Feb 18, 2021
Don’t mind me over here obsessing over the romance that should’ve been 😩
seen from Brazil
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seen from United States
seen from China
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seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Kazakhstan
seen from China
seen from China
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seen from United Kingdom
seen from Brazil
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seen from Spain
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Don’t mind me over here obsessing over the romance that should’ve been 😩
I commissioned @lynngo-art to draw the final scene from Chapter 11 of my fanfic “Once in a Blue Moon” and I am floored with the results!!! (read it here)
They captured this moment perfectly and I absolutely adore it! <3
You should definitely commission them if you get the chance!
Once in a Blue Moon: Chapter 11 (Homecoming)
Emmett and Evfra visit Jaal’s family on Havarl and are reunited with the concept of family.
AO3 Link
And so this story comes to an end...Thank you all for your interest and for being so patient with me! I wasn’t expecting this story to become as popular as it did and I really appreciate every single one of your kudos and comments. They mean so much to me!
I can’t promise I’ll write too much more on these two, but I do plan on returning to my Bridget/Jaal drabbles and I know Emmett at least will pop up a few more times in them.
But in any case, thank you so much for sticking with me on this story. I hope you enjoyed it!
(Also I just happened to finish this on Valentine’s day, so I hope it’s a suitable gift haha!)
<-Prev
“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this…” Evfra grumbles, his thighs bumping Emmett’s due to the close vicinity of the shuttle. Across from them sit Bridget and Jaal, who are too engrossed in one another to pay them much mind.
Emmett gives him a sympathetic smile. “Hey, you’re not the only one who’s nervous. This is my first time meeting them, too.”
His tense expression eases somewhat, though he still lets out an unhappy sigh.
Leaning back in his seat, Emmett exhales softly. Several weeks have passed since he made up with Evfra, but it barely feels like any time has gone by at all.
When they’d returned to the pier, his sister had been hesitant about how quickly Emmett was willing to forgive him, but she seemed to come to terms with it all once she sat Evfra down for a good talking to. The corners of Emmett’s mouth quirk up as he recalls Bridget’s interrogation.
“What are your intentions with my brother?” she’d asked with utter seriousness.
Emmett had been tempted to groan in embarrassment, but before he could divert her attention elsewhere, Evfra had responded earnestly, “To love and cherish him as long as he shall have me.”
He remembers gaping in disbelief at his answer. The man hadn’t even flinched.
Blood rushes to Emmett’s face, the memory of Evfra’s forwardness managing to fluster him even now.
Stealthily, he sneaks his hand into Evfra’s grip. He starts at first, looking at Emmett in confusion, but when Emmett offers him a goofy grin, he relaxes and accepts his hand eagerly.
This is the first time they’re meeting Jaal’s family in person. Emmett is equal parts excited and terrified at the prospect. While he’s grateful to have his sister’s support, he’s even more appreciative for Evfra’s calming presence.
Eventually, they arrive at their destination, the shuttle settling softly on the landing pad.
As they exit the vehicle, Emmett stares apprehensively at the large structure that encapsulates the Ama Darav household. It stretches out over the landscape, interweaving with the greenery of the forest that surrounds it. The sheer scale of it is rather daunting. Not only the impressive architecture, but also the sizable number of family members he knows resides within.
Gulping, he tightens his grip on Evfra’s hand.
Evfra turns his attention to him, his expression rooted in concern. He’s about to open his mouth to say something when he’s clapped on the back by Jaal.
“Come on, you two!” he exclaims with a grin. “I know you are nervous, but you have nothing to worry about! My mothers have been relentlessly asking after you…All will be well.”
Emmett lets out a light sigh before relenting. Tugging gently on Evfra’s hand, he begins heading towards the imposing household.
They’ve barely stepped through the door before an angaran woman is running at them gleefully, throwing her arms around Jaal and Bridget.
“Stars and skies, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you!” she cries happily.
Bridget eagerly returns her embrace, smiling from ear to ear, but Jaal just rolls his eyes. “Mother, you make it sound as though we’ve been gone for eons.”
“It may as well have been!” she responds dramatically. “You two saved the cluster, and I couldn’t be there in person to witness it…”
Bridget’s gaze drifts over to Emmett and her lips pull up in a smirk. “We weren’t the only ones to save the day.”
The woman follows her line of sight and as soon as it lands on him and Evfra, her breathing stops. She brings a hand to her face and stares at them in silence.
Grinning, Jaal steps closer to them. “Emmett, Evfra…I would like you to meet my true mother, Sahuna Ama Darav. Mother, these are…”
“I know who they are,” she breathes, her face breaking out into the widest smile. Within moments, she’s coming closer and before he knows it, Emmett is wrapped in her warm embrace. “My son…” she says sincerely. “It is so good to finally meet you…”
Emmett can’t remember how long it’s been since he last hugged his mother – or his father for that matter – and tries his best not to start tearing up.
“Y-yeah…” he murmurs, hugging her tighter. “You, too.”
After an extended period of time, she finally lets him go and turns her attention to Evfra. “And Commander…” she says with a smirk, “I believe we’re already acquainted…”
Evfra turns his gaze to the side, and Emmett could almost swear his cheeks flush darker. “Good to see you doing well, Lieutenant…”
“Oh, hush,” Sahuna says before pulling him in for a hug. “You’re my son now, too. Whether you like it or not.”
Evfra immediately goes stiff at the contact, but doesn’t reject her affection. He grumbles quietly under his breath; a sight that amuses Emmett greatly.
Pulling back, Sahuna grins at them, her smile ever-present. “Come along now…Everyone is dying to meet you.”
They’re led into the next room and before Emmett knows what’s hit him, dozens of smiling faces are approaching him, each calling their own greetings. He tries to keep up with them all, though he only manages to catch one or two names, and finds himself getting lost in the crowd.
“Your fringe is so blue! Is that natural for humans?”
“You’re Bridget’s litter-mate, yes? She’s talked so much about you!”
“You look hungry! Would you like some nutrient paste?”
“Here, I have something to show you!”
He ends up getting swept away in the commotion, losing track of Evfra in the process. Emmett half registers Jaal placing a hand on his shoulder, attempting to direct him from the bulk of the chaos, but when he turns to him, he no longer recognizes his surroundings.
“Are you all right, Emmett?” he asks, his face scrunching up in concern. “I’m sorry, they can be a little overwhelming…”
“Uh, yeah, I’m fine…” he answers distractedly, trying to figure out where in the house he ended up. “Quick question…Where are we?”
Jaal chuckles before gesturing down a hallway. “We’re near the kitchens…But you’re looking for Evfra, yes?”
Emmett flushes in response.
Smiling, Jaal continues, “He wasn’t exactly partial to being dragged along and remained back at the entry way. I can show you the way back…”
Emmett shakes his head. “Thanks, but I think I can find it myself…I’m sure he can survive without me for a few minutes,” he says with a grin.
------
Evfra watches in helpless confusion as Emmett is dragged away by Jaal’s eager family members. He stands awkwardly in the sitting area, his arms hanging stiffly at his sides and he spares a glance at the Pathfinder.
She gives him a mild look of uncertainty before shrugging. “So…How’re you holding up?”
He sighs heavily, taking a seat in the nearest chair. “Your brother seems to be popular,” he says, avoiding her question.
She turns in the direction Emmett disappeared in and chuckles. “He’s always known how to draw people to him…It’s a talent of his.”
“You say that as if you don’t share that quality with him.”
Her head whips towards him quickly, her expression one of perplexity before she manages to mask it. Laughing softly, she asks, “What’s this? A compliment?”
Grunting, Evfra rolls his eyes. “This isn’t the first time I’ve given you one.”
“I know!” she exclaims, sitting in the chair across from him. “I wasn’t expecting them to become such a common occurrence…Emmett really has softened you up.”
Evfra grumbles unhappily, but doesn’t reject her teasing.
A few moments of silence pass between them before Bridget adds, “I am happy for you, you know…” She leans forward in her chair, addressing him seriously.
He turns his attention to her, but doesn’t say anything.
“I was pissed when I heard what you did…Fully prepared to fight you over it,” she continues with a sigh. “And when you two made up so quickly, I was worried he was going to fall into some sort of trap with you. That this would become a routine thing…”
Evfra’s brows furrow in concern. He’d never allow such a thing to happen…Not if he could help it.
She looks back at him and her expression softens into a smile. “But as soon as I saw you two together, I knew I had nothing to worry about…”
He looks at her for a long while, trying his best to mask his weaknesses, but it isn’t long before he’s spilling the truth. Sighing heavily, he rests his face in his hand. “I know I’m not worthy of him…” he utters quietly. “But I will do my best to earn my place at his side.”
A few moments pass before he hears her rising from her seat. He feels her place her hand on his shoulder and glances up to meet her gaze. She stares at him with a sympathetic smile before saying, “Trust me. You’re doing just fine.”
She gives him a reassuring pat before making her way towards the hallway. Turning back to face him, she adds with a laugh, “I’m gonna see if I can figure out where they dragged him…I can’t let them have all the fun.”
He snorts in mild amusement, watching her leave before returning his attention to the floor.
Despite the number of occupants in the house, the particular room he’s in right now is oddly quiet. Ordinarily, he’d find the lack of noise serene, but the knowledge of just how many people should be nearby make it feel slightly eerie and lonesome.
He’s still intimidated by the affection the Ama Daravs have to offer, especially considering how long it’s been since he’s been to any form of family gathering, but…he doesn’t really want to be alone right now.
A small cough interrupts his inner thoughts and he glances up to find a small angara lingering in the doorway.
She clutches a stuffed toy in her arms and stares at him with wide, curious eyes.
He knows his scars must make for quite the sight and does his best to appear as nonthreatening as possible. “Hello…” he says quietly, tilting his head. “What do you have there?”
Slowly, she approaches him, not taking her eyes off of him the whole way. When she reaches his chair, she blinks at him several times before climbing up into his lap. Now that she’s closer, he can see that the stuffed toy she’s holding resembles an adhi.
She immediately holds it out to him like a gift.
“For me?” he asks with feigned surprise. “How generous of you.”
“No,” she says with a shake of her head. “You can borrow him, but you gotta give him back.”
He chuckles and takes the toy from her delicately. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
She smiles and immediately snuggles into his arms, laying her head upon his neck. He goes still at the contact, shock resonating throughout his body.
How long has it been since he’s held a child like this? Too long, for sure…He should be out of practice, and yet he manages to hold the child close and whisper soothing words to her as though it were second nature.
It doesn’t take long before she falls asleep, her gentle breathing fanning across his neck and he feels his heart stutter.
Stars, but he’s missed this…
He does his best to keep his bioelectric field at a calm, comforting pattern so as not to disturb her as she rests. He becomes so focused on her that he doesn’t notice Emmett standing in the doorway.
“Hey,” he says softly, startling Evfra out of his concentration. His field wavers slightly, but quickly resumes its rhythm.
Chuckling, Emmett comes closer and sits down next to him. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”
“You didn’t,” he lies, to which Emmett smiles. He glances down at the child in Evfra’s arms and Stars above, what Evfra wouldn’t give to see that look on his face every day…
“How long were you watching?” Evfra asks, shifting his arms slightly to hold her more comfortably.
“Long enough.”
Emmett’s attention remains focused on the small angara for a long while before he looks back up at Evfra. His eyes are filled with warmth and his smile is positively radiating. “You’re good with kids…” he says quietly.
Evfra wants to deny it, but he knows it would be pointless. “I was a father…once…” he mutters, his gaze focusing on the small bundle in his arms. He tightens his hold on her just slightly.
Emmett grows quiet after that, and for a while, the child’s breathing is the only sound that fills the air. Eventually though, he asks at a whisper, “Would you…ever want to be one again?”
Evfra turns to him in surprise, not quite able to hide the shock on his face. Is he asking what he thinks he’s asking?
He coughs slightly. “Would…Is that something that…interests you?”
Emmett’s face begins reddening slightly and he glances away. “I mean…I’ve thought about it…I’m way too young to be a father right now, but…maybe…at the right time…with the right person…” His gaze flicks back to Evfra and he finds it difficult to swallow.
His breathing shaking slightly, Evfra looks down at the child once more.
It’s been years since he’s allowed himself to hope for the kind of happiness he’d once had. Emmett showed him that he didn’t need to confine himself to isolation. That he was allowed to dream for more.
He’s overwhelmed by all the new possibilities he’s been granted. A new love, a new family, and now the promise of even more…
A shuddering sigh escapes him and he struggles to keep from waking the child. Looking at Emmett with tears in his eyes, he smiles.
Miracles like this aren’t supposed to happen to him. That’s what he’d initially told himself, but…being with Emmett, he knows that’s no longer the case. Ever since the Pathfinder first landed on Aya, he and his people have overcome so many impossible feats and Emmett has only reaffirmed that concept.
Pulling Emmett closer with one arm, he kisses him softly.
Deep in his heart, he knows that this is only the beginning, and many more miracles are yet to come.
Once in a Blue Moon: Chapter 10 (No Regrets)
Bridget takes Emmett to Eos to try and distract him from Evfra. That ends up proving moot however, when the man in question decides to email Emmett.
AO3 Link
Once more chapter to go! Thank you all for being patient with me and these two dorks.
<-Prev
“Woo-hoooooo!!!”
Bridget’s gleeful cheer increases in volume as Emmett leads the Nomad over another sharp drop. Peebee is giggling in the backseat while Cora is desperately clinging to a handrail.
“Ryder…” she says through gritted teeth, “How is it your brother is even worse of a driver than you?”
“Oh, come on, Cora!” Bridget shouts back with laughter. “Where’s your sense of adventure?”
“About five clicks back…” she mutters unhappily, tightening her grip on the handhold.
Emmett brings the vehicle back to even terrain, increasing his speed slightly. “Man,” he says with a chuckle, “This thing really has a kick to it.”
“Just because it’s a six wheel drive doesn’t mean it can go up a cliff!” Cora protests from the backseat.
“Lighten up, Cora…” Peebee says cheerfully. “This is Emmett’s day – What’s the harm if he wants to burn a little rubber?”
Cora just groans in her seat, silently stewing over the situation.
“Don’t listen to them,” Bridget reassures with a smile. “You’re doing great.”
A smirk makes his way onto Emmett’s face, though he doesn’t take his eyes off the road. “Burning rubber, huh?” he asks, his voice filled with mischief.
Realization dawns on Bridget quickly and an anxious smile blooms on her face. “Oh, no…” she warns, though her grin betrays her. “Don’t you dare…”
Within moments, Emmett is shifting gears and reapplying pressure to the pedals, and soon enough, the car is skidding in circles.
“Anyone hungry for donuts?” he asks with a boisterous laugh.
“Oh, Ryder, I am going to kill you!” Cora shouts over Peebee’s cackling.
“Which one are you talking to?” Bridget asks with a giggle.
“Both of you!”
They spin for a few more turns before Bridget says, “All right, that’s probably enough…We should put Cora out of her misery.”
Emmett slowly allows the Nomad to return to a normal speed and settles it into park. Cora immediately hops out of the vehicle, clutching her side as if she’s going to be sick.
Peebee is still giggling as she exits the car, sidling up to Emmett and giving him a clap on the back. “Nice job, Emmy. I haven’t been on a ride that exhilarating since our trip to H-047c.”
He cringes slightly at her butchered version of his nickname, but grins regardless.
Cora is just shaking her head in frustration, looking helplessly at the sky like a disgruntled chaperone tasked with looking over a group of children.
“Hey,” Bridget says, bumping shoulders with her brother. “How you doing? Feeling good?”
He gives her a small smile and nods. “Yeah…You were right. I’m really enjoying myself out here…”
“I usually am,” she says with a self-assured grin, to which he rolls his eyes.
“Do you even know how to accept a ‘thank you’ gracefully?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m graceful at everything I do.”
“Oh my god…” he mutters in feigned aggravation, before the two of them both break into laughter.
As their chuckling begins to die down, Emmett lets out a content sigh, leaning back against the Nomad.
A few moments of quiet pass and he smiles as he watches the clouds pass by overhead. “Thanks…again,” he says softly. “This was…I really needed this…”
“Hey, It’s what I do,” Bridget replies, and gets playfully shoved by Emmett in return.
“So…” he begins after the silence between them settles. “Besides an amazing driving course, what else does Eos have to offer?”
She opens her mouth to reply, but his omni-tool decides to start beeping at that exact moment.
“Ah, damn it…” he swears, hurriedly trying to shut it up. “I could’ve sworn I turned this thing off…”
Peering over Emmett’s shoulder, Bridget asks, “New email? Who’s it from?”
“Probably Lexi,” he says with a groan. “She’s been giving me a lot of grief lately…”
A snort escapes Bridget. “Tell me about it. Hovering is a specialty of hers…Just the other day…” She trails off, realizing that all the humor in Emmett’s face has vanished and that his complexion has gone pale. Her brows furrowing in concern, she asks, “What’s up?”
He slowly turns to look at her, his gaze wide and fearful.
“It’s from Evfra…” he says at a whisper.
Her mouth parts in a gasp and her eyes widen in turn. “What does it say?” she asks after a long moment of deliberation.
“The subject line is ‘we need to talk’.” Despite his shaken state, Emmett manages a sarcastic snort. “That never ends well…”
Bridget looks at him tentatively. “Do you want to read it, or just delete it? You don’t owe him anything…”
Emmett pauses for a long while, his eyes burning a hole into his omni-tool, before he decides to open it.
To: Emmett Ryder
From: Evfra de Tershaav
Subject: We need to talk
Please meet me on Aya at your earliest convenience.
Evfra
He blinks several times, attempting to process the message in front of him. It’s far shorter than he’d anticipated; but knowing the Resistance Leader, it’s really not that surprising. And per Evfra’s style, its tone is heavily cryptic. There’s no indication as to what he actually wants to talk about, only that it’s important enough for him to send a message to Emmett.
He shows the message to Bridget, who reads it over quickly before looking back at him. “What are you thinking?” she asks quietly.
Several seconds pass before he answers. “I’m thinking I have no idea what he’s up to…” A weary sigh escapes him and he runs his hand through his hair in irritation. “I’m thinking that I’m pissed at his sense of timing and inability to communicate things clearly, but…” He deflates slightly and shakes his head in defeat. “But I also want to see him…And…Even though I’m thoroughly upset with him, I feel like I ought to at least hear him out…”
Bridget closes her eyes and nods in consideration. When she opens them again, she looks him dead in the eye with a serious expression. “My offer to punch him is still on the table.”
He snorts in response, rolling his head back in amusement. “I’ll let you know if I require your services…”
------
The Tempest returns to Aya within the next few days. Most of the crew seems a little confused as to why they’re coming back so soon, but considering they didn’t have much of a chance to sightsee the last time they were here, no complaints are made.
Everyone exits the ship relatively quickly, each heading off to pursue their own interests, though the twins linger in the doorway.
“You sure you don’t want me to come with?” Bridget asks, her face full of gentle concern.
“Nah…” Emmett responds. “I need to do this myself.”
She nods in understanding. “Ok…But don’t hesitate to call me if you need backup…I’m sure Jaal would be happy to swoop in and rescue you, too…”
Chuckling, Emmett says, “Thanks…I think I’ll manage.”
Bridget chooses to stay on the ship, returning to the cargo bay as Emmett makes his way onto the pier. Looking out over the port, he takes a deep breath. He can do this…
He starts making his way into the city proper, but before he can enter the gates, he’s stopped by a Resistance guard.
“Emmett, right? Evfra wanted to speak with you as soon as you landed…I’ll escort you there.”
He’s thrown off by the guard’s comment, attempting to shrug him off. “Thanks, but I’m more than familiar with the way to Resistance Headquarters…”
The guard shakes his head in response. “As soon as the Tempest landed, the Commander took a shuttle to Aya’s nature reserve…He’d like to meet you there. We have a shuttle prepped for you right over here…”
Emmett stops and looks in the direction the man is gesturing. Sure enough, a shuttle is sitting there, all set to be flown.
His insides start to churn at the unfamiliar territory he’s being dragged into…While he hadn’t been looking forward to his conversation with Evfra, he’d assumed it would take place in the man’s office, or at least somewhere within the city where witnesses would be about…And though part of him is relieved his private affairs will remain private, the other part is terrified of just how serious this discussion will be.
Gulping, he follows the guard to the shuttle, not saying a word as he gets inside.
The shuttle traverses over Aya’s lush landscape and in any other circumstance, Emmett would spend the trip with his nose pressed up against the glass, but right now, his stomach is churning too much for him to focus on the sights. At the very least, the pilot isn’t keen on making conversation and Emmett is grateful for the small miracle.
They land sooner than he’d hoped, settling onto a patch of grass near a small lake.
He finds his feet cemented to the floor. His heart threatens to beat out of his chest and he can hear it pounding loudly in his eardrums. The expectant look from the pilot eventually prompts him to leave his seat and exit the vehicle, though he does so very slowly.
Taking a heavy sigh, he steps away from the shuttle, and just as it’s taking off, he spots the familiar back of a certain Resistance Commander.
He begins trembling where he stands, desperately trying to get his erratic breathing under control.
His instincts tell him to run. To call for extraction from the Tempest and never look back.
But he knows that won’t solve anything. If he’s to move on with his life, he has to deal with this sooner or later...As much as he’d rather be anywhere else, he knows he needs to hear Evfra out.
After an eternity of willing himself to move, he eventually steps forward.
He approaches slowly, his footsteps light on the sandy path, but Evfra manages to hear him regardless.
Emmett is roughly ten feet away when he turns to face him.
The man’s icy gaze pins him in his place and he immediately stops in his tracks.
Evfra’s expression softens the moment it lands on Emmett, his demeanor more vulnerable than he’s ever seen before. “Emmett…” he murmurs quietly, seemingly in disbelief.
Swallowing thickly, Emmett tries to keep his thoughts together. Seeing Evfra so distraught is almost enough to break his resolve, but he has to remind himself why he was so mad with him in the first place.
“Why did you call me here?” He tries to keep his voice calm, but it trembles regardless.
Evfra pauses, his gaze saddening before he answers. “To apologize…”
An uneven exhale escapes Emmett. “And what makes you think I’ll forgive you?” He tightens his hands into fists at his sides, desperate to remain some semblance of control. “You ignored me for weeks…And now you want me to act as if that never happened?”
Silence stretches between them before Evfra looks mournfully at the ground.
“I don’t expect your forgiveness…” he says softly, “Nor do I believe I’m deserving of it…But I felt you deserved an explanation for why I hurt you as I did…”
Emmett says nothing in response, waiting for Evfra to continue.
A deep sigh falls from Evfra’s lips and he returns his attention to Emmett. “The Angara have lost everything to the kett…” he begins somberly. “Our families, our friends, our land…our way of life…Yet, amazingly…many of my people manage to cling to hope. We find strength in one another and use that strength to fight back with everything we have…”
His breathing becomes shaky and he closes his eyes in pain. “There was a time when I, too, shared that hope…My family was small, but loving. We shared what we had with those who needed it and received kindness from others in turn…” A distressed sound escapes him despite his attempts to mask it. “I…I was delivering a shipment of nutrient paste to a family south of us on the day…the day it happened.”
Emmett’s expression contorts into one of concern and he stares at Evfra in worry.
“When I returned home, it was…they were…gone. Every last one. Taken by the kett,” he spits, venom lacing his words. “My mothers, my siblings, my wife…our children,” he recounts with agony, “…Gone. Just like that.”
His posture grows defeated and Emmett finds himself at a loss for what to do.
“I tried everything I could to find them…” Evfra continues solemnly. “I joined the Resistance, thinking they would know what to do. I assaulted every kett base I could; freeing slave camps, searching for prisoners…We saved many souls, and for that I am grateful, but…” His brow ridges furrow in pain and he releases a shaky breath. “I never found any of them…Not a single one.”
He shakes his head in frustration. “For years, I deluded myself into thinking maybe I just wasn’t searching hard enough…They had to be somewhere.” He deflates and his gaze falls to the ground. “Eventually, I had to face the truth. That they are Exalted or dead. And stars help me, I hope they are dead…”
Tentatively, Emmett takes a few steps forward, though Evfra doesn’t react at all.
“Dozens of Angara reached out to me after my family was taken,” he continues. “They all offered to take me into their families, but I…I couldn’t accept. I couldn’t risk dealing with that type of loss again…” His voice begins to quaver. Looking up at Emmett with teary eyes, he whispers, “I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you…”
Within moments, Emmett has taken Evfra into his arms, clinging tightly to his broad frame. Evfra stiffens at the contact, but soon enough, melts into the embrace and hugs Emmett just as tightly.
“You fucking idiot…” Emmett mutters as his own tears begin to form.
They hold one another in relative silence for a long while; their soft whimpers the only sound filling the air.
Eventually, Evfra pulls back, gently running a hand down the side of Emmett’s face as he gazes at him sadly. “I am so sorry that I hurt you…” he utters quietly. “I care for you so much, but I…It’s been so long since I’ve shared this type of bond with someone and…” His lips pull into a deep frown and his voice softens. “I was afraid…”
Emmett just shakes his head in response, looking up at Evfra with concern. After a few more moments of silence, he asks tentatively, “Does this mean you’ve changed your mind?”
Evfra laughs softly, a small smile appearing on his face despite his melancholy. “Yes.”
Emmett mirrors his smile, his eyes filling with adoration. “Good.”
Within moments, he’s stretching forward and pressing his lips to Evfra’s. He immediately responds, weaving his hand into Emmett’s hair and pulling him closer. The kiss is wrought with desperation, each of them grappling for purchase on the other’s body.
As they continue to pour their affection to one another, they tumble to the ground, laughing with amusement. Emmett can’t keep track of how long they spend at the grotto, but he wouldn’t trade it for the world.
When the pair eventually returns to the pier, no one comments that they appear more disheveled than is otherwise appropriate.
Next->
Once in a Blue Moon: Chapter 9 (Walking on Eggshells)
Despite talking with both Lexi and SAM, Emmett is still torn up about Evfra’s dismissal of him. It isn’t until his sister steps in to help that he realizes it’s probably time to move on.
AO3 Link
This chapter had to undergo a bit of a rewrite...I wasn’t super happy with the way the original version was going and Bridget felt a little OOC, so here’s hoping this chapter reads better...
<-Prev
“Emmett, when you have a moment, could you stop by the med bay?”
He’s in the middle of unpacking when he hears Lexi’s message on his comm. Groaning, he sets down the shirt he’s holding and runs a hand down his face.
Ever since the incident on the Hyperion, both Lexi and Harry have been contacting one another back and forth in regards to Emmett’s status. It doesn’t surprise him in the least that she wants to check on him now that he’s officially joining the crew, but it doesn’t make him any more excited for it.
Letting out another heavy sigh, he sets his belongings aside for now and heads over to talk to the ship’s doctor.
He knocks on the door and waits until he hears a soft “come in” before entering.
The asari is seated on a stool, scrolling through a datapad. The sound of the door opening prompts her to look up and the moment her gaze settles on Emmett, she gives him a friendly smile. “Emmett,” she greets. “It’s so good to see you…How are you feeling?”
He gives a half-smile and shrugs. “Eh…I’ve been worse.”
Her focus remains steady and she nods slowly before gesturing to one of the beds. “Please…have a seat.”
“Sure thing, doc…” He sits down on the bed nearest her, leaning forward and resting his forearms on his thighs.
“I’m just going to scan you to ensure your vitals are doing okay…I’ve looked over the files Harry and the doctors on Aya sent me, but I’d rather have my records be up to date…”
“Yeah, no worries…” Emmett responds casually. “Go ahead.”
She gives him a grateful smile before activating her scanner. He shifts in his seat uncomfortably as he waits for the process to complete.
“So…” Lexi begins conversationally. “How was Aya? Did you enjoy yourself?”
“Yeah…it was great,” Emmett says immediately. “I think the fresh air did me some good…”
She nods in agreement. “I’m glad to hear that. Harry mentioned you were getting a little stir-crazy…It’s good you got a chance to see the sights of Heleus for yourself.”
He mirrors her nod, looking around the med bay as the scanner continues to feed Lexi information.
“And how was your social life?” she continues. “Did you meet anyone new?””
He lets out an awkward chuckle. “Yeah…The angara are super friendly, so I definitely made more than a few friends while I was there…”
“That’s good news…” Lexi says with a smile. “I was worried you might isolate yourself to your position, but I’m happy you were able to branch out and explore different interests while you were there…”
Her scanner lets out a quick succession of beeps, indicating that its scan is complete. She quickly begins scrolling through the info, not looking up as she asks, “Did you keep in contact with your sister at all during your visit? I know she was constantly asking after your status…”
A lump begins to form in Emmett’s throat and he looks away guiltily. He’d never responded to Bridget’s initial email and though he tried to put the thought out of his mind, whenever he remembered how he blew her off, regret would build up within his chest.
“No…” he mutters. “Lots of people emailed me while I was gone, but…I only ever responded to Jaal and Harry.”
Lexi looks up briefly, a flicker of concern on her face before she carefully masks it. “Why do you think that is?” she asks gently.
He lets out a low sigh, fiddling with his hands as he avoids her gaze. “I don’t know…I was…frustrated with everyone, I guess…” he utters quietly, “Everyone was either hovering or assaulting me with questions…Which is understandable, but it was suffocating…I needed a break…”
He exhales deeply, slowly shaking his head. “Bridget tried to give me my space, but I just…I couldn’t talk to her. I wasn’t in a good place…I’m worried that I would have said the wrong thing to her and ruined what we have…”
I might have already, though… he thinks morbidly, considering he cut off all contact with her during the span of those few months on Aya.
Lexi gives him a look of gentle understanding. “And yet you were comfortable conversing with Jaal?”
“I mean…you’ve met the guy,” Emmett says with a chuckle. “He just oozes compassion and…I mean, I guess I was looking for advice on how to deal with Evfra…”
The instant the words are out of his mouth, he freezes in his spot. He shouldn’t have said that.
“Evfra?” Lexi asks with innocent curiosity.
“I…” Emmett stammers, desperately trying to veer this conversation anywhere else. “I don’t want to talk about it…”
She stares at him for a while, clearly wanting to offer help, but yields with a resigned sigh. “Of course…” Standing, she sets her datapad to the side. “Overall, you seem to be doing well…I’d suggest trying to add more iron to your diet and making an effort to get eight hours of sleep whenever possible, but you’re definitely in a far better place than you were a few months ago…” Giving him an encouraging smile, she adds, “I’d still like you to check in with me whenever you join the ground crew for missions, but seeing the progress you’ve made so far is definitely a good sign.”
His lips quirk into a lopsided smile and he says wryly, “Thanks, Lexi…”
“Don’t mention it,” she says with a grin. “And don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you need someone to talk to…I’m here for everyone on this ship.”
He doesn’t say anything in response, just nods in acknowledgment before exiting the room.
Standing in the hallway, he finds himself at a loss for what to do.
He could finish unpacking, but he kind of lost the drive to do so the moment he entered the med lab. He could go introduce himself to the rest of the crew, but he’s not particularly in the mood for socialization right now…
Sighing halfheartedly, he turns his attention to the Pathfinder’s chambers. As far as he can tell, Bridget still hasn’t returned from whatever errands she needed to take care of…
Looking over his shoulder in uncertainty, Emmett stands awkwardly in front of the door to Bridget’s room. He hesitates to intrude on his sister’s space, but when faced with the choice of interacting with any of the crew members right now, he finds the motivation to enter.
The doors swish shut behind him and he takes a tentative look around the room.
It’s much larger than he’d anticipated and he forgets his original quest for a moment. His father’s quarters on the Hyperion had been large, yes, but nothing quite like this…Standing in the middle of all this empty space feels…lonely. He can only imagine how Bridget must have handled it.
Though it’s clear she’s on good terms with her crew now, he knows there must have been a time when she felt isolated and alone, especially considering everything that happened on Habitat-7. The two of them were never particularly good at making friends, and sometimes seeing her in her new role causes Emmett to forget the scared, anxious teenager who used to cling to him after a breakup.
He sighs and rubs his forehead. He really should have emailed her back…
Shaking the thought from his mind, he tries to focus on why he’d come here in the first place.
Directing his gaze in the general direction of the ceiling, he asks the room, “SAM? Are you there?”
A blue modem on Bridget’s desk lights up in response, immediately answering Emmett’s question. “Hello, Emmett. How may I be of service?”
Tilting his head in curiosity, Emmett slowly approaches the desk with mild hesitation. After a moment of deliberation, he takes a seat in the chair. “Uh…hi…” he starts with an awkward chuckle. “I, was, uh…wondering if you could answer some questions for me?”
“Of course. What would you like to know?”
Emmett pauses for a moment, trying to get his thoughts in order. “I know your connection to Bridget is different from everyone else with a SAM implant, but…exactly how much info do you have on the rest of us at any given moment?”
“As my connection is more entwined with that of the Pathfinder, my primary focus is with her at all times. I have constant awareness of her status and physiology and can respond appropriately. For the rest of the crew, I am capable of scanning and analyzing your physiology in a similar manner, though with far less detailed results. Furthermore, my accuracy in this knowledge is diminished the further each crewmate is from the Pathfinder herself.”
Emmett nods slowly, trying to process all the technical jargon the AI is spewing at him. “So you probably don’t have any accurate readings of what I was going through on Aya, do you?”
“Unfortunately, no,” SAM answers. “This is mainly why Dr. Carlyle enlisted the help of Aya’s physicians in regards to your health. He would have liked to utilize me for easy communication with both the Hyperion and the Tempest, but my information would not have been as reliable as a first-hand witness.”
A resigned sigh escapes Emmett as he leans back in the chair. “Figures…”
“May I ask what is troubling you?”
Emmett almost laughs at how fast it took SAM to ask that question. He wonders just how obvious his melancholy is right now.
“I just…went through some stuff on Aya, and I was wondering if I could get some feedback on whether I’m going crazy or not.”
“As of this moment, you are not in any danger of qualifying for the medical definition of mentally insane,” the AI assures him. “However, I suspect you are being metaphorical, in which case, I am not the best judge to answer.”
Emmett can’t help but let out a snort in response. “Yeah…probably not.”
“However,” SAM continues, “if you would like to tell be what is troubling you, I will help in any way that I am able.”
He pauses for a bit, thinking over the offer. “It’s…Evfra…” he begins with uncertainty. “We were, well…intimate, I guess, and…after that, he just stopped talking to me…”
There’s a moment of silence before the AI responds. “Are you asking for relationship advice?”
“I…”
His world comes to a halt and he stops in his tracks. What is he doing? Bothering SAM with his trivial problems when he has so many more important things to focus on?
He leans back into the chair, his world spinning into disarray. He has the faintest awareness that the room is spinning around him and he isn’t sure whether his disoriented state is to blame or the fact that the Tempest is currently lifting off from Aya.
Why can’t he put this out of his mind? Is he doomed to be haunted by Evfra forever? Can’t he just get over it already?
His breath catches in his throat and he feels himself choking up. Tears begin to well in his eyes as he realizes how selfish and immature he’s being. “N-never mind…” he stutters, fighting to keep the tears at bay. He can’t do this. Not now. Not in his sister’s quarters, of all places.
And yet he continues to have the worst streak of luck possible, for at that exact moment, the doors open, with Bridget and Jaal coming inside.
Emmett freezes in his seat, hoping to just disappear, but Bridget spots him almost immediately.
“Hey, Em!” she greets with a friendly grin. “Checking out the ship, huh? It’s pretty – ”
She comes over to where he’s seated and it doesn’t take long before she notices his face. Her expression immediately turns to one of concern and in an instant, she’s kneeling in front of him, taking his face in her hands. “Em, what happened?”
The softness in her voice, the worry in her face…it’s too much. In mere moments, the tears in his eyes spill over and he’s leaning forward into her embrace, crying into her shoulder.
She just holds him for several moments, whispering soothing words as she rubs his back. Jaal is standing a few feet away, his arms hovering helplessly as he debates whether he should offer comfort as well or give them their space.
Eventually, Emmett is able to stop sobbing long enough where he can form semi-coherent words. “I – I slept with Evfra…” he stammers.
Bridget’s eyes immediately widen in shock, and though Jaal wears a similar expression of his surprise, it’s more reserved in comparison.
“W-we…I didn’t plan for it, but it just sort of happened…” Emmett babbles. “And then…he just avoided me after that. I t-tried to talk to him, but he wouldn’t…” A fresh bout of tears come forth and he resumes sobbing into Bridget’s jacket.
Bridget doesn’t say a word as Emmett spills his emotions to her; she just continues rubbing her hand along his back and offering a solid presence for him to cling to.
They sit there for what seems like forever before Emmett’s tears finally run dry. He continues to hiccup and sniffle, but he eventually pulls himself away from his sister. He stares at the ground in shame, avoiding looking at either Bridget or Jaal.
“I…” he starts before taking a shuddering breath. “This has happened before, but…It’s never hurt like this…” He inhales deeply, closing his eyes as he forces himself to admit, “I think I love him…”
Bridget’s expression goes blank then. She sits there for several moments before inhaling deeply, her brows furrowing in frustration. Letting out a deep sigh, she mutters bitterly, “I’m gonna punch him in his stupid face.”
“Bridget. Please,” Emmett admonishes, still sniffling slightly.
“I know, I know...” she groans, putting her face in her palm. “It’s just…I knew he was an asshole, but this is a whole other level…”
Jaal cautiously approaches the pair, hesitantly putting a hand on Emmett’s shoulder. “Did you…vocalize this to him at all?” His expression is dripping with concern, his words careful and gentle and it’s almost enough to bring Emmett to tears again.
“No…” he answers quietly, curling in on himself. “I never had the chance…”
Bridget gazes at him sadly, a deep frown pulling at her features. “Oh, Em…”
Emmett can’t bring himself to look at them. He just stares at his lap, willing this all to just go away. He doesn’t want their pity…but damn, does he need some comfort right now.
“Tell you what…” Bridget says after a moment, rising to her feet and pulling Emmett right along with her. “Let’s get you wasted…I know a bartender on Kadara that can cook up just the concoction you need…”
He chuckles bitterly. “As much as I’d love to drown my sorrows in alcohol, trust me when I say I’ve had my share of that already…”
That doesn’t stop her though. “Doesn’t have to be alcohol…We can go dancing, shopping…Hell, even just taking the Nomad for a spin…But we’ve gotta get your mind off this.”
A halfhearted laugh escapes Emmett when she mentions the Nomad…She definitely knows his weakness. Ever since he first heard about the vehicle, he’d been dying to get a look at its inner workings. Despite the sorrow that’s been plaguing him consistently as of late, he manages to give her a sheepish smile in response.
“Yeah…I think...I think that’s a good idea.”
He needs to move on. From the Hyperion, from Meridian, and especially from Evfra.
The sooner he gets the man out of his mind, the sooner he can put this whole mess behind him.
Next->
Once in a Blue Moon: Chapter 8 (Reach for the Stars)
Evfra is riddled with guilt from pushing Emmett away and it facing inner turmoil. A confrontation from the Moshae as well as a reflection on his past allows him to come to a decision.
AO3 Link
It’s time for another Evfra POV chapter! (This chapter wasn’t originally going to exist, but you all can thank JohskatheWise on AO3 for planting the idea in my head!)
(Also minor gore warning for the beginning of this chapter.)
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Evfra runs his hands down Emmett’s sides, caressing him tenderly. He groans into his mouth, savoring the taste of his lips. Emmett pulls away momentarily, grinning bashfully before placing a kiss upon Evfra’s nose. “Can we stay like this…just a little longer?” He rocks his hips against Evfra, who immediately lets out a moan.
Tightening his grip on Emmett, he begins grinding against him in turn. “Who says I have to be anywhere?”
Planting open-mouthed kisses along Evfra’s neck, Emmett murmurs, “Well, you, for starters…” He begins laving Evfra’s chest with attention, his trail of affection heading ever southward.
A shiver runs through Evfra and he lets out a strained breath.
“Tell me, Evfra…” Emmett utters quietly, his hooded gaze staring deep into his soul. He runs his tongue along Evfra’s hip and an involuntary grunt escapes him. “…Do you really want me to leave?”
His mind is muddled with overlapping thoughts. Yes. No. This is wrong…I never want this to end. Does it matter? Does anything matter? Of course it does…Does this?
“I…”
Whatever he’d been about to say is lost to him when out of nowhere, a bony hand grips Emmett by the neck and tosses him to the ground. Evfra barely has time to comprehend that his bedroom has melted away to a battlefield on Voeld. All it takes is the span of a moment for the kett who’d materialized to take its blade and stab it clean through Emmett’s neck.
His body twitches for half a second before his eyes roll into the back of his head. His mouth remains half-opened in a scream; his expression frozen in horror.
Evfra finds himself paralyzed with shock, unable to process what is happening before him. A few moments, or an eternity – it’s hard to tell – pass before he finds the sense to look at the kett who slayed Emmett. Fury builds within him, filled to bursting, but it fizzles out in the instant he gets a good look at his enemy. His blood turning to ice, he finds all the fight go out of him as he stares back at his own reflection.
------
Evfra wakes with a start, panting heavily as he comes to terms with his surroundings. Sweat drips down his brow and his throat chokes on a cry of distress. As he brings a hand to his forehead, he tries his best to calm his breathing.
He’s not unused to nightmares. Given his position and his traumatic past, they’re more than a common occurrence for him. However, this is the first time Emmett has made an appearance in his dreams.
No matter how hard he tries, he can’t seem to get the man out of his mind.
It was never supposed to get this far, but he had been careless…and in the end, he’d been unable to resist the human’s charm.
Sighing, he rises from his bed and makes his way over to the sink, intent on splashing water on his face.
Part of him knows that his dreams are manifesting in the form of his guilt at pushing Emmett away, but he tries not to think on it too hard. This is for both his and Emmett’s benefit. There’s no other option.
He’d been so caught up in his emotions that night, unthinking of the consequences…and how something between them could never be. Emmett was a distraction. The Resistance demands his entire attention; he owes that to his people and to himself. And more than that, he knows Emmett is better off without him. He doesn’t need to be tied down to a workaholic like him; someone without a trace of familial ties or emotional support to offer. And even though the war is technically over, Evfra knows he’ll remain a target for danger for the coming future. He doesn’t want to drag Emmett into that.
He deserves someone safe…someone who isn’t broken beyond repair. And Evfra knows he’s not that man.
Running a hand down his face in frustration, he grabs a tube of nutrient paste before preparing for the day.
------
His work drags long into the evening, as per usual. Most of the Resistance have left for the night as Evfra leans over his desk.
He’s fully immersed in his report, working over the details in his head when he hears the footsteps of someone approaching. Not bothering to look them in the eye, he continues to read while he waits to hear what they have to say.
“Tell me, Evfra, why is it I am constantly having these conversations with you?”
He looks up from his datapad to find the Moshae standing before him, her expression clearly unamused.
“How am I supposed to answer that when I don’t know what you’re talking about?”
His tone could easily be misinterpreted as curt, but he genuinely has no idea what she’s upset over.
The Moshae answers with an impatient sigh. “First, you withheld information on Vehn Terev, then you personally targeted my assistant, and now you continue to act like a selfish child…Why must I always be here to talk some sense into you? Are you incapable of finding your path on your own?”
Evfra is taken aback by her words, blinking rapidly in response.
“With all due respect, I never asked you to take charge of my life for me,” Evfra answers slowly.
“With all due respect,” the Moshae echoes with sarcasm, “your decisions affect more than just you.”
She narrows her eyes with displeasure, her lips pulled into a deep frown. “I am no fool, Evfra…Though I am not privy to all the details of your relationship with Emmett, I know something transpired between you two. Anyone with eyes could see it.”
A sharp laugh escapes Evfra’s throat. “For someone who claims not to be his guardian, you sure do insert yourself into his affairs often enough.”
She steps forward boldly, her bioelectricity crackling with agitation. “You should know by now that guardian or not, I look out for those I care for…Including you…” Her glare continues to bore into him, and he has the foresight not to say anything snarky in response.
Sighing, her gaze relaxes somewhat, though her tone is still dripping with distaste. “When I realized what was happening between you two…I was beyond happy. Surprised, yes…but there was no doubt in my joy.” She shakes her head in regret. “Emmett has seen so much tragedy for one so young, and you…It hurts my heart to know that you have isolated yourself for so long. To know that you had finally let someone closer…It filled my soul with unimaginable glee.”
Returning her attention to Evfra, she continues accusingly, “But something happened. I don’t know what, and I won’t pry you for details, but the connection you two shared has been frayed…” Her eyes fill with pain and she stares at him with a mixture of anger and concern. “It has hurt the both of you deeply…I know why you’re pushing him away, but I ask you to reconsider…For both your sakes…”
Growling in frustration, Evfra pushes himself away from his desk. “You think it is that simple, do you?” His fist clenches at his side and he forces himself to turn away. “You think I can take a lover again…just like that, as if I haven’t lost so much already? As if I can just ignore all my duties to my people…”
“Evfra,” the Moshae pleads. “You have been alone for so long. You are torturing yourself. I do not want to force you into anything you do not want, but…you need someone to depend on. Someone to share your grief with.”
He lets out a sardonic chuckle. “Are you not filling that role right now?”
“I don’t count,” she says with a good-natured smile.
Stepping away from his desk, Evfra leans against the windowsill and stares out at Aya’s landscape. A shaking breath escapes him and he utters softly, “You don’t know what you’re asking…”
The Moshae slowly makes her way over to where he stands, looking out at the greenery that surrounds them. “Perhaps not,” she says after a while, placing a gentle hand upon his shoulder, “but I’m asking it regardless.”
She stays there a moment longer, allowing her words to sink in before she gives him his space.
“Just…think about what I said…” She’s gone soon after, leaving him feeling cold and empty inside.
Truth be told, he hasn’t truly been happy in a long, long time…Not until that night with Emmett.
Shutting his eyes in grief, his grip on the windowsill tightens. Even now, he remembers the soft caress of his hands, the warm feel of his mouth around him, the way his brown eyes lit up when he spilled his heart to him…
Smashing his hand against the wall, Evfra curses loudly.
Thinking about him is just making this worse…he shouldn’t…he can’t…
But the more his thoughts linger on Emmett, the more his resolve wavers. He’s breached his defenses and managed to find every one of his weaknesses. And that frightens him...a lot. This could go so wrong in so many ways…
He has every reason to push Emmett away, to continue isolating himself and stay on his current path. It’s the logical thing to do.
But then he remembers Lira.
She had always insisted they were soul mates…bound to one another for eternity. She had even tried tracing their lineages to prove it, though the family trees were a bit too complex for her to find any concrete proof.
Time and again, she would remind him that he was stuck with her, that no matter where they went in life, she would find him sooner or later.
He’s never been particularly spiritual. Every time Lira discussed this topic, he would smile and roll his eyes. Reincarnation is a lovely idea, but ultimately useless. Even if a soul were to be reborn, the person they once were would be gone forever. It’s a notion he doesn’t need.
And even now, he knows the universe is taunting him. There’s no physical way Lira could have been reborn in the form of Emmett…Physical impossibilities aside, he was in cryo-sleep long before Lira was ever born. It made no logical sense.
But Lira had never cared about having sense. And neither does Emmett for that matter. He wears his heart on his sleeve and isn’t afraid to prove Evfra wrong every chance he gets.
He’s not inclined to believe Lira and Emmett share a soul…not only does he believe it’s impossible, but it feels disrespectful to group his two loves into the same entity and not give them the distinction they deserve.
However, he can’t help but feel that Lira is laughing at him somewhere, if only for the irony of how things have gone, and is silently pulling his gaze towards the Tempest.
Against his wishes, the barest hint of a smile pulls at his mouth.
He misses her…Just as he misses the rest of his family. Not a day goes by that he doesn’t wish they were still with him.
But they’re gone. He knows they’re never coming back, and he’s come to accept this…
At least…he thought he had. With Emmett, though, he remembers what it’s like to smile. What it’s like to live, and breathe, and love. To feel the warmth of another’s soul entwining with his own in every way that matters.
Fate or not, he doesn’t need to believe in some otherworldly presence to know that being with Emmett was the closest to happiness he’d known in a long time. And as wrong as it is, he doesn’t want to let that feeling go any time soon.
Taking slow steps, he gradually returns to his desk. Looking over his datapad, he considers his options in his mind.
He’s sacrificed so much to be where he is today…some choices being voluntary, and others not…But everything he’s done, he’s done for his people. To fight to protect what he loves.
Just this once…maybe he can fight for something else he cares for.
Maybe, just maybe…he can afford to be selfish.
Next->
Once in a Blue Moon: Chapter 7 (What Now?)
After sharing a night together, Evfra begins to distance himself from Emmett and he can’t for the life of him understand why. Life is only complicated further when Harry gives Emmett the go-ahead to join Bridget’s crew and leave his new life on Aya behind.
AO3 Link
Woop, woop...new chapter...Hoping to get this story cranked out a little more quickly...
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When Emmett awakens the next morning, he reaches out to the spot beside him only to find it cold and empty.
Blearily, he opens his eyes in confusion, trying to make sense of the situation with his sleep-addled brain.
He remembers inviting Evfra into his apartment and things had escalated dramatically from there. He hadn’t even been planning on saying anything to him; let alone sleeping with the man, but things ended up working out far better than he could have hoped.
A slow smile works its way onto his face as he recalls the events of last night…The warm strength in Evfra’s embrace…the sweet taste of his lips…the feel of him inside…
A shudder passes over his body and he sighs happily. He’s definitely going to be replaying that night in his head for months to come.
As he slowly adjusts to waking up, he begins searching for the angara in question. His eyes briefly scan the apartment, but there’s no sign of Evfra anywhere. He’d almost be convinced it had all been a dream if he weren’t stark naked right now. And as creative as his imagination can be at times, he’s almost positive last night had been real.
He tries not to worry about Evfra’s absence too much. As much as he would have liked to wake up next to him and cuddle, he knows the man is an early riser and probably didn’t want to disturb Emmett as he left for work.
Stretching, he lets out a loud yawn as he extends his limbs. He cracks his back, letting out a satisfied sigh when it pops into place, and hops out of bed, ready to greet the morning.
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The day remains largely uneventful and passes by quickly enough. He half hopes Evfra will send him an email regarding last night, but he also knows it would be completely out of character for him to do so.
Deciding to take the initiative himself, he sets out the next day to talk to him. The moment he’s finished with his shift, he heads to Resistance HQ, anticipation radiating from him the whole way.
When he arrives, Evfra is immersed in a data pad, his attention focused solely on the text before him. Grinning brightly, Emmett approaches him. “Hey, Evfra…How’s it going?”
The man doesn’t bat an eye, however; his gaze not leaving the data pad for an instant. “Ryder…” he drawls unenthusiastically. “Was there something you needed?”
His tone is dismissive and distant – a complete contrast to the needy affection his voice had been laced with the other night. He doesn’t want to admit just how much it stings to hear. Plastering a smile to his face, Emmett continues, “Oh, not much…Just wanted to see how you’re doing…”
Scowling slightly, Evfra lets out a frustrated grunt. “I don’t have time to waste on pleasantries…If you’ll excuse me; there are matters that need my attention.”
He steps away from his desk abruptly, moving with purpose in his step and leaving Emmett with a sense of whiplash.
Where is this coming from?
Evfra is more than well-known for his cold, curt demeanor, but this…After what the two of them had shared not forty eight hours ago, he can’t comprehend why this is happening…
Emmett stands there floundering for longer than he really should; trying to wrap his mind around this. He eventually finds the motivation to leave; his feet managing to carry him back to his apartment. For the rest of the night, he tries to make sense of it all.
Had he caught Evfra at a bad time? He could easily have been overwhelmed with work and that’s why he was so short with Emmett, but even if that’s the case, why is he acting so impersonal?
It hurts. A lot.
He’s had breakups before – it’s nothing he’s not used to, but this is different…He’s never…He’s never cared this much before.
A part of him is chastising himself. They barely know each other; he shouldn’t be feeling so heartbroken over such a small fling. And yet the devastation refuses to unwind itself from his heart. Despite everything, he cares for Evfra more than he ever thought possible. He yearns to lose himself in his embrace…to see that softness in his gaze, if only one more time…
Shoving his head into the pillow, Emmett attempts to ignore Evfra’s lingering scent that clings to the sheets. It only serves to remind him that any chances of them sharing such a moment again are gone forever.
Sniffling, he clings to his blanket like a lifeline.
Was it something he said? Something he did? He’d thought Evfra had enjoyed himself as thoroughly as Emmett had, but maybe he’d misread him. Maybe he’d done something wrong or said something offensive that Evfra hadn’t been comfortable bringing up at the time.
Or maybe it was just him.
Perhaps Evfra had realized what a mistake being with him would truly be, and cut off all contact as a result. It wouldn’t surprise him in the slightest.
The tears begin to fall freely now and Emmett attempts to muffle the sound as best he can.
He’d known this would happen…He just wasn’t prepared for how painful it would be.
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It’s a few weeks later when he receives word from Harry. He’s given him the green light to re-enter the field.
He should be thrilled. This is the moment he’s been waiting for ever since he first signed up for this adventure back in the Milky Way. After everything he’s been through…their arrival in Heleus, waking up in a state of disarray, Meridian, and now Aya…he should be overjoyed that he won’t be tied down to a single spot anymore. He won’t be a burden to those around him.
But he’s not the same man as the one who went into cryo 600 years ago.
He’s excited, yes…of that, there is no doubt. But he’s also mildly disappointed…
While he had felt trapped on the Hyperion, on Aya, he felt…liberated. Free. Unrestrained by the burden of duty that seemed to follow his family wherever they went.
As much as he loves exploration and the unknown, there’s a certain security in having something familiar…somewhere to come home to. He hasn’t had that feeling for a long time…
After everything that happened with Alec’s downfall and then Ellen’s illness, nothing had ever been the same. That normal Citadel life he and his sister had grown so accustomed to was ripped out from under them and they were immediately thrust into the roles of outcasts.
Andromeda was supposed to be a new start for them – a chance for them to find a home, for real. But nothing ever goes to plan, does it?
From the moment they entered Heleus, his life had continued its spiral into disarray. Broken. Chaotic. Lost. He had started to lose all hope of a return to normalcy.
But then the Moshae had appeared, like the shining beacon that she was, and offered him an out; a thread that might pull him from the never-ending grief that was his life. He clung to that thread with everything he had, and through some sort of miracle, she managed to drag him out.
Aya had become a home for him in more ways than he ever thought possible.
His position with the Moshae had given him purpose again and he was given a chance to prove himself. He made friends, compatriots…relationships that he knows will last a lifetime if only because the angara value their bonds so deeply.
And he had also met Evfra…
Evfra, whose gaze could pin you with icicles, and a voice that cut just as deep. Evfra, whose rough exterior holds a gentler soul within. Evfra, who Emmett is positive he’s fallen in love with and the man who broke his heart.
He’s tried reaching out to him in the weeks past…God, has he tried…but it’s no use. He’s just far too stubborn and when he wants to push someone away, he usually succeeds.
And now he’s about to leave this planet, and Evfra, behind…possibly forever. He knows he can come back and visit, but for the most part, it will be on Bridget’s terms. This won’t be his home any longer. And his chances of mending things with Evfra are…unlikely at this point.
He sees the Tempest descend in to the upper atmosphere in the distance; barely a twinkling light on the horizon, but he follows its path nonetheless.
He’s already said his goodbyes…to Avela, the Resistance soldiers, and everyone else he’s met along the way. They all embraced him warmly, exclaiming how much they’d miss him and he returned the sentiments wholeheartedly.
The only people he’d yet to say goodbye to are the Moshae – who stands next to him now – and Evfra.
And he knows Evfra isn’t coming any time soon.
As he watches the Tempest pull into the docking bay, he stands stock-still, trying to focus on the adventure he’s about to have rather than the drowning sorrow that’s been weighing him down as of late.
The Moshae turns to him, her eyes ever calculating. “Something troubles you.”
It is not a question.
Sighing, he lets out a sarcastic chuckle. “I’m just…nervous,” he half lies. “It’s been months since I’ve seen my sister and I’m not sure if her crew is going to like me…”
She looks at him skeptically, clearly not believing his explanation, but doesn’t press the issue any further.
The Tempest gradually positions itself on the landing pad, touching down easily before its gangplank extends onto the pier.
The moment the walkway connects, a blur of purple is flashing across, sprinting straight for Emmett. He’s nearly bowled over as Bridget embraces him in a crushing hug, but he’d anticipated a greeting like this, so he has enough time to prepare himself for it.
“Emmett!” she exclaims, grinning wildly as she hugs him tighter. “It’s been so long! How have you been?!”
He can’t help but laugh at her eagerness to greet him. Though he hasn’t conversed with her at all the past few months, he can’t deny he missed her just as much as she missed him.
“I’m good…now that I’m officially joining the Pathfinder’s team…What has this been? A year in the making?”
She shoves him playfully. “Only ‘cause you felt the need to get your beauty sleep…You always did like to arrive fashionably late.”
He rolls his eyes, giving her a squeeze before letting go.
“Oh, man…” Bridget laughs, “we have so much to catch up on…You’ll have to tell me all about it, but first I have some errands to run!” She makes an apologetic gesture as she begins backing away in the direction of the marketplace. “It shouldn’t take more than an hour – I know you’re probably eager to get going – but go ahead and check out the ship! I know everyone is excited to formally meet you!”
Before he has a chance to object, she’s already running off, leaving him standing with a look of confusion as he stares off in the direction she left.
Chuckling awkwardly, he turns to the Moshae, who doesn’t seem as fazed by the situation as he’d assumed she’d be. She tilts her head in a questioning manner, but doesn’t say anything. He shuffles where he stands; trying to figure out what he ought to do. He wants to give her a hug and a proper goodbye, but isn’t sure whether she would appreciate the gesture.
She makes the decision for him though, when she approaches him and opens her arms in invitation. He stares at her for but a moment before embracing her, reveling in the solid cage her arms provide.
“I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, Emmett,” she says quietly. “And I’m going to miss you greatly.”
He swallows thickly, trying really hard not to cry. “I’m gonna miss you, too…”
“Do not fret,” she reassures him with a smile. “I am never too far away. You will always find a home here on Aya.”
Sniffling, Emmett lets out a watery chuckle. “Yeah, I know…” Pulling back slightly, he gives her a somber smile. “Thank you, Moshae…for everything. I mean it.”
“You are more than welcome,” she says, releasing him from her embrace. “I hope you enjoy your newfound adventures…And I am certain you will find your place on the Pathfinder’s crew in no time at all.”
Picking up his duffle bag and slinging the strap over his shoulder, he begins heading up the gangplank, waving enthusiastically as he departs. “Goodbye…And thank you again! I’ll write soon!”
She waves from her spot on the pier and he keeps his gaze on her until he’s forced to turn toward the ship. Stepping inside, he leans against the wall and lets out a heavy sigh.
He stands there for several long seconds, the distant hum of the Tempest echoing throughout its seemingly empty halls. For as lively as the ship has been described to be, it appears unbearably cold and barren at the moment.
His lip trembles despite himself and he has to suppress a sob.
Why is he getting homesick already? This is his new home…He’s going to love it here…It’s going to be great…
Just as he’s about to sink to the floor in sorrow, a head pops around the corner.
“Hey, if it isn’t Emmett!”
A bright grin accompanies the greeting and though he has to fight the sorrow warring on his face, Emmett can’t help but return the smile. He hadn’t had a chance to talk to Liam much during Pathfinder training, but his friendly face is still a sight for sore eyes.
“It’s about time we had another Ryder on this ship,” Liam says as he pulls Emmett in for a friendly hug. “How ya doin’ mate? Finally back on your feet, yeah?”
“More or less,” Emmett says with a chuckle.
“Man, I hear you…Meridian was crazy. But hey – you’re here now, and that’s what counts!” Looking over his shoulder, a mischievous smile stretches onto his face as he shouts down the hallway, “Hey, Jaal! Guess who’s here?”
“What are you shouting abou – ?” Jaal stops in the doorway mid-sentence, his jaw practically dropping as his eyes land on Emmett. Within moments, his face is awash in unabashed glee and he’s rushing to Emmett’s side. “Brother!” He crushes him into a hug, and Emmett can’t do more than make a pitiful “oof” sound in response.
“It is so good to see you!” Jaal exclaims. “How are you? How was Aya? Oh, you have so much to tell us about…so many people to meet. Bridget has been anticipating your return for so long now, and I echo her sentiments wholeheartedly…What would you like to eat? I am sure Drack will be willing to make accommodations for you tonight… Ah…I am crushing you. My apologies.”
He’s let go soon enough, and Emmett can’t help but feel entertained by Jaal’s antics. Despite the fact his affection can be literally suffocating at times, he know the angara means well. And to know that his sister found someone as sweet as him for a partner eases his mind at least a little.
“It’s good to see you, too,” Emmett laughs. “Has Bridget been keeping you all in check while I’ve been gone?”
Liam snickers in response. “That’s a good one…She sure tries her best, but leading this crew is about as effective as herding cats…”
Emmett’s about to open his mouth to reply when the subharmonics of a turian voice enters the room. “What’s all the racket in here?”
“Oh come on, Vetra, we weren’t that loud…” Liam retorts.
Vetra rolls her eyes. “Keep telling yourself that, Kosta.” Turning to Emmett, she gives him the turian version of a smile. “Emmett, right? Nice to meet you…”
Nodding, Emmett smiles back. “Yep. And right back at you.”
Her mandibles flare wider and she extends her hand for a handshake. “Vetra Nyx. Smuggler, sniper, and your sister’s favorite teammate.”
Emmett eagerly shakes her hand, amusement coursing through him as Jaal protests the notion.
“I think you mean her favorite non-Angaran teammate.”
Snorting, Vetra says sarcastically, “Whatever makes you feel better, Jaal.”
As the two bicker back and forth, a natural smile makes its way onto Emmett’s face. The Tempest crew – at least the members he’s met so far – seem to genuinely care for one another; their teasing is proof of that. For a moment, he’s able to forget about the overwhelming heartache that’s been clinging to him lately and just enjoy this interaction for what it is.
“– Anyway...” Vetra says, cutting off what Jaal had been saying. “Why don’t we give you some space? You’ll have plenty of time to meet everyone later and I know some people…” she looks pointedly at Liam and Jaal, “can have trouble respecting those boundaries…”
Liam looks like he’s about to object, while Jaal looks at his feet guiltily, but Emmett quickly answers, “Oh, no…you guys are fine. But…yeah, I’d love to see where I’m staying…”
“I thought you might,” Vetra says with a grin. “Right this way, your majesty…your palace awaits.”
Emmett chuckles at the humor in her voice and picks up his duffle bag as he follows her along. They arrive quickly at the crew quarters and he does a quick once-over of the space. It’s fairly small, but cozy at least…The only downside is the number of beds that line the walls – he knows he’s not going to have the same privacy he did on the Hyperion or Aya. And while he’s used to rooming with others, he won’t deny that having his own space was definitely a nice perk…
“I know it’s not much, but the beds are comfortable at least…” Vetra muses. “And don’t worry too much about privacy…Honestly, Suvi and Drack are about the only ones who sleep in here. Most everyone else has their own little space they’ve commandeered, so you don’t have to worry about anything besides Drack’s snoring.”
He laughs at that. “Thanks, Vetra…I’m…really glad we’re all finally together like this.”
And he means it. While he’s still unhappy to be leaving Aya so soon, it is true that he’s been aching to meet his sister’s crew for months now. And the anticipation is building in terms of where they’re going to travel to first.
“Me, too,” Vetra responds immediately, giving a small nod for emphasis. “As crazy as these people can be at times…they’re a good crew. And we’re all happy you’re here to be a part of it.”
Emmett gives her a small smile, his eyes bright with appreciation.
“Aaaanyway,” she continues, “I’m gonna leave you be for now…Feel free to holler if you need anything.”
She’s gone after that, leaving him alone to his thoughts.
As the silence fills the room, he releases a heavy sigh and sits down on a bunk. Putting his head in his hands, he tries to cling to positive thoughts.
This is going to be a good experience, damn it…After everything that’s brought him here, it has to be.
Next->
Send Them Off - An Evfryder Mix
A playlist dedicated to Emmett Ryder and Evfra de Tershaav. (x)
i. Send Them Off! - Bastille ii. Pressure - Youngblood Hawke iii. So High - Ghost Loft iv. Say Something - A Great Big World ft. Christina Aguilera v. Between - Courrier vi. Fire and the Flood - Vance Joy vii. Renegads - X Ambassadors viii. Mountain Sound - Of Monsters and men ix. Sitting, Waiting, Wishing - Jack Johnson x. Wake Me Up - Avicii