EVEREST
Ever took a slow sip of the rum, letting the warmth settle, and felt the decision form almost before Mateo finished speaking. Without the constant buzz of anxiety, choosing was...simpler. "I can pilot her down," he agreed at once, setting his glass on the counter with deliberate care. "If the barrier is the one meant to keep The Family out, it makes logical sense for both of us."
He tilted his head, reading Mateo’s expression. "Do you really think you're at risk? Because of the things your family might do?" The question wasn’t sharp—more a gentle check, the kind of verification he used to run through a pre‑flight list. "Either way, if they want you behind the line, I’ll ensure La Verbena is there."
Mateo’s breathless praise of Frey drew a small, wry smile from Ever. He raised one hand, palm out—a polite shield against further erotic detail. "I’m glad it was...positive," he said, the understatement deliberate. "But kneeling before a sex deity is above my current clearance level, acorn or no."
The moment of levity faded as Isla’s name flickered across his thoughts. He winced—subtle, but there—and traced a finger around the rim of his glass. "I saw Isla a few days ago. She still—" his brows knit, searching for the right shape of words, "—feels responsible. Like she stole something from me. I wanted to explain it wasn't her fault but..well, finding the words was difficult." He met Mateo’s eyes briefly, steady.
Ever exhaled, loosening his shoulders. "One variable at a time. First, we get the ship south. Then I suppose I need to try and find someway of letting Isla know that things are alright." Pausing, he looks at his friend with a sigh. "I'm open to suggestions, if you have any."
He tilted his head, reading Mateo’s expression. "Do you really think you're at risk? Because of the things your family might do?" The question wasn’t sharp—more a gentle check, the kind of verification he used to run through a pre‑flight list. "Either way, if they want you behind the line, I’ll ensure La Verbena is there."
Mateo’s breathless praise of Frey drew a small, wry smile from Ever. He raised one hand, palm out—a polite shield against further erotic detail. "I’m glad it was...positive," he said, the understatement deliberate. "But kneeling before a sex deity is above my current clearance level, acorn or no."
The moment of levity faded as Isla’s name flickered across his thoughts. He winced—subtle, but there—and traced a finger around the rim of his glass. "I saw Isla a few days ago. She still—" his brows knit, searching for the right shape of words, "—feels responsible. Like she stole something from me. I wanted to explain it wasn't her fault but..well, finding the words was difficult." He met Mateo’s eyes briefly, steady.
Ever exhaled, loosening his shoulders. "One variable at a time. First, we get the ship south. Then I suppose I need to try and find someway of letting Isla know that things are alright." Pausing, he looks at his friend with a sigh. "I'm open to suggestions, if you have any."
Oh I'm just a house of stones
Somebody hold me steady
Somebody hold me steady
Code stolen from Queen Sky
