the lore lives on...

stéphan evans | 33 | cattle rancher

[stephanxevans]

[cis man and he/him] Welcome to Aurora Bay, [STÉPHAN EVANS]! I couldn't help but notice you look an awful lot like [BRANDON SKLENER]. You must be the [THIRTY-THREE] year old [RANCH MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT]. Word is you're [INTROSPECTIVE] but can also be a bit [AVOIDANT] and your favorite song is [TRAVELLER BY CHRIS STAPLETON]. I also heard you'll be staying in [FISHER'S COVE]. I'm sure you'll love it!

STATS:

FULL NAME: Stéphan Julius Evans ; NICKNAMES: Stéph, SJ ; BIRTHDAY: Februrary 19, 1992 ; HOMETOWN: Salem, MA ; GENDER: Cis man ; PRONOUNS: He/Him ORIENTATION: Heterosexual ; MARITAL STATUS: Chronically Single ; EDUCATION: Animal Science at UC Davis (Graduated 2015) ; OCCUPATION: Rancher & Consultant; RELIGION: Spiritual ; TIME IN TOWN: Since mid-May 25' ; RESIDENCE: Rental in Fisher's Cove ; TRAITS: Calm, Friendly, Intuitive, Mellow, Reserved, Strong-willed, Well-meaning

BIOGRAPHY:

TW: mention of abuse, neglect, and abandonment

Stéphan Evans entered the world on a snowy February morning in Massachusetts, becoming the first of four children to Laurence and Ada Evans. The first seven years of his life, was decent enough. The love his mother had poured into him expanded with the growth of their family with the birth of the twins, followed by the birth of his youngest sister a few years later. Stéphan had made a pinky-promise to his mother before his siblings were born to always look out for and protect them. He meant it wholeheartedly at seven and nine and saw it through well until he left for college. Yet, despite the perfect image they carried as a unit, things were seemingly getting worse.

While away at college, he heard snippets and accounts of his childhood home turning into a land of turmoil and distress. The dysfunction and actions that had transpired only stirred anxiety within him. As a young adult, thousands of miles away, Stéphan didn’t know how to respond and help his family. His father had deep connections within the community, and who would dare to believe the Evanses were anything but an everyday family in the neighborhood? Worst of all, his mother did nothing. He felt paralyzed, and after his fair share of encounters at the hands of his father, as an adult, he was done. Stéphan decided to leave his family, which might cause less harm than his failure to act and protect his siblings. Promise broken.

After graduating from university, he moved to Texas, seeking his version of simplicity and safety, which was ranching. Becoming a ranch hand for a rural farm had brought the solace and solitude he sought. The animals brought an honesty and familiarity, the land, a grounding force to his being. Over the years, he remained a lone wolf by choice, not wanting to let anyone down relationally again, and dedicated his time to molding his craft as a great rancher. Three years ago, Stephan accepted a job with a private agricultural consulting firm as a ranch management consultant. Now, he gets to travel across the country, rehabilitating farmlands and optimizing ranch operations, solving others' problems instead of his own.

The invitation to Aurora Bay from a longtime family friend was somewhat unexpected. It’s been almost a decade since he’s seen his siblings, and to learn they were all in this town stirred something within him. Esme had been the only thing left that had kept him in the know when it came to his siblings; could he pass her up on this prompting? The irony wasn’t lost on him when a contract became available near the coastal beach town for work. In attempts to put his shame and guilt aside, Stéphan signed a six-month contract to work for a ranch and hopes to rebuild new foundations with all of his siblings. All he can think is if they can forgive him and if he can forgive himself. The ideal outcome is that he’ll reclaim the value of being called their big brother. Time will only tell.

OTHER BITS:

Doesn't like birthday cake. Never has. Always has apple crumble pie to celebrate his birthday instead. Don't forget the vanilla bean, whip cream, and sprinkles.

Is ambidextrous. Left-handed when it comes to writing. Right-handed when it comes to ranch work. Can be seen awkwardly fumbling things at time.

Has a knack for fixing broken furniture or repurposing items others wish to dispose of. Loves a good table and shelf moment.

Used to play piano as a kid and still finds himself playing memorized songs whenever he comes across a grand piano.

Tried drinking black coffee while pulling an all-nighter at college. Stayed awake for 36 hours and swore never to drink that poison again.

Talks to the animals in his care like they're family members. Very therapeutic given his limited capacity to deal with human relationships.

Keeps a photo of him and his siblings when they were kids from a moment at the beach on the dashboard of his pick-up truck. It's faded, but he can't part with it.

Loves the smell of a ranch after a good rainstorm has passed through. It's soothing to his soul.

[sterlingxlevin]

closed starter: @stephanxevans

where: up to you!

While Sunny was at a play date, Sterling was out and about in town with Kai in a baby carrier strapped to her chest. While she was out, she spotted the man Liza had told her about. Her brows rose at the sight of him, and Sterling being nosy, couldn't help but walk up to him and say something.

"So you're the new Evans in town, huh?"

[stephanxevans]

Stephan was respecting his sibling's space and boundaries. He wasn't expecting to sit around a campfire and sing Kumbaya with them any time soon, but at least they spoke, and that was something. He'd been busy primarily with work, and the first day off after working ten days in a row, Stephan decided to take another look around this beach town. As he was gazing at a window display, he looked up at the sound of his name. "That doesn't sound like a good thing. What have you heard?" More importantly, from whom?

[catalinaxdiaz]

"Oh no, what food truck were you thinking then?" Catalina would agree that she'd easily judge him. This was her they were talking about. She might tell others not to judge, but she couldn't help it when it came to herself. It was nearly second nature to observe other people's actions and have opinions about it. Not the nicest thing, but she was honest. "I feel like if I say no then I'll look like a chicken so... You might just have to watch out. I could surprise you." She was just talking big. The only surprising thing would be how bad the throws she'd give. @stephanxevans

[stephanxevans]

"Tacos. Figured the corndog one was above your taste," Stephan chuckled. Plus, tacos from a food truck are always a safe bet. At least in Texas, it stood the test of time along with barbecue. "As long as it's not that sushi one," he said with a scrunch of his nose. The rancher had no clue what the fascination with raw fish was with people, but he most definitely was not eating that from a food truck. "Surprise me then. The worst thing that can happen is that your aim is complete shit, that it hits the attendant or worse, a child."

[melodyxlewis]

Mel's face split into a knowing smile. While she wouldn't have used those exactly words, it did make her wonder he chose those. "Not at all," she shook her head. "You gotta be practical, especially nowadays. But.. there's a balance. You become too cynical and you miss the magic."

( @stephanxevans )

[stephanxevans]

“Yeah,” Stéphan said with a quiet hum in agreement. The hard part with him would be figuring out where that line is, but in time, it would hopefully all make sense. He glanced down at his drink, then back at her with a hint of a smile. “Guess that’s why it helps to have someone around who still believes in a little magic," he said, offering her a small smile before tossing a few dollar bills on the counter. "Hope to see you around, Tinkerbell."

[catalinaxdiaz]

“I mean, slow is better than nothing at all. I think slow is good.” Catalina was mostly telling herself that as she continued her own journey with Nelson. Things might’ve happened quickly in the beginning to cause the flame to fizzle out between them. It would only make sense that slow was the way to go. They weren’t the same people anymore.

Catalina laughed at the favorite color question. She didn’t mind the serious talk at all even if not many people would deem her as a serious person. “Depends on the day, honestly. The color changes as my mood changes. Right now I would say it would be green. Like a Kelly green color. What about you? Does your favorite ever change?” @stephanxevans

[stephanxevans]

"Slow is good," he nodded in agreement. It was how he was planning to approach his time here in Aurora Bay, especially his familial relationships. There was nothing worse than rushing into action and burning in the end due to poorly assessing the fuller picture. He appreciated her honesty, patience, and the levity she brought amid their deep conversation. Everyone was carrying something, and to meet each other reciprocally meant a lot to the rancher.

"Green suits you." Strong, bright, not hard to like. It simply just was. "I used to say brown, which got a broad reaction from people," he chuckled lightly. "Just reminds me of the earth and soil. Helps me to ground myself, you know?" In terms of fluctuating colors dependent on his mood, Stephan wasn't so sure but went with the first thing that came to mind. "Maybe now, a deep blue?" It was full of a richness of emotion and depth that had saturated within him since he saw the ocean. Taking a look at his watch, he let out a sigh. "I got an early morning, but would love to connect with you again. You'd be open to that?"

[esmaxdemirci]

A grin pulled at the corner of her lips. "Only if you promise to clap your hands and believe real hard." She quipped jokingly, her smile only widening when he introduced himself. "I'm Esma, it's a pleasure, Stephan." After taking a sip of hr drink, the brunette turns her energy towards him. "So what brought you to town? The Fairy's, right?" @stephanxevans

[stephanxevans]

"Clap my hands and believe real hard? Got it. I'll make sure to work on that and report back my progress," he chuckled. If that's all it took, then things may work out more favorably for him than he anticipated. "Pleasure's mine, Esma," he responds, lifting his glass in a half-toast. At her question, he took a sip before setting his glass down. "Work mostly. There's a ranch on the outskirts of town. Here to help with their operations." Then there were the ghosts of his past who were present, too. "What of you? Are you a comedian or something?"

[theluzxacero]

"Well, I've been told I talk quite a lot, so maybe this can be a good balance between us." Luz said it with a laugh, smiling over at the man still. "It is. I spent a few years in big cities, and sure the skyscrapers are incredible, but after a while....you miss this. Open skies, the sea." The peace that came with it couldn't be beat too--one of the many reasons Luisa found herself here. "Ranch consultant...okay." She nodded as she said it, figuring it helped add up the whole quiet thing about him. "Does that make you like, a cowboy type or something?" Another laugh escaped her, but it was still just as soft, light.

"Oh, I definitely protect my peace as well as I can. But I take it the same can't be said for you....?" She asked, curiosity piquing at his choice of words.

[stephanxevans]

"Cowboy type?" he repeated with a small huff of laughter. "I guess you could say adjacent. Can mend fences, calm down an anxious mare, and probably know more about a cow than most," he said with a shrug before glancing back at the woman. They had a calming presence that he was growing to appreciate. It was odd how easily she was reading him, then even more how comfortable he felt talking to her, something he rarely did with strangers.

Cupping the glass around his hand, he avoided her gaze for a moment to avoid her judgment. "I don't think I've deserved it, you know?" Guilt, distance, silence. Of course, he had moments of it over time, but it was not a constant. "I guess I'm just trying to see if I can build it back again." Whether that be by his own accountability and his siblings grace, time would tell. "Maybe you're talking and my quiet, do make a good balance after all. I'm Stephan."

[theameliaxevans]

Even if Wes kept her from most of the physical abuse, in some ways, it'd all affected Amelia the most. She'd only been a child when Laurence's anger turned towards his children. She barely had any memories at all of a before. All she'd ever known was an abusive father, an apathetic mother, and an eldest brother who'd left them to fend for themselves. Amelia didn't really get any semblance of a childhood. She wondered if Stephan's presence would've made any difference.

She wondered if she would've done the same and saved herself, if the roles had been reversed--she had, after all, given in and let Wes convince her to leave when she was still a teenager....

"She shouldn't have told you anything. If you wanted to know about us, we've been here for years. You were just too much of a coward to face your fuck-ups and ask us yourself." Amelia's voice was quieter then, even if still laced in anger, disdain dripping off every word. But there was hurt there too--so much hurt. Hurt and anger at him for leaving, for not protecting them, for not taking them with him. Unconsciously, Amelia took went down a step on the stairs, and then another, gaze never breaking away.

"Did you know that I just graduated college? Or that Wes is a husband? A father? That you have a niece and a nephew who don't even know you exist?" Another step, now at the bottom of the stairs as she glared at her brother--but even as she did, her eyes started to gloss over, angry, heartbroken tears beginning to well up in her eyes. "Do you even know their names? Amelia swallowed, ignoring the lump growing in her throat as she took a step towards him, her heart hammering painfully against her chest. "Why did you just abandon us? Why didn't you once bother to come back? Why didn't you give a shit about us?"

[stephanxevans]

Every single word Amelia had for him since she laid eyes on him was a punch to the gut, and he deserved every hit and emotional bruise it left him with. Deep down, this is what he had always been afraid of and weary of facing head-on. One would hope that the pain of his siblings' youth would subside with time, but that history was still living and breathing within them, having shaped them to the individuals they were for better or worse. All he could do was quietly nod, because everything she said was true. Their lives became desolate because of him. "

You're right. I was a coward who ran away because I was scared, broken, and convinced that I had already failed you guys." The promise made when Amelia was born had been broken. How could he possibly mend that in his young mind? "I convinced myself that staying away was better for you all than showing up and making things infinitely worse." He had convinced himself so much of this lie that it had become his distorted version of truth.

Stephan remained where he was despite his sister approaching him. All he could do was swallow the sorrow as he watched the pain, frustration, anger, and disappointment exude from his baby sister, and that broke him. Amelia should never have had to carry all this pain and be a witness to so much turmoil. Wes should not have had to be the one to withstand and weather the torment to protect their sisters.

"No," he admitted defeatedly. Stephan did not know Amelia graduated or that Wes was married and had kids. Every time Esme told him something new, all he could do was cry. Alone. "The worst thing about all of it is not being there when I knowingly could have been. That's something I have to live with for the rest of my life." It wasn't Stephan trying to play victim, but the truth of this precarious situation. It was royally fucked because of the hands he refused to play.

"Amelia," he sighs in frustration, running a hand through his head. She was so little when he left. She had such big and watchful eyes that had so much fire in them. Now they were engulfed in anger towards him. "You were just a kid, and it kills me that you experienced more pain than peace. I have never stopped loving you or thinking about you." Stephan didn't believe he could handle the situation, and with every passing month, it became harder to envision returning to them.

"I'm here now. I need you to hear the truth from me." Just as he deserved to hear about the accomplishments and the lived experiences of his siblings. "I gave up on myself. It wasn't that I stopped caring about you. I just wasn't worthy of being your brother anymore." That was the reality of what he had come to believe for so long. Would she accept that? He didn't know, but at least he could stand here knowing he said his truth. Any relationship that was to come from this moving forward was in his sister's hands, and Stephan would respect any decision made. It was only fair.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you," his voice cracked as he tried to withhold the tear threatening to fall from his own eyes. "I don't want to be someone you look at with this much hatred, Amelia. I didn't come here for that," he said, swallowing the lump in his throat. "I am so, so sorry, okay? I fucked up and I wish I could do it all over again, but I can't. But if you would allow me the chance to try again, I would love to, okay?"

[thelizaxevans]

It was definitely...odd, to be face to face with this man. She knew nothing about him and yet they were so linked. They were family...

Liza didn't know how she felt about the fact that she was seeing him first before Wes (or that she had both Elise and Teddy with her). She'd definitely be telling him though the moment he got home. "I....I didn't think you were. Trouble stirring that is." Liza swallowed and straightened up a bit as well, biting her lip before she nodded down to the children in the stroller. "This is Elise. She'll be two in October." Her daughter was more focused on the cookie she was eating than anything else while the baby slept behind her. "And...this is Theodore. Teddy. He was born in April." This was odd as well--introducing him to his niece and nephew, ones he was a complete stranger too, especially when compared to the fact that Amelia was so close to them and saw them practically every day.

"I um....I don't want you to leave. But..I don't think that's my decision to make. Or yours. It...lies in your siblings. Whatever Wes wants is a decision I'll respect and one I hope you do too. But I....I also do think you should see him. And Amelia. You owe it to them. Just like I owe it to Wes to tell him that I saw you today." And as for him thanking her....

"That's not something I need thanking for. Wes is...he's everything to me. I love him more than anything, or anyone. It's what he deserves. And...he also deserves to hear your apologies. He deserves to hear you say that to his face."

[stephanxevans]

"They're beautiful," he said with a smile as his eyes looked over Elise's cookie-covered face and the rise and fall of Teddy's little chest as he slept. Stephan was truly in awe and felt a knot forming in his throat at the sight of the life and goodness his brother produced. Despite failing his brother, if Stephan could have the opportunity to protect his bloodline, especially his niece and nephew, he would. "You guys built something incredible together." He saw it in them and within Liza. She had such a grounding and peaceful force about her. It didn't surprise him that they ended up together, balancing one another in the best of ways, from what he could imagine.

"I honestly didn't expect this. I thought I would run into one of them first." Then again, everything happened for a reason, and perhaps Liza's notice would soften his brother's reception of him. "Thank you, though, for your kindness." She owed him nothing. Liza could have screamed, shoved, or thrown a pie in his face, and that would be an acceptable response to his presence. However, she offered kindness to him despite his faults and shortcomings. That was something Stephan would always feel for and respect, even if his encounter with Liza started and ended here.

"You're right," he added after a breath. It wasn't his decision, nor was it that of hers. "I walked away from them, you know? I'm not naive to the optics and the perceptions they have carved because of my inaction." That was a weight that he carried with him every day.

"No, I have to thank you. Cause you loved, stood by, and believed in Wes despite what he had to shoulder and carry on his own." His brother deserved better back then, and he still does now. At least Stephan can see that rainbow and sunshine after a storm in the form of this little family of three, his brother had created. Glancing one more time at Elise and Teddy, Stephan locked eyes with Liza once more. "I understand you have to tell him. I wasn't expecting to see you, but I'm glad I did, and hopefully this isn't the last time." If it were, at least Stephan knew his brother was in good hands. "I'll get out of your hair and can ask someone else to help me out so you can get back," he said, offering her a small smile in gratitude once more.

[wesxevans]

Somehow, despite all the anger Wes had ever felt towards his brother, there was always a sliver of guilt that crept in when he thought about it too much. Was he wrong to judge his brother so harshly for leaving? Would Wes had done the same if he hadn't blamed himself so much for the situation in the first place? They were questions he always asked himself but never had an answer to. and his brother's calm response somehow made him angrier at himself than anything.

"Because of Esme." Wes countered, knowing that Stephan probably only knew anything about them at all was because of Esme. She always told Wes how he should give Stephan a call or even a simple text message, that a second chance was actually warranted for Stephan, unlike other people in his life. Wes had almost called him a million times. One of the first temptations to call Stephan was right after finding out Liza was pregnant with Elise. He was so scared and didn't know what to do or who to talk to, but for some reason, Stephan was one of the first people to come to his mind. Maybe that was because in some alternate universe, Wes and Stephan had grown up together and Wes was able to confide in him like a little brother should be able to. He tried to push that out of his head.

"I didn't know either." Wes breathed, his tone was not as cold but still a bit harsh. "I didn't know what to do. I didn't know how to keep Amelia safe, but I tried. I fucking did everything I could. Amy didn't deserve that. None of us did." And that may have been the first time Wes had admitted that he, himself, didn't deserve it either. He'd spent years wondering if he was the problem, but he wasn't. He knew that and understood it now.

"So what? I'm genuinely asking, what do you want? To be a brother and an uncle now that everything's better?" The simple answer was yes, and even Wes felt the same. He wished it could be simple like that, but Stephan was basically a stranger.

@stephanxevans

[stephanxevans]

Stephan didn't blame any of his siblings for being angry at his presence and the situation. If Stephan were in his brother's shoes, he would be angry too. Stephan had his range of anger when it came to the state of his family for years. Angry at their father for failing to be the man he preached to the world that he was, but behind closed doors had failed his household time and time again. Angry at his mother for failing to stand up and protect her children when they were most vulnerable. Angry at himself the most of all for failing his siblings. For breaking the promise he made when each of them was born. A promise to protect them all. Then he left.

"Yes, because of Esme." She was the one who told him that his poor decision-making did not nullify him being an Evans. She kept him tethered to the lives of his siblings even though he did not deserve it. She gave him a chance to connect back with them. "I know I missed a lot of big moments in your life. I hate that I wasn't there for you, nor could I be the person that you thought I could be. I'm also sorry that you had to step up when I couldn't." Despite him not being home when things happened, he let fear get the better of him instead of fighting tooth and nail to preserve the peace and innocence of his family.

"I want to be back in. To earn my way back in the graces of all of you." He didn't just want to be a guest in their lives or a reappearing ghost. There was no fixing the last decade, but Stephan was willing to show up every day to put in the work to gain the trust, respect, and love of his siblings once again. "I know you don't trust me, and it's justifiable. I would like to give this brother thing a try again. And if that means I get to show up to be an uncle for your kids, then that would be an honor." If Wes accepted his proposition, Stephan would work at it for the rest of his damn life. That's the least he owes his siblings.

[catalinaxdiaz]

closed starter for @stephanxevans

"Okay mister hurricane man, you think you can beat me?" Catalina taunted as they stood in front of the skee-ball machines. She easily knew he could considering the most she's ever thrown was her back out from dancing too hard. "Winner picks which food truck we go to."

[stephanxevans]

"I don't want to hurt your feelings. Plus, I know you might judge me based on the food truck I choose," Stéphan chuckled, tossing the skeeball up in the air, catching it effortlessly. Given that he had a chance to go pro in baseball after college, this will be an easy task for him. The competitor in him wanted to show off, but he knew it was better to be a gentleman in his execution. "Are you sure about this?"

[forrestxconrad]

“Far more sensible than me,” Conrad joked. “Took me about a month to stop living out of boxes when I first moved here. Things pretty much only got put away after I’d realised I needed to use them.”

He nodded at the mention of his family, unsure exactly how to broach the topic. Families were such delicate things — he knew from his own experiences just how complicated those dynamics could get. “Do they know you’re here?”

[stephanxevans]

“I mean, hey, if it works, I can respect it.” Stéphan truly mastered the art of traveling light, considering he took up new work every six months to two years over the past ten years of his life. A part of him did it that way in case he felt that inclining and constricting feeling to bolt like he did when he was twenty-three, but it wasn’t justifiable, and he needed to face his demons head-on. “Ah, yeah, no,” he said quietly, regarding any contact with his siblings. “I haven’t seen them in a while. It’s been years since we’ve all been in the same room.” Should be interesting. He couldn’t help but let out a self-deprecating laugh. “I’d say to meet me here at the same time next week. If not, it didn’t end well for me.” 

[alejandro-facundo]

“Give it time,” Alejandro said. “If I see you around in a year, I’ll try my hardest not to say ‘I told you so.’ How long are you planning on staying, anyway?”

He gave an interested nod. “That’s definitely a new one,” he said. “What got you into that?”

[stephanxevans]

"If you're right, then I'll owe you a round," he says, cracking a small smile. Anything was possible. He was trying to keep a sliver of optimism within himself, even if all was lost. "Signed a six-month contract, so I'll be here for at least a season." It wasn't a shock to Stéphan when people hadn't heard of his job before. Honestly, he didn't know it existed until a few months ago. "Been working out on ranches in Texas, and then someone paid me to help them with their farm operations and land management, so here I am."

[recklesszoe]

She actually holds back from talking about the real reason for those trials anyway. It's not usually a fun, upbeat topic for people she's just met randomly in a bar. She also fights the urge to make a TLC reference as he mentions the 'rivers and lakes he's used to,' but just barely. There's an amused little smile that creeps across her lips as the thought crosses her mind. "It is my favorite ocean, having seen... Well, only one, actually." Zoe teases. She crinkles her nose, head canting. "I don't know if it was entirely selfless. I was poor and struggling to find a path and it's easy to at least start the nursing program? Staying in is more of a challenge, yeah... But, uh... I like it. And thank you. It's nice being able to be there for people in scary or stressful moments of their lives. It is nice to help." She takes a little drink as he mentions family and complicated, Zoe nodding quickly. "Oh I know that one. Well, I mean... Mine isn't here. It's back in Seattle. I figured a thousand plus miles was... almost enough distance..." @stephanxevans

[stephanxevans]

Stéphan let out a quiet laugh at the ocean comment. He’s seen the Atlantic and the Pacific. He would agree that if you had to pick an ocean to be a loyalist to, the Pacific was the way to go. Rolling his glass between his palms, he found her point of view and honesty to be quite refreshing. It was something he was trying to lean into more himself.

“You were trying to survive. Nursing is no small feat, so it’s commendable.” People could let their situations define them, or make the choice even despite the odds to push against the grain. Hearing they sought distance from their roots made him chuckle. It was as if he were talking to a variation of himself. “I get it,” he said quietly as he nodded. “Sometimes you need those miles to breathe and regroup…my advice is just not to let it go on for too long.” There was a difference between setting boundaries for his protection and abandoning relationships for his sole preservation.

[sirmarcoalvarez]

marco shrugged his broad shoulders with a slightly confused look. things changed a lot, so he barely kept up with what was what nowadays. "maybe. seven to ten sounds about native to me," he shared, thinking that made sense to him at least. he mostly spent his life in texas until he moved out to california, living else where before settling in aurora bay. "perhaps i'll see you there then." marco himself was welcoming to everyone so that showed something, not for the whole of aurora bay but at least he didn't lose himself in the place. "i'm familiar with those, did some with my father. mostly fishing more than hunting. i'm an outdoor lover as well and try to be out as much as i can." he gave a nod at the last bit, which he respected even if he was more open himself.

[stephanxevans]

"Well, you've stuck around long enough to stay for over three years. This place must mean something to you." Stephan had traveled across Texas, rarely staying on a farm for more than two years. It wasn't that he ever tired of the work; he was more so afraid of the attachments that came with relationships of any kind. He didn't want to compromise his position, especially after having failed in what should have been the most important relationships in his life—those with his siblings. "Are you any good at surfing?"

[catalinaxdiaz]

"That bad? I think that might just have to be waited out after the initial storm." Catalina was never really the one to have any patience to wait. She consistently demanded answers even from herself when something arose. Hence why she was consistently in a fight with herself while being back in Aurora. She wanted answers that she couldn't give herself nor ask Nelson to give her in such a short amount of time they spent together. "Once the damage is officially counted for then maybe a slow work at rebuilding could start?" @stephanxevans

[stephanxevans]

“Mhmm,” he replied with a dry hum. It would not be painless by any degree, but was it too optimistic that a small sliver of him still held out hope? At least that’s what the nosy couple next door back in Texas told him before he drove off the long dirt road that had become his home the past few years. “Guess it’s dependent upon what’s salvageable.” Stéphan had no clue if anything remained that he could rebuild upon. If his siblings weren’t opposed, it would have to be a new build with some faulty trust in one of the builders. That didn’t seem promising enough. “If there is…then slow is the only way to go,” he added before sipping his drink. “Don’t mean to bring down the mood at all. What’s your favorite color?”

[theameliaxevans]

It was a bit of a wonder that Amelia hadn't growled at the sight of her estranged older brother, the anger bubbling up inside of her so hot and sharp that it made her breath catch. She didn't know this man--and he sure as hell didn't know her. She'd been a child when he'd abandoned them, left them to fend for themselves with the monster that was their father.

"Still?" She echoed, glaring daggers down at him from her place on the stairs. "You don't get to talk like you know anything about me. You don't know me. And I sure as fuck don't know you." Nor did she want to; why would she want to know the coward she had for a brother? As far as Amelia was concerned, the only brother she had was Wes (she couldn't even count the baby brother they had, whom she'd never met and didn't even know existed until a few months ago). "And Esme had no right to tell you anything about me....Or about any of us, assuming she did." Amelia didn't move from where she was, as if torn between running up to her room or running to the front door-- or running at her to deck him-- so instead she stayed glued to the spot, watching him like an animal ready to pounce if need be. "I'll say it again, why are you here? And don't say it's for work....You obviously knew we were here. Safe. No thanks to you."

[stephanxevans]

The pure venom dripping off her voice was not even close to what he deserved. He expected every word to cut, slash, and leave an invisible scar on him. Not even bearing close to the pain and heartache his siblings endured at the lack of his inaction. Yet, Stéphan didn’t even flinch, continuing to remain numb as he had done with this trauma. However, he wanted to feel and so he allowed her words to permeate through him.

“You’re right. I don’t know you,” he said shifting his weight as he leveled his eyes upon his sister. “I’m not coming here to pretend to play your big brother for fun. I’m not expecting forgiveness.” If they wanted him to do the line, he would have to learn what that meant and what they each needed from him to proceed in any relationship with them. Honestly, he wouldn’t know what to do with their feeling of forgiveness if that even extended to him. “Don’t be mad at Esme. She didn’t tell me much.” It was always enough to let him know that Wes, Evangeline, and Amelia were alive and well. Placing his hands in his back pocket, he wasn’t uncomfortable by his youngest sibling's piercing gaze through his soul. A part of him anticipated this reaction more from Wes than Amelia. A bit of him wondered if she wouldn’t be so hard if he had intervened earlier, sooner, or even showed up five years ago instead of now.

Exhaling a sharp sigh, he looked Amelia dead in the eyes. “I’m not here to fix things. I just wanted to see you all for myself.” To see that they were okay despite his absence. Something he had to carry within himself every damn day of his life. “I can promise you I didn’t come thinking you guys would be bouncing off the walls excited to see me.” Hell, he’d be concerned if they were. “I can go. I’ll just let Esme know I’ll come back another time.”