Years, so many he even stopped counting. All he knew was that it had been years since he left, and part of him regretted that decision. He knew why he did it, and to this day, he still couldn’t find a better solution. But he had underestimated just how hard and painful it would be to stay away from her for so long. And all those years, Evan traveled the world with the remaining of his parents’ fortune, with the memory of her engraved in his heart. Even after all his money was gone, he couldn’t come home, and he just wandered and wandered, waiting for the day he could return.
And that day finally came after all those years. As soon as he heard the news about Moody’s death, Evan packed the few belongings he still had, embarquing on a journey home. He was neither happy at the thought of seeing her, nor sad at Alastor’s death. Nervosity had taken over; what if she found someone else? What if she forgot him? But he couldn’t live on what ifs, he had to be certain about those things, so he could either move on, or pick it back up.
Lucky was on his side on his way home. A Muggle was heading right this way, and was kind enough to get him there. After years of living with them, Evan had grown accustomed to them, at peace. And once they arrived in town and the muggle dropped him off, he had to stay there for a moment, just looking around to see how much it had changed. But he still knew the way to the house, he had never forgotten how to get there. It took him a while, getting curious glances as he walked past - mostly for his disheveled look. But he cared little about them, because he was finally going to see her.
The house had barely changed, it still looked the same. So much that it brought him back to his younger years. But they were gone, with all the mistakes he had done causing his current situation. Since there seemed to be no one inside, Evan took that opportunity to go around the place, his eyes lingering on every place that held a meaning for him still. A slight, nostalgic smile appeared on his lips as he made his way to the wooden bench behind the house. He barely had time to sit down, fingers running across the wood, when he felt someone watching him. His smile slowly faded as he looked up. It took him no time to recognize her, she was just as beautiful as she used to be. He stayed silent for a moment, trying to contain the emotions he felt upon seeing her. “Luce.” He finally said, out of habit. He used to give her all those names, but after what happened to her best friend, this was the one that stayed. And it held so much meaning and feelings.
