Rebellion

Ryder can’t help the lurch in his stomach, seeing Thirteen’s desperation.

Reese tries to interfere her movements, but he’s not quite fast enough. Ryder steps forward to cover the rest of the distance between himself and Thirteen. Reaching out to her, he pulls her close, wrapping his strong arms around her, and pressing her head to his chest. He glares at Reese.

Reese throws up his arms in disgust. Any leverage he had with Thirteen was now gone. She had what she wanted. He didn’t want her to be hurt, but at least he’d tried to use it to their advantage, but Ryder had to show up and mess around. “Ryder, when you-“

“Save it,” Ryder snaps. “I told you she couldn’t be handled like the others.”

“I don’t care! She’s still Agency and we still have rules around here. Now she either stays and talks or-”

“She’s getting help,” Ryder retorts. He turns, keeping a sheltering arm around Thirteen, while his other hand reaches down to press her wrists together in order to put pressure on at least parts of her wounds.

Reese slams his hand down on the table. “You take her out of here, Ryder and you’ll have me to contend with.”

“I already do.” Ignoring Reese, Ryder walks out the door and into the hall, keeping Thirteen tucked into his side. Others pass in the hall and throw him strange looks, but he ignores them, and heads to the infirmary.

Kicking open the door, he finds both Rick and Misty gone. Going to the table, he lets Thirteen go and coaxes her to sit down. “Come on,” he directs quietly. “It’s okay now. Can I help you with those cuts?”