“Yeah, I guess you could say that I’m a bit rebellious,” Santiago joked. He wasn’t sure he had misbehaved at all growing up. His mother was very strict in that sense, and it made him want to laugh because of how much of a stereotype that was.
" 'Santiago The Rebel.' " She sighed, laughing. "The name works."
“Oh god, sounds like a name for someone who wants to be in the Mexican Mafia,” Santiago said, laughing.
She laughed. "Huh, Mexican Mafia . . . I think someone asked me to be in a mafia once."
“And you didn’t accept?” Santiago questioned, arching a dark brow.
She shook her head. "They wanted to use me for 'entertainment' purposes and to taunt the nation. Sure I love to bother the Republic, but dancing isn't my thing." Rylan explained.
"How about you?" Rylan asked. "What was life like for you?"
“Eh, it was fine. Had a good family, good education. I did experience some racial tension though, seeming as how I was one of the only Hispanic kinds in a community of Caucasian people,” Santiago explained with a frown.
She nodded, wondering what life would be like if she had been raised in the Ruby Sector. Having good food everyday, a family and a promised future as a soldier.
"Sometimes I wonder what it would've been like if I was a Republic soldier." Rylan sighed. "Fighting all the battles. Being the one who hunted down criminals. . ." She trailed off.
“It’s not that nice,” Santiago said softly. “It’s strict, and the physical and mental training it brutal.”
Rylan nodded in understanding. "The slums aren't forgiving. . . " She started. "I see kids as young as eight taking care of their siblings. Knowing that they don't have a fair chance at life. . ." Rylan trailed off.
“Is that how you grew up?” He asked hesitantly, propping himself up on his elbow.
She bit her lip, hesitating to answer. "Well, I had to live on my own since I was nine. I had a little brother. . ." Rylan didn't finish it, turning away from Santiago so he couldn't see the tears clouding her vision.
Santiago appeared confused for a moment before realization set in. “Oh, oh god.. Rylan, I’m so sorry.” He got up from his bed and moved to sit next to Rylan on her bed.
"It's okay. . ." Rylan said. "It's better than being in the slums."
“It’s really not okay.” Santiago hesitantly tugged her into a hug, holding her against his chest.
She leaned against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. "I know." Rylan murmured, closing her eyes.
Santiago rested his chin on her forehead and sighed softly. “We should get some sleep,” he said softly.
"Yeah. . ." Rylan replied, sighing. "Can you stay with me?"
“Oh, sure,” Santiago said. He let go of her for a moment to rest down beside her, his jaw tensing up.
She wiped some of the tears on her cheeks. "Sorry about that. . . I don't usually cry." Rylan said, a small smile tilting the corner of her lips up.
“Don’t apologize, I don’t judge,” Santiago said softly. He hesitantly wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her against his chest.
Rylan closed her eyes, holding one of Santiago's hands.
(Wanna fast forward to the morning? )
(Yeah, sounds good.)