It should've never gone like this.

Just keep swimming

The cafeteria was a blast, the gang celebrated both Brett and Reagan's release, they all laughed and enjoyed their first meal together in weeks! Even Reagan dropped her usual grumpy demeanor.

And now of course at first it was awkward.

How could it not be?

Brett took Reagan to the line, "watcha want?" Reagan thought for a second looking at the options and pointed at the soup, she couldn't really eat anything that was too hard to chew on at the moment. Finally she pointed at the soup "Got it Reagarino! How bout this I'll get what you want then what I want?" Reagan nodded eyeing the food.

While Reagan waited for Brett to get his food she watched as her co workers did their things getting food, chatting, things as simple as eating made her feel envious, but no Ridley would be caught showing weakness.

Never.

She spotted Andre come in to get a nice warm black coffee being his new comfort these past weeks, he returned the favor in spotting her "Reagan! What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be resting?" Andre looked exhausted, eye bags matching his current state, Reagan nodded no and gestured her head in Bretts direction, Brett was coming back he had her soup in one hand his drink carrier in the other and a brown lunch bag in his mouth, I got this. Bretts got this! Reagan and Andre watched as Brett carefully made his way over.

"Wow he's really determined." Andre chuckled, "mhm" She snorted, they watched in silence though Andre couldn't help but wonder, when did Brett get released? He was sure a Gigi told him at least a week was left.

Brett dropped the bag out of his mouth and onto the table, he set Reagan's bowl in front of her and put the drinks aside. "Okay I think that's everything! I'm surprised I didn't drop it all!" He laughed and pulled out a chair, when he sat down and finally took the time to look up, "Andre-". the smile was wiped clean from Bretts face, he froze in place. Holy shit. He probably thinks I'm an awful person. Nothing but a monster who harms their friends, a monster who can't control himself, a monster who-

"Brett?" Brett looked at him coming out of his tormentive state of mind. "Look man that was in the past, and as much as I want to care I really don't we're all still breathing aren't we?" Reagan looked at Andre in shock, clearing her throat she spoke too, "That was weirdly respectable coming from you. You sure you aren't sober?"

That's when he pulled out a drug test stuck in his mouth and showed her the quick results. "Oh.", "Yeah. I just know when someone does something shitty it usually makes them feel shitty as well, and we'll considering that Bret did this to you based off his own trauma alone..."

Andre cut himself off and looked at Brett, he hadn't said a word since sitting at the table.

Brett was sitting in the chair his mouth gaping staring at them in disbelief, "Brett? Dude it's okay. I'm being serious!" Reagan chimed in, "We all make mistakes and although some can be worse than others not all have the guts to apologize face to face." Andre took a sip from his coffee and smiled crookedly.

It didn't make Brett feel any better the lump in his throat didn't budge and neither did the shame.

"In no time Reagan will be up and just as cranky as she usually is" he cracked a laugh and slapped her on the shoulder Reagan shot a glare at him then softened her face to Brett, "He's right so no more pity party alright?"

Brett nodded but kept his face the same.

"Reagan?!"

They all looked up and to Reagan and Bretts surprise the rest of the gang was walking in their direction, Brett cupped his hand to the side of his face that was facing the gang, his face red in shame and embarrassment.