Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sharla stood on a stone balcony overlooking the training ground, watching Reyn and the defense force training, Reyn's muscles glistening with sweat in the morning sun. Reyn and her have been dating for a couple years now, and she is enjoying every minute of it.

Reyn seems to have such a hard exterior at a glance, but despite that, he is sweet, caring, and not to mention.... warm, if that makes sense. A rare combination indeed.

She still thinks of Gadolt on occasion, and tries really hard not to make comparisons between him and Reyn. But, it is hard not to with your first love. Your first love sets the basis of your experiences with it, and it often is used to discern what you like and do not like.

Reyn does not seem to mind when Gadolt gets mentioned, but it is not fair for him, and she can see in his eyes that he is somewhat nervous when she does so. He has been very patient with her, helping her heart heal, being there for her, but not trying to push himself closer to her.

Gadolt was strong, protective, brave, cool, calculated, and a war hero in the end. She cannot forget the sacrifice he made to save her, to save everyone, but now he is gone.

When he asked Reyn to protect her when they left to confront Egil, she knew something was wrong, like he did not intend to come back home to her, and was letting her go. But also, he could not of predicted what was going to happen... unless he was connected to Egil, and knew, and saved us.

Seeing Gadolt evaporate in front of her eyes, colony 6 being eaten, almost losing everyone she cared about, and she had to be tough, be tough to save the world and what is left of her colony.

Secretly, she is somewhat broken, and afraid to show it. Everyone looks to her for support, it would seem weak and out of character to seek support for herself.

She shook her head in an attempt to remove all these thoughts. It is over and done. I should be at peace. We are at peace. She said to herself.

Then there was Reyn, strong, protective, brave, bold, rash at times, hot-headed, but warm, with a big heart, who helped her pick up her pieces, being her sunshine on her bad days.

He does share some traits with Gadolt, but has other traits that make him incomparable. A man that carries a shield to protect himself as well as others over a gun that is used to protect others over himself.

She sighs, annoyed at herself for thinking too much.

Reyn looked up from his training, wiping sweat from his brow and shielding his eyes in her direction to avoid the glare of the sun to get a better look at her, giving a wave and smiling broadly at her. However, he is close enough to see her solemn expression and a wave of worry shrouds his face briefly before resuming his training.

She smiled back giving a wave as well, trying to ignore his concern and show that she is okay. He is so carefree and happy, she is a little jealous, but having him around spreads that feeling to her a little.

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After helping rebuild and bring the colonies together with the Nopon, Machina, and Homs, (the High Entia went to help rebuild their kingdom on what was left on the Bionis shoulder, which is still floating) which took about a year or so to fully establish an organized town, Reyn had a talk with her.

It was a morning similar to this, but in a more natural setting out on the beach, as he requested that they were to meet there.

It was out of the blue, and he seemed a little awkward, or perhaps nervous about it. She agreed, and waited for him there while he finished his duties.

Her mind had wandered, trying to figure out what he wanted to talk about. She had a hunch, but her experiences have left her apprehensive about high expectations.

She had sat down in the sand and brought a canteen of water for herself, and fiddled with it anxiously. What if it is what I think it is? Butterflies formed in her stomach and her anxiousness reached new heights, forcing her to meditate by closing her eyes and taking deliberate breaths.

She had started falling for him before the war ended. Testing him here and there to see if he was a good candidate. She needed someone that would be around to support her, not run around with reckless abandon to try to save everyone he can with no regard of his own life.

Forgive me, Gadolt. I still miss you and think of you. She thought to herself.

“Sorry if you waited long, old Square-Stash had me polishing all the damn boots in the locker room. Gotta look shiny for when we march 'round town.” Reyn sat down beside her and let out a relaxing sigh.

Sharla gave a chuckle “I was debating on whether or not to start building a sand castle to keep myself busy. You said you wanted to talk? About what?” She said looking at Reyn, trying to restrain herself from playing with the canteen she held, so she held it more tightly.

Reyn was staring out to sea, the most focused she has ever seen him. He was thinking hard and carefully. He looked as if he was fully prepared, but after she asked the question, everything seemed to of escaped him.

“Yeah. Listen.” He says. He seemed lost at trying to figure out the right words. “ I want to know how you're feeling.” He said softly and carefully.

She knew what he meant. This was what she thought he was going to address. She took a breath.

Love is a wonderful, but scary thing, and it can destroy a person if it does not go well.

“ I... feel nervous entering a relationship. My thoughts of Gadolt have not completely disappeared, and I think they never will fully.” She said with a hint of sadness and regret.

It was clear that Reyn picked up on this quickly.

“ I understand Sharla. It is hard losing someone you truly cared for, ya know? It is like losing a brother or sister, or parents. Anyone that was a significant part of your life. So significant that they leave a permanent mark when they leave. I will never leave you, Sharla, till I die.” Reyn stated warmly.

Sharla was taken aback by this, and surprise was all over her face. He has matured very quickly from when she first met him. A hot-headed, guns-a-blazing, fury of muscle, to a more tempered (at times) version of himself who is able to read body language and expression at a level that she envies.

However, he is an emotional person, which can lead him to empathizing with others more easily, but also more likely to take something personally. A rare trait in men around here.

“What?” he retorted.

“That was just very astute Reyn. You have grown a lot. I admit, I am not quite done healing, but I am ready to move on. With you. If you'll bear with me.” She smiled, looking hopeful.

A sparkle grew in Reyn's eye, almost mischievous-looking, and it looked as if he was going to tackle her.

“ Well, alright then. It's settled. I will be there for you every step of the way.” He said, almost grinning ear to ear.

Reyn then leaned back, trying to reach for something that seemed jammed into one of his pockets.

“ In my spare time I've been working on something for you. I didn't want to give it to you till I thought the time was right. It was really hard not to.” He procured a small wooden box without hinges, suspiciously like what a ring would be in and Sharla gave him an astonished look.

“ Don't worry, it ain't that. Not yet.” He winked, handing it to her to open.

She carefully pulled the lid off, and in it contained a necklace with a small piece of smoothed wood in the shape of a heart with the simple outline of a flower carved in the middle, and a small hole in the center of it for the black dyed rope to run through.

“Reyn, I... this is beautiful.” She was stunned, no one in the colony makes anything like this that she knows of. Where could he of bought this.

Reyn rubs his head shyly, but is pleased with her reaction. “ Riki taught me a thing or two about wood carving. Course he knew what it was for even though I wouldn't tell him anything.”

When she still seemed speechless he added “ Any moment I got I would put work into it and it took forever. Ended up going through a whole tree to try to get it right, but it could of been better.”

This guy.

Tears welled up in her eyes as emotion overwhelmed her.

“ Hey, you okay? Is this too soon?” He hates making anyone cry.

“ It is fine Reyn. I just.... this is so thoughtful and sweet. I love it. I don't have anything to give you though. I will treasure this.” she breathed, as she tied the necklace around her neck, holding the heart in her hand for a second before letting it hang.

She should not read too far into this, but it is almost a representation of Reyn offering his heart to her. Yes, she is ready.

“Just you wearing it is enough for me.” He murmured, appearing to be mesmerized looking at her. She blushed and looked at him with a shy but genuine happiness.

With slight hesitation she leaped at him, half knocking him over and wrapping her arms around his back.

Reyn, initially surprised, catches himself from falling with one arm, then happily indulges and holds her tightly with his other, wrapping his arm around her back, burying his face in her hair, closing his eyes and sighing with a mixture of relief and happiness.

The moment on the beach was a turning point in her life, and one she will not soon forget.

____________________________________________

She holds her heart necklace again tightly for a moment before letting it go. He has made her so happy since then. Occasionally cooking some sort of romantic dinner for her after a hard day at work, going for walks together, beach days, fishing.... not to mention all the cuddling and keeping her warm at night, with his massive physique practically engulfing her as they just sit in comfortable silence together. His slightly calloused large fingers gently caressing hers.

She missed having this in her life. Actually, she has never had something quite like this. She had something similar to her and Gadolt, but never as close as she is with Reyn. They have been practically inseparable since that moment he gave her the necklace. Reyn gets teased on occasion by Juju or the soldiers on the Defense Force, and he takes offense naturally and always has a comeback.

Usually with the Defense Force it is simply “you're just jealous” or “there's nothing wrong with that. I am happy and that's what matters. Not what you think.”

She used to get bombarded by members of the Defense Force when she was giving them rifle lessons and basic first aid. She would usually just be honest about what she thought about the advances, but when she found a comment to be particularly crude or unkind, she would be curt, and proceed to put them in their place.

There was a time when one of them was being particularly aggressive and even put a hand on her. Reyn appeared in a flash, picked him up in one hand by the scruff of his coat, and tossed him right over his shoulder into the water of the nearby shore. Reyn was so angry that day, and Vangarre seemed to approve of his response as Reyn was not punished. However as for the man in the water, she heard he was doing “community service” for a week, cleaning the farmer's armu pen, also to keep him away from Reyn, who would probably put him into the ground again.

He definitely demonstrated his strength that day. He also demonstrated that he would always be there to protect her. She could not help but be impressed of one so strong, yet so gentle.

She was fine but a bit shook, not that she told him.

She took a break from the Defense Force after that, and a lot of the Defense Force had showed up to the hospital to apologize profusely despite most of them not having done a thing. After that, when she came back, they were nothing but kind and careful around her, and would not stop apologizing despite her already forgiving them several times. Reyn or Vangarre must of put the fear of Bionis in them. Even now that soldier gets glares from the other men.

With Juju it is different. His teasing is more like teasing a brother or sister, and Reyn is much more lenient with it.

When it was just her and Juju, Juju would talk on and on about Reyn doing something he thought was cool, or learning something from him or helping him with a project he was working on. When they are together Reyn seems to take on a father-like figure, while occasionally being a brother. He is quick to scold Juju if he does something he knows she does not want him to do.

She supposes Reyn was absent of a true family, and wanted to make sure that Juju understood the importance of what a family means, and how he should respect and appreciate it. With losing most of Colony 6, a lot of families were lost or broken, so he should of already understood that. Kids will still be kids though, and they have a lot to learn.

She rested her elbow on the railing of the balcony and rested her head on the palm of her hand, still watching Reyn as he began jogging laps around the training ground with his comrades. He still manages to be the tallest person in the force after merging what was left of Colony 6 with 9. Though the members that joined from Colony 6 are still young. Since all that was left of them were the women, children, and elderly.

The group finished their jogging and rested a moment to get drinks from their canteens. Reyn periodically glanced over at her, probably to see if she were still there or not. She would smile in response.

They seemed just about done their routine, when an alarm sounded. She turned toward the sound. A loud thundering horn echoed throughout the town originating from a nearby watchtower. What? They never had to use the alarm before, what could it be? She was momentarily frightened, then turned back as she heard Vangarre give a shout as the soldiers scrambled to their weapons, including Reyn.

She will see him soon, but she had to dash to the hospital to grab her rifle and make sure the field medic team was ready.

She ran past several confused townspeople. Some people started shouting that there was a stampede. That is not good. Depending on the animal, it could flatten the city if it was headed straight for us.

“Stay inside till someone gives a signal!” She shouted as she continued to run.

Some people reacted and went to their homes, others remained stuck in place. There was nothing she could do for them, she had to get to the hospital.

Chapter Text

Just as she neared the hospital, soldiers started running by her, fully geared for whatever it was that they were about to encounter. She heard something about a stampede, but the soldiers probably knew as much as anyone else right now. Reyn caught her eye and he slowed a bit, seeing her too.

“Go on ahead Reyn, the medic team will be right behind you guys.” She shouted to compete with the commotion. He nodded in acknowledgement and jogged up to rejoin his crew to the front gate. Just then she spotted Shulk with his Machina buster sword, Otharon with his rifle, and Juju with a rifle. Wait, Juju with a rifle??

“Juju! Oh no you don't!” She yelled, running over and grabbing his arm, his other arm holding a rifle.

“But Sharla, I want to help protect the colony!” he pleaded.

“You're too young, who even taught you how to use a rifle?” He has no idea what fighting is.

“Otharon!” He stated defiantly.

She cursed. The last thing she wants Juju to get into is the Defense Force. But he is old enough to make his own decisions, she has to remember this. He is not just a child anymore.

“Fine. But stay with the medics. Come with me.”

Holding Juju's arm, she led him to the hospital, where she saw the medic team scrambling for their healing rifles all the while tending to ill patients. They were in such a disarray.

“Ok listen up! Kiroki, Vanea, Dean, stay here and take care of the patients. Dean, I need you to keep a watch on the status of whatever is going on. If anything remotely indicates that the fight is going south, the patients must be evacuated immediately. If you hear the horn again that means to evacuate, but we cannot count on someone being there to use it.”

She gestured to everyone else. “The rest of you, get your gear together and come with me, we must be behind the Defense Force and they are already at the gate.”

Everyone became a bit more organized in their panic and started heading out the door, staying together in the process. She was pleased that they refocused so quickly and knew what to do the rest of the way without being ordered further. She grabbed her own rifle from the weapons locker, tossing the strap over her shoulder.

She dashed out to join them, being sure Juju was with her the rest of the way. They reached the gate and the Defense Force was already further out in the field. That is when she saw the stampede. Damn, this is not good.

An enraged herd of Magnis Arduns. Large creatures capable of leveling a city with their bony frill topped with very large horns coming to a fine tip that could easily gore any creature that got in its way, and they were headed in the direction of the colony. But... most are docile, with the exception being the dominant males. What has gotten these ones so pissed? Or scared. They were frothing at the mouth, eyes practically red. Are they sick perhaps? The field time will have to study them later.

She felt like bolting back to town to evacuate the people, something she has had experience with in the past. The Defense Force has to be a wall for the town. She knows they are strong, but against these... they need the Machina machines. Thankfully, as she was thinking that she could see some approaching formation with the medics.

She just hopes casualties are a minimum. She starts thinking of Reyn, knowing he will do his best to protect himself, but she could not help but worry. These creatures are no joke.

“Medics! Staggered formation behind the Defense Force.” she commanded. In response the medics moved around her to space themselves out behind the soldiers to receive their protection while providing support.

Juju remained at her side, rifle at the ready.

“Juju. Do not fire till Vangarre gives the signal. Listen to his orders unless I say otherwise. You are not a part of the Defense Force, but if you're to help defend, you are to listen to him.” He nodded, sweat already drenching his hair. He is nervous.

“Stay by my side, and if something happens to me, go back to the hospital.” She asserted.

He nods in understanding. She glances over to the Defense Force and spots Reyn to her far left, seeing him also glancing over watchfully.

I know you want to protect us, but do not take your eyes off of the threat. She mused briefly.

“Soldiers! Ready your rifles and fire on my command! Aim at their legs! We need to divert their course, and we must not let a one of them get near the town under any circumstances!” The commander cried. “Front line, ready your shields! Machina, you are our strongest defense, fire on them, and if any get past the shields, grapple them down. We will continue slowly forward to meet them till I give the signal to fire.”

He seems to have somewhat of an idea of what to do.

She spots Dunban and Shulk together behind the shielders, close by to Reyn.

She made a silent prayer for everyone to stay safe.

As an army at this point, we advanced slowly towards the roaring arduns. Not long after, Vengarre gave a cry to fire. He seemed surprised that the stampede was already as close as it was. This is it.

Juju immediately started firing the rifle towards the nearest ardun. Not a bad shot, must of got it after me. She would smile if it was not such a dire circumstance. The riflemen, as well as the machina, let loose their explosive shells causing some of the ardun to outright collapse, and others to change their course. However, the ardun quickly made their way to the shielders, their horns tossing them into the air causing them to go flying. Hopefully just some broken bones.

Reyn was holding his ground and managed to make his way closer to her as chaos filled the army. The Machina machines were trying their best to grapple with some of the arduns, but occasionally one would lose the battle and get flung into a heap. “Fire up a healing cloud medics!” she called out as she popped another shell into her rifle and firing it over a wounded soldier.

She sidestepped to avoid the tree-trunk-like foot of an ardun and regretted having Juju here. Shooting is not the only thing required here, you need agility to avoid getting crushed by the wake of the stampede.

Just as she dodged the foot another ardun she was staring down the horns of another.

Reyn was there in an instant, holding his driver in both hands with the shield out, stopping the ardun dead in its tracks. He grunted with strain, but successfully pushed the ardun away, shoving its horns to the left, followed by a blast from the driver in its face causing it to overheat. A move he should not use with that temperamental thing. The ardun turned away and ran off towards the nearby woods, a few others following behind. As strong as he is, he probably hurt his arm doing that, and it is probably burning.

“I got your back Sharla. and Juju's.” He shouted. She is thankful knowing someone else is watching Juju.

She nodded and dosed him with a small amount of ether in response.

“Thanks Sharla.” He started supporting nearby soldiers struggling to do what he just did, but staying close by, as per usual. Some soldiers lay on the ground, unmoving.

Thankfully, Juju seemed only concerned on firing his rifle and staying out of the way. She needs to get Juju out of here, now.

By now, a lot of the ardun have switched direction away from the town or collapsed on the ground in a barrage of bullets. None have gotten through the army yet. She continued to fire her rifle, throwing ether here and there to keep soldiers up, as well as the occasional bullet on an ardun.

Her hands started to feel the burn of the rifle as it began to overheat, but she ignored it, adrenaline causing her to prioritize other things. Before long she had to open the steam valve and let it cool off, as it was no longer able to be fired. She slung it around her back and saw to some nearby downed soldiers, making sure Juju was nearby.

She saw Dunban get closer to provide protection, he seemed visibly angry, whether just in focus, or mad about a juvenile being out in the field. Yeah. I regret it Dunban. But he seemed passionate about it, and I can't keep him from doing what he wants to do forever.

One ardun barreled its way through everyone and made its way towards the town. Shit. She closed off the steam valve despite her hands complaining about how hot it still was, and fired true, hitting the ardun in behind its frill, causing it to collapse immediately. Must of hit a vital point in its neck. If she was keeping score, that would be worth a lot of points.

She looked around to check up on Reyn, he was helping to divert another ardun. He seemed a bit battered but no visible injuries. She sent a couple more ether shells his way to aid him and the nearby soldiers, and her rifle hissed with irritation, burning her hands further. She huffed and opened the steam valve again, slinging it back on her shoulders.

She turned to check on Juju just to see an ardun with hits horns aimed downward to skewer.

“Juju!” She screamed in terror and leaped at him, pushing him out of the way and she expected to get gored, but it caught her rifle strap and clothes on the tip of its horn. Shortly after her scream someone shot it in the eye and it roared, heading away from the army and towards the forest.

“Sharla!” Juju called to her, but she was unable to get free, and getting free could result in her being trampled. She quickly got carried away into the forest, as the strap of her rifle and clothes made its way further secured to its horns.

Finally close enough to its eye, she jammed her foot into it in an attempt to have it do something, anything to get her off. She had no idea how long it was running for. It roared in pain and flung its head in a direction, sending her off careening into some surprisingly soft brush where she lay quietly, watching blackness seep into her vision.

_____________________________________________

Reyn immediately perked up from redirecting an ardun when he heard Sharla yelling Juju's name, which quickly followed by Juju yelling her name. That's not a good sign. He thought. There was a maze of Homs with Machina speckled in here and there, some lay wounded, others still in the fray.

It was utter chaos. The grass quickly turning into barren dirt, which brought up a lot of dust in the dry early afternoon sun, obscuring his view from where they would be. He had to get to them as quickly as he could.

He saw an ardun heading off towards the woods with something hanging from one of its horns. Odd. He dashed in the direction he last saw Sharla and Juju, and Juju actually found him first.

“Reyn! Sharla... saved me.... but got carried off!” he cried. Juju was finding it hard to form any more words as he broke down into tears. Poor kid.

“You shouldn't of been out here man.” Reyn yelled urgently.

Juju shrunk immediately. “I know.... I'm sorry. I.... Sharla said it was okay.” Reyn's expression only softened a little, annoyed at himself mostly. He promised to protect her, and failed.

He put a firm hand on Juju's shoulder reassuringly.

“The fight is almost over. Go back to town. I'll bring her home. Which direction did she go?” Reyn faltered for a moment, pain aching his arm.

“Down towards the forest, that way” Juju sobbed, pointing in the direction where he saw that ardun with something hanging off its horns. Sharla.

Reyn surveyed the battlefield and noted that the last of the ardun were finished and the army was picking up their pieces. Juju was fixated on the wounded and possibly dead around him, as if it was all starting to sink in. He ushered Juju to the direction of the town.

“Don't worry about helping with this mess, just head on home.” Reyn advised, urgency still present in his voice. Juju nodded and headed back towards the town.

Reyn only thought for a second whether or not he should get help to find her, then quickly decided screw it, that would take too long.

He needed to go find Sharla.

Reyn felt guilty about not helping carry the wounded, but he did have a medic to find, so, that counts as helping.

He dashed with reckless abandon towards the forest.

He was exhausted by the time he reached the forest edge, taking a moment to attempt to clear his thoughts for a moment. He needs a clear head to be able to spot Sharla in this dense foliage, so dense the sunlight only broke through small gaps in the trees, making it even more difficult to see, and he did not have a light with him.

Not to mention, she could be here somewhere, or she could be long past the forest somewhere else entirely. Reyn cursed violently.

Sharla is a smart girl, she must of found a way off the beast somehow before she got too far. There were numerous tracks from more than one ardun as well, making it even more difficult. Maybe there is a cave or a safe place somewhere where she could be.

Just then, in the corner of his eye he catches a glint of something metal shining in a ray of sunlight. He scrambled over to whatever it was, thinking it could be Sharla.

Sharla's rifle, but no Sharla. Damnit. Surely she cannot be too far, though. He picks up the rifle and slings the strap over his shoulders. Still warm, but he does not remember the strap being so tattered. Sharla would not leave it in a state like this. Must of been what got caught on the cursed beast. “Sharla!” He screamed, hoping she might hear him. He remained quiet after that, hoping he could hear a response. Nothing. Damnit.

“Sharla!” Again, nothing.

He continued to search, getting more and more urgent as the day went on and not finding her.

She is either not here or cannot answer him.

He begins frantically tearing apart every bush and corner he came across to find her. Thankfully the endemic life wanted nothing to do with Reyn and would keep their distance.

“Sharla!” His cry wavering, kicking a bush in frustration.

Finally, he heard a very faint, quiet noise from some nearby brush.

He froze in place, listening as intently as he could.

“Over here” A pained voice called out weakly. Sharla.

“Sharla!” He exclaimed excitedly, but became mildly hesitant as he jogged over to the source of the sound and discovered what he found..

She was nestled tightly into a bush, looking battered, just like him. Her hands were red with what looked like a a painful burn. Reyn choked at seeing her like this, tears threatening to well in his eyes, mostly out of happiness, but also regret at not being able to protect her.

“You okay? Damn. You made it quite a ways from those footprints. I was almost going to initiate a search part for ya.” He said, trying to sound lighthearted while sitting down next to her. He was afraid to touch her at first.

“Yeah. Wild thing gave me a ride, and I got to fly for a little bit. I think I'm okay. Just a bit bruised. Is Juju okay? Is it over?” She winced a little when moving her arm to reach out to Reyn.

Reyn immediately started feathering her body with his large hands in an attempt to assess how badly she was hurt. He gave a sharp inhale when he saw a rather large scrape on her back where her skin must of made contact with its horn.

“I'm fine Reyn, I swear. Just a few scrapes from Bionis-knows-what, and burns from my rifle, which I should of known better than to do, but couldn't help it.”

He looked at her with a stern expression, but also with relief.

“I'm glad you're okay, but you have a pretty nasty scrape on your back. Juju is fine, I sent him home. Everyone is cleaning up now, I don't think anyone was lost, but plenty of wounded.”

She sighed, only half relieved. The hospital will have their work cut out for them for a while.

He averted his eyes for a moment, confusing her. Did something happen? “I'm sorry.” He mumbled.

“Sorry? For what?” She asked, utterly confused.

Equally confused Reyn responded “That I couldn't protect you of course. I promised, and I let you down.”

Sharla chuckled a bit, but knew he was being serious, this has happened before.

“Reyn. It's okay. I know you'll always be there to protect me. But, unless you're glued to me, it is physically impossible to be there every time. You're the strongest man I know, if anyone can protect me it's you.” She gently laid her head on his shoulder and he sighed.

“I know. But I hate not being able to keep a promise.” He pouted.

“I understand, Reyn. You've done a great job so far at keeping that promise. This was my own fault, not yours. I willingly put myself into danger to save Juju.” She said, quietly admiring his rugged, yet shining face.

“Yeah, I heard. Juju said you saved him and got carried off. Just lucky you got carried off and not gored.” He added bluntly, with a hint of annoyance in his tone. Damn kid.

“How're your legs? Can you stand?” He asked, gently taking a look her hand. He seemed to be examining it, but more so just wanted to hold her hand.

“To be honest I haven't tried yet. I've only just come to from apparently being unconscious.” Oops, should not have said that as Reyn's face only grew more concerned.

“We gotta get you checked out. By another medic”. He said, trembling a little in his voice.

“Reyn....” He seemed to be in such a vulnerable state right now. Was it because of her? She wishes he did not fret over her so much, it is not healthy. But... it is nice to have someone care that much. She looked at the arm he usually has his driver on and she gasped.

“Reyn your arm!” He raised it and looked at himself.

It had a dozen or so cuts, burns, and may very well have at least cracked a few bones in it.

“Meh, I've had worse.” He shrugged.

“Yeah you have, and I've treated them. But, that does not make them any less worrisome.” Sharla retorted hotly

Reyn, not wanting to get her worked up apologized. “I'm sorry, I know I should of known better, but just like your burned hands, I couldn't help it.”

As if something awakened in her, she immediately started fussing over his arm despite her own injuries, pulling out some very basic first aid supplies. A wrap and some distilled water.
She reached out and grabbed his arm, pressing on various places gingerly to ensure it was not cracked or broken in any way.

“Listen we're not that far from town, lets just get you out of here first, then we can both get patched up. You're hurt whether you like it or not.” He said assertively.

She looked at Reyn, somewhat surprised that he was taking charge of her, but accepted it. His face was mostly just full of worry, and hers probably was too.

“Fine... you're right.” She said, moving her legs to try to pull herself up.

Reyn grinned. She said I was right. He thought. A phrase that he values a lot when it comes from her. He got up with her, holding her waist with one arm for support.

She was standing for a moment, holding Reyn's good hand, then took a step forward. Her legs crumpled.

“Woah! Hey, Sharla, take it easy.” Reyn firmed his grip, promptly catching her, and lowering her carefully to the ground.

She gave out a frustrated cry. Her legs are jelly. She does not think she is truely hurt, just shook up. Scared, she admits to herself.

“Do they hurt?” He murmured, resting at her side, holding her waist with his bad arm, not caring about how it felt, clearly.

“I don't think so. I'm just shook up is all. Just need to rest a moment.” She tried to suppress it, but her voice shook as she spoke.

Reyn picked up on this and responded quickly. “Alright, its okay. Lets just sit here for a while then, yea?” and started rubbing her back. She was shaking.

With her current wave of emotions, everything she was thinking of earlier was coming back in one big overwhelming swarm. Gadolt, Colony 6, the War, almost losing Juju and Ortharon, staring death in the face, her current aches and pains, and when Reyn started rubbing her back, everything just came rushing forward and she burst into tears.

“Oh Reyn, I'm sorry. I'm a mess.” She blubbered, trying to hide her face so he could not see her face scrunch up as tears streamed down.

Reyn gently pulled her hand away, which initially was a challenge, before she let go and accepted it.

Reyn's eyes were a sparkling, but saddened grey-blue as he brought her chin up, caressing her face lovingly, wiping her tears.

“Its okay. I'm a mess too. We're a good fit together.” He half joked, but was sincere as well.

She laughed a little through her tears. “Yeah. You've made me really happy Reyn. I couldn't ask for anything more. I just spend too much time thinking about the past.” She sighed, leaning into his hand as he continued to hold her head.

He leaned further in and kissed her forehead, sending a wave of soothing warmth through her body.

“I know. But, you don't have to think it all the time. You can talk to me about it. I hear that helps get rid of bad thoughts, sharing them with others.” He sounded like he was almost pleading.

“But....sometimes it's Gadolt.” She mumbled. She knows he gets competitive when he gets compared to others.

He shook his head. “I don't mind. He was a brave soldier that I probably would of looked up to. I know I'm not him, and I'm not trying to be him.” He paused for a moment, almost as if he is unsure if what he was going to say next was something he should say.

“Sometimes I wish he were still around, so you'd never be sad.” He did not look away from her when saying this, indicating that his feelings towards her talking about Gadolt have changed.

She winced.

“Reyn... no. I don't wish he were around anymore. I mean, I wouldn't want him dead, but, if he were here, I would still be with you.” Holding his hand cupped around her cheek, her tears beginning to dry up.

Reyn was taken aback by this, a shocked look on his face. Reyn, you should not look that shocked. She thought.

“Really?” He squeezed her cheek a little. “I find that hard to believe. He was a much more mature and a better soldier than me.”

“Yes, really. He was a great soldier, but as a fiance, well.... he wasn't always there. He kept his distance somewhat, and treated me as more like a daughter or sister. Not very affectionate. Which at times I needed. Then you came along.”

His eyes brightened, waiting for what she was going to say next. Ready to soak in the compliments to reassure his position with her.

“You were rash, hot-headed, you never seemed to think of your actions half the time. You definitely had some growing up to do.”

“Oi!”He interrupted. She rubbed his arm in reassurance.

“But despite that, over time I saw something that I was missing, and had needed now more than ever. A man that cared deeply and had a strong desire to protect his family, and therefore would be around for them. You are my missing piece, Reyn. I wouldn't of been completely happy with marrying Gadolt.”

His expression softened, not knowing how to respond, but clearly overwhelmed as he started to tear up as well. He lifted his torso armor off leaving him with just an undershirt and his tough leather pants with plating in the knees. Then he lifted her up as gently as he could and placed her in his lap, hugging her tightly, one arm around her head as if trying to cover her from the world and protect her.

“I'm your man, Sharla.” Was all he said.

She remembered something he said years ago in the ether mine. “From now on I'll work really, really, hard, and then one day I'll be the man of your dreams!”

He really did work hard and improve himself. You are the man of my dreams, Reyn. Thanks for waiting for me. She thought to herself.

She curled up against his chest and hugged him back, ignoring her arms and hands flaring up in irritation. She sniffed to deal with new, but brief tears that formed, and snorted up a bunch of dust in the process, causing her to sneeze. He had a fine coat of dust on his arms.

“You need a shower.” She chuckled, brushing some of the dust off his arm.

“Yeah. I was gettin right into it today.” He removed his arm for a moment, running his hand through his hair idly. Something he does when he gets embarrassed or nervous. Sharla looked up at him and saw a puff of dust spring up from his auburn hair. Oof, yep. Definitely. She burst into laughter.

“There's my girl.” He said soothingly, running his fingers through her hair, gently pulling the knots out that have formed during the flurry of battle. A fresh smile spread across his face. Seemingly relieved.

He hugged her even tighter.

“You're laughing because it's in my hair too, isn't it. I felt it.”

She nodded, chuckling a little more before calming down. It was something she had needed dearly.

He leaned against the strongest branch of the bush to make them more comfortable, and she quickly dozed off listening to his heart beat, with her head resting on his chest. His arms encircled her, almost engulfing her in a warm, safe embrace.

Reyn gave her a gentle peck on the head as she slept, and listened to her steady quiet breaths, as well as the sounds of the forest. The quietest moment they have had together in a while, without an intrusion from Fiora, who seems a bit too interested in their relationship. Too bad it was in a situation such as this where she was hurt.

He periodically closed his eyes to get a sense of the moment, occasionally opening them to make sure they were safe, and to get a look at Sharla to make sure she was real. He hugged her tighter for a bit, which caused her to tighten her grip too even though she seemed asleep. He sighed contentedly, wishing this moment would last forever.