VIII.
Cora glances around the bedroom, trying to decide if has missed anything, as she sits on the large bed belonging to herself and Alec Ryder, Pathfinder and former boyfriend. Sort of boyfriend. She places her hands on the edge of the tatty kit bag and peers inside to check what she already has. A few changes of clothing, toiletries, fresh shirt, and not forgetting a warm pair of socks. She stands up from her space on the bed and walks back towards Alec's drawers, knowing that most of their clothes had been packed but they'd left a few days worth of 'just-in-case' things to pack just before they were put into cryo. But now Alec was unwell, and launch day had been delayed by at least two weeks; she also knew she couldn't put off visiting him in the hospital again any longer and it had been days since she'd seen him.
Cora presses her fingertips into the shiny black surface of the top drawer, feeling it release beneath her fingers and slide open to reveal its contents. She notices the meticulously folded item of clothing that she knows is Alec's favourite jumper. A dark blue and green thick knit that has holes in the elbows and places where the threads have pulled where it's warn so often. Cora knew it was the only item of clothing that Alec wore that made him think of her.
She lifts it out of the drawer and up above her head, letting it fall out of the perfect folds that she knows Alec always did with their clothes. Cora brings it close to her, turning to press her cheek against the soft fabric. She closes her eyes for a moment, trying to forget all of the times he was unkind, and back to happier times when he'd laughed and enjoyed life with her while wearing this jumper.
"We can't forget this." Cora whispers to herself and places the jumper over her arm as she closes the drawer beneath her palm, and makes her way back to the bed. She carefully deposits the last item of clothing into his bag and gives one last scan of their bedroom.
Cora sighs and lowers her head for a moment; thankful for all of the good times she'd had living here with Alec, the happy times and not the sad. She takes hold of the strap and lifts the bag onto her shoulder, shrugging it high so not to drop it as she descends the curved stairs that lead back into their living room. Cora lowers his bag down onto the coffee table next to another bag, which she has packed the last of her clothes and belongings into.
Cora looks over her shoulder towards the kitchen, she notices immediately that the two bar stools that they sat on each morning, are pulled out away from the breakfast bar, and that there are still two coffee cups sat waiting for and Alec to come home to them. They'd had every intention to come back to this apartment and continue living their unconventional and sometimes toxic lives together.
"SAM, please put a request in for the apartment to be cleaned once I'm gone." Cora begins knowing that this would be last time she was here, and Alec would never get around to it. As soon as he was discharged from hospital she knew he would either be downstairs, below their apartment in his study and lab or dragged into very long and important meetings. She doubted he'd ever sleep in their bed again, and neither would she. She knew it was for the best.
"Of course, Cora." SAM sounds as she steps into the kitchen and notices on the worktop is a small, leather-bound book that looks very tatty and very much read. "The clean-up team have been notified, as requested." SAM adds making Cora nod, she couldn't deny how efficient it was being connected to this system most of the time.
"Alec would be lost without you." Cora smiles to herself when she picks up the book, a book that she has held so many times, but sat and watched Alec read even more than that. She loved watching him read, he'd get lost for hours in a book and unlike most people, he always wanted real ink and paper, not satisfied with datapads. He'd often catch her and would look over the top of the pages at her.
As Cora lifts the book from the counter, she notices something fall from between the pages and onto the floor, landing at her feet. Cora bends to pick it up, crouching so that she can reach it. She takes hold of it between her fingers and when she picks it up and lifts it to her faces sees that it is a small envelope that looks just as tatty as the book. Cora stands, fixing her eyes on the envelope not recognising it and sure that she hadn't seen it tucked inside the book before.
"Why is that in here?" Cora mumbles to herself and slips her finger beneath the flap of the envelope, pushing it up so that she can see if there is anything inside as she notices there is a small weight to it. Cora spots something tucked inside so holds her hand out and shakes the envelope over her palm. "Photographs?" Cora whispers and frowns when she sees two printed photos, something she hadn't seen for some time.
Cora picks up the first in her fingers and lifts it to see it more closely. She smiles when she sees that is a photograph of the Ryder family; Alec dressed in his smartest Alliance uniform and looking very handsome, but much younger, standing at the back with Ellen at his side.
Cora had seen pictures of Ellen before and knew how beautiful she'd been, and she certainly looked so happy and beautiful in this photo. In front of them stand Sara and Scott, Sara grinning a big toothless grin and Scott stood beside her with his hands in his pockets. Cora can't help but laugh when she sees Scott and how unhappy he looked to be having his photo taken, the twins didn't look any older than seven or eight she imagined. They were both adorable as kids. It also looked like they were on the Citadel from the background.
"I can see why Alec likes it." Cora nods to herself and slides the family photo back into the envelope. He must have put it into the book for safekeeping, making sure it made it to the Nexus with him.
Cora lifts the second and last photograph, closing her eyes for a moment when she takes in the picture and sighing. Confused at first as to why he's kept it next to a much-cherished picture of Ellen and his children. Cora smiles when she remembers when it was taken; it hadn't been any particular special occasion, he hadn't been receiving any awards, there had not been a breakthrough, it was probably just a normal day but Alec had decided to record that moment and wanted to keep it forever.
Cora looks at the picture of herself and Alec, him wearing his favourite jumper and the pair of them sitting on their sofa together. She could remember that instead of smiling like he'd told her she had to do, he'd turned her head towards his and kissed her. This photo was physical evidence that they hadn't just been mentor and student for a long time, and he'd kept it.
"SAM" Cora croaks realising she's got a little choked up seeing the photograph. She puts it back into the envelope with the other and tucks it back inside the book. Cora pauses for a moment, smiling when she remembers the photos that she and Scott have been taking together, the new tradition they had decided and something they would do every day they were together. "Can you tell me the current status of Scott Ryder, please?" Cora adds as she walks out of the kitchen and places the book into Alec's bag.
"Scott Ryder.." SAM announces. "Current location is Scott Ryder's Recruit Quarters. Currently state, sleeping. " SAM continues in its clear voice. "Would you like me to change his current state?" SAM asks making Cora laugh.
"No, please don't wake him." Cora laughs; she couldn't believe he was still asleep. It had been incredibly difficult to leave him this morning and his arms and body had been very hard to resist, and the days and nights she'd been spending with him only made her want more of him as they'd settled into a happy and very contented routine together. She knew Scott had planned to head to the gym but hadn't made it that far yet. "SAM, can you send Scott a message?"
"Yes, Cora, awaiting your instruction." SAM says before going quiet.
"Compose message, Scott Ryder.." Cora instructs as she places her fingers on the zip of The Pathfinders bag, and zips it quickly hoping this isn't the time that it fails. "Morning handsome.." Cora begins as she lifts the bag onto her shoulder again and takes hold of her own in her fist. "Thinking of you and missing you, love Cora." She finishes with a nod.
"Would you like me to read back message before I send to Scott Ryder, Cora?" SAM asks.
Cora moves away from the coffee table and towards the door, carrying the bags that she intends to drop one off at the apartment she'll be staying in for the time before the rescheduled launch, and the other at the hospital with Alec.
"Oh, also add a peach emoji, aubergine emoji, and a winking face." Cora giggles knowing Scott would get a kick out of that. "Maybe also some kisses? Maybe five kisses and ten hearts?" Cora hums. "Maybe ten is too many.." She whispers to herself. "No, ten hearts and then send to Scott, Thank you SAM."
"Of course, Cora." SAM announces and goes quiet again.
"Goodbye apartment.." Cora smiles when she reaches the door and turns to face it again, letting her eyes travel over every part of it. She hadn't been here very long in the grand scheme of the length of her life, but she'd spent that time with Alec. As much as she didn't want to keep remembering how much he'd begun hurting her, he had helped in her in ways she was grateful for, she'd learnt a lot from him and although it was her hard work that got her here, he'd always supported her and wanted the best for her career. But now it was time for a fresh start. A new life; with lots of new adventures with another Ryder at her side. "It's time for me to move out, and move on." Cora nods her head and turns back to the door, letting her hand slide over the panel for the last time and turn off the lights.
Cora lifts the bag higher on her shoulder and steps out into the Theia station, looking around her to try and locate the apartment that she would be staying in until the second A-Day launch. She knew it wouldn't have been right for her to stay in her and Alec's old home, even if it did now stand empty. Especially if she was planning on spending all of her nights with Scott, and it was equally unfair on Scott to stay keep staying with him. His room was far too small to spend too much time in, and his tiny and lumpy bed was doing nothing for her. She'd requested the second apartment to be close enough to the lab so that she could be back there for work, but far enough away that she could have some space away from Alec. Signed off using the Pathfinder's ID, of course, thank you, Alec. She was sure he wouldn't mind.
"Cora, you have a new message from Scott Ryder." SAM announces, redirecting Cora's attention away from searching for the apartment and back to the robotic voice.
"Read the new message." Cora replies finally letting her eyes settle on the building that she thinks is the right one. Instantly surprised at how big it is, how grand and expensive it looks.
The current home of the Human section, of the Andromeda Initiative, was a beautiful and intricately designed that let everyone that saw it know, the Initiative was the future of the Human Race and they had they were going to prove it. Cora could remember seeing it for the first time, it still sometimes took her breath away when she wandered through its halls. It was a long way away from the small and dark ships of the Alliance fleet. This apartment was a very good example of this.
"Aubergine emoji Aubergine emoji Aubergine emoji." SAM announces making Cora giggle to herself and shake her head when she hears it. "I miss you. Heart. End of message." SAM adds making her smile; he was so cute.
With so many people already in stasis, including some of the AI officers and higher-ranking officials that didn't have a vital role to play in A-Day, but would be needed once they'd reached the Nexus; this left lots of the most luxurious apartments empty. They were expensive, but that was what the Andromeda Initiative was all about, showing off their wealth. Alec had picked a very luxurious apartment to live in, but he had chosen to forgo things like a gym, pool, and extra space to have a lab and area to work in below it. Even the Pathfinder's home had nothing on this place.
Cora walks towards the steps that lead up to the front door, looking around and seeing that there doesn't appear to be anyone else nearby at all and that all of the windows in this area are dark. Maybe no neighbours either at the moment Cora wonders. She lowers Alec's bag to the floor, deciding that she would drop off her belongings and be back to explore her new place later, once she'd been to see Alec. Cora takes the steps, one at a time until she reaches the front door. She places her Omni against the panel, causing the doors to slide open and allow her access.
"Wow.." Cora whispers to herself as she takes a tentative step through the door and lets her eyes travel around the inside for a moment, just a little sneak peek. She spots the large living area with an open fire, a kitchen and dining area that looks kitted out to host lots of people, a mezzanine deck that she assumes leads up to the bedroom, and doors leading off that she guesses must be the bathrooms and gym. Scott was going to love it.
Cora places her bag carefully onto the floor and has one last look around, smiling to herself. She deserved a few weeks of luxury before she was placed into one of those pods for 600 years. If she was going to have a new start; what a way to begin her new life than in an apartment she would never actually be able to afford on a soldiers wage? She locks the door behind her and makes her way back down the stairs, her palm moving over the metal railing as she does. Cora reaches down to pick up Alec's bag again, lifting it onto her shoulder and deciding that before she visits him at the hospital, she should at least go and pick up a coffee for her mentor to try and save her from his bad mood.
Cora begins walking through the station, leaving behind the last of the buildings containing the apartments, past the private homes, through the walkways that run alongside the shops and outlets, over the bridge that leads to the most popular place on Theia; the bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Cora notices them all closed at this time of day and continues to the large raised district, home to her favourite coffee shop.
She spots the open-fronted shop, clearly serving from the number of people she can see are queuing and waiting to be served. She wasn't surprised, she and Alec had decided within the first few months that it was the best coffee on the station and people would travel from the other side to get their caffeine fix from there. Cora was particularly fond of their cakes. She notices that only a few of the tables outside are free and that there are lots of groups sat chatting together. She would just get Alec's coffee and head back to the hospital with it.
Cora approaches the coffee shop and joins the back of the queue, noticing that it is moving quite quickly as people appear to be queuing together. She places the bag carefully down at her feet and bites her bottom lip and she narrows her eyes trying to read the bright advertising boards and banners above her head, telling her about all of the wonderful sounding food and drink she knew she shouldn't be consuming so close to A-Day. She squints further reading the bright blue neon words that hang above the cafés counter and the prices next to them in credits. She lowers her eyes to the glass-fronted display and to the plates full of delicious cakes and snacks that make her stomach rumble when she looks at them.
Cora diverts her attention away from the food and to the man stood in front of her; she lets her eyes fix on his back for a moment and sees him move forward a little in the queue. Cora moves forward to match his movement and pushes the kit bag at her feet forward with the side of her foot. Cora hears that something is going on behind her, a commotion of sorts and can tell people are moving around in the queue behind her. She notices that someone is talking loudly and don't sound very happy about whatever is taking place.
"Excuse me.." Scott begins and Cora glances over her shoulder when she hears his voice and sees him attempting to get the people behind her in the queue to let him in. "Sorry, I've just got to.." He adds ducking past a woman waiting and trying not to bump into anyone further as he does.
"Am I supposed to act surprised to see you?" Cora asks him when he moves level with her but behind one more line of barriers. Scott fixes his eyes on her and smiles, she watches as he reaches his hand out to her, which she takes and squeezes tightly in his. Cora smiles to herself when he leans forward and presses a soft kiss against her cheek.
"Hey, you're the one pinging your location to me." Scott laughs and accidentally bumps shoulders with an AI recruit ahead of him, who turns to see who has pushed him. "Sorry, I'm just trying to get to my uh.. " Scott holds his hands up showing he didn't mean to. "As hard to believe as that is." Scott nods in Cora's direction before giving her a cheeky grin.
"He is with me." Cora returns his smile and the recruit lets Scott climb over the barrier, which he makes look much more difficult than it needed to be. Cora lifts her hand to hide her laugh when he finally makes it to her.
"That was hard work." Scott laughs and lifts his hands to her cheeks and leans towards her to kiss her, his mouth gentle against hers. "But so worth it." He chuckles and kisses her again. Cora sighs when he wraps his arms around her and draws her against him, she slips her arms around his shoulders hugging him back and resting her head against his. "How has your morning been?" Scott asks with another squeeze; Scott definitely gave the best hugs and she was always willing to accept them.
"Pretty good." Cora nods and gently lets go of him when the queue moves again, pushing the bag again with her foot, which makes him glance down at it at her feet. "Have you been to the gym yet?" Cora asks him and sees him give her a sly smile and shake his head.
"I might have slept in a little late." Scott grins. "But I thought I'd stop off and see you on my way through." Scott smiles. "Claim some of those kisses you sent me.." He whispers to her making her laugh.
"How many would you like to claim?" Cora laughs and lifts her hand to place it on his neck, stroking her fingers against his skin, which makes him smile.
"Just the one.." Scott nods and leans towards her. "For now." He adds and presses his mouth against hers again. Cora can't help but smile beneath his lips and places her hands on his face, deepening their kiss.
"You are going to have to stop kissing me like that in public." Cora sighs when he finally breaks his lips from hers and leans back again, looking pretty pleased with himself.
Cora hears him chuckle and feels his hand come to rest between her shoulder blades as they move forward in the queue. Cora pushes the bag forward again and notices that he looks down at it again and that he recognises it and decides she better answer the questions he probably wouldn't even ask.
"I thought I'd take some more clothes for the Pathfinder." Cora says seeing him nod at her words. "And pick him up a coffee too." She adds and watches as Scott slips his hands into his pockets.
"That's nice of you. I hope he appreciates it." Scott smiles but she lowers her eyes from his. Cora shuffles closer to him and wraps her arms around Scott's waist; she leans to rest her forehead against his. She spreads her fingers over the soft white material of his gym t-shirt and strokes her palms against his lower back.
"I'm sure anyone would do the same." Cora mumbles, wanting to move the conversation away from Alec and back to safer subjects. Such as Reapers, black holes, and the first contact war.
She feels Scott reluctantly let go of her and move a couple of steps closer to the counter as the person at the front of the line takes their drink away with them, and follows his lead. He takes hold of her hand and guides her to the counter next to him. She sees him push the bag forward with his foot.
The loud sound of laughter behind her draws her attention away from the warmth of his hand and fingers wrapped around hers for a moment, making her glance over her shoulder and towards the figures that are sat across the other side of the café in the large seating area. She sees that a group of colonists are still there and that the occupants of the table are talking amongst themselves and chatting excitedly together.
"They are as excited as we are about the extra weeks together." Cora whispers with a giggle at him hearing him laugh at her words as she lowers her eyes from them when she hears them laughing again, feeling like she was spying on a private joke between friends. She leans her head to rest into Scott's neck again when she feels him stroke his palms against her forearms.
"I'm happy we've got more time." Scott replies with a smile in his voice. "I wouldn't want to spend it with anyone but you." Scott adds making her smile; no one had ever told her that before. Cora lifts her head from his neck and brings her arms to rest against his shoulder so she can press a gentle kiss against his lips. He was going to make her fall in love with him at this rate.
Cora hears them laughing again and sees Scott glance in their direction too when he hears it. Their enjoyment of each others company was making her realise that she hadn't managed to make any connections or friends during her time on the Theia Station, before Scott, because she had spent every moment of the last eighteen months with Alec Ryder. He'd put a stop to any kind of relationship with anyone else other than him and had been controlling without her even realising it. She'd allowed herself to get so caught up in him.
"I feel the same." Cora sighs and squeezes Scott even tighter and sees him grin at her words, she knew he knew how hard she found it to voice her feelings. So many of these people had friends and family that they were taking with them to Andromeda and she'd had previously had no one but the Pathfinder, maybe that's why his actions had hurt her so much. "I'm glad I've got you." Cora whispers watching him nod in agreement and lean his head towards her.
She had no family left, Alec had done a good job of keeping her isolated and she had always promised herself that she would go out and make friends, but it had never happened. But now she had Scott and suddenly didn't feel so alone.
"You say that now." Scott laughs as she lets her arms lower from around him and across his chest and turns her attention and body back to the brightly lit glass display. Cora presses her hands against the surface of the cabinet eyeing the contents again.
"What can I get you, buddy?" Cora glances back towards the counter and the man stood behind it, when she hears the familiar sound of his deep voice and that his question is directed at Scott who is now at the front of the queue.
Cora lets her eyes take in the sight of him for a moment as he places his hands on the counter waiting to take their order. James was the definition of tall dark and handsome with beautiful tanned skin, raven black hair that he always kept tied behind his head, and eyes the colour of honey. The crisp white shirt he always wore highlighted his skin perfectly and she didn't think she'd ever seen him without a wide smile on his face whenever he spoke to her.
James had very quickly become her favourite barista on the station and maybe without even meaning to, she'd let this one become the one she visited every day because he'd always been sweet to her and seemed pleased to see her. Maybe she had been trying to make friends more than she realised.
"What are we allowed?" Scott asks lifting his head higher, reading the menu again. They were restricted in regards to what they were allowed to eat and drink the closer it got to A-Day.
The Initiative wanted to make sure that all of their recruits were in peak physical health before they were put into cryo. That meant a few weeks where they'd have the good choices reduced to zero credits and the bad ones inflated. Often their credits were frozen altogether so it was AI authorised food all around, it wasn't that great but they'd all had much worse. She assumed not a lot would be on offer to them, but there were still those on the station that were staying and they needed to still have access to the good stuff.
Cora watches Scott fold his arms over his chest as he looks at James, his palms tucked tightly under his armpits. She can't help but smile to herself when she gazes at Scott, as sweet as James always was he'd never compare to her Ryder. She was sure Scott was trying to make himself look taller, though. Scott quickly swipes his Omni over the scanner and James glances at the screen. Cora knew it would flash red even before she saw it happen.
"You can have water." James begins lifting his hand from the counter and pointing to a sign that instructs them that anyone joining the Hyperion within the next 48 hours would not be served anything but still water and a polite note below telling them there would be no exceptions. "Or H2O." He adds with a large smile that Cora recognises but she sees Scott just nod his head and direct his attention to the sign.
"Why does my dad get coffee and I don't?" Scott asks turning his attention to Cora and folding his arms tighter over his chest.
"Because he's Alec Ryder, Scott. He gets whatever he wants." Cora mumbles and she hears James chuckle at this. Well, it was true; he got everything he wanted and more.
"I have frozen H2O too." James adds from behind the counter.
Cora smiles to herself when she hears what James has said and is offering Scott. A coffee would have been even better and especially one accompanied by a slice of cake, but rules were rules and of course, she would never dream of breaking those. Much.
Cora moves away from the other end of the counter where she currently stands and the bright lights of the neon board and steps back towards Scott. She sees him glance sideways at her when she reaches him and gives her a small smile looking pleased that she has joined him again. She wraps her arm lightly around his waist and brings her hand to rest on his lower back. Cora feels James' eyes quickly leave Scott and move to her when he spots her.
"How you doing, Cora?" James begins giving her a large smile when he fixes his big amber eyes on her, appearing to have abandoned his interaction with Scott completely now she is there. She sees a light frown appear on James' face when he glances back at Scott and she can see him trying to comprehend who Scott is and why Cora is wrapped around and touching him.
"Hey, James." Cora replies returning his smile. "I'm good, and you?" She adds seeing James nod and shrug lightly as if he can't complain and smile again. Cora turns her attention to her lover when she feels Scott's eyes on her and sees that he lifts his brow in question, she lifts her hand to his shoulder and squeezes it beneath her palm.
"The Pathfinder isn't with you this morning?" James asks drawing her attention away from Scott and back to him. She feels Scott steps uncomfortably from one foot to the other and unfolds his arms; he lowers them to his sides and shoves them into his pockets again obviously not wanting to hear about his Father.
Cora shakes her head at James' question. She didn't know how many people know that Alec had been spending a few days in the hospital, but they all knew by now that there had been the two-week delay.
"No, he's been pretty busy." Cora begins seeing James nod and then pause for a moment. She sees him glance at Scott again who is now busying himself by pretending to read the menu again. Was she supposed to introduce them?
"I'm Scott. Ryder." Scott suddenly announces lifting his hand from his pocket and reaching his hand out and over the counter for James to shake. Cora sees James pause for a moment, not sure what to do until he does reach and lightly shake his hand in return.
"Ryder? Oh, pleased to meet you bud. You must be Cora's boyfriend?" James asks and Cora sees him move his eyes to her and then back to Scott, a questioning look on his face. Cora opens her mouth about to correct James but Scott gets there first.
"Yes, I am." Scott nods and glances at Cora, giving her a smile that makes her knees weak when she sees it. "As of.. fairly recently actually." Scott adds with another smile. Cora takes hold of his hand and links her fingers through his. Very recently, it had been at least a few seconds and was quite a new revelation to her too.
"Scott is Alec's son, James." Cora adds seeing James nod slowly as if he is beginning to understand, before shaking his head lightly and looking like not pushing the matter any further would be for the best. Of course, James would have never seen Cora with Scott, but always with Alec.
"Ooh. Okay." James nods and Cora watches him eye Scott again. "Well, I'm a big fan of your Dad." He adds with a grin. "Cora, did you want to scan?" He asks and motions towards the scanner. Cora lifts her own Omni to scan it and sees that it immediately lights up green.
"Apparently lots of people are." Scott replies and she watches him smile lightly and nod. "I'll get this Cora, what would you like?" Scott asks turning his attention back to her, squeezing his fingers against hers gently to get her to look at him. Cora looks into his face and is about to reply when James continues and interrupts her.
"Even more of a fan of Cora." James continues with a loud chuckle.
"Of course you are, bud." Scott replies and Cora hears him laugh lightly as if he didn't want to continue this conversation anymore and couldn't believe James being so bold. Cora sees Scott lower his eyes to his feet for a moment before looking back at James. "I am too." He adds glancing at Cora and giving her a little grin that makes her smile.
"But I've served him and Cora their coffee every morning and quite often evening for the last.." James continues making Cora freeze when she hears his words. Scott really didn't need to know that she spent 24/7 with Alec. Now really wasn't the time for him to be finding out about their relationship. "Must be Fourteen months?" James asks scratching his chin as he thinks.
"James makes a great coffee." Cora nods trying to drag the conversation back to coffee, and the whole reason they were there. Not to talk about how many hours Cora and Alec had spent eyeing each other over a cup of coffee, and how often they would be there alone into the night and then retreat to their bed when the temptation to touch became too much.
"One tall flat white with one for the Pathfinder." James nods reeling it off from memory. "One tall skinny caramel latte with extra sprinkles and cream for Cora." James grins. "Not forgetting the two slices of lemon cake on the first Monday of every month." He adds making Cora wish the floor would suddenly open up and swallow her whole; she knew she should have picked a different coffee bar to visit today.
"Wow.." Scott mumbles at her side. "Every day, Cora? I hope you billed Alec." Scott whispers to her and smiling at her. "If you've been here fourteen months, shouldn't you be heading out soon too?" He asks and Cora feels Scott wrap his arm around her waist, his palm resting against her hip. She could tell her was feeling uncomfortable hearing about Alec, especially when it was becoming more clear that they didn't get along at all.
"Not this time, bud. Maybe the next one will be my lucky day." James nods and places his hands on the counter. "But it is a shame, Cora. I'm going to miss seeing you around." James continues and she feels his eyes on her, giving her a large and warm smile. "Maybe we could go for dinner when I'm out there too?" He adds and she feels Scott shift at her side again and lift his hand and coughs to cover a laugh.
"Can we get Alec's order and water to go?" Cora asks getting James back to the task at hand. "Did you want a coffee?" Cora looks at Scott who just shakes his head lightly still trying not to laugh, obviously happy enough with the water. He had said he was heading to the gym so probably just wanted something to rehydrate.
"Coming right up." James nods enthusiastically and moves away from the counter to prepare the drinks. Cora hears him rattling around as he prepares the machine to make the coffee for Alec.
"What is with that guy?" Scott turns towards her; his back to James so that he's not heard when whispers to Cora making her laugh lightly and bring her finger up to her lips to quieten him.
"Be nice, Scott." Cora whispers back and she sees him shaking as he tries not to laugh, mouthing 'He loves you' and wiggling his eyebrows at her. Cora bites her bottom lip to keep from giggling when Scott draws the outline of a heart with his fingers and points to Cora.
"Is he the ex?" Scott whispers back at her, still trying not to laugh and wipes his eyes with the back of his hand. Cora takes hold of Scott's shirt in her fists, giving him gentle shake to stop him laughing and pay attention to her again, she shakes her head at him and frowns. No, he was not her ex.
"He's just being nice." She whispers and flattens her hands on Scott's chest, sliding them slowly down to his stomach. Cora sighs and leans her forehead against Scott's, getting lost in his eyes for a moment when she feels them on her.
"Drinks up." James raises his voice snapping her attention away from Scott and back to the counter. Scott turns back to the counter and steps closer to it again.
"I got these." Scott says moving to pay before she can. He lifts his arm and swipes his Omni to transfer the credits to James.
"Sorry buddy, it's been declined." James mumbles.
"Let me try it again.." Scott huffs, Cora notices that he looks a bit confused about the fact it isn't working. "It should be working." Scott adds with a positive nod. Cora knew that even with the slightly higher than the basic wage the AI was paying them, it had been an expensive few months for them to live on the station, but it didn't seem that Scott had bought himself a lot of possessions so there was no reason he shouldn't have a few credits left. "Can you let me try again?" He mumbles.
"Insufficient credits." James begins tapping the screen and nodding his head towards the message that appears on it. "Sorry, bud." James adds with a sympathetic smile.
"I'll get it." Cora whispers to him hearing him huff as he tries again.
"There are credits in there. I know there are." Scott sighs. "It's probably Alec fucking with me again." He mumbles until Cora steps towards him and reaches to place her hand over his and stopping him from trying to pay again. She rests her other hand on his back trying to comfort him.
"Scott, It's fine." Cora whispers to him and looks up at James who gives her a small smile. "It's just some water." Cora adds as he moves away from the counter. "Does he do that often then?" She laughs lightly trying to make him smile but sees that he nods his head; she picks up the bottle of water and hands it to him and he smiles in thanks.
"Thanks, James." Scott waves his hand and he leans down to pick up the Pathfinders kit bag, throwing it over his shoulder and moving away from the counter. "Yes, he does." Scott nods. "If I've pissed him off he likes to get my account blocked, or my water turned off.." Scott continues making Cora raise her eyebrows; maybe she wasn't the only one that Alec often made miserable.
"I can't believe he'd do that to you." Cora glances at Scott as they move away from the shop and towards one of the empty tables. "You don't deserve that." She adds and sees him shrug; he lowers the kit bag to the floor and pulls one of the chairs out for her, and then one for himself. He sits down on the chair and places his water in front of him.
"Probably his way of showing that no matter how much I try and stay away from him, he's got the power and I haven't. I don't know how you put up with him." He laughs but she thinks it is just for show. "Can you stay?" Scott asks and motions towards the chair next to him and gives her the best convincing smile he can manage. "A cold coffee never hurt anyone." Scott whispers making sigh and roll her eyes at him, and lower herself into the chair so that she is facing him. Cora places Alec's coffee down on the table.
"You are a bad influence on me, Scott Ryder." She smiles seeing him grin and nod his head in agreement. "But you are right." She adds and feels him move his legs beneath the table and his knee against hers. "He can wait a while." Cora smiles when he takes hold of her hand and lifts his arm to rest it along the back of her chair.
Cora watches him reach for the water and flip the cap open; he lifts it to his lips and takes a drink. When he's finished and he notices she is watching him he holds it out and offers her some, but she shakes her head. Cora looks over her shoulder when she hears the loud laughter from the recruits again.
"Cora.." Scott begins drawing her eyes to him, and she notices he suddenly looks nervous and huffs quietly, lowering his eyes to their hands that are clasped together. "Can I ask you something?" He asks his eyes now on hers. Cora feels her chest tighten; suddenly terrified that he was about to continue asking about her ex. Terrified he was about to ask about Alec and why they would be together so often.
"Is it to be your girlfriend?" Cora giggles trying to direct him away from the other subjects, and hears him laugh at her words and bite his bottom lip. "Don't look so worried, you can ask me anything." She adds as she lifts her hand to his cheek and smooths her fingers against his skin. Cora didn't think she'd seen Scott nervous or lost for words, he usually seemed so cool and calm.
"Well," Scott sighs so Cora gives him a supportive smile and waits for him to continue, she lowers her hand to place on top of his. "I was wondering if you'd like to go to a party." Scott mumbles. "With me, as my date." He adds quickly getting as if he is trying to get all of the words out at once making Cora smile.
"Scott.." Cora sighs and leans forward to kiss him, drawing him towards her and pressing her mouth against surprising him with her action. "I would love to be your date." Cora whispers when she breaks their kiss and sees him grin, his eyes on her. "Wait, do you mean Alec's party?" She asks him squeezing his hands in hers when she sees him nod. She wasn't sure her going at all was a good idea, but to be seen so publicly with Scott?
"Yeah, I'd like us to go together." Scott smiles making her smile too, she couldn't help it. He was so sure of what he wanted and she was starting to like that a lot.
"That does sound nice." Cora nods and sees him grin. "I've never really been anyone's date before, or really on a date." Cora sighs and notices he looks surprised. "Is that such a surprise?" She adds as his eyes are on hers.
"Yeah, I'm surprised. I'm surprised no one has ever treated like you should." Scott laughs. "I really like you, Cora. I like being with you." Scott nods. "I know it's early days, but this feels like a good thing." He adds and she can't help but smile in agreement. She felt the same and it was nice to hear him say it. "I want people to know about us." He places his hands on her knees.
"You do?" She asks, surprised that he wanted to tell people about them and how sure he had sounded about it. Cora knew she liked Scott just as much as he liked her, but someone wanting to be in public with her was strange to her. It was even stranger to hear how he felt about her. "Do you think your Dad knows?" Cora asks feeling guilty as soon as she asks the question and bringing him into it.
"Probably, he monitors us through SAM right?" Scott begins and she feels him rub his thumbs against her skin. "We have been spending every day and a lot of time up close.." Scott smirks and leans forward to kiss her cheek. "And very personal." He whispers making Cora laugh and place her palms on his chest and slide them up to his neck.
"What if he's angry?" Cora mumbles and looks at Scott who just shrugs lightly.
"So what if he is?" Scott smiles and she feels him tuck his thumb beneath her chin and turn her to look into his eyes. "I want to be with you, Cora. I want to be able to show everyone how happy you are making me." Scott adds making Cora sigh lightly, why was he so perfect? "I don't want to hide this from anyone. Isn't that what you want too?" He asks her and she nods, of course, it was.
"It's just a lot to take in." Cora whispers and she sees him nod and gives her a sympathetic smile. "I've never been with anyone that wants me love me so publicly and I've never been good at telling people how I feel." Cora adds making him chuckle. "I don't want to break your heart, Scott especially when you realise how difficult I find all of this." Cora whispers and she feels him take hold of her hands and lift them to his mouth, he presses his mouth against the back of her hands.
"I'm not your ex. I won't hurt you, and you don't need to worry about that." Scott replies. "Just, think about it yeah? You don't have to make any decisions now." Scott nods giving her a reassuring smile. "There's no rush." He adds.
"Thank you." Cora whispers and sees him smile again. "I should deliver this to your Dad, and you should probably get to the gym?" Cora asks and watches as he glances at the time on his Omni. "Unless you want to come with me?" She asks and sees him immediately shake his head.
"I'm good, thanks." Scott laughs and leans closer to her, kissing her softly. "Think about what I've said." He adds and strokes her hair back from her face. "Maybe see you later?" He asks as stands from his chair.
"That reminds me.." Cora begins getting his attention again. "Did you want to come to my new place tonight? There's a nice big bed, lots of hot water.." Cora giggles when she sees him smile.
"Can't wait." Scott replies and lifts his hand to the back of her head when he bends to kiss her one last time. "If you need me, just ping okay?" He smiles making her nod; she hoped she didn't need to. "Miss you already." He grins and turns to walk away, giving her a wave over his shoulder as he does. Cora blows him a kiss and watches as he walks away, she sighs and shakes her head. She was going to need to tell Alec about her and Scott, and soon.