Fanfic wip(yall i wrote this in the shower(sry for typos)
Its a familiar dream. Ive had it many times before after the launch of the hail mary. Im standing on the deck. Theres music floating up from the lounge and right on cue i hear "permission to come aboard"
The words are already forming on nu lips as i turn but i hesitate before sayinf them.
This is a familiar sight to, the man in front of me. But he isnt familiar.
"Youve already aboard" i say my linez and wait. Gor what i dont know, maybe some sign that this isnt just a dream fueled by my regrets, that this is the man i sent to save us and he isnt just a made up memory.
"Hello stratt." He says with a smile. And hes different. I know he is in a way i cant describe. This isnt a memory, a dream.
"Dr grace." I dont move from where im standing but he comes closer, leaning on the railing and turning towards the setting sun.
"I remember this." He sighs, running a hand over the metal. His hands are different, more caloused and scared.
"Yes?" Im watching him. His eyes are shinning, i dont think its just the sunlight. Theres almost a halo around his head, sun reflecting off it
"Yeah. I saw Dubois and Shapiro kissing and had to get out of there." He laughs, turning his smile on me.
"Hmm," I stare at him, searching for the hate, the anger im expecting. Theres nothing.
He gives me nothing. Which is what I deserve.
"You're different." I finally say.
"Getting launched into space will do that." He says with mirth, eyes bsck on the sun.
"No. This is a new different. I saw your videologs. You've... changed since then."
He hums, lips pulling tightly as he thinks.
"You're probably right. I think I've been changing. Im not quite sure if its a good thing."
I nod. The end of the world and what I had to do to save it -despite not regretting it- have changed me too.
"I think I understand." Dr. Grace smiles at me. In his eyes I see nothing but acceptance. I see myself for a moment, the way he sees me.
My hair is grayer, my eyes are tired and theres more wrinkles on my face but he doesn't see that. To him I'm his old friend, brave and resilient and stubborn and steady.
To him I am something to love.
And I dont deserve that.
"I don't think I can forgive you." He whispers.
"Thats fine." I didn't expect him too.
"But thank you, Eva. Thank you for believing in me."
"Thank you, Ryland." I respond, "For realizing you are brave."
