Disclaimer, I own nothing other than my mind
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Two Fingers
"Sam, is anyone aboard the ship?"
"Just Kallo, Pathfinder. He is currently watching a Salarian soap opera vid in the cockpit."
Grasping Reyes' hand Ryder pulled him towards the cargo bay. "Let me show you the best ship in the cluster." Her statement brought a grin to his face.
They walked further into the cargo room. The Nomad was on the lift for repairs, tools still laid where they had been discarded earlier that day. The cargo room smelled faintly of oil and coolant. Reyes' head was on a swivel, trying to take in everything at once. "Wow Ryder, this is amazing. You've got state of the art equipment here. You're very lucky."
"Yeah I am. Kallo and Gil keep her running smoothly, when they're not bickering like old hens. I'm lucky to have them, though." Smiling she grabbed his hand, "Let me introduce you to Kallo."
As they walked through the corridor Ryder pointed out rooms as they passed. They approached the ladder and as always Reyes was a gentleman, and let Ryder go first, though truthfully he just wanted an excuse to watch her from behind. He stood below her, hands on his hips, admiring her backside as she climbed. Ryder got to the lip of the floor and glanced down, which prompted a wink from Reyes. Laughing she stepped off and said, "Come on."
He quickly followed her up the ladder, stepped off next to her and slid a hand around her waist. He buried his face in her neck before she could blink. She fit against him like two trees that had twisted together as they grew, until they were one. They stood there entangled for a handful of heartbeats then Reyes stirred, lifted his head and whispered against her ear, "The sooner the introduction is done, the faster I get you all to myself." This spurred Ryder into action, the thought of him, intimate and raw, made her blood race.
Ryder entered the cockpit with Reyes and quietly knocked to let Kallo know he had company. Kallo paused his video and turned to see who had interrupted him. He grinned and waved, though there was a question lingering in his dark eyes. "Hey Kallo, sorry to bother you. Just wanted to let you know I was back. Oh, this is Reyes, I'm showing the Tempest off to him," Ryder said trying to sound aloof.
Reyes walked up to Kallo holding out a hand, "Reyes Vidal, Resistance informant and smuggler. Glad to meet the pilot keeping our Pathfinder out of harms way."
They shook hands as Kallo replied, his voice light, "Sometimes I fly her into the trouble, but most of the time she gets herself into it. Well she gets us out of it, too."
Reyes laughed with the Salarian pilot and Ryder feeling only a little embarrassed said, "If you need me we'll be downstairs having a drink," She pulled Reyes back towards the door of the cockpit, past Peebee's empty room.
"Of course, Pathfinder." Kallo waved a cheery goodbye and sat back down. He resumed his soap opera and the room filled with the sound of overacting Salarians with dramatic music woven throughout the dialogue for the best emotional effect.
The pair made their way down to Ryder's quarters. As soon as they entered the room Reyes began to wander around, his eyes roving restlessly over the small odds and ends that Ryder had displayed in her quarters. Ryder walked to her desk and procured a crystal decanter of whiskey from within, and inside the bottle was a six hundred and twenty year old scotch. Ryder was fond of the brand and six hundred years surely made it even better. Her excitement bubbled up at the thought of the quality of the alcohol that would be hitting her tastebuds momentarily. "How would you like your scotch," she said, pouring two fingers of the scotch into her crystal glass.
Reyes joined her at the desk, eyeballing her ship models while Ryder slowly appreciated the liquor. "Quite a collection," he said pointedly looking at the bottle of scotch. He reached out gently and took the decanter from her desk, raised it to his lips and took a generous swig of it. He put the cap back on the bottle and admired it appreciatively, then he set the decanter down, and slid his arms around Ryder's hips and pulled closer. His hazel eyes were soft as he said, "You are magnificent, Ryder." His fingers brushed her shoulders tracing the strap of her tank top. Her skin was supple and there was a small explosion of freckles skattered across her shoulders. Reyes felt himself drawn to them. His lips ached to feel her skin. Ryder's eyes fluttered closed, reveling in the feeling of his warm, coarse hands travelling down her arms to settle on her hips once more. She could feel the hard plane of his abdominal muscles through their clothes. He was lean but there were strong muscle hidden below the surface.
"I've never felt this kind of need before, Ryder. I've had plenty of women; however, they do not compare to you. Your body...Your mind." He leaned down his lips brushing against her ear, he whispered, "You intoxicate me." His lips were soft, his sweet breath whispered against her skin. This left shivers running down her spine, quickening her breath as his words sunk into her. His hands began roaming her, as he trailed kisses down her neck to her collar bone. The fragile feel of her bones was in direct opposition to the strength of her muscles. Reyes found himself seduced by the gentle ridge of her collar bone and the soft yet firm slope of her shoulder muscles.
"Reyes..." Ryder moaned. Reyes' lips hungrily tasted her skin, leaving small nips and molten kisses down her throat, that shot electricity into Ryders body. She knew she was starting to fall into the mindless ecstasy of his touch and she didn't want it to stop. He pulled back, his hands stopping, he was unsure. Ryder slid a hand from his waist to rest against his neck. She could feel his pulse against her thumb. His pulse was strong and quick, the look in his eyes had her lost for words. He raised a questioning eyebrow, and Ryder could see the uncertainty lingering in his eyes. Was he second guessing?
No.
Without saying a word she pulled his lips to hers. His mouth was soft and gentle against hers. She could feel that he was restraining himself. His need pressed hard against her body. Ryder grabbed his waist and pushed him towards the bed, so that the back of Reyes' knees hit the bed causing them to tumble back, breaking their kiss.
Ryder straddled his waist, her breath hitching in her throat, from the arousal she felt under her. They resumed their kiss, tongues exploring, hands roaming. Her heart was thudding almost painfully in her chest. She could feel his heart matching her own. Ryder couldn't remember the last time that she felt this free. It was an intoxicating sensation, to not feel the pressure of the Initiative, her duty, or the crushing loneliness of her post.
The heat of their bodies was becoming unbearable. Ryder grabbed at the hem of Reyes' shirt and pulled it off, exposing his well defined muscles and caramel skin. She paused to admire him, but swiftly found herself drowning under the weight of desire. She began to kiss and nip his neck, her fingers tangling in his hair. This elicited a gasp from Reyes' lips, causing him grind his hips against her in response. Groaning he said, "Ryder, I need you." His hands were shaking from the effort of restraining himself, sweat was beading on his chest and back.
"I know," Ryder said and sucked on his earlobe, which caused Reyes to moan, his eyes closed, fingers digging painfully into her thighs. She ignored the pain, reveled in it even, and pulled back and watched the effect roll through his body. He was still as stone, as the hunger and arousal washed over him, then his eyes flicked open. They were unfocused, his breathing was erratic. In a split second they focused on Ryders lips, a storm brewing behind the golden orbs. Their lips crashed together like a tidal wave, clinging to one another like a life boat. His hands dragged up her tank top exposing her midriff, his fingers pressed against her skin. One of his hands snaked up under her shirt to grasp the back of her neck, the other found its way to her breast, caressing it through her thin bra. His hands were warm and rough, his touch caused her to arch her back in pleasure. She ran her fingernails down his back relishing in the groan she heard from low in Reyes' throat.
"Ryder sorry to interrupt but, there is an emergency!" Kallo said over the intercom.
"Ignore him," Ryder growled out as she pulled him into a breathless kiss. She didn't want this to end, this mind numbing bliss was just the remedy to her issues. They broke apart to breathe right as Kallo interrupted again.
"Pathfinder, I'm sorry, but everyone has come back for the night, except Peebee. She said she would be at Tartarus, but Cora doesn't remember seeing her. Suvi and Vetra are too drunk to-"
"I am not drunk," a heavy Scottish accent butted in over the intercom.
"Get off that before you break it, Suvi. Vetra please take her to her bunk. Ahem- as I was saying, Drack has gone down to Tartarus, Jaal is checking Kralla's Song. We were hoping you would join the search."
"Ryder," Reyes panted, his cheeks flushed. "Kadara is even more dangerous at night. Perhaps we should help. I'd hate to have a crew member of yours hurt because I kept you."
Ryder sighed, resting her forehead against his lean muscled shoulder, her eyes closed. She moaned, "But I wanted a night off, and this was getting good..."
Reyes chuckled low in his throat, "I'll get you off, another time."
Laughing she lifted her head to look at him. Her lips felt swollen, their hair was disheveled, and Reyes had a mark on the lower portion of his neck. Reaching out she rubbed a thumb over it, with the other hand she activated her intercom, "Alright, I'll be up in a moment, Kallo." Reyes lightly kissed her shoulder as she spoke, his lips leaving molten trails of desire lingering on her skin.
"This wasn't how this night was suppose to turn out," Ryder apologized. Reyes grinned pulling her close. His hands slid down to grasp her ass, as he bucked his hips gently.
"Let's just say this was a test run," he smirked, playfulness and lust dancing in his eyes, "Hmmm, or a sample of what will...come."
She smiled and shook her head at his crude pun. Leaning in she kissed his lips gently, savoring the way he tasted.
"Alas, duty calls. I have much to do tomorrow, as do you. We still have to discuss that missing cargo. If I stayed here, the only thing I would be doing in the morning would be you, Pathfinder."
Smiling Ryder pressed one more kiss to his throat then slid off of his lap. His erection blatantly bulged against his trousers, and from the way he grinned at her, he was completely unabashed about it. Ryder walked over to her full length mirror, adjusted her shirt and combed her hair with her hands.
Reyes stood up and went to retrieve his shirt. Surprised, Ryder said, "I didn't know you had a tattoo." It was of a dark red cobra, spanning down his right shoulder blade and down his back to his hips. It looked sleek and strong on his bronze skin.
He replied, "Yes, that was done back in the Milky Way. I was young," he pulled on his shirt then continued, "Fits my personality though, hm?"
Ryder nodded, chuckling, "Anything else I don't know about you, Shena?"
Reyes laughed, "That and much more, Pathfinder." He walked up to her, tilted her chin and kissed her deeply, his teeth capturing her lower lip, tongue seeking access. She granted his request and it left her breathless. He kissed her with such passion she thought she might catch on fire.
After they caught their breath he said, "I should go. It's dangerous that I am so effortlessly captivated by you Ryder."
"Good thing your a smuggler that eats danger for breakfast."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
The next morning, Peebee came stumbling back onto the Tempest, smelling like a distillery, and a half empty bottle of wine in one hand, the other cradling her aching head. Ryder and Kallo stopped her in the cockpit, before she could slip into her room.
Ryder was unperturbed, slouching against the pilots console in a overly large hoodie, her hair was disheveled and she held onto a cup of coffee for dear life. The soft fragrance of the dark coffee filled the immediate area, stopping Peebee in her tracks, long enough for Kallo to block her escape. He began berating her about her actions and what they had cost the crew. That being safe and checking in with the Tempest was paramount to a smoothly operating team.
"I was drunk and blowing off steam with some random guy, what are you, my mom?" Peebee said grouchy. "I can handle myself, Kallo. And you-" she rounded on Ryder, "I heard about you and your man, so you're one to talk!" She then stomped off to her escape pod.
Kallo stood looking at the closed door in stunned silence. Ryder sighed and sipped her steaming coffee relishing the bitter taste on her tongue, "Wake me up in a few hours." With that she left, the rarely lost for words Salarian, for her quarters. After finishing her coffee, Ryder collapsed face first onto the large bed. It faintly smelled like Reyes: soap, smoke, and a faint trace of gunpowder. She could feel the ghost of his lips tingling over her skin. Groaning in frustration Ryder threw the pillow over her head and attempted to sleep.
Hours later Ryder woke up with another pounding headache. Stumbling from the bed she made her way to Lexi's exam room. Ryder entered the room and saw Lexi at her desk, sipping on a cup of coffee, her eyes were bright and clear of any indication that she harboured a hangover. Lexi looked at Ryder's pitiful state and said, "I see someone still hasn't recovered from her risqué night."
Lexi stood, examined Ryder, then walked to her medicine cabinet and searched through the containers. Choosing one she handed a few pills to Ryder, "Take this with plenty of water. Should help within thirty minutes. In the mean time, shower."
Ryder took the pills, mumbled a short thank you, and headed to the galley. Once there she downed the pills with water, ate a nutritional block, then headed for the showers.
An hour later Ryder was dressed and feeling miraculously better. The headache had faded almost completely, and her nausea was nonexistent. She slipped on a leather jacket over her grey shirt, then pulled on her blue jeans. Scooping up her communicator she buzzed Reyes. After several tries it connected, she could hear a grunt and then Reyes' voice spoke in a gruff tone, "Pathfinder, what did you do to me last night? What did we drink? I've never been this hungover. It feels like a krogan clan, one by one, headbutted me."
Ryder stifled a laugh, "A six hundred and twenty year old scotch from Earth. And you didn't seem to mind at the time, I succeeded in helping you take a break from your problem of missing cargo. Speaking of which, should I come by so we can discuss?"
Ryder could almost hear his brain trying to process what she said and to decide about a meeting place. She heard a muffled thump and curse then, "Yeah, yeah, here is fine. Just-" a grunt, "let me get decently presentable..."
Grinning Ryder replied, "Of course, Reyes. See you soon. I'll bring some hangover pills Lexi gave me, they're a miracle drug, pants not required."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Reyes' black hair was damp and looked like it had just been swiftly slicked back, when Ryder stepped into his room in the Tartarus. "Hey there," she walked up to him and handed him a couple of the pills Lexi had given her earlier, "These should help." He gratefully took the medicine then smoothly slipped his arms around Ryder's waist and said, "What, no good morning kiss? Honestly Ryder, after everything I've-"
Ryder interrupted him with a kiss, then pulled back, "That better?"
Reyes had a ghost of a smirk dancing around the edges of his mouth and he replied, "Almost. Now, let's get down to business." He offered her a seat on the couch and poured them both a glass of water. He commented, "I get this shipped from Voeld. Better quality and less fuss." Ryder didn't reply, just sipped her water appreciatively. Reyes continued, "The pilot I have is very good at his job. You may have seen him in passing a few times, or here at the Tartarus." He picked up his glass and stared down into it a moment, before taking a few sips. "Alright about the cargo. A business rival- Zia Cordier- lifted it. I was moving it for a client," he said.
Ryder set down her glass, condensation was beginning to form on it and she questioned, "Well, what was the cargo?"
"No idea. Client paid extra for privacy," he chuckled, swirled the ice in his glass, and continued, "Considering my fees, it must be valuable."
Ryder hesitated, seeing if Reyes was joking. Then she said bluntly, "You didn't check...it could be a virus to wipe out our galaxy, or Kett intelligence that we desperately need, and you didn't check?"
Reyes put up a hand defensively, "Those are valid points Pathfinder, but honors got a price, and the client paid it."
Ryder sighed, running her fingers through her hair in exasperation, "How did this Zia person, get your cargo in the first place?"
Reyes scratched his nose in embarrassment then set his drink down. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He didn't look at Ryder and said, "Mmm...well her usual tactics: got my middleman drunk, then stole his ship and the cargo." Ryder huffed a short laugh, causing Reyes to glance at her, glad she wasn't too terribly upset with him. He continued, "When Zia stops in Kadara she likes to drink at Kralla's Song. Let's see if Umi has heard anything that could help."
Ryder stood when Reyes did and said, "I'll meet you there, I need to stop back at the Tempest." She leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and departed his company.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Reyes was already sitting at the bar, with an almost empty glass of whiskey, when Ryder entered Kralla's Song. The Song was comfortably crowded, the din of talking and mellow music gave the sense of some privacy, despite the account of people.
Walking up behind him Ryder, appreciated the way his shirt fit him from behind, and said, "You look like you're waiting for someone."
He chuckled and replied, "Hey, that's my line." He gestured to the battered stool next to him and Ryder joined him.
Umi sighed, "You two want a drink or a room?"
Reyes turned his gaze from Ryder to Umi, "Information actually."
Umi crossed her arms over her chest, "That'll cost more than a round of drinks, Reyes."
With a wink at Umi, Reyes replied, "The Pathfinder is good for it." Interrupting Ryder said playfully, "I'll expect a favor in return, Reyes."
Reyes turned his attention to Ryder. His face was serious when he said, "You're one person I'd happily owe something."
This display caused Umi to groan in disgust, "What do you want to know? The sooner you two are out of here the better."
Reyes flashed a grin at Umi, clearly enjoying her annoyance with them, "Has Zia Cordier be around recently?"
Umi scoffed, "You mean your ex? Yeah she was here."
Mildly surprised Ryder piped up, "Ex? Never good to make a rival out of someone you've slept with, Reyes."
His ears burning Reyes rubbed the back of his neck and awkwardly said, "Ah, girlfriend is such a strong word. We occasionally had drinks...ahem...so Umi, was she here?"
"Yeah, she met a Salarian. Shifty guy I'd never seen before. Maybe it was the Charlatan." Umi shrugged and grabbed a bar towel and began polishing the top of the bar.
Reyes chuckled dryly, "Anything is possible," he downed the last of his drink and said, "You hear anything else?"
Umi nodded, "Yeah, said something about a meeting at Spirits Ledge."
Reyes nodded thoughtfully, "Thanks, Umi."
Umi slung the towel over her shoulder and grabbed the empty glass in front of Reyes. "Whatever, you didnt hear shit from me," She said turning away to deal with a sour looking human down in his cups, further down the bar.
Reyes turned his body to face Ryder, his fingers snuck out and brushed a stray hair from her face. "I can follow up on the collective lead, if you and your team check out the meeting spot."
Ryder gently took his hands in hers. His were by no means small hands, but they were delicate. Long fingered and dexterous. Ryder glanced down and studied them a moment. His caramel skin displayed a few white scars here and there. Ryder absent mindedly traced one of them with her thumb as she looked up at him questioning, "Reyes, be honest with me. Is this job about your clients cargo, or one-upping an ex?"
Smiling broadly a mischievous twinkle in his eyes he replied, "Why, Ryder...are you jealous?" She didn't reply just kept her face still, unperturbed. He burst into a deep chuckle, then finally regained his composure. "It's about the cargo," he said, the laughter still lingering in his voice. Squeezing his hand Ryder, slipped her hands away and stood. "Let's get to it then. I'll comm you if I find anything at Spirits Ledge."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Ryder stopped the Nomad near the front of the building that the dead drop had lead her to. Liam said to Peebee, "I have a bad feeling about this."
She snickered and elbowed him in the ribs, "Oh grow a pair." Liam grinned and made a rude gesture as they exited the Nomad and made their way into the building.
Hearing Ryder's team enter, Reyes called out from the back, "Ryder! Good, help me get this open."
Liam jumped at the chance and helped Reyes muscle open the shipping container. Reyes stared down into the empty container, a blank expression on his face. "It's empty," he said after a moment.
It dawned on Ryder what had happened and she pulled her pistol saying, "Shit. Reyes this was a trap." They all turned to the sound of the doors opening and a slow clap.
A woman came into view around another shipping container. She was armed to the teeth with heavy armor snug on her lithe frame. She had short cropped red hair, with freckles adorning her mildly tanned face. She said, "Bravo...I knew you'd figure it out eventually, Reyes."
Reyes' posture changed dramatically. He was normally in a relaxed state, calm, cool, and collected. This was entirely different. He was openly hostile towards the woman. "Zia, " he spat with vehemence.
Ryder was honestly surprised at his aggressive stance and tone of voice. She reached out and laid her hand on his forearm. Even through her gloves and the padded armor he wore, she could feel the tight steel of his muscles.
Zia smirked at the gesture and continued,"You could never resist a big payout."
Reyes' face turned into hard grin, "What can I say, Zia. I'm a greedy man."
Zia spat on the ground at Reyes, "That's why you don't have any friends, Vidal. You're selfish. I'm glad I left you when I did."
Ryder felt the back of her neck burn from anger. It suddenly blossomed into a burning hate at this woman who had once held Reyes in her arms. Ryder gritted out between clenched teeth, "Reyes may be greedy but he is a better man than you think."
Zia laughed, a raw mocking sound, "Oh, honey. You've no idea how wrong you are. But you will."
Reyes stepped forward, anger filling his eyes, his voice rough with the emotion, "Leave her out of this."
Zia scoffed her arms crossed, stance defiant,"Wow, you must really like this one, Reyes. Too bad what she needs protection from is you."
Blanching at her words he said quickly, "Cut the shit, Zia, why did you lead us here?"
"You've been taking all the good jobs in Kadara. People started to notice," Zia replied, unfolding her arms, a hand going to her pistol. This caused a ripple of similar actions from Ryder and her team. Zia's group of smugglers reflected the movement as well.
Reyes sighed, some of the anger fading to the background. Not gone, just put on the back burner. "So what? The local smuggling union got together to take me down?"
"Something like that." Zia replied, her fingers unclipping the pistol.
Reyes stood there a moment, motionless, then he ran a hand down his face and said, "Ah shit."
Then pistol and rifle fire exploded into existence in the small prefabricated building.
Reyes got a shallow bullet graze on his upper arm. Peebee had a small bruise forming on her cheek where a smuggler had elbowed her in his attempt to escape. Liam was kneeling next to her on the floor near the entrance, applying a cold compress to her face. Ryder stood next to Reyes, bandages in her hands while he sat on a shipping container. Ryder helped him take his padded jacket off to get better access to the wound. As he was rolling the short sleeve up above his shoulder, Reyes said softly, "Reyes, what did she mean...about needing to protect myself...from you?"
She applied an antibacterial salve then began wrapping the wound. He didn't say anything for a long moment, just watched her bare hands. "I live a dangerous life, Pathfinder. Different than yours, even though I know how harrowing yours is. I have enemies, as you saw. I have to be careful who I get close to," he trailed off as her hands secured the bandage. Ryder let her hands slide down his hand, holding it between hers, "Maybe you should stay low for a while, Reyes. Let this blow over."
Reyes touched her chin gently with his other hand, his thumb brushing against her lips, "Discretion is my forte." They were frozen there for a few seconds until Peebee yelled in the background at Liam to be more careful. Reyes dropped his hand but didn't drop his gaze. Those golden hazel eyes were like a warm sun. They reminded Ryder of a piece of dark amber, with flecks of dark leaves dispersed inside. Reyes spoke, his voice soft and tender, "What you said back there about me being a better man. Thank you."
Ryder just simply said, "Your welcome."
They broke out of their spell and began to gather their things when Reyes said, "I should clean up this mess. Zia was a piece of work but leaving her out in the open like this just doesnt seem right. I'll see you back in the city, Pathfinder."
Ryder replied, "Don't be a stranger, Vidal," and with a smile she left with her team.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Don't forget to like, follow, and comment!