Open Post

[dadication]

TBD

Comments

[dadication]

"I've been in worse spots before," he murmured unconvincingly. He had been in a few worst spots, but they had been less obnoxiously stubborn back then. He figured they were falling back onto their roots of digging in and trying to overwhelmingly take care of the other rather than taking care of each other equally. Now he was here with Gabe surrounding him, blanket tucked in and still trying to shiver his way right out of the bed. He figured his body would kick-start soon. It had better.

He made low sounds of pain here and there as Gabe's stroking hands passed over a particularly deep bruise and came a touch too close to an injury. Many were bandaged, but his bruises were numerous and none of them simple. Still, he appreciated knowing the older man was taking such care of him in his time of need. He had to beat down the impulse to turn over and try to take care of Gabe too, aware the older man would ask or show signs if Reyes was in trouble.

"I hate being cold," he complained, like he hadn't done it to himself. He knew it was his own fault, but he had wanted to be close to Gabe at all times and bathrooms were just not great for allowing closeness. "Are you still feeling nauseous? Think you can even eat? Maybe sipping some water will help."

He couldn't deny that. He had followed Gabe and he generally would nag when the situation merited his doing so. "You'll take huge risks if I don't."

[gr1m]

"Have even less supplies to go on now than we did then," and there was no medical team for them to fall back on or coming to get them. It was just the two of them and what was in the bag of supplies Gabriel had managed to grab. They'd make do, always could and always would when it came down to it, but it wouldn't stop him from fretting. Somewhere maybe chill and fever would cancel each other out.

Gabriel was still as careful as he could be, hand moving to tuck that blanket around Jack the best he could before arms settled around him again. Wanting to keep him close, breathing calming as he let himself settled a bit then.

He hummed, "Yeah, so do I." He did grimace a little bit at the question because wasn't that something, "Yeah. Staying still like this helps a bit, and like I said I'll try to eat later." While force feeding Jack if he had to? Yes. "In a bit."

A few fingers did brush through Jack's hair slowly, "Very true. We're both assholes like that."

[dadication]

"We'll make it through somehow. Always do," he replied, though his confidence wasn't quite on point as it usually was. They both were able to treat non-life threatening injuries in the past, even patch up those that were life-threatening, but they'd always had a team eventually. It was the first time in a very long while that h came to realize how much they were on their own. He shivered from both cold and that fact; they were alone. "We're... going to be okay, Gabe."

While his skin was warming, it would take longer for his core body temperature to rise with all of Reyes' efforts, and he was content to stay bundled up and touched until that happened. He could feel how Gabe made all the preparations for yet another few hour stay into one spot, of them cuddled up and leeching heat and comfort from each other.

"Did you grab any antacids?" He had a feeling that was 'no', that Reyes priority had definitely been pain medication and antibiotics back in the ambulance. He considered how close a pharmacy would be, but he also knew there was no way either of them would be making that trip any time soon. Still, the impulse was to protect and care for Reyes. "Maybe a small amount of food will help, but... later. Don't leave me," he murmured as he had completely settled in against Gabe.

He hummed in agreement. Assholes was a good word to describe them. "We have to be to put up with each other as long as we have. You're the other half of the asshole I am."

[gr1m]

They did always make it through somehow, he could acknowledge and remember that, but it was such new territory in that they would have to be doing to so very alone. Wasn't even safe for either of them to go to some doctor, let alone some hospitable or ER. Have to make do with whatever all Gabriel had shoved in to that bag in that pained frantic state he'd been in. "Still got each other, we will be," okay. Even if it might take a little longer than normal. They were going to be okay.

If only they had something warm to drink, to try and help warm him a little from the inside, but that would mean having to move yet again. Gabriel wasn't ready for that, even if they did have anything. Could just run warm water but again, didn't think he could move again that soon. Didn't want to. Was fine right where he was.

"No," hell, he didn't even know what all he grabbed outside of pain killers, antibiotics, and everything needed to take care of dressing and closing wounds. Maybe a few blood-bags they'd definitely have to dump or something. "Little food and water, later." When they'd have to check over stitches and the like as well with how much they have moved around. "Settles while I'm still, like this," didn't have to worry about him going anywhere right then and there.

"Glad I have you."

[dadication]

Jack knew that staying here even the entire day was dangerous, that they would have no support, but at the same time, it was very clear even now that they didn't have the capacity to be able to move far or as smartly as they might otherwise. This risk was less than if they roused themselves and stumbled out the door. They had developed some medical skills over the years, and he never more appreciated it then now while he shivered in Reyes' hold willing himself to be warmer. "We're too stubborn to die," he added, a small smile managing to briefly turn his lips.

He was content to be in Reyes' hold, and if he had the energy to move, he would have turned over so they could hold each other. He never had a problem being the smaller spoon though, tucking in and feeling protected and safe despite the situation.

"You need less of a city slicker stomach," he managed to tease, slipping an arm back to curl around the small of Reyes' back. He decided not to complain about being forced to eat anything; he had already drank his share of water and felt a bit better for it. "As long as you aren't going to puke bile on the back of my head. I'm already filthy enough."

He sighed and turned his head slightly, clenching his teeth so they didn't chatter lightly. He nodded. "Partner of my life," he murmured softly.

[gr1m]

This place would have to do, and it wasn't the worst place they could have ducked in to when all out of sorts. "Far too stubborn," and able to take care of each other even while being stubborn assholes about themselves. That stubbornness had gotten them this far already, even if it was taken them bit of a step back when it came to needing time to heal. They'd settle in to something sooner than later.

So long as he could still manage to provide some sort of comfort there'd be a part of him soothed in turn, even with his nose buried in Jack's hair somewhat- but with the oxygen mask he could do that. Reason Gabriel had his chin tucked on top of Jack's head instead.

His nose wrinkled a bit, "Says the farm boy who could barely manage my abuela's recipe for chicken soup." Teasing right back. With how his head spun from what had no doubt been a concussion he hadn't felt like eating, which only got worse the more pills downed. The moment he got more water or any food down he'd likely feel better. "You're safe for the moment."

A hand rested against Jack's chest, just over his heart as Gabriel's fingers curled loosely. "One and only," no one better.

[dadication]

He had always thought that he and Reyes would do everything together and that included dying. Their final end would be a group effort he knew, and now with their world crumbled apart, they had to be more vigilant then ever to stick together. No more missions where one remained safe behind. Even laying here shivering within the comforting fold of Gabe's arms, he knew that no more than ever they would do everything together, including getting to the bottom of who had dropped Overwatch on them.

He closed his eyes at the feel of warm breath in his hair, expecting that probably smelled terrible. However, it was the comfort that he couldn't take for granted, shivering and pressing back into the warmth of Reyes and even reaching up to pull the blanket tighter around them both.

And that provoked a laugh too, small and grainy, even if it ended with a brief coughing fit. "Look, I said I would try anything, but that didn't mean I would be able to take it," he replied, fondness in his damaged voice. "I learned and adapted over time, so don't hold that one time against me forever." He hummed at the assurance of being safe, though he only half believed it. He was still waiting for the door to be kicked in and them thrown back into fight or flight mode. "We're going to feel better in a few days. That's just what I keep telling myself."

He turned his head to be able to catch sight of Gabe out of the corner of his eye. That whole shift caused pain to flare through him, but he was assured by the sight all the same. "Stuck with me forever. I hope that comforts you."

[gr1m]

Even if things changed once Overwatch became some official group, and Blackwatch was created, they still tried to be there for each other when it was needed. Two different positions keeping them apart only so much, no matter how either of them felt about missions where the other couldn't be there with them like during the Crisis. Having the other to come back to was still something.

Smell didn't matter a damn bit at the moment, just one more thing pushed in to the 'worry about later' that was steadily stacking up in the back of his mind. What mattered was that Jack was there in his arms, and that they were both alive and... somewhat okay.

"Bring it up whenever you mention my city slicker stomach," A light and fond tease all the same, because it was all it was between them there. "They enjoyed whenever both of us could turn up there," his family, the Reyes crowd. Easy to be paranoid here, so little shelter and cover that any minute someone could barge in and they were still so low- "We just gotta help that along a little," medication and food, water too.

Corner of his mouth twitched, an arm held only a little tighter around Jack for it. "More than you can imagine."

[dadication]

After all, in the end, they were soldiers and their duty was to be on the battle lines, even if it wasn't where they could always be found. As their positions were elevated, as their importance grew, they were taken to different battle lines. Those absences had caused him some measure of worry, but he was also assured with Reyes' skill to come back to him. It was never easy to be parted, so a part of him was simply assured by their continued closeness and used that as a reason they would survive together.

His shivering was losing some of its violence and his teeth had stopped trying to chatter right out of his skull. He was still very cold, but his body was desperately leeching off the excess heat from Gabe. He wasn't about to get up and push the letter yet, but he was feeling a bit more like he wasn't going to simply turn into an ice cube in a moment's notice. He appreciated Reyes sticking so close to warm him again, having not expected a sleep session in the bathroom to have quite this kind of effect. God they were a mess.

He hummed and leaned his head back against Gabe, eyes closing. The Reyes brood had always been welcoming of him, seemingly elated that Gabe had found a bond mate and never treated him like an outsider. Much like his own family. "Your family knew how to cook and definitely knew how to eat," he agreed, missing them more than ever now. Could they... ever go back? "Your sisters liked me more than you, by the way. I was their pequeño girasol, and you were their stinky brother."

He hummed, still not interested in food with how cold he felt. He knew he would eat, had to, but if he could stave it off awhile longer, he definitely would. "Sleep helps."

He hummed softly, comforted by the arm around him and the words. Probably more than he had any right to be. "I'll always guard your six."

[gr1m]

The times apart could be difficult simply because of the effort they put in to remain close. Even if hiding the important parts of their relationship as far as they could, just to keep their bond from being used against either of them. There were only a few times he came back on a gurney, but otherwise he always came back in one piece.

At least they were mostly balancing the other out with the mix of fever and chill- even if not exactly the best thing they could be doing. It was enough to soothe some other part, so it was enough, Gabriel's fever would break eventually, but for right now it was helping him get Jack warmed back up. Even if getting his core back would always take a while, not fussing over either of them allowing it to happen in the first place with how low they were.

Gabriel snorted a bit, "Not enough that they wouldn't be first in line to curb stomp your ass if you ever broke my heart." It was a tease that held quite a bit of truth to it, knowing his older sisters as well as he did. They teased, gave each other shit simply because, but they cared as much as he'd likely do the same for them. "Food was definitely a show of love, bolillo."

Sleep did help, had been helping them little by little already, but it wasn't all they needed.

He let out a slow breath and... let himself relax again. "Always got me at yours," just how they would always be.

[dadication]

With both of them in positions of power, their bond had to remain secret. At first, he had resented it but over time, as the war progressed, he knew it was for the best. It had been their best kept secret, and more than anything, those that knew them well and saw them interacting assumed that they were close lovers rather than bond mates. It worked out well, and it helped that he and Gabe were also painfully private men.

Warming little-by-little helped, but he was also impatient to stop shivering as well. He told himself it wasn't so bad because he had Gabe there at his back warming him, the circle of those strong arms keeping him from making too much noise and providing the kind of distraction needed to stay awake. His fingers dug carefully into the small of Gabe's back. Under normal circumstances, snuggling like this with Reyes was relatively unheard of; they didn't have the time to spare or the inclination to under the stress they were both under.

"Excuse you," he remarked with a dramatic sniff. "You were far more likely to be a heart-breaker than I ever was. I hope they'd chide you if you ever broke my heart." He tipped his a little to try to rub it on Gabe's neck or shoulder. "Never had to worry about being hungry at the Reyes' residence. God I could go for some of your pa's cooking right about now."

Not likely that either of them could keep down something so rich, and at this point, it was impossible to have either of their families know about them until they had a grasp on the situation. Maybe someday soon then.

"I love you," he murmured like a sigh. He wouldn't trade Reyes for anyone.

[gr1m]

Painfully private, but damn well not shy about moments alone whenever they got a chance to steal some time together; even if it was mostly naps in one of their offices. Grabbing whatever rest they could, always better when they were in the other's presence. Still, it really had been for the best to keep that secret, even if now he could only hope it still somehow held true and a lot of what happened was just a coincidence and nothing more.

A hand moved to rest against Jack's chest, just over his heart, rested so very carefully out of want to not bring any further distress if it could be helped. Always worried, fingertips moving in small slow circles where his other hand rested. All of it just to hold and keep that bit of reassurance that Gabriel himself was there and present.

The corner of his mouth twitched a bit, "Such as being a fool if I ever let a sweet man like you slip away from me?" A soft hum, "They ever tell you how they were glad I was bond with someone who could make me smile like no one else could?" Really, they were happy they had found each other at all. "The man always did make up any excuse for us dropping by to pull out all the stops, special occasion and all," just the type of man his father was.

God, what was going to happen there? Couldn't worry about it right now, letting lips brush against Jack's jaw instead.

They'd get through this. "I love you, too."

[dadication]

It wasn't really about physical intimacy so much as physical closeness to one another. Jack slept better when Gabe was there near him, even if it was him laying on the couch and Reyes working on some report or vice versa. There was safety and comfort in being near one another, feeling complete and whole, like the world could burn around them and as long as they had each other, they could make it right again. He never regretted keeping it a secret, and like Gabe, he could only hope someone hadn't figured it out and would be using it against them.

With his eyes closed, he was keenly aware of Gabe's fingers on his chest and wasn't worried. His heart beat strong and steady, likely beating in tandem to Reyes' own, and he made a noise of comfort to the older man who was clearly concerned to his state of cold. They had pushed themselves too far too fast because the situation had required it. He definitely pressed back into Gabe's hold, enfolding himself in that safety even more.

"I was sweet where you were sour, so clearly I was a keeper," he said with a soft laugh, his first since the the day before the building had fallen on them. "Your ma mentioned it a few times when you were out of ear-shot but your sisters were too busy treating me like a brother to say much." In some ways, it was a fluke they had found each other, given how many bonds might never find each other thanks to the war. "He'd always let me barbecue and not you. Remember that blue apron he got me for Christmas? God he was proud when I wore it." The Reyes had been his second family, welcoming and loving him as they did their own son. He had been very fortunate.

He tilted his head at the feel of lips on his jaw, humming a low sound. What was going to happen to their families? They'd have to see how the situation played out.

[gr1m]

So long as the other was right there with them, everything would be alright. Right now it just might take a little longer to reach some other definition of alright other than 'alive' at the moment. Be okay.

This was comforting at least, on a few levels, despite his worry for Jack's chill and his own fever. They'd reach some sort of balance and get moving- later. Right now was maybe letting themselves relax rather than riding any sort of adrenaline and actually resting. Comforted even by the beat of Jack's heart under his hand. Was enough, the feel of him pressed back was just that much more. Could be content like this.

"They wanted you to know you were welcome, were family," just how they all were, thrilled as they were that despite it all Gabriel had found his bond despite... everything. Far apart as they lived it could have never happened. "God, yeah. He was so glad he found someone who liked that as much as he did. You know how he loved to barbecue and even roasting a whole pig on a spit," which was a special occasion all on its own. "That man loved to cook," still did even in to his old age.

Gabriel kept there for the moment, clinging to those good memories. They couldn't worry about what may happen with their families right now, not until they could finish worrying about themselves... but the good times were different.

[dadication]

Jack wanted to believe that they had had worse, that they had survived worse and that they would again. His chill, Gabe's fever would hopefully right themselves in time if they stayed together like this and maybe lay off some of their usual stubborn antics until they had recovered a bit more. The state of their wounds would require them to at least rest and now they had seemingly settled again to do just that.

He hummed, so ready to bathe in the fond memories of their brief holidays together. They had often gone to separate places and arranged to meet up so they could spend quality time together outside of the eye of the UN and Overwatch. Those had been the days, sleeping in a hammock together under the shade of a couple of trees or sitting in lawn chairs with drinks laughing and joking with their respective families. While his mother had been initially opposed to Gabe, she had warmed quickly to his charms and work ethic. If only life could be that simple again, but those days were over.

"Mom only made you shovel out stalls when she was mad at you for beating her at telling jokes," he remarked of his own family. His father was a gentle man, salt of the earth, but his mother could party. "When I brought a pig over from the family farm for him to roast, I thought he might kiss me. Best pig I'd ever eaten honestly." He smiled at the memory then winced as it pulled on his stitched lip. "You and I ate so much, we slept in the yard. Remember that?"

He sighed a moment after that, lightened by the fact that they still had all those good memories. Things might not be so easy after this. "We should sleep then eat. How does that sound? Your stomach okay?"

[gr1m]

Now hopefully they could remained settled for long enough for the rest to do them some good.

Innocent things, timing their leave just right so that none of the suits or anyone would suspect. Hell, they even did have help from their families at times who were understanding of the situation, wanting them to be happy and have their time. Even if the secrecy could be stressful at times. They still had those good moments, brief as some of the holidays were they were worth so much.

He chuckled, even if the sound was soft. "I always liked your mom, even if she wasn't fond of me at first, she had a god sense of humor." Of course he'd liked Jack's father too, but point stated. "Had leftovers for days- didn't you have enough to give back to your folks to taste what became of that pig?" They did eat a lot, not at all surprised his own father had managed to cook enough to get them feeling full. "I do, yeah. Was a nice warm night, not quiet or star-filled, but it was nice."

Wouldn't be easy, expected things would even seem a little hopeless if they got hi any lower, nuzzling Jack so very carefully. "Yeah, sounds fine and probably what we need to do. Stomach's okay for now." No immediate danger.

[dadication]

Their families had been some of the very few people who had known about the full measure of their association with each other. Bond-mates, friends, lovers, family and comrades. His parents had been more than pleased to hide them out on the farm or use vast networks of farming ties to settle them into a place where they could have time together. He and Gabe had grown very creative about making time, and he was ever so glad for that now as he lay in the comfort of Reyes' arms shivering himself back to a normal body temperature. As terrible as the situation was, he was as comfortable as he could manage.

He nodded slightly, turning his head a bit more to peer back at Gabe behind him. "Did I ever tell you she asked me when we were getting married and that she offered the family farm to house any horde of Reyes clan that came?" He shook his head, bittersweet memories of his family. "I did have enough and they were ever thankful of your pa's roasting skills and what sauce he used on the meat." He had ate so much, all he could do was lay down somewhere and let it digest. Sort of like now, except they were just struggling to heal instead. "Good times."

He hummed, trying and mostly failing to nuzzle back with the angle his head was at. "Pinky promise we'll both eat when we wake up, yeah?" He held up his pinky like it was a manly thing to do.

[gr1m]

Hell, Gabriel's own parents had gotten in touch with a grandparent of his in Dorado and had them set up a place there on occasion. Was nice and peaceful and managed a place with a hell of a view. Their parents were supportive as hell of them and, well, he'd always been grateful for his own and the Morrisons for that and more.

"No, I don't think you did," and yet it didn't surprise him. Head lifted and supported enough by a pillow to at least help make it a little easier for them to look at each other. Especially while still keeping hold of Jack. "Would have been a hell of an event for both our families, I think." They'd just never had the time to think much about marriage, did they? Felt like they already were most of the time. "Very good times." All of it.

Gabriel lifted his hand and curled his pinky with Jack's, some soft sound of amusement just under his breath. "Pinky promise."

only these idiots would pinky promise to eat

[dadication]

"She was big on weddings, but I honestly think she wanted an excuse to put top hats on all the farm animals," he murmured, smile tugging at his lips. "She probably would have made you ride a horse to the alter." His mom was big on seeing what she could convince Gabe to do that was absolutely ridiculous and then cheer for him when and if he did it.

He hummed, having never thought much on marriage himself. There had never seemed to be time or inclination, not when it came to running Overwatch together. Honestly, he was happier keeping the depth of their relationship private, and he didn't need a ring on his finger to show his life-long dedication to Reyes. Their bond was so strong, well-developed despite finding each other into adulthood. "Your dad cooking for hundreds of people would have put him in his glory though."

He cuddled back into Gabe's chest carefully as their fingers curled around each other. "Done deal," he murmured and then shifted his hand under Reyes' and slipped his fingers between Gabe's so they could hold hands and he could wrap their combined arms around his waist. He was still shivering, but he was settling down again, easing into sleep after a few minutes.

even they cannot break a pinky promise despite stubbornness, stupidly cute tho

[gr1m]

There were multiple reasons he loved Jack's mom, and that later bit was one of the big reasons. "Would have been a heck of a shindig," even if it was kept just between family and very close friends, large enough even for being something private. An oddly nice thought for the moment, honestly.

"Would have loved every second of it, even put on what he'd call a show during the cooking and all that," because it was not his mother that Gabriel got his dramatics from. As far as Gabriel was concerned they didn't need anything official, nice as it could be to carry a ring, that little bit of extra physical weight, they had a different bond with the same weight to it. In a way their strength was their bond, and so long as one of them was there it would remain true with the other.

"Good," letting Jack shift their hand and arms, fingers curled in that lacing as he let himself relax that much more. Eyes closed and something soothed at that promise for them to both eat, silly as it might have seemed to anyone else. They needed the rest as much as they needed to eat and drink. Wrapped up in that blanket on the bed they'd rest better and would wake up warm at the very least.

[dadication]

It would have been a wild and wonderful shindig, but it was never to be. He would never risk Reyes that way, not with all the Blackwatch missions where knowing Gabriel had a significant other could be used against the man if there had been any capturing. They were secretive and private, so what they had was good enough for him. He didn't need to a ring to know how much he loved Reyes, even when the older man was being a complete obtuse stubborn idiot (or maybe even more when he was driving Jack crazy).

He fell asleep shivering in the comforting weight and grasp of Gabe's arms, all of his aches and pains mostly muted as he fell back into that state of unconsciousness. He relaxed and did eventually stop shivering as his body temperature rose back to normal with their combined efforts, allowing him to sleep deeper and more comfortably in the process. It would have upset him to think how much they were sleeping, even if he knew they reasonably needed it.

It wasn't until darkness was setting in that he woke again, this time naturally rather than because of some noise. He blinked his eyes open, recalled where he was and why and shifted into a careful stretch and flexed his fingers in Reyes'. He was warm and that was a good way to wake up.

He also realized as he lay there that he was hungry. Very hungry. And thirsty. He lifted his head, wondering where Reyes had left that half of a protein energy bar, but he was on the wrong side of the bed to locate it. Instead, he craned his neck to look back at the partner of his life to check his status.

[gr1m]

It was nice, not being startled awake or jerked out of sleep by some noise or pressing matter that had Danger screaming in the back of his mind. Arm still wrapped around Jack even in his sleep, cuddled up against his back and still curled, chin having tucked against his shoulder at some point during the night. Hadn't moved much other than that, not really one to toss or turn unless it was some fitful sleep.

Dreams pleasantly black, and maybe that was a blessing considering everything, likely due to the mix of pain meds flowing through his system.

That arm tightened around Jack for a moment, even if all he was doing was moving his head, Gabriel stirring just enough as his brow furrowed with some low noise. Surprising tat the stretch earlier hadn't woken him, but perhaps he was just being slow to wake with how tired he'd been. Both of them had been-

An eye did crack open slightly, squeezing Jack's hand- "Time isit?"

[dadication]

Maybe he shouldn't have moved, since it had woken Gabe up. He didn't have many regrets about that, given how quickly they seemed to be finding sleep in the last twenty-four hours when it came to each other. They had been exhausted after all, barely even able to make it up on the bed the first time they had laid down, so this was a comfortable shift from before. Waking up without alarm. Feeling marginally better.

He hummed and turned his head again to look around, but the shitty alarm clock was set behind them on the bedside table, probably with half a protein bar nearby. The lack of light had clearly helped in keeping them asleep, and he sighed and rested his head back down upon the pillow.

"Dunno," he murmured back. "Dusk I would guess. How's the lung?" This would be the first time Gabe had slept without the oxygen mask to help after all.

[gr1m]

Didn't mind being woken up, not when it was just from Jack shifting about in the bed; that was pleasant compared to all the other ways he could be woken up. All the better -maybe- that there was no real urgency to get out of bed or let go of Jack if he didn't want to.

Still, it was with a grunt that Gabriel started to do more than shift himself, stretching and pulling an arm free slowly to sort of push himself up a bit. "Dusk." Not as bad as it could have been, could be the next morning with the manager pounding on the door of the room again—

A hand rested over his chest, as if that was going to help gauge it, "Better? I think at least. Can breathe well enough." Not the best, but better than it was.

[dadication]

Jack was not about to be woken up by the manager again, figuring they would be up and out before that could happen. He had no idea what path they would take to get out of the city, but he knew that they would, that their time for actual rest would make itself present when they had made it to one of Gabe's safe houses. It would be secret and stocked and they could regroup there.

He only decided that he could move more once Reyes did, easing from his side to laying on his back so he could look over at the older man and even reached out with his free hand to stroke his scabbed, blooded knuckles across the bruised expanse of Reyes' chest. He looked a bit better, more colour, less like a massive building fell on him. Who was he kidding? Reyes still looked like a building fell on him.

"Better is something," he agreed, casting his eyes around the darkened room. "Turn on a light?"