Evelyn watched him as he looked at the ultrasound photos. Her heart was beating fast. Kark. She didn’t like this. She was getting nervous.
“I am keeping her. I mean, I want to keep her but-“ she looked away and watched someone using a leaf blower in the far off distance.
“I have no where to go.” Evelyn didn’t want to let their kid grow up in a ship life. She would make it work, somehow. How was she going to get credits? Kark. Maybe she should sell her ship and try to find a place to stay at. She grimaced at the thought of leaving their daughter at a daycare while she works.
In the hands of strangers.
The thought sickened her.
“I mean, kriff, I have my home but its messy.” Graham ran his hands through his hair, “Do you know how much danger she’d be in with us? Both of you. That.. don’t you have anywhere to go?”
He handed the booklet back to her, moving to stand once she had.
“I’m not ready for this, are.. are you sure you want to keep her?”
“There is danger no matter where we go. Family is important. She will learn to take care of herself with yours.“ Evelyn watched him carefully and she curved her lips downwards into a frown.
“You already know the people who I thought was family kicked me out as soon as I was sixteen. I stumbled to learn what it is really like.” Graham would remember meeting her at one of those stumbles.
“I want her prepared and to be with her family…. Yes. I am not going to be like my parents. She is staying with me. I rather it to be us. We do not have to be together but, to be parents for her.”
Graham interlinked his hands on the back of his neck, frowning into the distance.
“Its.. safer times now. I guess. I just.. we- I don’t know what I’m doing. My father would have to approve it. He would but hed also want her trained like we were.”
Graham grimaced slightly. He was thankful for it but he was never sure about having kids before that.. Wasn’t necessary anymore. Cole’s blank stare was something he made light of but it creeped him out too.
“You’re trusting me a lot for a man thats threatened to kill you twice.”
“I do not know either,” Evelyn pointed out. She was just as scared and young herself.
“I understand. That she would need to be trained like Cole and you.” Cole creeped her out but Graham turned out well. Even though he has scared her.
“My- our daughter has us. We will help her grow up well.”
Evelyn became quiet when he brought up trust.
“Right now, I do not trust you. But she is ours. It is something I wish for us to build for her. I understand if you want nothing to do with us. But out of every possible outcome down to selling my ship and constantly working, your family would be safer and what I believe would be good for her. You can always disagree.”
Graham lowered his hands, beginning to pace. With no where to go she.. wasn’t wrong. Kriff.
That meant- he was going to be a dad. A father. He felt a tad faint but remained stood yet trying to mull over what needed to happen. How the hell was he supposed to tell his father this?
At least he’d be taking responsibility. Urgh.
“I don’t.” Was what he finally said. “It doesn’t mean its a good option either though. I’ll.. need to talk to my father. You’ll have to become one of us in some respect or another, we don’t do loose ends. Especially not one that aren’t even supposed to be in the territory.”
Evelyn stayed quiet. She started to absentmindedly pick at the paint of the bench’s arm. When she realised she was doing that, she stopped and moved her hands over to the book and grasped it. She watched Graham paced. It…was so scary think about it. Her being a mother. This young. And their future rested on his hands in a way.
She felt guilty for imposing this on him. Their eyes met when he started talking and she nodded, showing she understood.
“I would not have problems being initiated into your family and the business.” She looked serious and firm. She had the personality, just no one to guide her along.
Then she chuckled, it was sad as she glanced down.
“It would be nice to have a home,” whispered Evelyn.
“Are.. do you have anywhere to stay now?” Graham asked, concern colouring his voice.
He didn’t want to care but this was all so sudden. What choice did they have?
“The apartment is durable for now, yes.” Evelyn gave him a reassuring smile.
“If you change your mind or your father says no, we will be okay. I will find a way. For her.” Evelyn jumped slightly and chuckled. She moved her hand under her hoodie and rubbed her belly.
“Do… do you want to feel her move? She is being very active right now.” Evelyn had a feeling he wouldn’t. Not now at least.
“I- no. Not.” Graham inhaled, as he’d been taught. Take a moment, think and then speak.
“I’m not ready yet. Let’s get everything sorted and then we’ll… worry about things like that. I need to get it sorted. My responsibility, now.”
Hed have to step up. He wasn’t sure he could. It was terrifying but the least he could do was provide them both a home, even if it was dangerous.
Evelyn nodded, her expression not changing. She understood. Kark. How can something so small change everything…
Now wasn’t the time to think about it.
“Well. I should head back to the apartment. You already have my number.” Evelyn didn’t have anymore to say, except. “Kark. I am scared… not of your home. Or the dangers it pose. But… raising.” Her brows furrowed and she frowned. Was she getting emotional?
Kriffin hormones.
“Well I’m not exactly jumping for joy here either. My father knows what to do in basic, we’ll just.. have to work it out. You won’t be alone, at least.”
He was doing that much at least.
Graham sat down on the bench beside her, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.
Evelyn looked over to him as he sat down before she looked away.
“I am sorry to put this upon you. I just do not want to be like my parents. After finding out I was pregnant… I thought it was going to be easy. Do what they did to me but earlier, when she doesn’t remember. But it is not.” Evelyn exhaled softly. If they were going to raise a kid, might as well give small info about each other.
“Do you want to come with me to my apartment? It might help clear your head to be away for a bit or are you content here?”
Graham shook his head.
“I’ll head back now, if you need to go. You know where we are, we can either come pick you up from your apartment or you fly in, whatever works. If he says yes. He.. probably will, kriff, but we need to check.”
“I will fly in. My ship would be useful for the family and the mission, I imagine.” Evelyn got up from the bench and paused for a moment.
“Do… you want a hug?” Evelyn felt awkward saying it but for some reason, it was a nice thought if Graham was up for it.
“Shouldn’t that be me asking you?” Graham chuckled, before shaking his head, “If you need one sure but… I’ll be fine. Never gonna hear the end of this.”
He ran a hand through his hair.
Evelyn paused for a moment and considered it. Yea. She gently placed her hand on Graham’s arm and give him a little tug. “Yea. I want a hug.”
She wasn’t used to things like that, kriff. But she was scared and a bit of embrace might help her feel better.
Graham shifted up, at his full height standing over her but leaning down a little to hug her properly.
It was awkward. Uncomfortable even. But this was their mess and it was up to them to do right by it.
“You got her pregnant?”
Trevor Farrow was sat at his desk, leant forward in his chair with his elbows on the desk in front of him. Despite his unreadable expression and passive tone, Graham had to struggle to not flinch. Cole was in the corner behind him and Graham could practically feel the mirth emitting from his brother.
“Yes.”
Trevor sighed, “And?”
“…and?”
“Well you’re telling me for a reason I presume.”
“She has no where to go that’s safe and she wants to keep her. And.. It’s the least I can do to make sure her and the baby are taken care of.”
“Are you going to parent with her?”
“I don’t know-”
“So are you taking responsbility or not Graham?” The pause was thick on the air before Trevor continued, steely blue eyes set upon his eldest. “You want to bring Miss Wyvern into our home to raise the child you and her created. I’m not allowing this to watch the girl grow up fatherless anyway.”
Graham’s jaw dropped for a moment before he closed it, pale in the face and tapping his foot.
Trevor snapped, “Stand still.”
The tapping stopped. Graham slipped his hands into his pocket, feeling the glare it drew from his father but no longer meeting the judgemental gaze. It took him a long few moments to respond, mulling it over and eventually, finally, nodding.
“I will try.”
“Good. She’s free to come whenever. Go.”
Graham nodded, muttering a thank you before turning to leave with Cole attempting to be hot on his tail but-
“Cole.”
Cole looked back, hand on the door. “Yes father?”
“Don’t forget your own mistakes before you mock his.”
There was a pause, before the youngest Farrow nodded and far less hastily closed the door behind himself.
“You’re clear to land. You should have coordinates on where.”
“Thank you. Over and out.” She flipped the switch and exhaled slowly. She had been insanely nauseous the last few days but she was not sure if it was because of the pregnancy or the entire situation. Evelyn followed the coordinates preciously and landed her ship. She rose from her seat and had to grasp the edge when she almost stumbled back. Her brows furrowed. She hated this. Everything about being pregnant was so kriffin illogical. She cried that her toothbrush was blue this morning for kark’s sake. Evelyn double checked her ship and made sure everything was good and off. She wanted to make a good first impression.
If that is possible.
With steady breaths, she grabbed her backpack and a gym bag. That was all she had. She slipped out of her ship and her emerald hues glanced around. First thing she saw was Graham. The base was nicely covered. Evelyn walked over to him. She assumed she was going to meet their father before anything else happens.
“Hey.” Graham greeted, offering her a small nod before turning, toward the exit down into the building below.
“We’ll need to meet with my father. He’s waiting for us, just him. He probably won’t ask you much.”
Evelyn followed, “I figured. It would not make sense if he agreed and not meet me.” Evelyn had a few questions herself especially Trevor’s planned involvement with her daug- their daught- his grandaughter’s life.
Kriff. It felt weird thinking that. She wasn’t going to ask them. The questions she had would be answered by living here over time.
“No. And if there’s anything my father doesn’t do, its the illogical.” Graham noted.
It was a short trip through the compound, the building they’d landed on was reasonably short in comparison to the ones around it but Trevor had chosen a lower floor office for the meet place. Or at least, it had been the most convienent. Graham knocked, waiting for permission to enter before opening the door for Evelyn to go through first.
The room was plain, disused seemingly but it had a table and some chairs and a window that overlooked the rest of the compound. Siholeutted by the window, Trevor was already looking toward the door, quiet as he watched them enter.
Maybe we would get along.
Evelyn was glad to make sure she was dressed well but comfortable. And she was cleaned up. Her hair was over to the side and free flowing. She was too tired from the nerves to braid it. Her posture remained straight as she stepped in and sees Trevor.
It took everything she had not to flinch. Now she sees where Cole gets those kriffin eyes from.
Kark.
Trevor was clearly worn with age yet he held himself straight, the salt and pepper colouration of his hair and beard taking nothing away from the way he stared the pair down. There was no limp nor weakness to his movements as he crossed the room, standing beside the table just off of the centre.
There was no waver to his voice, the gravelly tone directed first to his son, “Graham.”
“Father. This is Evelyn Wyvern. Evelyn, this is my Father, Trevor Farrow.”
Trevor nodded, a short curt motion before letting his gaze land on the half-Echani’s. He glanced over her, pausing for a moment over the bulge of her stomach before returning to her face, “How much do you understand about what we do here, Miss Wyvern?”
Evelyn paused at the awkwardness of his gaze over her stomach. She never got over that. Even when she was going to the store or just walking, people would comment. A few had even tried to rub her belly only to be met with a knife at their throat.
“At first, there wasn’t much information. Just rumors about drugs. Being here at the base to see the security and the lookouts, I would have to say it’s more than just rumors. The ships you have do not come by cheap. Illegal trafficking of goods, I would assume. Territorial control would be my other guess, it makes logical sense, business-wise, to have good control and people to work under you, sir.”
“You didn’t tell me she was smart.” Trevor commented, looking slightly toward Graham. If she’d have heard all of that, it’d be one thing. But building off of the rumours as she had was more interesting.
“At least you won’t be dead weight while you’re here. Not that you’re expected to do anything until the child is born. In fact quite the opposite. There will be expectations if you wish to stay beyond her birth, but for now to stay here is to stay safe. You won’t be included in anything beyond what walking around the grounds can gain you but you’ll be fed, sheltered and able to socialis freely within the public areas until the time comes. Any questions on that?”
“I understand, Mr. Farrow.”
So Graham had already told him it was a girl. Made things a bit easier. Evelyn kept her emotions hidden but she was slightly crestfallen at knowing that she wasn’t going to fly for a while. Safe. It made sense. She was young but she needed to make smart decisions. For the baby at least.
“Just one, sir. Would I be permitted to work on ships, if allowed?” She already assumed he would say no, considering he doesn’t know her and she hasn’t proven her worth. She was just someone who happens to be carrying his son’s child but she figured it couldn’t hurt to ask.
“Do you have experience working on ships Miss Wyvern? If you feel the need to make yourself useful, as long as it is useful you may talk to the pilots and see if they want help but most of our ships are owned by the ones who use them. We aren’t an army.”
He paused for a moment before continuing, “Though, i’m sure you understand that anything you do learn here remains here. I do not trust you simply because my son got you pregnant. You will be held under skeptism and as safe as you are here that is under your own responsbility to share our rules. If you choose to join us properly, we can go through a more thorough briefing but that will be for a later date. You’ll be housed downstairs in our home building, a room is ready for you already near the kitchen.”
“I do, sir and I understand.” Evelyn had nothing else to say. Except, “… Thank you, Mr. Farrow.”
They were providing them a safe place. Somewhere the baby can grow up. Instead of struggling and worried about the baby- she knew she was going to worry about her still but she was going to do her best to get to know many while she stayed here to build up on that trust.
Evelyn owed them everything for what they did for her daughter.
Dinner had come and gone. Graham had brought Evelyn food, leaving quietly afterwards to eat dinner with the rest of the family. Just while she settled in at least, it seemed kinder to let her have her own space. They’d work it out later. Well. As later as it could be. They were going to be parents…
Cole had been quiet during dinner, though that was far from unusual. As funny as it was… this was someone who had a reason to dislike them. It seemed strange for her to pop up pregnant out of nowhere. Was the babe even Graham’s kid? None of it sat well with him but his father had said it was okay so it’d have to be okay. Until it wasn’t.
He hadn’t done the dishes straight away, instead returning a few hours later and getting to work. It was his night and it wouldn’t do to just leave it a mess for everyone when they made breakfast the next day.
Evelyn sat at the edge of the bed with the tray on the desk. She didn’t eat much but she still had some. She knows it was important for her to eat but the nerves was getting to her. Kark. She always handle krist like this so much better. She was able to stay calm and cool in many situations. And here she was about to freak the kar-
“Hormones.” Evelyn reminded herself as she took in a deep breath to gather her thoughts. Be logical. New place, it’s natural to be nervous at a location that you are not used to. Or know anyone really. It took her a few hours but eventually she was able to clear the plate. Being close to the kitchen, she noticed it had been quiet for a while now and she assumed everyone was done. Opened the door, she glanced down the hallways and it was empty. The hybrid grabbed the tray and made her way into the kitchen, her white hair flowing behind her.
Suddenly, she was craving chocolate ice cream. With salsa. And tortilla chips on top.
What the kark? Evelyn had heard stories like this but she didn’t think it would happen to her. It made no logical sense. For kark’s sake. When she entered into the kitchen, she froze at the doorway, seeing Cole doing the dishes. Part of her considered turning around and coming back later but-
This is Graham’s brother. My baby’s uncle.
“Hi.” Her voice was soft and more of a way to let him know she was here. To avoid any startlement and surprises. She made her way over to Cole.
“May I help you?” Evelyn asked. She needed to start somewhere.
Cole still startled ever so slightly, the near adult looking up sharply toward her but nodding to the greeting. He returned his attention to the dishes, shaking his head.
“I’ve got it.”
His voice was passive, not much different than when she’d met him years prior. Nor was his expression. He’d been allowing himself to relax but at hearing her the mask had quickly been drawn back up. Cole didn’t trust her.
Evelyn frowned at the shift of something. Was it him being startled? Her presence? Did he want to be alone? Kriff, why did she care?
Family. Right. This was going to be difficult and she knew it.
“Okay.” If he didn’t want her help, she wasn’t going to push it. She set down her tray carefully at the right place and glanced to the fridge. Should she… no. She didn’t know the rules yet. She wasn’t going to dive in and see if they had what she was randomly craving for. It might be disrespectful. Instead, her attention went back to Cole as she took a few steps back to give him space.
“Is there something wrong?”
“No.” He lied without hesistation. Though it was barely a lie, Cole reasoned with himself. It wasn’t like she’d be difficult to kill if she did cause any problems, on hostile territory as she was. He continued cleaning, aware of her in the corner of his eye but not looking directly.
She wasn’t leaving. Evelyn hadn’t come in just to drop off dishes or she’d leave now she knew he had it. Hm. Two options, she wanted to talk to him specifically. Unlikely. More likely was she wanted something from the kitchen.
“Did you want something?”
Evelyn watched him carefully. Did his pitch change slightly? It was almost unnoticeable. No. It had to be her imagination. Was it? The way he’s watching her, the angle position. Evelyn glanced down at the floor. She could just let it go. Tell him that she wanted some stupid karkin’ pregnancy cravings food.
But she couldn’t.
They needed to start somewhere and this could be the start. Rough as it was going to be.
“You are lying.” She looked back up to him then shook her head. “If you do not wish to say, I will not push it but do not lie to me. I will not ever lie to any of you.” Evelyn glanced back to the fridge for a moment, “I did come in here for some… stupid illogical pregnancy cravings but I realized I do not know the rules about food.” She waited to see if Cole wanted to say anything else. If he stayed quiet, she would leave and go back to her room.
“If you live in this building you have free access within polite reason. Don’t eat out the entire fridge.” Cole responded, plainly as if she’d spoken to call out his lie. He hated that she’d noticed. As if she wouldn’t lie to them. She was a stranger, an outsider.
He wasn’t stupid just because he was seventeen.
“Okay. Thank you. Good night, Mr. Farrow.” Evelyn didn’t make any move to the fridge, she didn’t want to be in here any longer and cause more discomfort between the both of them. Evelyn left the kitchen as she made her way to her room but stopped at the door. She was to stay at the grounds, so a walk crossed her mind but it was late. No. It wasn’t a good idea to go for a walk. She headed into her room and closed the door behind her and rested her head against the door.
Kark. Her nerves were bad today.
Kriff. Whatever. If she gets judged for it, that’s fine. She wanted the food and by the power of all ships combined, she was going to have it.
Already at the kitchen, Evelyn opened the freezer and was relieved to see the chocolate ice cream. Do they have salsa and tortilla chips? She started looking around in the pantry. Made sure to close the cabinets quietly and silently.
It was two in the karkin morning after all.
“Yes,” whispered Evelyn as she found a jar of salsa and a bag of tortilla chips. Carefully, the hybrid carried all three to a table and set them down. She made her way back in for bowl and spoon. After all, she wasn’t going to double dip. That’s just rude.
She made her bowl. And started to eat it. Oh. This was delicious.
Graham had woken up, he wasn’t sure why but he was up. And too hot. And bothered and- urgh! He sat up, pushing the blanket away. There wasn’t a glass in up here. He’d have to go downstairs for water. Graham grimaced but after a minute of debating made his way downstairs, less careful of noise than he should have been really. Cole barely slept as it was he was fairly sure, so the bang of the door into the upstairs hall closing did source some guilt from him. Some.
It clicked locked once more and.. yes. He did have his keycard. Good. Okay. Easier than the code any day.
The Human made his way to the kitchen, not expecting the light to be on and approaching more slowly, not hiding his footsteps but giving time for whoever it was to notice an approach before he walked in. His hazel eyes cast over the room, quickly spotting Evelyn at the short table in there. It was a rarely used table since he and Cole started taking on missions. If the dining was empty, there wasn’t usually anyone else to feed in here anyway.
But now there was Evelyn.
“Hey.”
He crossed the room, heading for where the glasses were stored.
Evelyn paused when she heard footsteps and rose her eyebrow. Who else could be up this late? She watched the doorway and saw Graham.
Without thinking, she smiled the moment she saw him.
“Hi. Want some ice cream?” Evelyn inquired, wondering if they could finally have some alone time just to at least talk a little bit. Or hang out. She had no idea on what he had been thinking lately about the whole situation.
Maybe he wanted them to be gone.
“Oh uh.. sure.” Graham was put off a little, confused but well. It made sense in a way that she’d want to hang out. They were going to parent a kid together. Weird timing but he was busy most day times…
He took a moment to get the glass of water he’d been after before settling down at the table with another bowl and spoon. He chuckled slightly, having to slouch slightly to rest his elbows on the metal top. Kriff, the last time he’d sat here he’d been shorter.
“You’re up late.”
Evelyn reached over and slid the chocolate ice cream carton over to Graham so he can scoop the ice cream into the bowl.
“Yes. It is rather hard to sleep when-” She stopped herself and glanced over to Graham. “Are you okay with me talking about the baby and pregnancy? Because that is what that answer is going to be.”
“Well kist, there’s gonna be a baby screaming down here soon so… May as well get over it now.” Graham’s smile didn’t do much to conceal his nerves but he scooped the ice cream, sliding the tub into the middle space between them.
Evelyn stopped eating. Her appetite was gone.
“I hope I will not be that bad of a mother.“ Kark. The fear was coming back again. What if she fails? What if she just up and leaves her? What if she couldn’t console her own child and everyone tries to take her away? No. She needed to be logical. The love she had for her daughter was already astronomical and she’s not here yet. She would do all she can. She placed the spoon in the bowl and gently pushed it out of the way.
“When I try to sleep she becomes really active. She does not know the meaning of sleeping.” Evelyn smiled weakly over to Graham.
“….We will be good parents.” She waited for Graham before she continued with her reasoning.
Graham shrugged.
“We’re barely adults, we’ll do our best and we have help. My father, Corvo, Cole. And that’s just the close people y'know?” It sounded as much as that he was trying to convince himself as he was her. He wasn’t ready. Graham spooned a bit of ice cream, eating it to give something else to focus on. To stop himself fidgeting in other ways and betray his lack of belief further. They’d try but that didn’t mean all that.
Evelyn stayed quiet. She changed her mind. She just needed time with Graham. To gather evidence and examples of what she sees in him. Especially what she saw between the brothers. Sure, they gave each other shit, Graham more than Cole, but the love was there. The intensity of their protection. And she saw it through their sparring. She had learned a lot about the members just by watching them.
That love. That protection was something she never had- No. Something she was developing for the baby.
“It is just different for me. To me, us doing our best and everything we can possibly do, gives me hope. Considering of my upbringing.” Evelyn sighed as she closed the lid on the salsa jar and twisted it shut.
“I just hope I do not let any of you down.”
“…just don’t kill her?” Graham was confused at the notion of someone who.. wasn’t even responsible here being able to let them down. There weren’t any expectations in the first place for her other than basic decency.
“The fact you care this much says a lot.”
Evelyn visbly recoiled at hearing Graham’s words.
Kark. Now her paranoia was getting back up. What if something goes wrong? There was also SISD. Flus. Germs. Viruses. Other kids. Wait. What other kids?
Evelyn buried her face into her hands as she took a few deep breaths.
Then Graham’s next words registered as she bitterly laughed.
“I never thought I would care so much.” She exhaled and ran her fingers through her hair and brush the strands away from her face.
She glanced over to Graham. There was more she wanted to know. And best way? Watching him spar especially against her.
“Will you train with me?”
“Like right now?” Graham frowned, a little put off by the request coming so randomly.
“Is that even.. safe?”
“We can later if you are not up for it. And I was thinking we could use the wooden weapons. Contact on weapon only or limbs.” Evelyn pointed out. His concern was… sweet. Made her feel a little bit better.
“If I start to feel weird or off, we will stop. I do not mess around with stuff like that.” Might as well tell him her intentions.
“I just want to get to know you a bit better.”
“Tomorrow then. Already trained quite a bit today and it’s good to have a full night of sleep between training.”
Overdoing it just led to being down and out for the count.
“Tomorrow,” she confirmed as she got up from the table and took the salasa and the chips to put them back. She arrived back to get the bowl she used for the ice cream earlier.
“If you want to, my door is always open.” Evelyn brought up. Maybe there was some things he wanted to discuss that shouldn’t be out in the public. Especially with cameras around. Only time can tell. And it would be good to let him know he can, especially once the baby was born. She made her way to the kitchen and started to wash her bowl and spoon.
Graham ate more of his own, as she spoke and put things away.
He tapped his foot on the ground, pausing for a moment as the implication of that hit him and turning to look at her back. Was.. No. She was 5 months pregnant, no way. That was just a normal offer.
“Sure…It’d.. be good for us to know each other better. Hard to know how to do something together if all we know is that we.. can do missions and kist. No really useful information.”
Evelyn put away the bowl and spoon. She walked back to the table and gave him a small smile. She was glad he agreed.
“I was thinking the same. It would be nice to have some kind of… connection. For her at least.” Evelyn was certain she wasn’t his type. Which was a shame.
“I am going to try to sleep again.” Evelyn felt awkward. Was…he planning to take up that offer tonight? Maybe she should’ve been more specifi-
Her face felt warm and her tanned cheeks darkened. Kark. She now realized what the open door may have sounded like.
Quickly, she turned and hoped he didn’t notice, “Good night, Graham.”
Graham took the sudden good night as the closing statement it was, remaining sat for now and smiling.
“See you in the morning.”
————
Kark. Evelyn grimaced with worry. This was not good. She glanced down to look at the little girl. Evelyn was uncomfortable on the toddler bed but whatever helped her daughter get her nap.
Myla had been a bit difficult today. It’s so strange. Were children always so sensitive to emotions? Evelyn gently brushed her blonde hair behind Myla’s ear and Myla didn’t wake up. Good. Evelyn’s head rose when she heard the bedroom door open. Silently, she kissed Myla on the head and slipped out. She slowly closed the door with a small click and turned to see Graham.
Evelyn was worried about Cole. Things were slightly better but she figured Cole just closely resembled his father. Though she got to experience a rare moment or two. Cole wasn’t that bad.
“She is asleep. Are you okay? Any news about Cole?”
“They know where he’s being kept and they’re sending a group.” Graham crossed the room, careful to not make too much noise but opening his closet for his armour. His weapons.
“Did she settle?” He asked, despite his harried motions to get ready to go.
“She did. They did not joke about terrible twos. I am guessing you are going with the group.” And she was staying if she did not get the message. Evelyn started to help him with the armour and the weapons. Especially with her help, he was less likely running around looking for something.
Then she paused. Graham would be exactly the kind to go behind his father’s back for Cole, Myla, herself, and hell, even his own father.
“Did Trevor sanction this group?”
“He sanctioned a group.” Graham answered, an edge to his voice. He accepted her help almost naturally at this point. They’d done this before, it was no different. It wasn’t usual, what they’d built at this point but it worked. There was a love there, even if it was confused.
“Well, in that case, be careful. Both of you come back. Do you need me? I can get ….” She stopped for a moment to remember what day it was. Each day was a different babysitter of the week.
“Valryin to babysit Myla.” Evelyn made sure his armor was secured and his weapons at the ready, even the knife she gifted him a few days after Myla was born.
“No. My.. group isn’t sanctioned. I’m not sure if the entrance we’re using is safe but it gives a second angle that father is reluctant to take advantage of. He says its risky but I call leaving a way in unused stupid when Cole could be dying.” Graham snapped by the end, exhaling sharply and forcing himself to quiet at least.
“She needs one of us.”
Evelyn nodded. He’s not wrong. Myla would need one of them if things go south. Evelyn could argue till she was blue in the face but Graham still would do it.
Kark. She hopes Cole was okay. But they wouldn’t kill him if they needed him.
She gently pulled Graham and wrapped him into a tight hug before slightly pulling away and kissed him on the lips.
“Both of you come back, alright?” She’ll have to avoid Trevor the best she can until the boys come back home.
“I’ll fight until I do. It won’t be a long fight.”
It was a non-answer but it was honest. He didn’t let her pull far away, pressing his lips back against hers. It was short, rough and of little sweetness but it was present. True.
He placed a hand on her cheek after, a moment shared before Graham put space between them once more, shouldering a vibroblade and slipping blas-steel knuckles over his fingers.
The risk was a well taken one. There resistance at the front, more so with the evident full frontal attack. There were guards but not enough to deal with a small team that snuck between gaps. As reinforcements were called, eyes were lost and Graham’s team slipped into the base with little resistance. There was more inside.
Not enough.
They descended and upon finding the cells where they kept prisoners there was only a few filled with people. Those were left, it wasn’t Farrow business and Graham wasn’t bothered about more loose ends. Just one.
Cole.
The nineteen year old was manacled by the wrists to a pole and his back was ruined. A bloodied mass of flesh. He was so out of it he didn’t even notice them until Graham cut free the chains. He had flinched away then, barely able but his eyes full of pain. Fear. Graham grabbed Cole’s arms, stopping him from falling and hushing him, trying to cut an end to the panic. It took longer than it should have but there was a worrisome sheen to Cole’s eyes. It was awful. Graham felt sick but they kept moving.
“Send a message to my father once we’re out, he needs to know he can draw back.”
That message had brought an end to the fight and saved many of their men’s lives. It had allowed them to use more… effective force.
It had also gotten Graham the glare of a kriffing lifetime from Trevor. He hadn’t cared and continued carrying the now unconcious Cole from the ship. He’d tried to stay awake as long as he could but the blood loss and sickness and pain had eventually taken him. Graham still felt sick, leading the way off of the shuttle, his steps hurried.
Evelyn kept close watch and waited. The moment she knew they were on the way, she messages the babysitter and she arrived in several minutes.
“She is playing in her room right now. Let her have snacks later if she wants them,” Evelyn quickly informed her as she made her way out. Myla was used to sudden changes over time so she knew her mom and dad would always come back.
Evelyn stepped out of the building and paled for a moment at seeing them. Kark. What did they do to Cole? She realized she was by Trevor and moved out of the way for them to go to the infirmary. His back was so messed up, Evelyn can’t even tell what caused it. She remained stoic but she was worried. Cole looked like death washed over him and she can’t tell if he’s unconscious or worse.
Graham didn’t pause in his step, barely achknowledging Evelyn’s presence bar a glance in her direction. A nod.
Permission to follow but there was no time for anything else.
Cole was stabilised before too long. It was tentative but as long as no other complications occured he’d recover fine. Physically.
Graham sat at his bedside still. Trevor hadn’t come yet though word had been sent to him. He looked sideways, toward Evelyn and finally settled enough to really.. notice her. His foot tapped against the ground, no words coming forth but checking her over. She looked okay, from what he could tell. That was something.
Stabilized. She slowly exhaled at the news. Kriff. Graham was fidgeting, that was normal. She would be more worried if he wasn’t. Their eyes met and Evelyn shifted to stand closer by him.
“Anything I can do?” Evelyn asked. Right now, Cole needed rest to heal. But…Kark. What they did to him- it- no. Focus on the boys. Evelyn was there in case Graham needed to hug or vent. Especially since he was the one that found Cole.
Graham shook his head.
“He’ll get better when he does. They had him chained up, not the first time but kriff they’ve never…” He sighed, a low pained exhale. It took a moment of concentration but he even managed to himself from tapping. “Well they have. To both of us. This is the worst I’ve ever seen him. I’ve seen him scared before but- this was different. Kriff.” He raised a hand to his face.
He wanted contact, in a way. But it felt weak to ask. They had to be stong. It was their duty as Farrows.
Evelyn moved her body where her back blocked the door so if anyone entered, it would look like Evelyn and Graham was just talking. She gently ran her fingers through his hair.
“He is safe. He is home. One step at a time. After seeing…just the aftermath, Kark. We do not know yet what they did to him besides-“ she couldn’t finish it. She cleared her throat softly and stroke his hair one more time before pulled away to be safe.
“You are here for him, Graham, that is important.” Though, if Cole was severely affected mentally by this, would anything really be done? The Farrows had amazing strengths in many ways but there were glaring weaknesses to mental health.
Graham closed his eyes for a moment at the touch. Maybe it was okay if it wasn’t asked for. He didn’t know.
“I think it was just whipping. You can see on his arms, less so than his back but there’s faint welts still. If they did other kist, then they’d have done it there too probably. That’s how we handle torture at least.” The comment was made lightly, knowingly. “We’ll find out properly when he wakes up. It’ll be sooner than the doctors think probably. He’s a schutta like that.”
Evelyn opened her mouth to bring up that she meant mentally but quickly closed it.
“He is, you both are,” Evelyn pointed out with a small smile. She wanted to stay but she didn’t want to cause discomfort to Cole if he knew if she was in the room. Things were better between the two of them but it still wasn’t- she was certain that Cole would had no qualms if she died. Which was okay, he cares deeply for Myla and that was good enough for Evelyn.
“I should go. Babysitter shift change and I should check on Myla.”
Graham rolled his eyes initially but as she shifted to a more serious topic he settled once more.
“Right. Was she okay this morning? I’ll come by later, so she can see I’m okay herself but-”
“You can go.”
Trevor stepped into the room. The Farrow patriarch looked over the pair before his eyes settled on Cole. He looked tired. Not that Trevor often looked energetic, but the grizzled appearance seemed to seep deeper than the surface for once. Graham moved aside, opening the path to the chair beside Cole’s bed and the brothers’ father settled into it, looking sideways toward his eldest.
“I won’t reprimand you today Graham. Your plan worked and you shouldn’t be punished for a successful execution but disobey me like that again and consequences will follow. I will listen more carefully next time, so will you.”
Graham swallowed hard. It was a praise but just as much of a threat. He felt sick and elated and kriff it was a mess all put together. He just nodded, murmuring his agreement and glancing to Evelyn before turning to leave.
Evelyn straightened up and took a few steps out of the way for Trevor. She watched him and can’t imagine what he was feeling. If this happened to Myla…Kriff. She wanted nothing else right now but to hug her little girl.
Evelyn paled at the praise and threat combo and said nothing else. She was glad Graham wasn’t getting punished for bringing Cole home despite that he did disobey Trevor. Disobeying him was… severe. Evelyn stepped out and walked to their room. Evelyn wasn’t going to talk about it in public.
“Dada!” Myla ran up to him to be picked up while holding a small stuffed purrgil.
“Thank you Valryin, you can go home now.” The babysitter/bodyguard smiled and nodded as she left.
Graham smiled faintly, still in his armour but scooping Myla up into his arms, careful to make sure she was on the arm that was least likely to have blood on it still.
“Heya love.” He kissed the top of her head, moving back deeper into their room.
Evelyn locked the door behind Valryin and followed to help Graham out of his armor and putting the weapons away.
—————
After a bathtime and two meltdowns, Myla was finally sleeping on her bed. Evelyn slipped out and closed the door behind her. She was glad she managed to comvience them to build a connected room so this could be easier. There was some things she didn’t want Myla to see or hear yet.
Or really, see. Ever.
Evelyn sighed as she started to change into pajamas.
“I am really kriffin’ glad he is okay. And that Trevor decided to not reprimand you.” Evelyn grimaced. She doesn’t even know what he does on disobedience and she’s not sure if she wants to.
She glanced over to Graham to make sure he’s okay.
Graham had had some injuries, though they’d already been treated he was taking the time while Myla was put down to replace the bandages now the bleeding had mostly come to a stop.
He was quiet, focussed on it but looking up as Evelyn and nodding.
“Yeah. It wouldn’t be the first time but… Yeah.” Graham sighed, “More responsbility. It’s good, Cole will be happy even as he calls me an idiot for going against father like that. Just… uncomfortable that he let it go without really saying anything.”
Evelyn finished putting her pajamas on and sat down at the edge of the bed.
“I could be wrong but-” She glanced over to the closed door where Myla’s room was. “If the shoe was on the other foot- to see our kid … that severely injured and the other one coming out okay, despite going against me. Would be terrified, scared, and angry all the same. Mostly relieved that your idea worked. That both of you made home. I could be wrong if that is what your father is feeling.” She started to unbraid her hair.
It was her nervous thing that only Graham had seen. She doesn’t do this outside of the room. Halfway done, she nodded at his injuries, “Do you want some help with the cleaning?” She wasn’t sure if he was done already or not.
Graham followed her gaze and sighed.
“I don’t think you are wrong. It’s just a shame that anger is usually his go to. Not that he’s ever- His punishements are usually just extra responsbilities. The crappy shifts on patrol. You just feel the anger.” He chuckled slightly.
“I’m about done, just letting it breathe for a minute before wrapping it again.” He paused, before slowly adding on, “If.. you could help with that? Hard to tie it off one handed.”
It felt weird asking for help. They were co-parents but they were certainly more than just that too. It was complicated. Her concern for Cole though was… touching. Cole had never given her a reason to show this concern except being kind to Myla but she still cared. Small things like this were a reminder that they shared more than just a child.
Evelyn remembered the shifts on patrol. It was one of her first several months of mission when starting off after Myla was born. They didn’t want her to do anything more in depth until she started to gain enough trust and proved herself constantly to no longer do those. Still not quite in the Farrow’s circle but she earned her spot.
Unless she angers Trevor. Which she had avoided to do so far.
Evelyn nodded, “Of course I will.” She got up and went to the bathroom and started to rummage to find the bandages so Graham wouldn’t have to find them. Once she does, she placed them on the bed for it to be ready when he was. She gently touched Graham’s hand and grasped it.
“I will set my alarm around one am and go sit with Cole. You should get some sleep after we clean up the wounds.” She wasn’t sure if Trevor would still be there but just in case he wanted to get some rest, Evelyn at least can make sure Cole wasn’t alone.
Graham nodded. Usually he’d protest her getting up so late but.. he was tired. It was smart to let this pass.
He gave her hand a squeeze.
“Thank you.”
He moved over another another quiet fre moments to sit on the bed with her, holding his arm so the laceration that slung up his arm over his elbow, could be covered once more. If it wasn’t for the Bacta they’d had on hand it would have needed stitches.
Evelyn nodded when Graham thanked her. She would’ve done the same for any of them. It was a good idea to take rounds so they all wouldn’t be deprived of sleep. She figured since she didn’t have work today, she can stand to lose a small bit of sleep. She was used to it, especially until Myla finally started to sleep through the night. Evelyn took care as she checked and made sure the wound had good coverage of Bacta. She started to wrap it up with gauze and tie it. They were used to doing that to each other when coming back from missions injured. Him more than Evelyn, without a doubt.
“There we go.” Evelyn gave him a peck on the cheek before she grabbed her datapad and set the alarm before she forgets. She gathered up the remaining bandages and placed them back under the sink. She started to turn off the lights and grabbed the monitor. After an embarrassing moment of Myla getting up in middle of night, Evelyn had an idea for it to do soft chimes if Myla gets up from her bed, giving Graham and Evelyn time to react.
Her datapad slightly buzzed instead of a loud alarm. She always had been a light sleeper. Evelyn reached over and turned it off quickly. She rubbed her eyes and silently slipped out of the bed. She put on her knife holster and sheathed her knife. She pulled a hoodie over her pajamas shirt and the holster. Sweatpants followed by going over her pajamas shorts, before slipped on socks and shoes. After all, you never know what’s going to happen. She glanced over to Graham and gently kissed him on the forehead. She made her way to Myla’s room to check on her and gently kissed on Myla’s forehead too. She silently left the room and made her way over to the infirmary where Cole was.
Evelyn opened the door and saw Trevor was still there. She wasn’t surprised. If this was Myla… Evelyn wouldn’t leave.
“I am sorry- I-”
Wanted to make sure he was not alone.
“I wanted to check in on him. I can stay with him and message you when he awakes, if you wish?” Evelyn offered.
There was soft chimes to alert that Myla was out of her bed. It stopped after several seconds. She made her way over to the big bed and climbed onto it. Myla slipped under the covers and snuggled up close to Graham.
<@432543120635461643>
Graham grumbled in his sleep, raising his head at the chime and raising an arm so she could snuggle in with him.
Once she’d stopped wriggling and using his stomach as a foot warmer, the pair soon fell back to sleep.
Trevor shook his head, he wouldn’t be leaving tonight. He looked toward her for a moment, glancing over her figure before returning to Cole once.
“He’s the same and the longer he remains the stable to more unlikely complications become. Your concern is welcome Miss Wyvern but you may return to your rest.”
Cole was less still than he was when awake. His fingers twitched, gripping the sheets below him and bunching them together while his expression shifted every so often. It was more movement than he ever allowed himself normally. His back had been bandaged, the fabric tinged with the green stain of bacta, though he was laid on his stomach still. It wasn’t nearly healed enough for pressure to be placed on the wounds.
Evelyn watched Trevor before she gazed over to Cole. The small twitches. The way his hands were on the sheets. His expression. Kark. And the amount of bacta alone. Kist.
Something happened to him mentally too. The way Graham talked when he got Cole as well his body language right now… Evelyn frowned as she quickly changed her expression back to stoic as Trevor started to talk. She froze for a moment. Should she stay? They may say nothing for hours, which wasn’t a problem for her. She had gotten used to the feeling of him over her shoulder constantly especially when it comes with Myla and how they are handling and training her. She’s karking two.
Honestly, Cole wasn’t alone. He had his father. Cole still distrusts her so she wasn’t going to be an extra stress on him by staying in the room if there are others.
“I will, thank you. Good night, Mr. Farrow.”
Trevor hummed, a non-commital response to her.
He’d stay the night at least. Once he knew his son would be okay, then he could rest and sort out the mess that was all of this.
It was another quiet night. Trevor and Corvo was busy and Graham was asleep with Myla. Little bugger always sneaked into the bed when one of them was gone.
It was one of Evelyn’s many favorite things about Myla.
The hybrid sat on the chair close to Cole’s bed while reading a book. She wore more formal attire and her blaster was holstered against her thigh with her knife easy to grab at her chest holster. She just got back from a small drop-off job and wanted to stay up a bit later while being here with Cole. It was also a way for her to wind down.
Cole had woken up a few times in the past few days. It hadn’t been for long on any occasion nor had he been fully with it for conversation but he was active again at least. He was able to lay on his side now with the help of the bacta and some thicker bandaging which was ultimately better. It was harder to smother one self in his sleep. It was comfortable.
It didn’t stop the nightmares though. The pain and exhaustion from what he went through had stemmed them, leaving them as little more than a disturbance to rest but they were returning quickly enough.
Cole started to curl in his sleep, his breathing increasing in pace, coming in sharp gasps on occasion and gripping onto the sheets tighter. His knuckles steadily turned white, digging in. He couldn’t wake up.
Evelyn’s head snapped to Cole. Oh. Kriff. Graham get those too and he…gets rough. Kark.
She closed the book and got up. Her hand went to Cole’s leg as she’s by his feet. Ready to move if she needed to. She gently shook his leg, “Cole, it is okay. You are at the infirmary. You are home.” Sometimes waking up would be a bad idea so she was hoping her saying something would help.
It took longer than it would for Graham and came with a more violent reaction. Graham would wince, withdraw. Stuck in a flashback for a moment before twisting out and grasping for comfort.
Cole kicked, trying to shift up onto his elbow and managing it even as he hissed in pain, his eyes wild with fear. Without recognition. Not that he was making it far, just further up the bed, looking for some kind of weapon or something, anything-
Evelyn moved back, Kark, this was worse. His eyes- kist. What the Kark did he went through? If he gets ahold of something, things would go bad fast and he could hurt himself more. She doesn’t want him to slow down the healing. Or get hurt. Evelyn moved to grab his wrists to still him and made sure her head was out of headbutting range.
“Cole!” Her voice was firm. “You are home. You are at the karking infirmary.”
Cole squirmed, trying to free his wrists but he couldn’t. He couldn’t move, it wasn’t safe it wasn’t- He tried to kick again but-
Karking infirmary
With the ability to move removed, he looked around more properly, taking in more details and the familiarity began to sink in. He knew this place. He knew that voice. But then-
His hands started shaking in Evelyn’s.
What had happened? He.. he vaguely remembered leaving. His father’s voice since. Something. But it was all mashed together. What had been real? His back hurt. That much was certain then, what had happened but everything else was jumbled. A kriffing mess. And it was Evelyn of all people to witness it. His gaze dropped again, still trying to shuffle backwards and away but no longer kicking out.
Evelyn started to see the recognition in his eyes and remove her hands from his wrist.
“Easy, Cole. You got injured pretty bad. Take a few deep breaths without straining your back.” She turned her attention to the table where there was a closed pitcher with water. She poured a glass and turned back to Cole.
“It is good to stay hydrated when healing,” Evelyn handed him the glass of water.
Cole took it. His mind was screaming. It was hard to focus.
She knows.
Yet she was still offering him water. There was a knife on her hip but it wasn’t drawn. It could be used against him later but she wasn’t doing anything now. Not yet… What if-
He sipped the water, though it did little to stop his mind from whirring. Eventually he had to ask-
“Why are you here?”
She shouldn’t have seen that. Graham and his dad already knew, why would they let her see this?
Evelyn looked a bit hurt as she frowned. Really? Two years. It’s been two years and Cole still doesn’t trust her. Everything she had done must not be enough for Cole.
Just like his father.
“I will never know or understand why you dislike me but Myla loves you and you love her. I happen to care about you as well.” She sighed as she sat down at the chair.
“And I thought you should not be alone. Not after what you went through. I can go get Graham now.” Evelyn offered.
He winced. He just- No. He was an adult. She was right. Yet… It was uncomfortable. Kriff. Why was he like this? What was broken?
Cole lowered the glass into his lap, still trying to get his breathing under control. Still avoiding looking at her in favour for the glass. The water was shaking which made sense rested against him as it was but it was more than it should have been. Hopefully his breathing covered it up.
“If he’s sleeping its fine.” Cole responded more quietly. Why did she care? He hadn’t earned it. “Thank you.”
She’d helped him. She deserved that much at least. They’d been on even territory but now she had a leg up. It shouldn’t matter but what would happen when it did? Cole glanced to the bedside table, noting the distinct lack of anything to defend himself with. Why was he looking? She hadn’t…
You should have run
Cole did his best to just stay quiet, to not prompt anything else. He should have told her to go. To get away. But she’s right.
Evelyn watched him carefully. He was so much worse than usual ever since he was taken. His eyes- that intensity- she now knows what Graham meant.
“He is.” Evelyn confirmed. And she gave him a small nod when he thanked her. She assumed it was for the water.
Which was shaking. Kark. Evelyn desperately wanted to say something but- no. It wasn’t safe to say it. Not when this is the men’s life and all they knew.
All Myla will know. No. Not now. Graham and her can hopefully tweak and change some rules and expectations on what to teach Myla at which age. But right now, she was safe at two years old.
His eyes went to the table as she looked too. There…was nothing there. Did he want something?
Then she remembered, “Will you let me check your back? I will just look and not touch you. If there’s blood, the nurse needs to be called to get it changed.”
“Ah.. right.” Cole swallowed, hesistant to move. A list of what ifs and panic and threats rushed through his mind but she was right.
It still took him a solid few seconds to turn his back toward her, shoulders stiff. He was vulnerable. She’d already overpowered him once but she had no reason to but-
Cole took the moment of his face being concealed to close his eyes. To try and combat the tears trying to form. He was so kriffing scared but she couldn’t know. But she did know.
There were no visible blood stains in his bandages.
“It looks good. Still green from the bacta. The fact there was no blood after waking up and moving around is a good sign.” Evelyn confirmed as she doesn’t move from her spot.
She paused for a moment before, “Are…are you okay?” Evelyn hesitated. Kark. She wanted to help him. Maybe she should go get Graham after all. She understand Cole wanting his brother more than her and she rather Graham help him than Trevor.
Cole shifted back, slowly. He was cautious of his wounds but more cautious of her. Of what he’d see when he turned around and it was just.. her. As she was only moments prior.
“They just whipped me. It’s… bad but they could have done worse.”
It didn’t occur to him that she was asking about his emotional wellbeing. It struck him then he hadn’t debriefed his father. He’d.. need to tell him what all had happened though well- Maybe not every detail. No one needed to know everything.
Evelyn glared at him because of his words. Right. This was Cole.
“Yes. Anyone could done worse. Us, even. But it was still bad, Cole. It still happened to you and that does not make it o-“ she stopped herself. She was getting emotional. Something she never did in front of Cole since she was pregnant with stupid hormones. She exhaled slowly before her stoic expression was there again.
“I am sorry. It is almost time for Graham to be up, so I will go fetch him now. Anything I can do at the moment?” Evelyn figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask.
Cole had looked toward her. She.. was upset. About him being hurt. Visibly. He frowned slighlty, unsure but it was there. In front of his face.
“No. I’m.. fine. As fine as I can be.” He’d be out of commission for longer than he’d like he’d have to recover fully from this before starting anything again. Yet what she’d started saying bothered him, following it up in a bare mutter, “I don’t think it’s okay. Just that I know what I’m doing. We were trained to expect this. To know how to handle it.”
It was different than expereincing it but he hadn’t broken. He’d done well. Cole had that, at least, if not his pride.
Evelyn’s heart dropped but she kept a straight face. If this was Myla saying all this…
Is this her future?
“Yea. I am glad to see you doing better, Cole.” She turned and grabbed her book from the chair and made her way to the door.
He didn’t stop her. Evelyn’s answer was strange and.. well. Just strange.
But he’d let it go for once. She deserved more trust than he’d been giving her.
—————
Evelyn woke up and frowned. What…. She looked over to her clock and rose an eyebrow. Slightly concerned, she got her datapad and pulled up the camera in Myla’s room. She was sleeping.
Oh. The three of them have slept in. Luckily, Graham didn’t have something till this afternoon and Evelyn had something in the evening so sleeping in was fine.
With a happy smile, she rolled over in Graham’s arm and pecked him on the lips. She started to stroke his hair and slightly play with it to start waking him up. When he does-
“Guess what? Myla finally slept in.” And here she was, waking up Graham.
Graham grumbled softly, as he often did when waking up but smiled at the feel of her lips on his. He’d followed after them but then she spoke.
Hazel eyes opened in surprise, glancing toward the door to Myla’s room and letting out a soft chuckle.
“Finally.” He repeated, looking back to Evelyn. Graham leaned his forehead against hers, an arm wrapping around her. “It’s a shame we didn’t then.”
They were close. Comfortable. They had been for a while but with a moment to think….
It was easy to get lost in the silver these days.
“Oh.” Evelyn gave him a small guilty smile, “Sorry. I got excited. Quick. Let us go back to sleep and take advantage of this moment.” Evelyn knew she wouldn’t be able to go back to sleep but if he wanted to while she’s in his arms, that was fine and perfect. Just to be here and lost in the moment.
Graham just chuckled more, pulling her against him.
“Might be easier to do that if we’re not asleep.” He murmured. “Though… Well. Usually we have to get up don’t we?”
They didn’t really get time together. It was nice when they did but… hm.
Evelyn wiggled closer while being pulled to him. Her body was up against his. She slid her leg up and over to rest on his waist, just to be closer as possible.
Lately, Myla and Graham has been pulling the more childish side of Evelyn behind closed doors. She gently traced his features on his face. Something she hasn’t done since the first night Graham was in her room. It was a lovely night, just cuddling and getting used to each other.
Course, it lead to other things.
“Yes but not right now.” Her eyebrow rose at Graham. Something was on his mind. He had his thinking face on.
“What are you thinking?”
That was a good question.
“Us. Whatever this is that we’re doing.” Graham murmured, “We never talked about it.”
Evelyn’s brows furrowed in confusion. Oh.
She looked slightly taken back. It never occurred to her. Kark. Since Myla had been born they had hit the ground running and never slowed down until now. And it won’t be for long either.
“…what is it that you want us to be?” Evelyn asked carefully.
“I think we’re already something. I’m..” he trailed off. What if she didn’t want to? What if he’d been misreading all of this?
“I’d like to be.. something. More.”
Evelyn let out a breath that she didn’t realize she had been holding the entire time.
“Oh, Kark, I thought you wanted to end this- break up with me or- kriff.” Then she started giggling, something she hasn’t done in ages, “I was so silly thinking you wanted to ended it. It was not logical, but I still got scared for a minute.”
He smiled, relief evident on his own face.
“Not everything in the galaxy is logical. That’s okay, yknow?” He spoke softly, raising a hand and tucking some flyaway hairs back behind her ear.
Evelyn grumbled for a moment as she sighed.
“I know. You have been helping me with that.” Her OCD was especially less severe when Myla was born and Graham somehow was also helping her not to go overboard.
Though she still goes crazy for a week if Myla or Graham coughed or sneezed.
And they had been helping with her being less logical so she doesn’t go insane when things doesn’t go to plan. Sometimes. She does still snap when her plan A, B, and C went wrong and have to think on the fly.
Evelyn stroke his hair before leaned up and kissed him deeply. A few seconds later, she pulled back and nipped at his lower lip.
“So this means we are official?” Then she rose an eyebrow, “Or… did you mean, more as in…” She trailed off, unsure.
Graham didn’t let her get far, kissing her again. He started to lean up but.. no. Myla would be up sooner or later and that was not something he wanted her to walk in on.
He chuckled at Evelyn’s hesistation, planting a far more gentle kiss to her lips before murmuring back, “Official, yeah. Only took 3 years and a kid.”
Evelyn laughed softly as she sighed.
“Three years… and a sweet little girl, yea.” This was nice. She wanted more moments like this. Maybe she should ask for more mornings off but she knows it doesn’t always work like that. Trevor puts people where he believes would work out for him.
To give the best result.
Evelyn rested her forehead against his and gently tilted her head for the gentle kiss. He pulled away and she slowly exhaled. Kark.
“We should have a day off or night off. Just two of us. Myla can be with Cole or Corvo. Maybe even one of the babysitters.”
Then she glanced into his hazel eyes, “She is becoming more like you I imagine. She did not care for ships. Broke one of wooden toy ones in half. I think she may have your strength.”
“I don’t see why we couldn’t do that.”
He met her gaze and then smiled slightly, chuckling. “We’ll see. She’s only two after all. We have time. Ships are quite complicated, she might take an interest when she’s older. Or maybe in something else entirely.”
Evelyn playfully pouted, ships are not that complicated. To her at least.
“Yes. I suppose. Okay. How does a day next week sound?”
Sure enough, soft chimes to let them know Myla was out of bed. Possibly heading her way towards them. Evelyn sighed softly with a smile. “We should take advantage next time she sleeps in.” The door opened and Evelyn turned around to help Myla up on the bed. She started babbling. Not quite forming words at the moment but she can say dada and mama.
It’s cuter when she calls Cole, ‘Ole!’
And poor Corvo, ‘Vovo’
Evelyn just brushes Mela’s messy and all over the place blonde hair with her fingers gently while Myla just happily babbles to them while holding her stuffed purrgil.
The last two weeks had been hell. Zuza Lottson’s flight from the compound had left Graham dead, Cole inconsolable and everything else in chaos.
Cole. Who had brought the damned girl here. Trevor had known she wasn’t built for their life. That it would end in some hell or another. It didn’t take being easier with her, Cole should have trusted his damn word and kept her out of it. A wild girl who follows the flight of fancy. And now all he had left was a son who was at fault for the death of his brother, a four year old grandchild now fatherless with a mother who’d been resistant to Myla recieving the training she needed to survive.
Trevor leaned back in his chair.
His mood wasn’t helped by the fact Cole had chosen today to challenge him. He knew why. Cole hadn’t wanted to see the footage but he had to face the consequenes for his karking actions. Yet, Trevor couldn’t blame him for attacking him. He just wished that he’d done his job properly. Cole should have won the fight but had hesistated. It was a show of respect, of realisation that Trevor was right and that it was wrong to attack his damned father but at the same time it showed hesistation to doing things he felt were right to do.
Trevor wasn’t sure what to make of it all just yet. His injuries from the fight weren’t helping, one of the punches had landed very close to his eye and his cheekbone was swollen enough it was visible in his line of sight. There were other points of injury, but none else quite that obvious.
There had just been one request in the fallout after the fight was over. Cole had muttered it, just as he was walking away. It had been barely audible but kriff it, if it got him back under control then Zuza was only worth hunting out of revenge, not out of self defence. No point wasting resources on something that’d only cause more unrest.
The search for the girl was called off less than an hour ago.
Every single night ever since she got home from that mission one day had been difficult. She landed her ship, her group got off, and Trevor was right there. The look on his face and her heart sank and there was a pit in her stomach because that never happened.
That night was a constant replay in her head. The breaking of the news… her cries. The pain still hurts. Corvo took Myla for the evening so she could process.
It’s been two weeks and Myla still doesn’t understand why he’s not home and with them. Corvo had been around a lot more, trying to help Evelyn but she wasn’t having it. She didn’t want Myla out of her sight. Not right now.
Evelyn exhaled as she rested her head back against the wall and her hand gently stroke her daughter’s head. Myla’s cheeks were swollen from another meltdown that her dad wasn’t home. She was hiccupping in her sleep. Myla was having less meltdowns over time and starting to get that her father wasn’t coming home.
Evelyn wanted to know process of the search so she got her datapad and pulled up the info.
It was called off.
Explosive anger rose in her and her body was shaking to keep it down, to keep from waking up Myla. She texted Corvo and Cole. Cole didn’t respond. Of course, he karkin’ has been avoiding her. Myla too. Her daughter also screamed for Cole. Corvo was not responding fast enough in her opinion so she scooped her up and held her while she went to find Corvo. The datapad pinged of Corvo’s respond and where he was. The hybrid handed Myla to Corvo, who looked rather confused.
“Trevor called off the search,” Evelyn sounded pained as she grimaced, she needed to get her emotions under control. Corvo’s face had a few expressions but then, “I didn’t know.”
She wasn’t going to wait. Evelyn made her way to Trevor’s office. She opened the door and-
“Why did you call it off?” Evelyn asked, holding back from sounding demanding.
Corvo had tried to stop her, knowign what she was going to do but Myla was stirring and needed quiet. Best she didn’t wake up just yet.
-
Trevor looked up at the door opening. If he was surprised, it didn’t show in his expression, the hard worn exhaustion creasing his features but otherwise remaining static as it usually did. A man of stone. If it wasn’t for the bruise on his face it’d almost be like nothing had happened. Beneath the surface was a different story but the eldest Farrow had long learned the lesson of concealment.
“The search for Lottson, I presume?” He asked, before continuing anyway. There was no other reason she’d be here. “Killing her, while it would bring satisfaction, holds no benefit long term. She isn’t a threat to us.”
Evelyn noticed the injuries and mentally winced. What the kark- Did he have a mission that she didn’t know of? Evelyn’s eyes narrowed at the answer.
“She is the reason why Myla keeps crying for Graham and now, Cole. The schutta does not deserve to live. Not after everything. We welcomed her and she-” Evelyn bit her cheek fast. Emotions. Kark.
“It makes sense- logically. But kark it all, I do not want to accept that.”
“It is done. I apologise for the distress but I won’t be undoing it.”
Trevor leaned forward, forearms bracing against the desk as he looked her over. She was visibly tired but then Myla had been struggling to sleep. He knew the pain, of a child struggling to cope with the loss. She had help, from himself and Corvo and the others. He’d only had Corvo when Maree died. It was good that there was more support now. Less war. More time to rest.
“I do understand, Evelyn. The anger.”
Evelyn crossed her arms when he announced he was not going to undo it. Who changed this mind? What the kark happened for him to call off the search? She would need to find answers. She just needed to know.
Evelyn looked to Trevor when he called her by her name. Her eyes started to burn. No. She wasn’t going to cry in front of him. She already did three times. Instead, she looked down to her feet before glancing back up to him.
“What did you do for the anger?”
He was quiet for a few seconds that dragged. It could have been longer, for him as well. Despite everything he’d fought for and won, he was still losing bits and pieces.
“I kept going. It fades with time but I’ve found that there isn’t always something that can expedite the process. Killing Lottson is unlikely to be the fix you want it to be. Nor for Myla.”
That was not the answer she was looking for. Or hoping.
“May I take my leave, sir?” There was nothing else for her to say or ask.
“You may.”
Trevor couldn’t comfort her. Kriff, he was barely holding it together himself. He’d failed to protect them all over again.
Cole had gone into the city after the fight. He’d picked up alcohol, more than he should probably but the walls were soundproofed. He could do what he wanted once he was back in his room. The search was called off. He might have killed his brother but at least he hadn’t gotten her killed too. It was his fault.
He made his way back onto the compound from the ground, one of his friends trying to call out to him from their posting on guard but he ignored them. He was ignoring a lot of people recently. Corvo had been trying but he just- He couldn’t. None of it kriffing mattered. Graham was gone and the world was a lot less safe. It wasn’t fair on Myla, he’d heard her crying but people kept dying around him. He’d killed his mother. His father had never been able to take pride in him. Always struggling to keep up. Always failing at every kriffing step up. He’d done some things well but they came at the price of just being the next step up to the next spot to fall. Now Graham was gone.
He was gone.
His hands were shaking again and Cole stuffed them deep into the pockets of his jacket, heading into the family’s building. They were still marred from fighting his father that morning. One of his knuckles might be broken but it’d be a problem for tomorrow. Tomorrow.
It’d be another day.
Evelyn went outside to clear her mind. She should go get Myla. She had several more minutes until Corvo can’t watch her anymore. Then she saw Cole. Quickly, she slipped away and her footsteps were quiet and barely noticable.
There was so much to unpack. So much she needed to say to him. She had to repeat Myla’s name in her mind. The number one focus. Other things can be unpacked at a later time.
Without warning or a sound, Evelyn attemptted to grab his shirt and swung him aroud, he reacted just as fast and stepped back, freeing himself from her grip. She swiftly stepped forward, ready to grab if he tries to get away from her. Her footsteps were swift and fluid just like when she fights with a bladed weapon.
“Stop running, you karkin’ coward, Myla needs you. She has been crying for you, constantly. She knows you are home and you are here so what the kark am I suppose to tell her? That Uncle Cole does not love her?”
Cole put his hands out flat, intent to push her away. He stopped walking, anticpating the attack to continue but no. She was yelling now.
His hands were still shaking.
The words registered but they just hurt. Kriff. No. Just-
“I can’t bring him back.” Cole’s voice was barely a growl. Anger was the only thing keeping him from cracking apart at this. It had surged forward and it was enough to get through this. He just needed to get through this. Then to his room. Away. “There’s nothing I can do for her that you can’t. Just leave me alone Evelyn.”
He turned to keep walking, keeping angled yet. He wasn’t stupid and she was angry.
“Kriff. Are you drunk?” Evelyn snarled at smelling the alcohol. Great. Must be so kriffin nice to turn to the bottles. She can’t do that.
She stepped in front of him and forward again. Aimed to piss him off. She was angry and she needed him to be angry too.
“He’s gone, Cole- and there is so much you can do for Myla, you kriffin’ asshole. Fine. You tell her yourself to why you cannot see her. Go ahead, not like our family is-”
He resisted the urge to bare his teeth, inhaling sharply and just shoving past her as she spoke. If nothing else this could happen inside. Her losing her shit on him was one thing.
He didn’t want to break in front of anyone else. Or anyone at all. The bottle in his bag was cold still, pressing through the fabric. The pain in his hand. Things to focus on. It’d be fine. It’d be fine.
The doors slid open and Evelyn was in front of him once again. Her eyes glared at him. If he moves, she moves.
“I said. Stop. Running. We are not done.” She waited. To see if he would be karkin’ still.
He closed the door behind them sharply. His hand quickly returned to the pocket, stinging in pain at just that. Kriff.
“I’m not drunk. Nor am I running. There’s nothing I can do!” Cole’s voice finally raised, in privacy feeling safe enough to express that much at least. He had gotten better with Evelyn over the last few years but it didn’t mean she had any right to tell him that he had to face Myla.
You’ll just get her killed too.
“Me sitting there just- what. What does it even do Evelyn? What do I say when she asks me when he’s going to come back?” His voice cracked and he cursed himself, moving toward the stairway. Tears started burning. No no no no-
“It helps her!” Her voice started to raise too, “Just being there helps! Walk with her, play with her, color with her, I do not care!” She blocked him off again from going up the stairs.
“If she ask, you calmly remind her that he is dead. Then you tell her stories. I had only five years with him. You had your life. You tell her stories about him, that is what you kriffin’ do you karkin’ jerk!” Tears were going down but she was not stopping. Her voice lowered, “So she could remember him. So she can know him. I do not want her to forget him.” She was panting and her eyes were blurred but dammit, she was focusing enough to make sure he was not going anywhere.
“Have you even grieved for him, properly?” Evelyn whispered.
Just remind her he’s dead. Cole had to stop himself from swaying at the words. At the images. The last Graham had known was pain and fear as his own blood drowned him. Only a few seconds down the corridor. He’d collapsed and struggled to get back up but hadn’t been able to. He hadn’t been able to breathe.
He wasn’t a story teller and that was all he could think about.
Evelyn’s whisper barely registered, speaking over her, tomorrow was another day. He could be better by tomorrow. She was right but kriff he couldn’t, not right now. “Tomorrow. I’ll see her tomorrow.”
Cole raised his hand, the one uninjured to try and push her out of the way of the stairs so he could unlock the door. In some hope that that would be enough.
“I will hold onto you for that. I am here if you need me.” She finally moved out of the way and rubbed her eyes dry with her sleeve and went to find Corvo to collect Myla.
Kriff. She’s not in the right mindset but she doesn’t have a choice. She has to be a mother.
Cole went upstairs, to his room. He didn’t quite make it to his bed before the tears started falling. Before everything crumbled but it was close enough he could lean against the frame.
It was all his fault.
The bottle was empty before midnight came and it didn’t numb him enough. Stupid idea. He spent the night, sick, weak, pitiful. But at least no one knew. There were no knives coming from the shadows in here.
Evelyn heard a knock and her eyebrow rose. She didn’t have anything today. It could be Corvo or Trevor, checking in on them. Again. With a soft sigh, she opened it and froze at seeing Cole. Her expression softened but she grimaced when she can tell how bad he looked. Kriff. Did he get ahold of more alcohol? Maybe he shouldn’t play with Myla right-
“Uncle Cole!” The four year old squeeze between Evelyn and the door as she wrapped her arms around him and clung to him tightly. “You are home! Pick up!” She wanted to be picked up by him.
Cole scooped her with his left arm. Kriff he hoped he didn’t smell, he’d put cologne on, brushed his teeth and everything to make sure it wouldn’t be too obvious. He felt unsteady still, a bottle of water in his jacket pocket as, once Evelyn moved, he slipped back into their room.
Graham’s room.
Stuffing down that, he forced a slight smile. It was easier for Myla than anyone else, “Hey Myla, I’m here.”
His voice sounded clear at least. Evelyn may have picked up that he wasn’t all there with how he looked but the rest was put together. Myla would hopefully not notice or just think he’s tired. Cole could keep up appearances at least.
Myla wrapped her arms around him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“Momma got me new books!” Then she pulled back a bit, her finger tips fidgeting at his shirt’s collar. She looked nervous in asking him, “Will you read to me? Can you stay? Or we color?”
Evelyn watched him but then nodded. He looks presentable at least and Myla was too young to notice the small details that adults would.
“Thank you,” she whispered as her shoulders relaxed. There’s still family.
“I’m staying for a while, yeah. We can colour first, we can work out the rest later.”
He spoke softly, barely giving Evelyn a glance at her whisper. He was falling apart but she was right that Myla needed people around her at least. It didn’t stop him from breaking but he’d have to push through for his niece. Graham would have wanted that.
“What the kark were you thinking?!” Trevor Farrow snapped. They’d just gotten back from a mission. One of the smaller gangs had decided to cause trouble. They were just supposed to intimidate them down but Cole… wasn’t even sure fully what happened.
But they were a threat. So he’d gotten rid of it. It had been risky but kriff it. What was a few wounds? He’d been fine in a few days. Just as he had a few days before.
“They won’t be a problem anymore.” Cole responded, barely registering that he was the one speaking. He didn’t meet his father’s gaze, looking instead across the compound. Not that he had that choice for long as Trevor grabbed his face, forcing him to look.
“They weren’t a problem in the first place Cole.”
“Oh for-” Evelyn sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose. Great. She finally got Cole to hang out with Myla more but this was second time she got the news that he was injured. When it wasn’t needed.
Reckless.
Evelyn was worried. She didn’t want Myla to lose him. She didn’t want Trevor to lose him even though there was a lot they disagreed on, losing a child was-
She didn’t want to even imagine it. No. Evelyn sighed as she glanced over to her daughter.
“Myla, stay here okay? Mommy is going to talk to Uncle Cole for a bit.”
Myla looked up from the legos she was building. It looked like she’s trying to bulid a house for her stuffed purrgil.
“Okay mommy.”
“What do you do if you need me?”
Myla’s head turned, as she looked at the datapad with her silver eyes. “I use that!”
“Good.” Evelyn kissed her on the forehead and headed out.
Evelyn arrived right when Trevor grabbed Cole’s face as she grimaced but said nothing. She knew better not to … interrupt.
Cole glared, stepping back and out of the grip.
“They were or we wouldn’t have been sent. They overstepped and now they won’t do it again. Nor any of the others if they value their lives.” His voice was a growl.
“They could have been useful. That’s why I gave specific orders. And you’re injured again.” Trevor bit back stepping aside so Cole could move past at least but also to gesture to his son’s back. The bandages visible on his legs. His chest. “You need to listen.”
“I’m fine.” He wasn’t lying. In his considerations he wasn’t despite the lean to his posture. The paleness to his face.
“If you wanted to get your ass kicked at least do it here, where it’s safe.” Evelyn brought up towards him.
“We already lost so much Cole, please do not get reckless.”
“I did what’s necessary.” Cole snapped, moving to cross to the stairs. The rest of the team was tentatively moving out too.
“For youself?” Evelyn snapped back at him. If he wanted to give an attitude fine, she’ll give it back.
“For the family.” Cole growled, “A few days and I’ll be able to go out again which is less time than I’d have between missions anyway. I fail to see the kriffing problem.”
He kept walking, Trevor glaring after him but letting it pass. It was hard to watch but kriff, he couldn’t reprimand this right now. Later tonight it’d have to be. Though Evelyn snapping as well was.. welcome to the eldest Farrow.
Evelyn’s jaw tightened.
“If you would stop walking away and let me- You- There will not be a family if you keep doing this!” She so badly wanted to drag his sorry kriffin ass up to the mats in the training room and-
Myla was alone. She should go back to her.
She took in a few deep breaths and made her way back to the room.
Cole didn’t respond. He didn’t care.
It didn’t matter.
He kept walking forward, toward his room. Minutes later he could still Evelyn behind him, storming. Really he should go for the infirmary but he could handle his wounds himself.
“What- No-” Evelyn quickly grabbed his arm and yanked him away from the door. “Go to the infirmary- Being reckless is one thing but- Cole.” She exhaled. She suddenly looked drained and…. sad.
“Please.” Her voice was sounded strained.
Cole stumbled, not expecting her to actually grab him like that and hissing in pain. Stumbling with the back of his legs cut like that sucked.
“I can deal with it. I want to deal with it myself. It’s fine, Evelyn. They didn’t hit anything, its just flesh.”
Evelyn stared at him. He would be able to see her pained expression and her eyes were brimmed with tears. She removed her hand from his upper arm. She… wasn’t going to win this. It was either drag him to the infirmary and making his wounds worse or…
Kriff.
She was failing Graham by trying to keep this family together and alive. His brother was being careless. The one he practically had to raise.
“You win. I failed.” Evelyn muttered as she turned away from him.
She needed a day off.
Failed. Failed what?
Cole froze in confusion. She was standing down and saying he won? He hadn’t won anything but a stupid mission against some karkers- He didn’t understand what the kriff she was on about.
“What..?”
Evelyn stopped walking when she heard him. Kark. She shook her head for him to drop it. If she tried to talk, she would end up just crying.
“No- What- What do you mean, Evelyn? What have you failed at?!”
She hadn’t managed to do a damn kriffing thing wrong this entire time. Other than not wanting Myla trained too early and even that, what was so bad about it really? Kriffing-
His hands were shaking again. That happened more now. He hadn’t shot the wall in his nightmares this week at least.
“Not now, Cole, I am about to be with Myla and I do not want to cry in front of her. She had seen that enough times.” Evelyn gritted her teeth. She knows that Cole had been through enough and she’s trying to snap him out of it.
Not spiral him down further.
She started the breathing exercises. One, two…
“You can’t just say kist like that and walk off.” Cole pressed past toward his door. He didn’t have it in him to talk. He hurt in ways he didn’t want to think about but-
“You aren’t the one who kriffing failed.” He hissed, before opening his door.
————— It took some time and some planning but she finally had a day and night off. It hurts her heart to be away from Myla that long but she needed it. She hasn’t had time to properly go through her thoughts. It had been extremely clouded and foggy as of late.
After she packed her bag and told Myla to be good and mind Corvo, she made her way out.
A few hours later and some purchases afterwards, the sun has set and the cold started to set in. She sat down on the grass by his grave and was already one bottle down.
“Hi.” She exhaled softly.
“Myla is doing okay. She has been having less meltdowns. I will be sure to bring her here sometime again. She got a few drawings for you.” Evelyn choked. No. She wasn’t going to cry.
Evelyn eventually lost track of the time and shivered under the blanket as she exhaled softly. Two empty bottles by her. She’s just wrapped in a blanket and quiet.
“You’re going to freeze.”
Cole’s voice came from behind her. He’d been coming here a lot ever since Graham was buried. He’d avoided the days when Evelyn planned to bring Myla. The days when his father came down. It wasn’t surprising eventually he’d missed the memo on someone being here but Evelyn laying shivering in a blanket, clearly drunk, wasn’t exactly what he’d imagined.
Not that he was sober. He slipped his jacket off, dropping it over her shoulders and moving to sit down himself. He had a few layers on underneath his shirt to deal with the cold of the night.
“I think not.” She opened the blanket a bit and there was a third bottle. Not yet opened.
“Want wome- fome- some?” Evelyn grimaced. Words were hard. The cold was hoping her clear her mind a bit at least. She pulled Cole’s jacket closer to her.
There was a moment of silence before-
“You know. The night we met the first time- Kark. The one Myla was conceived. That next morning, I was so hungover it sucked. I could not get up. The room was spinning. I was not able to fly my ship. But he- Graham, it was nothing. He still had a bounce in his stupid kriffin step.”
She exhaled sharply and then laughed. An actual laugh. “Idiot. I remember thinking to myself, ‘who was this man?’ I think, I stared at him in disbelief. He just smiled.”
He took the bottle when she offered it, taking a slug from it before placing it back on the ground between them. Just listening. It was uncomfortable to sit as he was but he was managing. His wounds from a few days prior hadn’t healed as well as they should have. It was stupid, refusing the infirmary but he couldn’t bare to sit in there again.
Cole huffed slightly, not able to smile or laugh in response. He wanted to but it died in concept. “Sounds right. Father would have a go at us both for it, showing up to training and missions hung over. Thing is, only he could tell that we were.”
Icy eyes stared at the raise in the ground. It hadn’t quite flattened out yet. It had only been a few weeks after all. Part of him wanted to start digging. Graham was right there, they just had to.. they. Cole closed his eyes.
“It is a parent thing.” Evelyn glanced over. “I always wondered how… they just know things from stories I have heard. Not mine obviously. I could have died in front of them and they would not notice anything.” She looked back over at the dirt and grimaced. She took another swig from the bottle and placed it back down between them. Evelyn sniffled softly as she sighed.
“…. Are we even still a family?” Evelyn muttered.
“You are.” Cole answered on instinct. It was honest. A reassurance that was genuine. She was. Evelyn had Myla. His father would make sure that girl had anything she needed and probably more that she didn’t. That included Evelyn just as it had always included Corvo. Blood wasn’t always what you needed to be part of a family. For this one it was not karking up.
He didn’t look at her still, raising a hand to scratch at the side of his face, itching against the stubble- Well, more than stubble really. It had been a week or since he shaved last.
Evelyn frowned at his answer. You, not we. He was excluding himself? She looked over to Maree’s grave before back to Graham’s. She remembered how anxious Graham was when she went into labor. She thought it was nerves of being a parent. It was that plus more. His mother. He feared Evelyn would had the same fate.
“You never did answer me the other day.” She pulled the blanket and jacket closer to her.
“Have you really grieved yet?” Evelyn was concerned. His recklessness. The drinking had increased. The small outbursts. She didn’t want him to be the next one to be buried.
“It doesn’t change anything.” Cole couldn’t answer it. He wasn’t even sure he knew how to grieve this. There was so much that felt so much different without him there. The entire world had shifted and it was his fault. His fault another child had lost a parent. Not that he hadnt done that in his work but in his own family?
“Have you? Doesn’t seem like it to me.” There was a snap to his tone, redirecting. Challenging. She was going around yelling at him, grabbing him. Demanding information from him. It wasn’t like she was dealing with it well. Thst was easier for Cole to focus on than.. his own outlook. Best to leave that. He could hold it down. Remain stoic. Calm. Cold.
Kark. She so badly wanted to punch him. Again. There’s been talk on the compound that Evelyn is back in training and she’s far more violent as of late. It doesn’t help when she has been worried about Cole.
“I have been trying but someone is trying to make us have another funeral quickly,” Evelyn snapped back, her emerald hues glared at him.
He wasn’t looking at her so missed it, though her tone carried the anger well enough.
“Why, are you going to kill me Evelyn?” He asked it lightly. A couple months ago it would have been passable as a joke, holding the same casualness. Yet, Cole wasn’t one to joke often and he wasn’t smiling this time.
Evelyn was taken back by his response if not a bit hurt. If this was a few months ago, she would’ve rolled her eyes and be pleasantly surprised that he was comfortable enough with her to joke.
But this isn’t a few months ago. This was now.
“I do not have to. You are headed straight that way yourself.” She took another swig and grimaced.
“This family is so karked up.”
And its my fault.
The words were just on his lips, they almost escaped but no. Tongue loosened by alcohol or not that was one truth he didn’t need to share. Especially not at his brothers grave. Nor this close to his mother’s.
He just sighed, regretting deciding to settle down with Evelyn here. He should have known better than that. Yet, leaving would likely make things worse so hed stay until he was ready to go. Wjth his injuries as poorly healing as they were, it wasn’t like he’d be doing anything the next day anyway.
Silence. It was welcoming.
And evil.
Evelyn shivered as she exhaled sharply. She got up, the blanket and Cole’s jacket slipped off.
“Fight me.” If he wasn’t going to talk to her, fine, she can learn more by fighting him. It could be the alcohol or grief talking, but she was ready.
Cole frowned, looking side ways and up at her. It was a kist idea really but the pain was dulled by the booze and would be a problem for later. Shed already yelled at him multiple times, maybe this would help her at least.
Cole shifted to his feet, doing his best to not wince.
“Any rules?”
“Not to the karkin’ death and no weapons.” With that she removed her two knives and they landed on the blanket with a soft thud. Her blaster followed.
The ground was moving. This might be a bad idea. But she got him to agree and she wanted to get a read off of him.
“And yours?”
Cole was already removing the blaster he kept on the inside of his belt, dropping it to the side followed quickly by his knife. He didn’t carry anything else typically.
“Sounds good to me.”
It covered anything hed have said. Weapons or not he was at a disadvantage against her without a blaster which was ineffective in melee combat.
He dropped into stance, ready.
Evelyn stepped forward to mock a hook to his face but followed with an uppercut underneath his jaw.
He saw the trick coming before she finished the feint, shifting out of reach of the hand intent to punch him, and striking back into her side. Cole didn’t go for anywhere that was necessarily ideal. Not going easy on her but..
Evelyn gritted her teeth as she grunted in pain. Her arm bent as she tried to jab his side with her elbow.
She can’t get a read off of him yet.
They were just getting warmed up.
Her elbow was deflected, him trying to shove her away after but not quite making contact with the space he’d created to get away from Evelyn’s attack.
He was trying not to hurt her. Not because he didn’t think she could handle it, he was hitting with full strength but there was hesitation in his choice of attack points. None of them went for vital spots.
Grief. Sadness. Evelyn sucked in air between her teeth. She had hers and now she was feeling his.
His control. She doesn’t let him get the space between them he wanted.
Well. Now she was going to try to make him lose control- she went for a kick behind one of his knees.
She struck right above one of his wounds and he gasped, managing to hold in the cry of pain and swinging round. He punched for her, wildly and missed.. anything. She wasn’t where Cole thought she’d be and the fact he was limping now wasn’t krifing helping, even as he now re orientated.
He wanted to yell at her. That was low but there was no rules against it.
He was down. She brought her punch around to clock him in the jaw but he moved out of the way, causing her to stumble forward and she couldn’t get her footing to stop from falling on Cole-
Cole grabbed her shoulders, managing to stabilise them both enough that they didn’t fall but she was right there. Right. There.
He went to knee her, instinct overtaking the controlled motions but pain quickly followed with how he tried to maneuvere. He couldn’t get it high enough with enough momentum to do anything, not hurt like he was.
Evelyn winced. She can feel his pain. Every time he moved, she can read it. It hurts. But the karkin’ bastard did not go to the kriffin infirmary like he should’ve.
Her shoulders tensed and she went for a punch at Cole’s torso.
But Cole used the grip he had on her to shove Evelyn backwards, away from him. Anger filtering through for a moment but it never stayed. He wasn’t angry.
There was something else there.
Not that it was stopping him as he stepped forward while she recovered, striking for her face finally.
The punch contacted and Evelyn stumbled back as she grimaced. Her cheek hurts and her head was spinning for a moment. The pain and sparring was helping her sober up faster but she was not feeling good.
At all.
Her stomach protested with all this. She looked confused. Bewildered. Evelyn shook her head. Kark. How did she not see this before? She had been so blind.
“I-” She grimaced. She… was figuring out something.
“I need a minute.”
She exhaled before looking over to Cole, “Why do you feel guilty?” She had a guess but she needed to hear it from him.
He needed to say it.
“What.”
Cole had hesitated at how she stumbled, keening over. Turns out it was for the best as she curled over her stomach. Probably about to throw up ht then she asked that and.. what the kark.
She.. wasn’t wrong to assume though. He was. And he was guilty of it but being asked outright was disturbing. Unsettling.
Just enough that once it clicked he answered, the booze and emotions nd the pain still radiating from his leg leaving his sense of control tampered.
“Because I am.”
Out loud, it felt like a death sentence. Cole swayed ever so slightly in place. Had he drank that much?
“No.” Evelyn exhaled sharply.
Her brows furrowed. She - Pieces were starting to slowly fall into place. She remembered being concerned for a moment when she noticed a shift in Graham and Cole’s fight when Trevor was around.
At first, she thought nothing of it, but now? What was it. What was the thing she was concerned about? Kark. Why was it so important right now?
“No,” Evelyn repeated. She straightened up the best she can and glanced over to Graham’s grave before looking back over to Cole, her emerald eyes peered to his icy blue ones.
She winced, ignoring her stomach warning. It can stay down a bit longer. “You are not.”
Cole let out a short laugh, bitter. Cold. Because she knew, sure. He shook his head, hands slipping into pockets.
“Graham is dead because of me. I brought Zuza here and I didn’t even try to stop them. I knew what was happening. I could have stopped it but instead I lost them both.” He exhaled sharply, fighting to keep control but he wasn’t going to listen to her rattle off some kark about how he was a good person or something. He wasn’t.
His eyes distanced from hers, to the other grave they were say beside. “I killed my mother coming into this world. Don’t karking tell me what I am or what I’m not.”
“You did not kill Graham. You did not know she was going to-“ Evelyn couldn’t finish it.
“None of this is your fault. He went after her-“ she stopped, realizing something. Why would Graham go after her?
“….Trevor,” Evelyn said out loud without thinking. Her brows furrowed as she tried to put the puzzle pieces together.
Before she could, Evelyn winced again. She opened her jaw and closed it. Kark. He…grew up thinking that. Thank kriff nothing happened to her because she does not want her child grow up thinking that.
“No, you did not kill your mom.” Evelyn’s voice was gentle and calm. “She died giving birth to you. It…happens but you did not kill her. As a mother myself, I would never want my child to think that. For something a baby has no control over.” Her expression softened.
“Cole. I am so sorry you grew up thinking that. It is not your fault.” Kriff.
His father.. what?
He..
All he could hear for a few moments was his own heartbeat. It was something he’d logically known but.. no one had ever said it. When asked his father had never answered it. Graham had thought it when they were children. He apologised a long time later but no one had ever-
Cole managed to keep control, hands clenching into fists. His nails dug into his palms, he didn’t mean it to but he couldn’t-
“I did know.” He whispered. It was the only thing he could do. Refute the one thing he knew she was wrong about. But why had Evelyn said his fathers name?
He didn’t know what to do. What to say.
“No. Cole, no.” Evelyn shook her head and exhaled. She- she can’t figure this out. Her brain was buzzing and- she stopped when felt something warm on her cheeks and went to wipe it away and grimaced, forgetting about the bruise that was forming from Cole’s punch.
“It is more than that.” Evelyn frowned and grimaced- she felt like she was so close to something but-
Her stomach was not going to take no for an answer anymore. She made a beeline to the trees and vomited.
Cole grimaced. He turned away from it, almost glad she was forced to stop talking.
His leg hurt. He was tempted to sit but felt like he was on high alert
Evelyn coughed a few times afterwards and grimaced. Kark.
She can’t think anymore.
Answers will have to wait.
The hybrid stumbled back over, past Cole and sat back down. She took another swig.
Despite it all.
“I think I will sleep here tonight…” Evelyn started to grab her blanket and wrapped it around her.
Okay that was a no.
“Come on. He wouldn’t want you sick.” It was a bare murmur, painful to say but hopefully enough to get her to follow him.
Cole grabbed her under the arm, wincing at the additional pressure on his leg. Kark, it about gave way but she didn’t resist. He grabbed his jacket once Evelyn was standing again, grabbing her forearm with his freehand.
Evelyn scoffed bitterly. “He is not here to tell-“ Evelyn was startled at his attempted and grimaced. She moved her arm to have her shoulder underneath his arm and helped him.
“Fine.” She sounded angry but she was complying.
It took him a second to actually start leading them back toward the compound. The graveyard wasn’t on being in the middle of an urban expanse but this was the closest area of actual dirt to be used. It wasn’t a long walk at least, Cole was fairly sure the wound was reopened at this point or at minimum extremely aggravated.
They got back in, crossing toward the family’s building when Trevor stepped out, pausing for a moment before redirecting toward the pair with a passive expression in his eyes. He looked over both of them and Cole slowed in step, eyes cast downwards and away trying to ignore the approach.
“Hello, sir.” Evelyn’s tone had a hint of anger and bitterness in it when she saw Trevor.
The control to hold herself back was gone.
Cole flinched at her tone.
Trevor did not, his eyes snapping to her. “Where were you both? Neither of you told anyone where you were going.”
Cole started to speak but was quickly interrupted.
Evelyn snapped and snarled, “I was going to sleep at the graves but this karker was not having it. I am so sorry” her tone changed over to sarcasm on the apology, “I will ask next time if I can go visit the cemetery.”
Trevor was silent until she finished, watching her very carefully. The way she was leaning against Cole and the flush to her cheeks despite being wrapped up in a jacket and a blanket.
“Are you drunk, Miss Wyvern?”
He could already tell Cole wasn’t sober, although at least his son had had the sanity to not be drunk. His limp was injury related or he wouldn’t be sagging that severely while remaining that alert.
“Slightly, sir.” Evelyn slurred and grimaced. “I was not going to be here drunk- but he would not leave me.”
“It’s cold.” Cole muttered, trying to stay out of it but waiting his turn all the same.
Trevor narrowed his eyes. “It’s not about permission it’s about knowing where you are in case anything happens. We wouldn’t have known where you were or if you were even supposed to be back yet. If nothing else, you Cole, should know better.”
Cole avoided his father’s gaze yet, silent. Accepting.
“Get her to her room and then we need to talk Cole. I’ll be in my office.”
Evidently whatever it was that Trevor was doing could wait, as he turned on heel to head there rather than going to do whatever ahd caused him to leave the building so late in the first place.
Evelyn glared at him.
Kark off old man, we are not perfect-
Kist. She does not feel good again.
He sighed, “They will try whether or not you show them anything. Enemies and allies alike. You’re giving them view on those cracks where otherwise you’d have none. The drinking needs to stop, as does the recklessness. Grieve as you need to behind closed doors but you have to remain aware. I can’t lose another son.”
The last words were raw, drawing Cole’s gaze up to Trevors. For once his father actually looked.. pained. The guilt became heavier and kark. It felt like he was going to choke if he tried to speak so he just nodded.
There was another long moment of quiet before Trevor spoke again, “Go on.”
Cole made it to the door to the stairs before deciding he couldn’t face the infirmary. He stumbled into his own room, doing his best to patch himself up before collapsing into bed. Not that he slept. He’d run out of bacta in that final dose and it wasn’t enough to do more than patch the bleeding back up. Between the pain and the weight on his chest, he couldn’t settle.
Perhaps it was for the best. He didn’t have it in him to clean scorch marks off of the walls tonight.
Evelyn figured it out. It took her a while but she did. She.. didn’t know what to do. The full puzzle was not a beautiful picture. Trevor was doing what he thought was best for his boys. Evelyn watched Myla play. By herself. Her heart sank. This…was not a good environment for Myla. She needed to go out and socialize. Evelyn needed to find peers of her daughter’s age.
Her eyes glazed over to the wall where there was pictures of the family. Was she going to make mistakes too? Was there going to moments where she believes she was doing what she thought was best, but absoultely karked up?
She needed to talk to Cole about this. She wasn’t going to confront Trevor about this, no. He was just a father. But Cole needed to know. So he can understand it’s not his fault.
Never was.
“I am going to talk to grandpa for a little bit, okay?” Myla hummed in acknowledgement as Evelyn got up and made her way to Trevor’s office.
She knocked on the door since she was showing up unannounced.
“Come in.”
Trevor’s voice sounded less weary than the previous day, back to its usual passive tone.
The door slid open as she stepped in.
“Good morning, I was coming up to talk to you about us getting off the compound for a few days. To try to find some play dates for Myla so she could socialize with peers her age.”
Trevor frowned, waiting for the door to close behind her before speaking.
“Is she not doing well?”
The door closed behind her as she nodded.
“She is fine. Not being able to socialize with peers of age can have an affect on the mental development of a child. I just want her to be able to go out and make friends. To play and learn social cues at the same time.”
“Do you have any ideas on what places? Regularly going to a small few locations is dangerous enough, we need to be able vett these places and ensure that you’ll both be safe.”
Trevor spoke passively but internally he disliked the implication. He didn’t say anything for now as this was just a question for Myla.
Evelyn paused for a moment.
“Mr. Farrow,” Her voice was soft. “These- This- Well. It is kind of an impromptu situation. It is taking Myla to the park and see if there are other kids she could get along or play with and talk to the parent of the child they got along with and start meeting them more aka setting up play dates.”
“I’m presuming guards would interrupt the flow of this.” Trevor noted.
This wasn’t a good idea.
“Are you sure about this? Whatever benefits it might have surely could replicated here without risking her safety. Your own safety.”
Evelyn can’t even imagine the parents wariness if they see guards at a kriffin’ park. Poor Myla would never had friends.
“There is no kids here, on the compound I mean. Besides Myla.” Her voice sounded sad. She never got to talk to Graham about having another kid. She pushed that thought away. No need to dwell on it.
“I- what-” Evelyn understood Myla’s safety but his tone changed when it came to hers.
“Why the sudden change of tone when it came to me?” Did Evelyn do something wrong? Sure, she got drunk, already profusely apologized, once but other than that, she had been careful.
“Graham handled your safety before.” Trevor started simply, sighing ever so softly after and leanign back in his chair. Cole and Graham had had each other at least. For better or worse.
“I see your concerns but I’m not entirely sure how to offer an safe solution to you. Myla is a Farrow. That comes with risk. It’s why I have been insisting she needs to start training with weapons or at least hand to hand now she’s walking well-”
Two knocks sounded from the door. Cole had heard the voices and was doing his best to not listen in. He was supposed to be meeting his father to catch up on the last week of deliveries and gatherings but evidently something else had come up for Evelyn to be present.
Trevor responded after a moment, “Come in Cole.”
This wasn’t a conversation Cole couldn’t know about, even if such negotiations were bothersome.
Evelyn was quiet when he brought up that Graham was the one that was handling her safety before he died. She visibly winced when he brought up about Myla being trained, as she always does.
Before he could finish or Evelyn say anything, there was knocks on the door as she slightly turned her body. When Cole opened the door, she glanced to him and waited for him to close the door behind him.
“I-” Evelyn looked back over to Trevor. She doesn’t mind that Cole was in the room.
“I just-” Evelyn stopped for a moment. “She is just a girl,” Evelyn’s voice sounded strained but even then she wasn’t sure anymore. Myla does need to know how to take care of herself. After all, Evelyn did take care of herself when she first joined but then got trained up to be better and now was dangerous with a weapon.
Being part of this family and work was dangerous. What was the right age? When was the right age? Kark. Her arms crossed and she felt defensive. Unsure.
Why was Graham gone? She needed him. They were supposed to talk about this together. Now, it was up to her and she already felt like she karked up.
Cole had turned to close the door behind himself and was glad for it. He’d frozen in place, only after a moment forcibly turning around to face the backs of the pair.
Just a girl.
That echoed a familiar statement. One he’d heard a long time ago.
Trevor noticed the shift in Cole’s stance but focussed on Evelyn for now.
“If you want, we can discuss the issue of her meeting other children later with Corvo. Look over some maps and try and find a way to not be in the same place too many times in a row. I just hope you’ll allow her to recieve training. You won’t always be able to keep an eye on her outside of the compound, not if you’re not taking guards. I’d advise against risking her safety when she can’t defend it herself.”
His voice took an edge, a stern one.
Evelyn listened and stayed quiet. He wasn’t wrong. Anything can go wrong. She can’t be inches from Myla at the park if she wanted her to make friends. No one wants a hovering parent.
Myla is a Farrow. A fact she was constantly reminded and it popped in her mind again. She wanted to ask for Cole’s thoughts. But she was not going to do that in front of Trevor and there was still the talk she needed to have with him.
“Give me more time. I will look over the maps and we will not go anywhere while I-” She inhaled sharply. “… Figure things out.” She waited to be dismissed if Trevor had nothing else to say.
“You have as much time as you need. This isn’t an urgent issue I presume.” Trevor gave a small wave, “You may go.”
Cole stepped aside to free up the door. He looked pale. It could be played off as in tune with his leg wound being kicked within the last twelve hours at least.
Once Evelyn left, he leant on the back of the chair she’d occupied.
It didn’t take long to cover the facts and figures. They remained on topic, Cole being forbidden from joining the guard going with one of the deliveries. He’d grimaced but accepted it. He wasn’t in a state to do it, it would be idiotic beyond comprehension to pressure the issue espeically after.. their talk the night before. He was putting them all in danger.
He didn’t provide much additional comment. Trevor wasn’t looking for any though, it was a standard debriefing.
Soon enough, Cole exited the room, blinking in surprise at Evelyn still being there and letting the door close before raising an eyebrow toward her.
Evelyn’s head rose from her datapad at seeing Cole exit from the office. She tilted her head, wanting them to walk down the hallway a bit.
“I would love for us to talk. Privately. Is there a time or day we can do this?” Evelyn asked. She felt so weird asking him in almost a formal way but this matter was not to be discussed where there could be ears.
Cole instinctively didn’t want to. There weren’t many options that would be truly private. His room?
He was uncomfortable but managed to conceal the reaction.
“I’m busy for the next few hours but I could meet in the afternoon, before dinner?”
“That works. Thank you.” Evelyn headed back to her room.
—————
Evelyn knocked on the door and waited. Once he gave permission, she entered and closed the door. She looked around his room and paused for a moment of odd blemish spots on Cole’s walls. Said nothing of it, she looked over to him.
“I do apologize for kicking at your wound. That… that was low.”
“It was a good shot.” Cole shrugged. He was sitting on the edge of his bed. His room was pristine over than the slight marring to the metal. There were some shelves with various knick knacks and a corkboard with picts pinned in place but other than that there was minimal out other than his desk where a disassembled blaster rifle was resting. It was clean, evidently just needing to be put back together at a glance.
“What did you want to talk about?”
“A few things.” Evelyn look tired and lost. She trusted Trevor, Corvo, and Cole. But Cole was the only one alive who she trust enough with letting her guard down. Graham wasn’t here anymore.
“I wanted to hear your thoughts about what you think I should do when it comes with how old Myla should be to be trained.”
That was not what he expected.
“Well she should be starting soon, right?” He sounded unsure. It was small, but the hesistation was there. It was around this age when he’d started and Graham presumably had too if his memory of those days served correctly. “If she’s done grieving, at least.”
Evelyn was quiet for a long while before, “You hesitated.”
“So?”
Cole resisted the urge to cross his arms but did frown. “Are you asking if I think she should start now or what I think on you waiting to start her? I’m not sure what you want here Evelyn.”
“A discussion. A conversation.” Evelyn started to wonder if this was going to work out or not.
“Graham is gone but I still respect your thoughts, Cole. And yes to both questions.”
“I think letting her grieve is smart.” Cole started there, it was easier. He.. didn’t know. Truly on the second one. His instinct said that she needed to start. It wasn’t kriffing safe and she needed to protect herself but then…
He’s just a boy-
“I’m not sure if its the right time or not myself. I’m no parent.”
Evelyn nodded as she gave him a small smile.
“No. You are not but you grew up here and you love Myla. It helps me a bit.”
Evelyn trailed off as she was battling with herself. Should she tell him what she thinks? He needed to know that he was not at fault but Trevor was just doing what he thought was right. Which was why she hesitated on training Myla. Yes she needed to be ready but-
Kark. Why was this easy to plan out in the head but harder to execute it? She had an idea how to start, step by step. Plan A and plan B. Possible reactions from Cole.
That got all thrown out of the window because of uncertainty.
“I think she could wait a few years if we’re protecting her.”
She was panicking. Why?
“There’s more, isn’t there?” It was obvious. Kriff it was practically written across her face, not what it was but the fact that there was something at all. Something deeper than just this.
“There is. It is a lot so you need to let me finish.” She exhaled softly then cleared her throat. Kark. She hoped this wouldn’t affect the relationship that was building here. She loves and cares for Cole like he was her brother.
“I did not see this earlier. But you need to know this. For days, I hated her. I hated you. And I hated Graham. I realized it was never any of your fault. It was Trevor’s. If Trevor was the kind of man to not care that Zuza was not cut out for this, Graham would never gone after her. He wanted his father approval. He was doing what he was raised and taught to do. For family. It was all you two have ever known.”
Cole didn’t know how to respond. What the kark was she going on about?! He straightened up, getting to his feet.
“He went after her because he was afraid of what she’d say. Of the risks she’d bring on the family. He was wrong but it- she- there was a risk. There is.” He wasn’t convinced that Zuza was a risk. His heart ached in a different way entirely when he thought about her.
Then her latter words registered and he shook his head.
“Of course its all we’ve known, what else.. That’s what families know. Their own. I know your parents were.. awful, frankly, but that doesn’t mean my father is the same or- I’m not even sure what you’re trying to imply.”
Evelyn’s feet instinctively slid back and her lower back bumped Cole’s desk when he suddenly straightened up and got on his feet. She grimaced at the mention of her parents as she shook her head.
“No. Trevor is not like my parents. He is still not-” Cole wasn’t taking this well. Kark, neither was she.
“What I am trying to say, was that - It is not your fault. Yes, you brought her here. I always wondered why but I realized she was like a breath of fresh air that you needed in a way. Because of Trevor, you needed that. She ran because she knew that Trevor would not just let her go when she realized she was not cut out for this life. Kark, even I realized that I was not getting out after giving birth to Myla.” She exhaled sharply. Her upbringing of not acting on emotions and lack of comfort helped her adjust this life quickly. It even took her awhile to enjoy Graham’s touches and cuddles. Graham was far better at consoling Myla when she was a baby than her for a reason. Evelyn had to learn how to be a mother and Graham helped vastly. Kriff. She miss- no. Not now.
“Then Graham going after her, there was a risk but who taught him that? He was just trying to do what he believed was right. He just wanted his father’s approval and praise. It all comes down to - Cole, think about it. The actions you make outside of this room, are they yours or what you know your father would approve of? When you were growing up, how many times have he corrected you that was just your personality? Or just you being a kid?”
It wasn’t his fault. Shed said it last night and he still thought it was she-akk kist but then she kept talking and he didn’t know how to process it.
The last two questions were too much and he shook his head.
“You can’t just blame him for everything.”
He was a messy kid, that was all. The instinct to defend was strong, he didn’t like this. Any of it.
He shook his head again, crossing his arms without realising, “If this was all you wanted to say, just, karking on him after all he’s done for you, just go, Evelyn.”
He didn’t meet her eye as he spoke.
“I am not. I-” Evelyn grimaced. Kark.
“I do not blame him. Hells, I would die for him, Cole. He is a father. He was doing what he believed was best. I am certain that there will be times where I believe I thought was best for Myla and-” She couldn’t finish it and sighed. Each year Myla was getting older, the more petrified Evelyn was becoming.
“I just wanted YOU to know it was not your fault. Never was.” Evelyn voice was soft as she fought back the tears. Trevor and Graham had done so much for her and she still would lay her life on the line for Trevor. After everything they had done for her.
And Myla.
If Cole says nothing else, Evelyn turned and left his room.
But it was.
He didn’t have any words and simply watched as she walked away.
Cole did not attend dinner that evening.
He had intended to, it was something he always did but he couldn’t face Evelyn and his father at the same time. Not after what she’d said and not after what he’d done. He still felt defensive despite being forced to watch the footage.
Cole curled into bed, not sure if he’d sleep or not but taking advantage of having the free evening and night to try. Maybe with more time to sleep than usual he’d actually get more.
Evelyn grimaced in pain and exhaled sharply as she carefully sat up in the infirmary. Kark. What the kriff happened? It was suppose to be a basic pick up but then everything went wrong. Someone that did the drop off must had ratted them out to the karking authorities. She never thought she wouldn’t be able to come home for a few days, just to make sure they weren’t followed. The group did what they can to patch each other up with limited supplies on the ship while being on the run.
Those days had Evelyn thinking a lot about Myla. To start her training. Evelyn and the group made it out because of the training. If Evelyn didn’t know what she knew now and only had a basic one like she did before working for Trevor… she may not made it out. She exhaled sharply and pushed her strands back with her fingers and stared up at the ceiling. Evelyn was the most injured one out of the group and one of the wounds got infected so now she had to stay the next few days in the infirmary.
That look on Myla’s face when she saw her look like that when she arrived… kriff. She felt like she was choking. Of course, she put on a brave face until Myla left the room. Her eyes started to burn at memory of seeing the fear in Myla’s face. She was more awake now and less out of it. She imagine Trevor or Corvo would visit her soon.
She brought her fingers to her lips and started to bite on the fingernails.
She had never bitten her nails.
The door to the infirmary opened but it wasn’t Trevor or Corvo who entered.
Cole had only recently started calming down in his own missions. After being electrocuted on a mission, it finally broke through to him and seemingly that era was coming to an end.
He looked over Evelyn with a frown, crossing the room. She was biting her nails. That was new. Her wounds were tended to and bandages soaked in bacta were doing their work but her and the team she’d been with had.. gone through it.
Nothing was said yet, as he settled into the chair beside her. He wasn’t sure what to say but it felt wrong to leave her on her own.
Evelyn’s hands quickly went to her lap and she straightened up to only hiss under her breath at the pain.
She was surprised to see that it was Cole that walked in. After that talk, they return to near normal and haven’t been alone in a room or an area since then.
She looked over to Cole in slight confusion and relief. Then it changed over to small fear before she hid her emotions.
“…..I would like you to be the one that teaches Myla how to shoot.” Her voice was quiet. Nearly heartbroken. “If it is alright with you.”
Cole was the best shot on the compound. If Myla was going to train, she wanted nothing for her but the best. Kriff. Would Graham hate her for doing this?
Evelyn seemed to be a tactian at saying things Cole never expected in a particular moment.
A slight frown drew his brow together.
“I’d be happy to but she’s only just turned 5. Weren’t.. you worried about it being too soon?”
“I still am,” Evelyn leaned back and hid the pained expression. She can’t look at Cole in the eye so she just stared down at her hands that were resting on her lap.
“I hate it. I really do. But she is a Farrow. Her life will be,” she glanced around, “this. I cannot always be there to protect her. Same for you. and Trevor. And Corvo. Something can always go wrong. She needs to know how to take care of herself so she does not get hurt. We cannot run from this.” Evelyn glanced back down at her hands, her top hand was covering the one that she was biting on earlier.
“If she’s anything like Graham it won’t be her favourite thing to do but I’ll.. do my best.” Cole spoke softly, uncomfortable though.
“..Are you sure it needs to be now?” It was added on, even quieter, barely more than a whisper but a nudge of insecurity passing through on the decision.
Evelyn chuckled bitterly as she sighed. If Myla doesn’t like it, it was okay. There was weapons, which Evelyn can help with. And close combat.
Which should’ve been Graham’s help.
Kark.
“If not now, then when? Tell me what to do, Cole, because I am lost and scared and I hated the way Myla looked at me when she saw me here.” Something warm and wet hit her hand as she sniffled. She didn’t know she had started crying so she instinctively brought her dominate arm which was injured up to wipe it away and hissed silently. Lowered it, she brought the other arm up and used the sleeves.
“I do not want her hurt. I want her to be a little girl. Play with friends. Even that is limited. We found ways with Corvo and Trevor help but-” She sniffled and wiped her eyes again.
Her voice broke as she repeated, “She is a Farrow.”
“Well that’s… on you getting hurt not her.” Cole had filled in as she wiped away a tear. He averted his gaze, trying to give her some privacy as she did.
There was no other way to protect her long term though.
“She is.” Why did it feel like a curse this time? To say it. Kriff. “I’ll teach her.”
He didn’t know what else he could do.
“Thank you.” Evelyn exhaled softly as she attempted to calm herself down. If she starts crying, she would be in more pain.
After several minutes, Evelyn had succeeded and there wasn’t any more tears. She’ll have to shed them later when she’s better.
“Thank you for being here as well. To be honest, I was not expecting you.” Evelyn glanced towards him, wondering if he had a reason to visit her.
“I think it was you that made a point of making sure I wasn’t alone once.”
Despite the vivid nightmare he’d had, the pain he’d been in, Cole remembered. He remembered being an ass about it too but he wasn’t about to apologise for it. It wasn’t like it was on purpose.
“I did not think you remembered that night.” Evelyn was honestly shocked he remembered that night. Kriff, if she had a night like that, it may become a blur. She leaned back on the bed carefully as she sighed. The way he looked around when she was trying to calm him down. Has…he gotten better? Does he still get those dreams? She suddenly remembered those odd blemishes on his wall. Oh. Kriff. At least, he was finally less reckless and it took a rough situation for him to realize it.
“That is… what family is for, right?” She sounded uncertain. She was raised but lacked the emotional connection she needed from her parents. Graham had taught her so much. She still remembered asking him what the kriff he was doing the first time they cuddled while she was pregnant with Myla. She melted into his arms while grumbling.
It was nice.
“Its rare to have people there when.. Well. You know.” he trailed off, shaking his head after. She didn’t need to hear about that. It was something he tried to keep as private as possible, especially with people where there could be repercussions from them knowing though.. there wasn’t thst with Evelyn. He still was uncomfortable though.
“Family is meant to be there for each other, yes. Its not perfect but its there.”
Evelyn looked up to him and it clicked. Did… he finally see her as a family? She gave him a small smile.
“Nothing is perfect but it is family.”
The guard shift had gone about as expected. Boring as kark. There had apparently been some issues on the other side of the base but they’d said it was all cleared up now.
Cole didn’t like the lack of details but it was an open channel. He’d track them down later for that run down or-
Blaster fire. Cole’s head snapped toward the main building where the sound had come from. It was continuous, without pause, more following in moments later with the sound of yells following.
He glanced sideways to Evelyn, “I’ve got to find my father, get Myla out!”
Corvo was with Myla, the three of them would be safe if they moved quickly.
Without hesistation or pause for Evelyn’s response that he doubted would come anyway, Cole ran for the main building. Something had gone horribly wrong, he could feel it in his chest. Still, he kept his hands steady and started making his way up through the building toward where he was certain his father had been holding meetings today.
Evelyn was by Cole’s side. There was nothing to say as she looked around, wondering about the issues on the other side of the base they had earlier. Her head snapped to the sound of the Blaster fire. It didn’t stop. Her heart was pounding against her chest.
She did not get what Cole said except one thing- Myla.
Without a moment to think, she ran to the family building. There was shouts and chaos. Evelyn didn’t care. She was going to find her daughter. She turned into a corner and bumped into something solid, it was Corvo, with a familiar cloak he always wore and he had the hood up. He was holding Myla who was wearing a makeshift armor that was too big for her but Evelyn didn’t care. It worked. She let out a soft cry of relief she didn’t know she was holding and grabbed Myla at the same time Corvo handed her to her.
“Where is Cole?”
“Main building.”
“Get to the ship.” Evelyn nodded and they went separate ways. Her arms were tight around Myla. Myla was doing so good, her face buried in her shoulder with a few confused whimpers and stirs. The environment had scared her into being still. Evelyn saw a group of people that were familiar to her. She felt relief until their blasters raised and aimed at them. Her eyes widen in horror and realization.
“Kist!” Evelyn yelped as she turned her back to them. She took a few hits that the armor took for now and went into the nearest door and ran. Her armor wasn’t going to last much longer.
It was hard to tell who was a friend and who was a foe. Cole grimaced, slipping back round a corner as a shot grazed his arm. The armour absorbed it but kark, it had been high. He wasn’t wearing a helmet, he usually didn’t just for damned guard shifts- Kriff! It didn’t help that the people who’d turned on them wasn’t predictable. The only easy kills were the faces he didn’t know at all. It’d be a shame if a new recruit got killed through him simply not knowing them well enough yet but this was life or death. They’d have to work out alliances and kist later.
It was slower making it through the building than he’d have ever liked. Having to stop at every corner, the stair wells compromised… It was hell. He heard his name shouted from behind but over the cacophany of blaster fire he wasn’t sure who and didn’t bother to look back.
But, after what felt like an eternity, Cole made it to his father. He stepped into the large meeting room and it was the source of most of the noise evidently. Tables were turned, providing a mediocre cover for both sides. Cole was behind the enemy and fired on them, using the doorway as a defence until he could get behind a table himself. He spotted his father, across the room.
Trevor wasn’t wearing armour. He always wore some under his clothes but his shoulders were visible burned.
Cole was trying to make progress through but there were enough in the room that now they knew he was there it was hard to push further.
He peered over the table, aiming to fire on them but a series of shots flew across toward his father. Who was still standing, firing on a different part of the group. He started to duck but-
The world seemed to freeze for a moment as the first one struck him in the throat, sending him stumbling back, gasping for air. Cole wasn’t sure which of the following ones struck his father in hte head, dropping him to the floor but he was already up, surging forward toward the enemy.
It was stupid, shots already turnign toward him but he threw a grenade forward. It was just a flashbang but it clattering in gave him time to fire on them, turning his head away while the crack of noise and blinding light stunned the group and looking forward in time to kill a few of them.
Not all were in his line of sight as Cole saw the flash of red with only enough time to step backwards, the plasma glancing off his jaw. He couldn’t see for a moment, not feeling his head bash against the ground. Surely his face on fire, that he was dying too-
More blaster fire followed, a pair of hands were grabbing him but even as his vision returned, and looking up Corvo’s visage was apparent above him, he couldn’t move yet.
He couldn’t move.
Panic surged through him but it was short lived at least. As the initial concussve results faded he could get his limbs in order. Not that his vision was clear nor could he think straight. They’d killed his father. He was going to kriffing kill them.
He yelled at Corvo, vaguely realising that he hadn’t been able to hear the gunfire, nor words that Corvo was responding with from the man’s lips still moving but the Chiss was still resolutely dragging him away from the chaos. It wasn’t easy, with Cole still trying ot make it back. To see if his father had survived somehow, surely. He’d survived so much that couldn’t be kriffing it-
As the distance increased, Cole ended his struggling and did his best to stumble alongside Corvo. Before the Chiss just knocked him out, at least.
It was just as difficult escaping as it was getting in but progress was steady, the allies left alive doing their best to help clear the path, intent on escaping themselves. The news that Trevor was gone had passed through quickly. With so many dead, even with Cole present there was no reason for them to stay put and die.
They made it. Somehow but they made it. She shoved Myla in the cockpit, “When I say your name what do you do?” Myla whimpered. Evelyn didn’t have time for this. She grabbed Myla by the chin and forced her to look at her in the eyes.
“Myla, what do you do?” Her heart broke at the flinch but she needed to answer her. This was an emergency. No time for her to be the doting mother.
“I p-p-press the button and p-pull the level.”
“Good,” She started put in the coordinates. Anywhere. It wasn’t an ideal destination but it would get them out. “Stay hidden, do not look out.” She left the cockpit and the door slid shut behind her and locked. She heard footsteps and cried out when the blaster hit from behind, her body slammed against the door. She could feel the burn sensation at her back. Kark them. Kriff them all. She turned around, she saw only one. Okay. She can handle them. Evelyn ran to them and tackled them, they wrestled for the blaster cause she does not want to get shot again. They overpowered her and the blaster aimed at her side while she got her knife and stabbed them through the neck. Their body stiffened and slumped over her. She started to push them away.
The body was suddenly pulled away. Her eyes shot up and she saw two allies. They removed the body from the ship as Evelyn ran to the edge of the roof to overlook.
“We got news Trevor is dead-”
Evelyn’s heart stopped. No. She loved him like a father. There was a lot she disagreed with but he was still-
“Look!” Evelyn pointed out to Corvo and Cole. The remaining couple went back into the building to clear the way. Evelyn ran back into the ship and waited, squatted down by the side of the door with a blaster in her hand. She wasn’t a good shot but no one wants to be in the way of blaster anyways.
By the time they made it up the stairs Cole was struggling to remain conscious.
The two who’d come down were still down there. They’d said to go ahead but the blaster fire had just stopped.
“There’s no one else behind us, we need to go. I have coordinates for a safe place where’s Myla?”
The Chiss put Cole into a seat, frowning at Evelyn.
“Hiding in the cockpit, ready for my orders.”
Evelyn had no idea what she sounded like right now. She grimaced at Cole’s injuries, “Just tell her to open the door and she will.”
Cole was awake still, leaning forward once he was sat. It felt like his face was on fire still. His ears were ringing now which, annoying was unsettling his vision again at the pain of it. He had other injuries, though doing anything about any of them was.. barely a process. Ships had bacta, he just needed to find it but they needed to get out.
Corvo was in moments in the cockpit, putting in the new coordinates. He closed the door behind himself and smiled to Myla, the girl snotty with tears silently streaming down her cheeks. He crouched, offering her his hand. He wanted to cry himself, his hands were shaking and he hadn’t made it out uninjured either.
“What did your mommy say to do? I think it’s time to do it now if you want some help?”
The Dajorra system was unknown mostly to them but Wyndell Tyris had once promised them safety there. It’d be a chance to survive.
Footsteps came from the stairs up onto the roof.
Cole shifted in his seat, trying to get up as he reached for his blaster. He could barely function but instinct still kicked in even as his body was failing him.
“Stay, I am getting the bacta-” Evelyn ordered Cole as she went to go get it.
Myla sniffled as she rubbed her arm against her face before taking Corvo’s hand with a small nod.
“P-Push th-this button and p-”
Evelyn heard the footsteps too.
“MYLA! GO!” She shouted as she blocked Cole from going to where he was going.
Myla jumped but she did exactly what her mother wanted her to do. She pushed the button and the ship roared to life.
Myla then pulled the level, Corvo closed the ramp, and they were gone.
“What were you thinking!?” Evelyn yelled at Cole, her voice on the verge of panic as she opened the container that was used to store bacta. Was there even enough for the three of them? She grabbed a packet and was trembling trying to open it. Her eyes burned and she couldn’t say another word. If she did, she would start crying. Kriff. She needed to go pilot but-
No. Corvo has it.
Corvo pulled Myla into his lap, using instructing her on what he was doing and why and how as a distraction for himself as much as for her. It kept her out and away from Cole and Evelyn too. Cole’s condition was bad and she.. didn’t need to see that. Not right now.
Cole had hissed in pina as being more or less pushed back into his seat but then the ramp closed and the ship roared to life.
Evelyn was yelling but it was barely registering. She had a bacta packet in her hand. He needed one. Unable to hear her anyway, Cole reached to take a packet to heal himself, spotting her injuries and, working on autopilot, assuming she was working on her own injruies.
It was hard to open the packet but with pointedly slow movements he was set to manage it despite the corner’s of his vision beginning to darken.
Evelyn assumed he was grabbing a packet to help her open it and when he did, she put the one she couldn’t kriffin open away and snatched the one Cole had in his hand and started to gently put it on his injures on his face.
Her hands was shaking but her eyes were focused and brimmed with tears. Her forehead ceased, she was doing everything she could just to focus on getting the bacta on him without hurting him.
Myla started to cry less. She curled up against Corvo’s chest and was too tired to help him more but she listened. His voice was soothing. She had a few hiccups that she always had when she cries, that were slowly spacing out in between.
“… Grandpa on ship? Uncle Cole?”
Cole had flinched at her snatching it, hissing soon following. Kriff it hurt.
His head felt like it was spinning as Evelyn applied the bacta but once it was on the pain eased. The burning became less intense though it still pulsated. One hand had snapped out onto the seat beside him to stop himself from falling.
Corvo kept them moving. They were out of planet’s atmosphere before they started any kind of chase. He kept flying them for now, until he was sure that no one was tailing them but did respond in a gentle voice.
“Uncle Cole is here, yes. Your mother is just helping him, he’s hurt.”
Oh. Kriff. He was keeping himself up. That will work for now while she made sure he was thoroughly covered. Evelyn winced every time she moved her arm that pulled at her back. Her hands went to the straps on the seat as she slipped them on with a small help of Cole. She made sure the straps were on him correctly and not too tight but not too loose because she doesn’t know how much longer the man will stay conscious for.
Her hands went to remove her armor because it was aggravating her wound. She refrained from crying out as the dented part pressed into the burns as she removed it. At least it was just one burn mark. The rest was bruises and cuts.
“Will you be okay for a bit? I-I will send Corvo out after I tend to him.” She looked over to Cole. She needed to go tend to Corvo and check on her daughter.
Cole nodded, not fully with it but.. it sounded like she needed to go.
He’d be fine.
Evelyn glared at him. She was worried about him. She…. well. What was he going to do? They were already flying.
Evelyn made her way to the cockpit she took in a few deep breaths. Her daughter can’t see her broken. No. She needed to be strong. The door slid open as she smiled at them. She saw that Myla was asleep against Corvo’s chest.
Her eyes gazed over to the console, her brows furrowed. She… didn’t remember putting those coordinates down.
“Where are we going?” Evelyn whispered as she worked to open another bacta packet to tend any visible wounds that Corvo had.
Corvo had none that were visible, he was sitting oddly, as if his back had been struck but between Myla and his armour there was nothing to tend to for now.
“Handle your own wounds for now.” He spoke softly initially, making sure to say it before she got the packet open before sighing. “Selen in the Dajorra system. You won’t know it but we have a contact there. We’ll be safe.”
His red eyes closed for a moment, expression pained before he looked out the front of the cockpit once more, still in control of the ship. “Only myself and Cole know of it, of our ally there, out of those I know are still alive. It’s a thin connection, more a friendly happenstance and offering. One Trevor never wanted to act on but he.. he doesn’t get that choice today.”
His voice broke slightly and Corvo shook his head. He wasn’t going to be able to say much more.
Evelyn grimaced.
“I … I cannot reach it, Corvo. I will be okay.” She could handle the pain for a few hours if she needed to. It wasn’t like she was constantly bleeding at the moment. “Or I can tend to you and then you can help me.”
Selen? Dajorra System? Yea. She had never heard of it. She just hoped that it wasn’t that far. Cole needed a hospital. Evelyn trusted Corvo to take them somewhere safe. She just hoped they are allies. After… being shot at those that they thought were allies. Evelyn was nervous.
She notice the voice break as she glanced down, fighting back the burning sensation that threatened to spill over her eyes. Kriff. Everything hurts and it wasn’t just physically. They lost Trevor. Their home was gone. Their lives they knew were gone, mainly Corvo’s and Cole’s.
“I can take Myla and control the ship. You can be with Cole.” Evelyn suggested gently.
“We should patch each other up if we’re moving her anyway.” Corvo pointed out.
She was visibly hurt, and neither of them needed to get infected on the way.
He’d answer the question of distance but with the disruptions around the system he was fairly sure 17 hours wasn’t long enough.
Evelyn nodded, a change of topic. This helps. She gently leaned down and wrapped her arms around Myla.
Myla whined at first but then when she saw who it was and she quickly wrapped her arms around Evelyn’s neck tightly. Evelyn supported her as she held her. After Corvo finished tending to her, Evelyn managed to free up an arm to help with Corvo’s.
After that was all said and done, she refrained from sitting back on the chair. Myla was still fast asleep.
“… We will be okay, right?” Evelyn looked over at Corvo’s ruby eyes as if she was the child and wanting her father’s confirmation.
Corvo took too long to respond, nodding.
“We’ll be safe.”
It was as much as he could offer right now. A small truth that didn’t really answer the question but it was true. For him… he wasn’t sure. Nor for Cole. They’d both known only that life for so long as now it was torn away.
Hopefully Evelyn would be able to adjust better. Myla would be fine once they were settled, he was sure. Corvo was confident he’d be able to manage at least but… Kriff. He knew which one of the four them wouldn’t be able to.
“I’ll check on Cole.” He placed a hand on her shoulder for a moment, squeezing gently before moving to go out.
Visible through the doorway, in just that short time Cole had finally passed out. The bacta was doing its work already and he’d be okay, visibly but… Well he had a new scar to join the others that was for sure. But the strain on the body and mind had finally took him. Corvo had been surprised to hear Evelyn yell at him when they were escaping, it hadn’t seemed like Cole was awake enough even then to move but.. he must have. It was good to rest.
They were going to need it.