Reyes

The Tempest had landed over 2 hours ago and no sign of Ryder yet. When he'd heard the news, he'd made sure to be waiting at Tartarus just in case she came. He'd even ordered his guards to stall the Tempest and alert him if Ryder were to leave without seeing him. Keema had even been willing to force Ryder to speak with Reyes for any dealings, such as the outpost. He knew she wouldn't be able to resist setting it up. She was the Pathfinder after all, and a good one. She had done the impossible; she made Heleus habitable for both the Initiative and the Angara.

Reyes gently swirled the cola-colored whiskey in his glass, staring into it while trying to figure out what he'd say to her. Should he flirt like always, be loving, sarcastic? He felt like this would be his only chance to win her back. Maybe have some sort of gift for her? She wasn't a flowers kind of girl, but maybe a mod for her Avenger? Shiny new armor? Discounts at the stores? God only knew what she would willingly take or find offensive.

Reyes' omni-tool pinged and he opened the message.

'Reyes,

Ryder and squad headed for the slums.

-Keema'

Reyes glanced up at the door, anxiety flooding his system. He tossed back the rest of his whiskey and ran a hand through his hair. She was coming to see him, he knew it. If her squad was with her, he knew she'd try to keep it professional. He needed to speak to Ryder alone, tell her how he really felt. Reyes was lost in his thoughts and almost didn't hear the door to his room in Tartarus open. He looked up, trying to keep his deer in headlights look off his face. Ryder was dressed in her armor, helmet off and her hair down and wavy. She never wore her hair down and it was honestly beautiful. She had dark circles under her eyes, clearly showing that she hadn't slept, just like Reyes. Her eyes bore into his and she paused briefly when their eyes met before she made her way to stand in front of him. Liam, and the Angara were just behind her, both looking less than pleased with his presence.

"I was hoping you'd stop by," Reyes said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Thought you'd be in the throne room. Tartarus is a little shabby for Kadara's new leader, don't you think?" Ryder asked, still standing.

"Come on, Ryder. You know I prefer to rule from the shadows."

"You are a shady bastard." She replied, a slight harshness to her tone.

"But a handsome one, right?" Reyes joked with a smirk, which instantly fell when he saw that Ryder was less than amused. Liam rolled his eyes and shifted his weight, crossing his arms over his chest. Clearly his usual banter with Ryder was a poor choice. "Keema Dohrgun has agreed to be my front. And since Sloane is gone, there's room for your outpost." Reyes watched Ryder's face, trying to read how she was feeling. "Ryder, I want this outpost as much as you do. It will have my full protection. That's a promise."

"Another promise. Do you ever keep promises, or do you use them like IOU's?" Ryder's tone was much harsher than it had been thus far.

"Ryder, can we speak in private?" Reyes pleaded.

"Not a chance," Liam spoke before she could.

"Liam," she scolded, turning her head just enough to see Liam and Jaal begin to retreat in her periphery. Once the door shut behind them, Ryder turned to face Reyes.

"Why don't you sit," Reyes offered, gently patting the spot next to him. Ryder ignored the pat and sat on the other side of the booth seat. Reyes sighed before leaning up to rest his elbows on his knees. "I haven't stopped thinking about you since the cave."

"Good for you."

"You may not believe me, but Ryder, I care about you. More than I think you realize." Reyes looked over and met Ryder's eyes. Her face was neutral, but her eyes conveyed that his words were hitting home. With that slight encouragement, Reyes scooted closer to Ryder, hesitantly placing his hand over hers on her knee.

Ryder

"I love you, Lila," Reyes spoke softly. Ryder felt a pull in her gut, her nerves going haywire. Reyes loved her. With all the shitty things he'd done to her, kept from her, he had actually loved her. Ryder's eyes began tearing up and she closed them, tilting her head downward. She was so scared to give in to Reyes, scared that he'd hurt her again. And for the first time since they'd met, he'd used her first name. No one called her Lila, except her family. She felt Reyes' hand gently tilt her chin up so he could see her face. She opened her eyes, tears threatening to spill over. "Say something."

"I don't know what to say," she replied.

"Do you love me?" Reyes asked, his voice timid. It was the only time Reyes had not sounded 100% confident. Ryder sighed before responding.

"Yes," she whispered. Reyes began leaning in to kiss her. "But I don't trust you," she whispered just before his lips met hers. He paused before sitting back and running his hands through his hair. The look on his face said it all, he had been a wreck since she'd left. That didn't change the fact that she didn't trust him.

"Ryder... I..." Reyes stuttered, unsure of what to say. He suddenly scooted close to her again, gently cupping her face in both his hands. "I'll do any and everything you want. Just tell me what I need to do."

"It's not that simple," she pleaded, eyes still watery. "You lied to me, there's no easy fix."

"Just give me a chance Lila. Let me attempt to fix it."

Ryder looked into his eyes, trying to see if he really meant the things he was saying, or if he were simply saying what she wanted to hear. Every indication in his body language made her think that he was sincere. After a moment, Ryder simply nodded, causing Reyes the brightest she had seen. He rested his forehead against hers and sighed in relief.

"To start, let me make up for our horrible first date." He pulled back and lifted his omni-tool, typing something into it.

"You're up to something. Again," she replied. Then she heard slow music playing through his omni-tool.

"I neglected you on our first date. How about we fix that," Reyes stood and extended his hand to her, offering a dance. Ryder glanced from his hand to his eyes, seeing only love in them.

"I didn't know you had a romantic streak." He pulled her to her feet and tucked her close to his body, one hand on the small of her back. They rocked gently to the music, their faces mere inches apart. He gently rubbed his nose against hers.

"Since leaving the Nexus, my survival has depended on secrets. I don't want anymore of those between us, Lila." His voice was soft and Ryder felt that familiar pull in her gut. The same one she felt when he'd kissed her over the Kadara market.

"You're the encrypted one," she teased. Reyes chuckled in response. After a moment of silence, he laughed again. "What?"

"I was about to say something cheesy."

"Say it," she asked. Reyes smirked before replying.

"Consider me hacked," he said, trying not to laugh again. Ryder giggled, amused at how bad that line was.

"Just stop talking," she teased before pulling her hand from his and wrapping both arms around his neck. Reyes responded by pressing his lips to hers. His lips were soft and warm against Ryder's, causing warmth to pool in her belly. Ryder parted her lips slightly and Reyes took this as an invitation, his tongue slipping past her lips to gently massage hers. She sighed into the kiss, letting Reyes slip his hands around her waist, pulling her closer. After a minute, Ryder pulled back slowly.

"I can't stay," she informed him. Reyes sighed deeply, his eyes meeting hers.

"If you have time tonight, I'd love to see you again."

"I'm sure Addison will keep me busy with the new outpost. I need to set that up."

"You better say bye before you leave Kadara this time." His tone was a mix of sadness and seriousness.

"We'll see," she smirked and he rolled his eyes, laughing softly.