Evelyn started to brush her white hair while made her way to the bar. It had been a long first few days but the missions with Maxim had been successful. The job paid well and there was a mutual professional respect which Evelyn liked. Privacy. Her number one favorite. She just needed to be careful around here. Be weary of the Farrows.
Like she doesn’t karkin’ know that already. Right before she entered, she put her hair in lower ponytail and entered into the bar. The area was still new to her and she was learning to get around. Not too crowded, that was good. Evelyn looked around for a quick glance to see if she recognized anyone and there was a male that seemed familiar but it was only the back of his head.
Approached to the bar, “Evening. Glass of Emerald Wine please.”
The bartender rose his eyebrow and used his cybernetic eye to scan her quickly as Evelyn sighed. Right. She’s eighteen.
“I’m legal.”
“For one of your species, yes. Not the other.”
“I’m a quiet drinker. You can let me have one and get credits No trouble.” Bartender looked at her up and down. Shrugged, he poured her a drink and she paid him. Evelyn gave him a small nod in thanks as she took a sip.
It had been a long day, kriff they’d been out doing these stupid negotitians with these stupid drug lords- To Graham it seemed stupid why they were bothering with them anyway.
They didn’t want drug runners. But apparently neither did they want to kill them. Kriff. Cole was better at this shit.
At least the drinks were alright in the area. He’d taken one or two of his friends and they were drinking, though one had already gotten lost and was somewhat visible in a gaggle of girls. Somewhat.
Graham grinned, shaking his head and knocking back a shot. He looked around at the bar, already buzzed but noticing a familiar face. Or, well. Hair. White hair wasn’t all that common. Damn. It was the chick that got snubbed to try and rob them like, a year ago was it.
He ordered another drink before wandering up the bar, leaning on it perhaps a touch too close to her, “So you got away from dickhead then if you’re still alive.”
This might be a bad idea. Usually, she doesn’t even think about people or give them second ‘looks’. Today? Her body was saying other wise. Even Maxim looked attractive to her today.
Ew.
Evelyn tensed when someone had got close to her. At the same time of his voice and seeing who he was, she gasped at the wrong timing, caused her wine to go down the wrong throat as she started coughing, using the back of her arm as she grimaced at the burn.
“Water, please.” She asked the bartender who was already filling it up.
“I gave him a… solid warning,” Evelyn glanced over to Graham as she took few sips of water.
“I haven’t stepped on your territory.” There was a hint of worried behind her voice.
Graham’s grin had only grown at her reaction, sipping his own drink as he looked down on her before looking toward the bar. At the drinks all behind it.
“You don’t sound so sure about that Misty.” Her hair was white, like mist. Sure. It worked. Cole could roll his eyes another damned day. The nerd.
“Ya got something to confess?”
Was… he warming up to her? Her eyebrow rose at Graham at calling her Misty.
She wasn’t going to bother correcting him. The more he doesn’t know about her, the better.
“Nothing to confess. I don’t get down on my knees that easily. Just wanted to point that out before you or the blue-eyed Farrow guy kills me.” She glanced around for any hint of Cole in the bar.
“Blue-eyed huh?” Graham laughed a little, “Did I get a little nickname too or should I be jealous?”
He swirled the drink in his glass, mischief written across his face.
Evelyn scoffed when her emerald hues met with his hazel for a second. She tilted her head back with the glass up against her lips and chug it down.
Not proper for wine but kark, she felt like she needed it.
“Two shots of vodka.” The bartender sighed and gave her two glasses. Instead of sharing, she took both of them and they were gone.
“Give me six shots of vodka, straight.” The bartender stared at her.
“Do you just want me-”
“Yes, leave the bottle.” Graham was getting on her nerves and she needed it gone.
Why was he even getting on her nerves? She glanced over to Graham, “A shot?” She wiggled the bottle in her hand as she start to filled both of the glass up.
“And if it helps you have better muscles than he does. I don’t think Pec-Guy has a nice ring to it.”
“I’ll take it. The shot, as well.”
Once one was slid over he knocked it back, holding onto the glass and filling it anew. He’d already had quite a bit so he wasn’t quite that eager.
“So, what’s your name? You probably know mine, and my brother’s. Mr Blue Eyes. Or should I still introduce myself?”
He sipped his original drink again, it was a cocktail and wasn’t something to just shot back.
Evelyn filled his again when he knocked his back.
Kark. Might as well since she knows theirs.
“It’s Evelyn Wyvern.” She knocked hers back and started to feel the effects. Okay. Time to steady her course and slow down. When she filled hers up, she placed it down and left her shot alone for now.
“Came here alone?” She asked.
“Nah but they’re already distracted.” Graham snorted, sipping his drink again, “You? You look it.”
“Distracted? And yes. I make a point not to hang out with my workers. I like to keep personal and professional lives separate.” Evelyn explained.
“Lucky.” Graham commented.
It was quiet now. Hrm. She may not have wanted to talk to anybody. Well, kriff it, he was here now. She hadn’t told him to piss off and had offered him booze, she wasn’t that bothered clearly. Probably.
He had a feeling she’d let him know.
“Not many folk in this business have it as a seperate thing. Hard to.. keep track of too many threads an’ all that.”
Evelyn wondered how much should she tell him.
“I did have a chance to be more involved. Get better pay. More protection. But… something told me not to do it. So I just fly the group blind into the mission and stay until it’s time to go. They respected my decisions and I respected theirs. Worked well for me so far.” Evelyn shrugged.
“To threads huh?” She rose her shot glass.
“Well, currently. Guessing no one’s screwed you over sending you after more than you can chew again?” Amusement filled his gaze again, looking down at her.
Yeah she’s raising a toast, kark yeah.
“To threads!” He raised his shot glass, and in tune, they slammed it back. He placed the glass back down on the bar top, exhaling heavily. “And kark it all for being complicated.”
“I guess I have you both to thank for, being careful now!” Evelyn chuckled as they both shot back and slammed it down on the bar top.
“Whoo, kark.” Evelyn exhaled. She was feeling warm. Relaxed. This wasn’t so bad.
“Complicated?” Evelyn turned to look at him. Her elbows rested on the bar as she propped her head up to watch him. “So, penny for your thoughts then. If you can fly away from everything, would you?”
“Naah. Complicated but this kists family. Home. You don’t fly away from family. Not without a better reason than being bored.” Graham laughed, shaking his head and sipping his cocktail again.
“Sounds like its what you’ve done.”
Evelyn became quiet and glanced away.
“More like kicked out of the nest.” Then she shrugged as she slammed back another one.
“Which is fine. I fly great now because of them.”
“Well that sucks.” Graham commented, blunt as ever. “Glad you enjoy.. it at least? Or are proud. Hard to tell considering I don’t know ya.”
He tilted his head, drinking more and finally finishing the cocktail.
Evelyn busted out laughing. Kark. This was the alcohol talking and making her comfortable but no one was around to blackmail her this later.
“I don’t even know either, Farrow. Guess I’m still finding my wings.” She tilted her head and looked back at him. He was… handsome. Pretty hazel eyes. Dirty blonde hair. Physically attractive. If he looked over at her, she would smiled at him.
He did and he returned the smile. She was pretty. Like damn pretty.
Graham poured himself another shot of vodka, holding the glass. “You’re still alive so you’re flying in some way or another misty. I like a good flight but the ground is usually a bit better. For me at least. You ever try and roost or are you just flapping away?”
“I guess the ground can be nice but I prefer the skies. I get to see everything. The stars and the moons. When I’m flying over planets, I can see the beautiful landscapes. Maybe I can take you out for a spin sometime.”
Evelyn laughed and shook her head. “I am not ready for roosting. Not sure if I ever will.” She glanced over to Graham. “Are you only picking up flying puns because of me?”
“Would we be birds of a feather if I was?” Graham smiled perhaps a bit too widely.
“It’s certainly better ideas than Blue-Eyes and Pec-man. Maybe its a bit light on the oxygen up there.”
Evelyn laughed and it was a good laugh from the heart. Soon after she was in a fit of giggles a she was trying to stop. Kark. She rested her head on her arm as she leaned forward on the bar. She had .. never laughed this much around anyone. This was a whole new territory.
And she didn’t mind it. Once she had a good laugh she took in a deep breath and her shoulders felt lighter.
“Maybe. Wouldn’t you like to know?”
Graham had found himself chuckling along with her, pouring himself what was maybe the last shot of the night. Well. Maybe not for him.
He was an expensive person to get drunk.
“I think I would. Though maybe not for long y'know, I’d rather not lose my talents.”
“Ah yes. We don’t want that now do we? Especially for Mr. Farrow.” Evelyn grinned as she raised her glass.
“Your turn for a toast.”
He frowned playfully, considering it before coming up with, “To fine people enjoying fine drinks. That fancy enough?”
Graham laughed before downing the shot.
Toasts were easier when he could take the absolute piss out of his mates. Or Cole.
Evelyn chuckled before shaking her head as their shot glasses clinked.
“I wouldn’t say you’re fine though.” She downed the shot as she coughed a bit and reached over to her glass of water.
“More like handsome.”
Handsome?
“And here I am used to being called rogueish.” He spoke dramatically, pausing for a moment before shrugging. She wasn’t wrong. He cleaned up well enough he just couldn’t be arsed to do it every damn day. “What do they usually call you? Cause you’re hot but if you have any preferences I can an exception.”
Evelyn felt a blush crept to her cheeks when he complimented her. She did not expect that.
“She-akk. Uptight. Stick up in my ass.” Evelyn chuckled as she shook her head. “The kick out of nest was very recent. Did freelance stuff until now. Been told by few I need to get laid to loosen up.” She rolled her eyes.
“Well none of those mean you aren’t hot. Just means you’re harder to impress. They aren’t doing a good job either if they’re calling you names.” Graham rolled his eyes, “Amateurs.”
He looked toward her, noting the blush.
“Usually you gotta loosen up to get laid. It’s not happening right if you aren’t needing it before you get it.” Graham wouldn’t always talk so.. blatantly but the blush was cute. She was easier to fluster than expected and that made this a lot more fun.
“Or they’re not interested. I’m hoping for that, don’t need some awkward moments around my job.”
Evelyn started to sip her water and she froze for a moment, her face feeling even more hot.
“Do you always talk so blunt about that,” Evelyn inquired.
“Do you really want an answer to that? I have an answer but I doubt it really makes a difference, or does it?”
He considered, pouring a shot for himself as he did. Not wanting to overdo, Graham left the follow up question for in a moment.
“No. I’m more curious to what’s your plan tonight.” Evelyn looked over at her shoulder, it was becoming empty save for a few.
“Your distracted friends, where did they go?”
Graham looked over, spotting one still having.. Well he was going to kicked out with that group imminently.
The other made eye contact with him and in a moment of sharing a glance, and a purposeful glance to the third, there was understanding.
“One’s babysitting the other to make sure his new friends don’t mug him from the looks of it. Looks like I’m all free misty.” He propped an elbow on the bar, as much as he wanted to test the waters by reaching out and making her look at him, he didn’t want to scare her off either. He had to make sure she’d be into it before trying anything like that.
Evelyn eyebrow rose as the two just seem to look over at Graham. She glanced back over to him and rolled her eyes playfully while she leaned into his arm since they were already sitting pretty close.
“Want to take me home? Would love you to explain why you are calling me Misty.”
“It’s probably better as mystery.”
He lifted the arm so she ended up against his chest, resting his hand on her side and sliding it up.
“Bringing you home breaks the rules, Evelyn. You don’t want to forget that.” His voice had dropped, quieter with her being closer. A quiver of threat tainting the tone he’d had the rest of the time. Just a touch of a reminder of who he was. “But I can take you where I’m staying tonight.”
Evelyn wasn’t going to pout or ask him to tell her. She’ll figure it out. She always does.
His warm hand slid up to her side and the tone of his voice sent shivers down her spine. She was scared and oddly didn’t mind that feeling. Ah. Kriff. The drinks did buzz her mind a bit. She wasn’t going to be affectionate in a karkin bar.
“You’re right. I don’t. And that would work.”
“It’s not far.”
He let his hand linger for a moment before slipping away, taking the bottle with them. She’d paid for it already, may as well take it.
Graham paused, watching to make sure she wasn’t stumbling around at least before leading the way out of the bar.
”Kark.” Evelyn exhaled as she was washing her face.
How was she going to get him to talk to her privately? There was territorial issues. While she does have an apartment, the territory was off-limits.
He was always around his buddies or bodyguards. Sometimes she’s not sure which. Occasionally she still stopped by the bar and they just exchange glances and went about their day, which she didn’t mind.
Evelyn groaned. Typical. The one night she actually didn’t mind sleeping with someone would give her a karking surprise five months later.
Graham was the first born son of the Farrow boss. He should know which friend he can bring with him if he can’t be alone. She grabbed a phone, not hers, and sent an encrypted message.
It’s Evelyn Wyvern. We need to talk alone. Any ideas?
Evelyn exhaled as she set the phone down. She’s so bloody exhausted and has been lately.
Now she finally had the answers to why.
The response came several minutes later.
Sure. There's a park at [coordinates] on the usual planet. Not far from the bar. Should I be worried?
Evelyn laughed bitterly.
“Depends how you would take it.”
Unsure. I am. At 19:00?
Of course she was. She was carrying the child.
Kark. The one and now, only one night stand. She’ll make sure of it. If she had needs again, too kriffin bad. Evelyn sat at the edge of her bed and started to work on calming down. She just got home from the appointment.
See you there.
It was a few hours away but Graham headed back toward his room. It’d take a while to get there and if she was worried then he was curious. They’d never talked outside of being threatened or them sharing a bed. It was random.
Cole noticed of course. His younger brother followed him from the training room and across the compound. Graham let him, getting into their building and to the hallway between their rooms before finally turning around, hands on his hips.
“Yeah Cole?”
“Where are you going?” Cole watched him carefully. Kriff, the git always did. It was like he forgot he was Human sometimes and it was creepy. There was nothing there at a glance.
“I’m going out for the evening.”
“You usually mention plans.”
Graham rolled his eyes and continued toward his room. Cole didn’t follow but raised his voice, “If you’re in trouble I can come. We don’t go alone, remember?”
“Oh except when you do.” Graham grumbled.
There was a few minutes of quiet before Graham came back out and Cole was still there.
Graham scowled, “Look, it’s not a fight or anything. Father isn’t sending me on a solo mission, I just have something to sort out.”
Cole narrowed his eyes, about to protest probably something about it not being safe.
The door outside opened and Trevor Farrow looked at them with almost surprise for a moment and then annoyance.
“Why are you here?”
They both started at the same time: “Graham forgot his knife.” “I forgot my knife.”
They didn’t share a look but Trevor stared between the pair of them for a long moment before sighing deeply.
“Go on, I don’t want to know.”
He walked toward his office, shaking his head as the pair quickly shuffled back downstairs. Graham caught Cole’s arm, the youngest Farrow about to head back to the central building.
“I’ll be fine, I promise.”
Cole looked at him, suspicious as always but eventually looked down and nodded. Graham pulled him into a hug, ruffling his hair before going to claim a ship for the night.
Evelyn sat on the bench while she waited. It was hard to focus on the book. She was much calmer than she was hours ago. It also helped explain why she had been more emotional as of late.
Her eyes continued to check her surroundings and looked for any hints of Graham. She leaned against the bench’s arm. Her elbow propped up on it while the side of her head rested on her hand. With it being chilly out, she wore a leather jacket with a hoodie but her white hair was obvious and free from any binds.
Graham approached pretty obviously. There wasn’t any need to be subtle beyond the precautions he’d taken to arrive on planet safely.
He’d promised Cole he’d be safe. If he got hurt he’d never hear the kriffing end of it. Not that.. he didn’t do the same to Cole. Once the shock had worn off from Cole being held hostage for a month, it had become something of a wild card to pull in and win an arguement. For both of them.
He spotted Evelyn quickly enough, raising a hand to wave and in very much the wrong clothing. It was warm on their planet. He was cold now.
Graham sat on the bench beside her, leaning back and crossing his ankle over his knee.
“So…”
“I’m pregnant.” Her voice was cool and calm.
She went straight to the point and to rip off the band aid. No need to dance around. She shifted and handed him the book.
“Ultrasounds are on page one hundred forty three if you want to see her.”
“Oh.”
Graham took the book more on instinct than anything else.
“Kark, we did forget to… Well. Kriff.”
He frowned, opening it to the noted page and looking at the images. He couldn’t tell from the pictures really but there was a note from the doctor stating: Girl.
“Well then.”
“We did forgot. Heat of the moment.”
He was taking this better than she expected.
“I don’t want her. I’m not ready. I don’t even-“ she sighed as she looked around at the dead trees with leaves at the bottom.
“If you want her, I will relinquish.”
Graham was still processing.
He looked at the picture and then at Evelyn’s stomach.
He couldn’t have a kriffing kid. He was 19 dammit! Kriff, he hadn’t even- There was so-
“Not really.” He blurted out. He had the wherewithal to look somewhat guilty but continued a moment after, “I ain’t about kids. Would go terribly for both of us. No. Kriff, if anyone knew I had a kid, y'know how much danger she’d be in? What’s the other options?”
He stood up, suddenly not feeling so cold anymore. Or.. well he did but not in the same way. Graham crossed his arms, fingers tapping on his left elbow.
Evelyn was startled by his outburst. Maybe a private room would’ve been better but this would have to do.
“I’m not working the next four months. I told them that my cousin is pregnant. She and her husband needed my help. They agreed.”
She glanced over at him, “They are good people. Been trying to have kids for years. They were about to have an IVF. She would be safe with them. I can give you their information if you want to look into them. Unless you have any other ideas?” She reached over to grab the book and held it in her hands.
“You’re the careful type and if they’re family to you that.. works. I don’t have any ideas that wouldn’t just put someone or another at risk.”
It didn’t help his mind was racing. He swallowed, not turning to look at her just yet.
“Sounds like a good plan. They get a kid they won’t, we don’t have to raise something we aren’t ready for.”
Evelyn remained quiet for a bit. Kark. She was so nervous. But they were making choices. It was for the best. Evelyn knew she wasn’t ready and neither was Graham.
“Our jobs are dangerous. Yours far more than mine. I’m taking this secret with me to the grave to protect her. I feel like you would too. Here’s the question. I have no family except my cousin and now….” She sighed softly as she rubbed her belly before leaning against the metal arm of the bench again.
“My point is, if your father or brother found out for sure and approached me, how do you want me to handle it?”
“I don’t know.” Graham said honestly, turning toward her. He rubbed the back of his neck, frowning and resisting the urge to pace. How the kriff did everyone always stand so damn still-
“Be honest? If they’re alone. If they’re not ask to talk alone. Father would want me to take responsbility but I ain’t dad material frankly misty.” He let out a stressed huff, “Depends on what you want for the kid. If they’re happy and okay and settled I don’t think either of them would bother them. Cole wouldn’t. Don’t think he’s ever thought about raising anything except guns.”
He scoffed slightly, the jibe instictive but not full of humour as he’d usually tell it. He didn’t know. He didn’t like that.
“How about we just.. try to make sure they don’t find out? Cole knows I’m here but he won’t ask. As long as there’s never a problem, no one else will know. We’re just two people having a chat. For some reason.”
Evelyn rose an eyebrow at Graham’s comment about Cole. She looked away and was lost in thought. She was never sure if she wanted kids and now here she was, feeling protective but she knew she wasn’t mother material. If ever. She gets where Graham coming from about not being parent material. After a moment of silence, she turned to look at him.
“D…do you want to be there for her birth? A good bye of some sorts?”
“..is anyone you know gonna be there?”
She’d mentioned being kicked out. If she was going to be alone… Well. She shouldn’t be alone but if he didn’t have to be…
“….Define know. My cousin and her husband will be there, of course.”
Evelyn was filled with fear quickly at the thought of giving birth to her alone.
“Kark.” Evelyn hissed under her breath. She rubbed her face before running her fingers through her hair and held her hands at the back of her neck.
“I want a photo with her before she lives the life she deserves. I thought you might like that too. I understand if you want nothing else, I felt like you had the right to know.”
“I…” Graham thought about it, tapping his foot and sighing.
“I mean just… not being alone. I can be there though.. yeah. Kriff. I mean- It’d be wrong to just pretend like she never happened right?”
“In a way. I’ll message you everything when it gets close so you can be there.” She started to pick on the paint of the metal arm of the bench out of nervousness and sighed. She pulled her hand away and rested it on top of the other hand that was on the book.
“My cousin already knows. I warned her that you may want the kid so she’s waiting on my response. She did mention that if she gets to take in the child and raise her as their own, she would like to know if we have any requests on her name. I’m not a very sentimental person when it comes to names so I have nothing. You do not need to answer now, you can tell her when you two meet.”
“Right. I’ll.. think about it.”
He frowned still, “Are you.. okay?”
“…No.” Evelyn got up from the bench.
“Are you?” Evelyn asked with a small sad smile.
“No. Not really.” He admitted, “If you need anything, what you did to contact me earlier works for future stuff too. Just.. not too often if you can help it or it’ll draw…. Well. Attention. Attention that neither of us want.”
“I will, thank you Graham.” Evelyn knew she may not contact him again unless it was to inform about the birth and where.
It was safer that way.
“If there’s nothing else, good night, Farrow. I’m….sorry. I could’ve not said anything but it’s not me to do so. I felt you had the right to know.”
“No I’m.. glad. I’d hate to find out that I had a kid out there and jsut never knew about it. Even if I don’t want anything to do with it.”
He sighed, rubbing his face.
“I didn’t think it’d be this.”
“Neither did I.” Evelyn approached him and patted on his arm reassuringly.
He looked at her, sighing softly and wrapping his arms around her in a hug.
“Well. At least there’s a solution.”
Evelyn’s body tensed but she relaxed and returned the hug. Her face buried into his shoulder.
“Yes. There is.”
He’d recieved the message just hours ago, that it was time.
Graham hadn’t heard word in months. He hadn’t really expected too but as the margin of time passed it got more and more stressful waiting for the message to finally come. And then it did. Cole knew something was up but it wasn’t questioned. They understood each other enough that he accepted this was just something specific.
He arrived at the hospital as early as he could, as quietly. There were only so many precautions he could take while moving quickly but it was a.. decent balance he hoped.
Graham knocked on the door of the room, hoping it was the right one.
The door opened and a male Echani quickly ushered Graham in and closed the door behind him. He then pulled Graham into a hug and pulled away. It looked like he was the most proudest man you could ever see on the planet.
“Evelyn is doing great. The baby is getting here faster than we-“
“KARKING- SON OF-“ followed by a scream of pain as there was another Echani woman was consoling Evelyn with the doctor in front of her. Evelyn’s pained emerald hues snapped to Graham.
All the emotions. All at once. She gasped.
“I can see the head! Two more pushes!”
Graham stiffened for a moment, but smiled at least at seeing the man so happy.
Evelyn’s scream made him jolt, looking over to her and pulling away to stand at the side of the bed where he couldn’t see what was about to happen.
Nope. No thank you.
“I’m just glad I’m here before, y'know.”
He offered her his hand.
Evelyn took his hand and squeezed the hells out of it as she moved forward.
“Deep breath, Evelyn and go!” The female Echani said as Evelyn pushed again.
A baby scream cut into the room as Evelyn fell back and sobbed, overwhelmed with emotions.
“There she is,” the doctor said as he handed her to the nurse to clean her off while he uses the Force to heal Evelyn.
The parents was going to take no risk on this birth so they were able to afford this high quality private hospital.
The nurse finished cleaning her up and passed her to Evelyn first who gently held her.
“She’s so beautiful…” Evelyn can feel her heart splitting. But she doesn’t show it. Cleared her throat softly, she handed the baby to Graham, fearing the longer she held her, the harder it would be.
Graham didn’t react to his hand being squeezed hard enough he could feel his bones cinching.
He squeezed back, gentle but firm.
It felt surreal to watch everything. The cleaning, the look on the married couple’s faces, Evelyn’s visible exhaustion. He didn’t know quite what to do, sitting on a chair and then… She was handing him the baby.
She was fussing, unhappy but starting to settle. A small crop of blonde hair was a mess atop her head.
“She is…” He mumbled.
She was so small. Evelyn was leaning as much as she could and he squatted somewhat, taking in the moment for what it was.
A camera clicked and Graham looked up, surprised but met the gaze of the girl’s real father who was now lowering the camera.
The man gave Graham a knowing nod as her cousin started crying. She was so happy.
Evelyn’s gaze remained on the baby.
“Did you -hic- oh I’m terribly sorry I’m just -hic- a downright mess and -hic- she’s so be-be-beautiful-“ the woman cried as Evelyn started to withdraw. She had said her good bye.
“Now, Eliza.” The man consoled his wife. Then he glanced over to Graham. “Was there a name you would like us to call her? Please, it’s not a bother, it’s her gift from you two. You had given us everything, our world, our-“ he started to tear him himself.
Graham looked down at the baby for a moment more. He felt guilt but confident this was the right decision for everyone involved.
He crossed over to the wife, carefully holding the little girl out.
“Myla. Not… specific to anything but.. Well it kinda is but- yeah.” He exhaled, stepping back once Myla was in her parents arms. “Yeah. Myla.”
It felt wrong to describe the fact he’d spent hours trying to pick one that sounded somewhat close to Misty, as well as Maree, while still being it’s own name. A piece of him for choosing it, a piece of his family but still something to do with Evelyn. She wouldn’t know them but… There was something to a name sometimes. He didn’t know if he’d have kids ever but if he didn’t at least a piece of his mother would live on too.
He looked over to Evelyn before looking away again. It was hard to know what to do.
Eliza took the girl into her arms and sobbed as she kissed her forehead tenderly. “Oh Myla! That’s so beautiful! Yes, you are Myla.” The man hugged both of them and gently carded Myla’s blonde hair as he kissed Eliza on the forehead and held for a bit before rested his forehead.
“Go.”
Eliza and the man looked at Evelyn, startled by her word. She wasn’t looking at them. Instead, she was looking towards the window. They both nodded and walked away with the bundle of joy in their arms.
The moment the door closed, Evelyn’s eyelids closed and tears started to steam down as she tried to wipe them away.
“Hormones.” She exhaled sharply and looked over to Graham, “You don’t have to stay.”
He let out a shuddering breath when the door closed, walking back to sit in the chair beside the bed.
“I know.”
But as he’d said months ago, he wasn’t just going to leave her alone. This was their kark up. Not just hers.
“I.. didn’t think I’d connect at all.” He admitted softly, hoping he wasn’t alone in it.
Evelyn let out a soft sob when he mentioned it. Her hands went to her face. She furiously wiped the tears away.
“Neither did I, but it’s for the best. For he- For Myla.” She then grabbed a pillow and leaned forward as she held it tightly.
“It hurts, Graham.”
The pain was worse than childbirth.
Graham watched for a moment before shifting to sit on the side of the bed, facing toward her with his knee up on it.
He leaned and hugged her.
There weren’t words.
—————
Got you a knife. The surprise will be in the sheath. Farewell, Graham.
They had seen each other in passing. Just few understanding glances. Luckily, his men knew that Graham slept with Evelyn and that’s all they think it was. Sometimes there wasn’t a look.
The box arrived at the Farrow compound and it was as exactly as it was, a knife.
In the sheath was a carefully curved placed photo of Graham, Evelyn, and Myla.
Graham had only discovered the photo hours later. It had been busy, he’d only gotten home long later. He’d left in his room.
He finally sat down, opening the sheath and….
It fluttered out.
Graham swallowed hard, hiding a sudden lump in his throat as he stood. No one could see this one. But he had a place for secret things. It was a cupboard panel in the kitchenette of his room. To the side of the sink covering an open space in the corner. The panel popped off easily enough and the photo was placed in a small wicker box beside two other photos. Ones he hid for Cole’s sake.
It wasn’t easy to pretend he was okay at dinner but Cole covered for him. It was harder for the youngest Farrow but it was enough that Corvo joined the attempt and kept the conversation flowing despite Graham’s dulled mood.
The knife became a constant for him to wear, to wield. It tasted blood more often than most knives would in a life time. Even for one as relatively short as his was.
—————
Evelyn sighed in annoyance as she wiped the grime from her fingers onto her jumpsuit she usually wears when she was doing some maintenance work on her ship.
She could wash it off later. The hybrid entered the bar that she visits sometimes and tapped, “The usual, please.”
Cole was at a table again, spotting the Echani-hybrid walk in but it wasn’t the first time they’d met here.
Well, it was only the second. It wasn’t odd for Arconans to be in the citadel after all.
He had a drink already, the war had just finished and he’d decided to get transport other than the Voidbreaker to Port Ol'Val. Cole had needed just a few hours really, but it had become a few days. He was leaving today. It’d be bad for his position on the Voidbreaker crew if he didn’t.
A scarred hand held the half emptied glass, still as ever.
Evelyn thanked the bartender as she grabbed her glass and looked around. Her heart stopped for a moment at seeing Cole. Maybe this conversation could be more…flexible.
She wanted to know how Graham died. And how long ago.
She approached him, “Mr. Farrow, may I sit here?” She gestured to the empty seat.
Oh.
Cole blinked once, considering before he nodded. He was already sat up, properly. This was fine.
“You may.”
“Thank you. I’m glad to see you made it through war.” It was Evelyn attempt to make small conversation. She pulled the chair back as she placed the glass on the table and sat down.
“Likewise. The skies weren’t an easy place to be.” Cole commented. He let the quiet sit, doubting somehow that she really wanted to talk to him about the war. Not that Cole didn’t still doubt her proclaimed care in regards to him. This was business or another check in on his integrity.
Or something.
Evelyn shook her head. “It was difficult.” She leaned forward and took a sip before set the glass down.
“How did your brother die?”
Cole was quiet for a long few moments, his jaw clenching almost impercetibly. It felt like he’d just been punched. Why the kriff did she care-
“He attacked what he perceieved was a threat and she won the fight. He bled out before we could get anyone to him.”
Zuza had stabbed him in the torso with a vibrosword, catching his heart and lungs. It hadn’t been quick enough.
He didn’t want to repeat those details though. Not the name either. He’d announced it once already and that had been enough.
“Who?” Evelyn stared at him, hardcore.
Cole returned the stare passively. He didn’t speak.
Evelyn leaned back in her seat, her gaze lingered before she turned to look at her surroundings real quick.
This was mean and rude of her. He was his brother. This hurts him too.
“Fine.” She glanced back to him, “how long ago?”
“Five years.”
He voice was still calm. Perhaps too calm really. Cole watched her, she wasn’t a threat but she wasn’t something to just openly share with.
Evelyn remained quiet. It was obvious she was a bit stressed. The way her hand gently rapt the table.
“Cole, I need to know who killed Graham.”
“It was self defence.” Cole answered, “What difference does it make who?”
He noted the reaction. Odd. Why did she care? She must, to be reacting at all to this. To be asking for details for a man that as far as he knew they’d.. had sex once a long time after she tried to steal a supply drop. Two meetings.
Was she that sensitive over a one night stand? It didn’t fit with the rest of how she acted.
“It does to me.” Evelyn doesn’t say anything else. Self defense.
Graham, what did you do?
Evelyn sighed softly. She may have to turn her old ways to find the answer. So she let it drop.
“Is he buried?”
He inhaled slowly, considering her question from before with that context. Something must have occured that he wasn’t aware of.
“It’s a small galaxy, Miss Wyvern. Zuza Lottson. It’s on our records anyway.”
It was a small record, just noting that the claims had been made but he hadn’t wanted to press charges. To go through court… no. But it was a recorded statement Ruka had taken.
“And yes. He is. I wouldn’t recommend trying for a while, the area currently is in the Children of Mortis’ control.”
Evelyn grimaced for a split second before it was gone. Lottson. Untouchable. What happened?
Before she could pry that further, panic swelled in her, “What?” then she calmed down. If Cole didn’t ask about the picture which means Graham didn’t die with it possibly, Graham would be the one to keep it safe and hidden in his room.
She was the only one left to protect Myla. But should she? Myla was very happy and doesn’t know of their existence. Evelyn knew Trevor and the others were dead. No one to go after their daughter.
But that was a risk that she was not going to take.
“Why? What benefits does Children of Mortis gain from taking over the territory?”
“Now? Minimal. Before they wanted the Force Users we’d brought into our fold. It was convienent to keep what’s a defensible position I’d imagine. It’s a lot of upkeep though. I’m looking into it once I have permission to do so properly. I can make sure you’re made aware once the area is safe if you.. really want to. I’m not sure I understand why though. It was a one night stand.”
Cole would try direct call out. Maybe it’d work, maybe it wouldn’t. He was too tired to press too hard on this today.
Evelyn’s gaze hardened and became cold.
That second night together was them as grieving parents in the hospital. No words were spoken between them. Just comfort and a mutual understanding of what they did.
She so badly wanted to retort back. Instead, she slams back the wine, a thing she hasn’t done in years and got up.
“Yes, sir. I would like to know when it’s clear. Good night, Mr. Farrow.”
That pissed her off. Good. Coming up to him to ask about his brother just-
Cole felt himself glare before he could stop it, resting his glass on his knee in the first proper movement since she sat down.
“I hope your grief isn’t too taxing on you Miss Wyvern.”
Evelyn’s eyes narrowed. They glared at each other for much longer. She could point out that she swore that she would take it to grave, but this was Cole. Cole Farrow.
He wouldn’t let it go if she said it. She broke the glare first, Evelyn gave the bartender a wave of thanks as she headed out.
Cole held the glare, waiting until she was out of the room before knocking back the drink. He forced himself to calm, at least in visibility.
After a few minutes he got up, leaving the glass on the bar and finally departing Estle.
He was too kriffing tired for this kist.