u/CeoOfBiscuit

3 Months Earlier

“So… you’re not going to dissect me or anything, are you?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. If I wanted to do that, I’d have taken you in your sleep.”

“That doesn’t reassure me…”

“Can I take the blindfold off yet?”

“In a second… okay, now.”

“Alright, so what did you want to show—”

“Scales? What is that?”

“That, is something I’ve been working on for a while. Specifically, for you.”

“Wha—?”

“Look, I know you said you came to terms with… what happened.”

“And I’m not really the best person when it comes to this type of stuff, so instead, I did what I do best.”

“I know how much you loved flying. Dreama and Rose also told me you’ve been staring off into space a lot recently.”

“Those are… wings.”

“They're closer to an exosuit but, yes.”

“Scales…”

“They’re a little bigger than your old ones. I used a lightweight alloy for the frame and composite plating to keep the weight dow—”

“Scales.”

“Right. Sorry.”

“You’re saying I could actually fly with those?”

“That’s the idea.”

“The idea?”

“I’ve tested them. They work.”

“How would I control them? I don't see any...”

“They’ll interface with your nervous system. Once everything’s installed, movement should come naturally.”

“Installed?”

“There might be... some surgery involved.”

“Of course there is...”

“Nothing like what I did to myself, if that's what you're worried about.”

“That is an incredibly low bar.”

“Fair.”

“…So I'd be able to... fly again?”

“Yes.”

“…”

“It’s… you really... built this for me?”

“Of course I did. You’re my friend.”

“…”

“Scales, have I ever told you... you’re like a brother to me?”