty and love and…

Wow.

That one stopped him in his tracks.

His eyes unfocused, then refocused. Had he really not had a minute to think about it? Like, really think about it? He had her favor tied to his arm, an outward expression to others that he was taken and yet, it didn't feel that way. Not really. She was having a breakdown when she gave it to him and he thought she was dead only a short time later. He wore it out of guilt and grief; one last statement to the one he never really got to express himself to. He was ready to die at Ghaul's hand for revenge and he was wearing the favor when she found him again but they didn't talk about it. What it meant for them and how things would change. All that happened between them was that long hug before she had to go. Time could have stopped then and he'd be happy but now that she was coming home? He didn't want her to leave again. He needed another embrace that wouldn't end.

Commotion outside caught Cayde's attention immediately. He could see the gleam of ships passing overhead, hear their engines, and feel the rumble in his boots.

She was here.

Cayde could hardly contain himself as he waited. Soon he could see Cerulean, minus Franz but plus that damn Koro, walking toward the farmhouse.

Rorick entered first, holding the door for the others. Civilians and Guardians alike followed, speaking to them, thanking them. They gathered around the farmhouse door like moths to the flame, all to see how the Vanguard would greet their hero returned.

Wren looked tired. He could tell she had lost a lot of weight wherever she was trapped and dark circles under her eyes were still visible. Still, she had a life to her, a sparkle in her eye especially when she looked at him. Or, at least he thought she did.

She gave him a polite not and a grin but didn't speak to him. Ah, keeping up appearances with ol' Blue huh?

The debriefing seemed to drag on for hours. One of those meetings he would normally slip out of if it wasn't for it being about Wren. She gave her statement on how the missions progressed, what intel Kiran had hacked along the way, and the final moments of Ghaul's life. She had no problem admitting that she had not actually killed Ghaul, but they sort of knew that. Everyone in the City had seen the size of the liquid Light Ghaul and they saw how the Traveler responded. Still, she went. She fought for them. Even if she didn't kill Ghaul herself, most everyone was grateful for what she'd been willing to do.

Zavala made sure she understood his gratitude. Ikora too but she was kinder. She knew Cayde was dying to get Wren alone, just for a moment, and kept her speech short and to the point. Those that had gathered voiced their approval as well, and then it was over. Zavala dismissed the team and Cayde nearly jumped out of his shiny metal plating. Finally!

Rorick made way through the crowd for Wren to pass and soon the crowd dispersed. Cayde watched from the porch until everyone was gone and Wren started to walk toward the barn. He followed after her, clearing the compound in long, determined strides.

"Hey," he said. "Can I talk to you for a minute? In private?"

"Of course. Where?"

"The barn. We don't use the loft for much but storage."

He clenched and unclenched his fists as they walked, trying to look casual but he wanted nothing more than to hold her again. This walk took forever!

She kept to the shadows, away from the mechanics as they toiled away at ships and ascended the steps to the left. The moment they were up there he rounded on her, grabbing her tight and kissing her. She was so soft. Warm. Real. Her hair tangled between his fingers as he slid his hand behind her head. She hesitated a moment, taken by surprise, then pressed into him, wrapping her arms around and holding him tight. He couldn't stop, raining kisses on her lips, cheeks, forehead. Her breath was soft on his plating and he wanted to soak up every bit of her she'd allow. Her knees began to tremble and he eased her up so he was supporting all of her weight.

"I'm so sorry I left you there. I get it if you're angry with me, really I do but I just…"

"I forgive you," she whispered against his chest.

"I don't ever want you in that position again."

She didn't reply, only held him while he rested his cheek on her head. He could feel her body relaxing. She was exhausted and still not in the best shape. That would take time and rest.

"You should sleep. Are you hungry? Do you want me to get you something? What about a hot bath? I can get you hot water for it if you want."

"I just want to rest. And maybe something to eat but I can do that."

"What? No way am I gonna let you do it yourself. You need to rest. You've done more than enough and… well, I want to."

"Cayde—"

"No. Sugarbird, listen. Sayin' this ain't easy but when it comes down to it, it's real hard for me to accept you risking everything while I'm hangin' out far from the action. From the danger. So when you're back, please. Let me do this for you."

She nodded. "Alright. I'm going to sleep for a bit and we'll talk after that, okay?" she began to slip away from him and go toward a stack of boxes in the back.

"What are you doing?" he asked as she pulled a blanket out of a crate labeled for them.

"Finding a place to rest," she said, spreading the blanket out on a row of crates.

"Like hell you are. You really think I'm gonna let you sleep in the barn? You're out of your pretty little head. I already have a place for you. With cot and clean clothes and warm blankets. Got it all ready for you as soon as I got back."

"Yeah? Where?"

Cayde chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, ya see, I know we never talked about it officially but… how do you feel about moving in with me?"

Two weeks passed and overall, life was thriving at the Farm. Wren's color was back and she looked like her old self. She was rested and gaining weight again and frankly, she was happier than he'd seen her in a long time, even if they didn't have much time to spend together.

Which frankly, was bullshit. He hoped that her moving in with him would mean more time for them to be together, but it hadn't. When he wasn't pulling all-nighters to get Hunter teams out of trouble or sending scouts for clearing out enemy camps, she was busy helping people prepare to move back to the City.

But when they did get together? When they did have those moments to be alone? They were almost always in silence. Laying in his cot, piled with blankets. She would absently trace shapes on his chest when she fell asleep and he would drift off to the gentle sound of her breath. They didn't happen as often as he would like, but they were precious when they did. He'd have a damn long time of this if he had anything to say about it. A lifetime of just … well, everything. Dancing together, adventuring together, quiet moments before the bustle of dawn.

Now that made him happy. Even if things weren't what he wanted right now, it could still be that way in the future and tonight? Tonight was the best of all. The whole Farm had come together to celebrate their victory over Ghaul and his Red Legion. The retaking of their home and Wren would be the guest of honor.

All day the cook fires had burned and the scents of the feast hung heavy in the air. Decorations and lights were hung and the field of soft grass the children used for playing soccer was cleared out to be used for a dance with the bonfire on the far end.

The sun was setting and people from all throughout the Farm brought instruments and food. And drink. Barrels of it.

When he found Wren she was already with Rorick, Sisre, and Koro. She wore a deep green dress with a full skirt that flowed with the slightest movement and a neckline that exposed her shoulders. She swayed a little as she spoke to her fireteam, in time with the music that had begun to play as the bonfire was lit. She was beautiful with the golden glow falling over her. The way the lights in her skin danced with those of the fire made him smile and when he approached and she looked up at him he damn near melted.

Someone passed and thanked Wren, handing her a drink which she accepted graciously but Cayde shifted. The last time she'd been drunk, things were dark for her. But now she smiled as she sipped and he had to take that as a good sign. Right?

Those drinks kept coming along with food, and Cayde was able to relax as the hours passed. People were getting louder, the laughter at an all time high. The music picked up pace and the drums brought forth a wave of excited whoops and calls and clapping to the beat.

Wren's face lit up and she handed her drink to Rorick while she and Sisre ran to join the people dancing. Cayde laughed when she stumbled, holding Sisre for support. Wren kicked off her flats, one of them almost hitting Cayde. He gathered them up and even started clapping himself as he watched her burn bright. Her skirts were seemingly alive around her as she spun and twirled, twisting around her legs until she gathered them up and he could see her bare feet stomping into the earth, as if she was seeking to become one with it as she danced. He felt joy swelling up into his throat and it hit him… the words of the singers seeping through… "you're the love of my life, the love of my life" and her eyes met his and he knew if he was human he'd be crying like a baby. The feeling was there but he had no tears to betray him.

She looked to Sisre who gave her a little shove and she ran back to Cayde, taking his hand and leading him away, through the crowd. He didn't question where she was leading him, he only followed. She wove them through people toward the barn and back up into the loft where Cayde froze at the top of the stairs. Wren went on without him, her hand slipping from his.

There was a place set up in a half circle of crates that were piled high. Thick furs and blankets covered the floor and Wren dropped to her knees in the pile of them to light candles around. Wait, was this… was she… no…. here?!

She turned to look up at him as he slowly approached. She shuffled to the side so he could sit beside and she awkwardly kissed him. He could almost hear her heart beating out of her chest so he put his palm to her cheek so she would slow down and look him in the eye.

"You know you don't have to—"

"I want to," she said. "I just… don't know what to do is all."

Cayde smirked. "Well, I'll have you know that I am really good at this."

She laughed. "Ah. Like you're good at dancing?"

"That's different," he said, grazing her bare shoulder with his knuckles. "Remember when we were in my ship?"

She nodded.

"This is just like then. You're in charge here and you're safe. If I do anything you don't want, all you gotta do is give me a good punch and I'll get the point."

The small chuckle she gave seemed to cut some of the tension.

"Jokes aside, I'll do whatever you want."

"I don't really know what I want."

"That's fine too. We'll figure it out as we go. If you really want this…"

She leaned in to kiss him and this time she seemed more sure of herself. He pulled her in and she came to him easily and then some. She moved to straddle his lap and the reality of what was happening hit him like a Cabal backhand. He'd never been so happy to have made the choice to leave the armor at home. Her breath hitched a little when she felt him already bulging against her and he held still, allowing her to explore him.

She settled into his lap, pressing against him. It took a moment for her to wrestle with her skirt, which he helped her with, sliding a hand up her thigh and caressing her hip. Traveler above she wasn't wearing anything under the skirt and he kneaded her hip when he realized. He could tell she was still nervous but her kisses were deepening and she was more freely closing the distance between them.

Cayde could feel the heat of her against him, separated by only the thin pants he'd chosen for the celebration. The fabric was becoming damn as she worked herself against him and he did what he could to refrain from pulling her to grind hard on him. He was thoroughly surprised after a few minutes when she reached down between them and touched him through his pants. No, it was more than that, she was trying to untie them. Her forehead rested against his and her eyes were closed but he could tell by how shaky her breath was that she was still settling into her nerves.

Wren rose up slightly and he helped her pull the front of his untied pants down but when she touched him she froze and so did he, following her lead was of the utmost importance. It was probably softer than she was expecting. A lot of non-Exos didn't understand that it was silicone with very little in the way of metal within. Just enough to make it work properly and for him to feel everything he should.

Her hand slowly worked down his length and he rewarded her courage with a little moan which seemed to delight her. A small smile curved the corners of her lips and she continued to explore his body. It wasn't until she slid toward him again and seemed to try to guide him to enter her that he had to stop her.

"Woah there tiger," he chuckled, then kissed her as reassurance. "You go in too early and you'll hurt yourself. Why don't you let me show you?"

She gave her consent and he lifted her and put her on her back on the furs. He loomed over her, kissing down her neck to the top of her dress. To help ease her, he pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it aside.

"Next time I can give you a little strip tease if it'll help," he joked and she rolled her eyes.

He covered her in kisses as he slid her top off and threw it with his shirt. A flush warmed her cheeks and she covered herself with her arms, which he was expecting.

"I won't look if you don't want," he said, kissing her forehead. Having his chest pressed to her seemed to help and she wrapped her arms around him. He traced the curve of her thigh under her skirt, waiting for her to respond to him by opening her thighs some before he moved to touch her. He'd only done this outside of her pants so he was expecting her to be nervous with bare skin exposed to him.

She was already soaked, some of her skirts showing proof of that. Still he knew to go slow. Working against her clit and gently sliding his fingers between her folds. She moaned against his shoulder and he smiled, quite pleased with himself and overjoyed that she was getting comfortable with him. She opened her thighs a little more and arched her back to push herself toward his fingers and he took the cue to tease her entrance with the tip of a finger.

"Please," she moaned into his ear and he groaned. Wow she didn't know what she was doing to him.

Cayde slid a finger into her and her breath hitched in her throat. He worked the base of his thumb and palm against her clit and eased in a second finger, caressing her from within until she was slowly bucking against his hand.

"Cayde," she whispered, gripping his shoulders.

"Let it go," he assured. "It'll help. Promise."

Almost instantly she obeyed and he could feel her orgasm pulsing around his fingers, drawing them in. Her knees pushed together and he waited until they loosened again before getting on his knees between her thighs.

"You ready?" he asked and she nodded, eyes closed.

He took her in. The way the candlelight flickered across her skin. Gently he pulled her skirts off and removed his pants. Her eyes were glued to him and he knew she was getting nervous again see him exposed. She might not have known what to expect. Exo cocks weren't exactly like humans. His was slightly thicker just below the head, which he found put pressure on just the right spots, and the underside was lined in a row of ridges.

Wren tried to pull him close when he poised the head at her entrance but he only kissed her and assured her it would be okay. He pushed, the head sliding in easily and her hands gripped his shoulders. He rocked slowly, pushing in more and more until the thickest part was in and she seemed to pull him deeper until he was all the way inside of her. It was better than he thought it would be. He wasn't sure if it was because he loved her, far more than the last person he'd been with, or because it had been a long time or just… hell, he knew why.

She held on tight and at first he didn't move, waiting for her to shift and make herself more comfortable. Afterall, she was pretty small and well… he wasn't. He braced on his elbows to keep his weight off of her and she lifted her knees and dug in her heels to she could work him in and out of her at her own pace. When he understood what she wanted from him he began to move how she wanted him to.

"Is this okay?" she asked, her voice shaking.

"You're perfect," he assured. "Are you okay?"

"A little sore but it's… You can… go faster if you want."

He kissed her and she put a hand behind his head, keeping him down with her as he picked up his pace and became lost in her. Her soft moans, the way she arched her back, pressed against him, whispered his name. She might have thought she was at his mercy but in this moment she was his ruler and he wanted nothing more than to please her.

Cayde sat up a moment to look at her and realized it was the wrong move. She looked at him with worry.

"Shh," he eased. "I just wanna look at you is all."

He took in every inch of her body and when he pushed all the way into her he let out an involuntary growl.

"What?" she asked.

Cayde put his hand on her abdomen, below her belly button and watched as he created a bulge there. He could feel himself with every thrust.

"I think I found a kink I didn't know about before," he said and she looked down to where he was feeling. When she saw her belly rising with the swelling of his cock she pushed against him harder. Guess she liked it too.

Still, she pulled him close and he continued. She tried to move with him but she was still clumsy and unsure. Not that it mattered, she felt amazing around him and with his pace, she was getting a little louder. A little more sure of herself. Outside the sounds of the music and laughing was loud as ever but Cayde only wanted to hear her sweet little whimpers until she clung to him and he knew she was getting close again.

"I think I need to again," she whispered.

"Any time you want," he replied, kissing her deeply and knowing the instant he felt her orgasm, it would send him over the edge. He gripped her tight to him and it took everything he had to not crush her against his chest.

She moaned into his mouth and he stopped kissing her as her body was wracked with shivers. Her insides tightened around him and a few more thrusts and he let go himself, spilling deep into her. He body drank deeply of him and when he rested his head on her shoulder she wrapped her arms around his neck. Her heart was beating a mile a minute and sweat glistened from her skin. He didn't want to move. Didn't want to pull out of her. Just wanted to stay quietly in her heat and warmth and the soft give of her skin.

"You good?" he asked, calming his breath.

"I don't think I can walk."

Cayde laughed and kissed her forehead before rolling to his side. "So… hot bath?"

"That has never sounded better," she muttered. "But um…"

"What?"

"Can we… do that again first?"

Surprised plastered across his face, then eased. "Sugarbird, I can go as much as you want."