The Cycles of Revelation Series

Artifact of the Dawn: Closer (A Queer Sci-Fi Adventure)

Episode 44: Ardyn and Jevan grow closer.

They continued in companionable silence for a long while, each lost in their own thoughts, when Ardyn recognized where they were heading. A moment later, he spotted the small structure they had first found when exploring the Aria’una.

“I thought we could grab our old packs and bring them back with us,” Jevan said, pulling the old key out of his pocket and handing it to Ardyn with a sly grin. “There are a couple of things in mine I’d like to have, like that hairbrush my sister gave me.”

Ardyn opened the door and saw that everything was still exactly how they’d left it. “What did Cytra call this? An… airlock?”

“Yeah,” Jevan replied. “I asked Cytra to explain that to me once. When this ship is in space, the airlock is a way for the crew to get outside and make repairs without letting all the air out of the ship. That’s why there’s that other door inside.”

“So, we could get back inside the ship this way?” Ardyn asked, realizing that the Rahn’naa extended out this far into the forest.

“If that inside door worked, we could,” Jevan replied. “I don’t think they’ve started repairs on this part of the ship, but try the key.”

Sliding the key into the slot, they heard the same groaning noises as the last time they’d tried it, and the door remained closed. “I guess not,” Ardyn said.

“It makes sense,” Jevan said, kneeling down to gather up some of his belongings and stash them into his pack. “The ship is buried and there is no need for them to use these airlocks. There are more important things than fixing this one door.”

“You’re right,” Ardyn agreed, joining Jevan on the floor, picking up and packing items into the other pack. “I would rather walk back through the woods, anyway.”

After they finished packing, they stashed all their packs by the entrance and sat in the middle of the airlock for a moment, sipping on the water they had brought with them. When Jevan absentmindedly wrapped an arm around his shoulders, Ardyn looked up at his tall companion. “Why — ”

Pulling away apologetically, Jevan looked mortified. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have — ”

Ardyn shook his head and reached for Jevan’s hand. “No, let me finish. There are so many others you could have had relations with by now. I see how they look at you. Instead, you spend all your spare time with me. Why?”

Putting down his water and grasping Ardyn’s hand in both of his, Jevan looked down at Ardyn with a wistful smile. “We’ve survived a lot together, you and I. We’ve shared experiences that no one else has. After everything, you mean a lot to me,” Jevan explained, looking deeply into Ardyn’s eyes. “I’ve come to care for you deeply, more than I ever have for anyone else.”

The look of utter devotion in Jevan’s eyes nearly took Ardyn’s breath away. “Is what we have now enough? Don’t you want more from me? For us?”

A sad look crept into Jevan’s eyes, that he quickly blinked away. “I’d be lying if I said I’d never thought about it,” Jevan admitted, reaching out to play with the end of Ardyn’s braid. “But I promise you, I am happy as we are, and I will never push for more. I am so happy to have you in my life and to call you a friend. Sharing the burden of everything we’re learning has made it easier to bear.”

“I’m very glad you saved my life that day,” Ardyn said. “Not just because you saved me, but because it brought you into my life.”

Jevan’s face flushed darker as he flashed a bright smile at Ardyn. “I am very happy that you have let me be in your life, little ranger.”

Ardyn ducked his head, laying his ears flat, while his heart fluttered in his chest. Not knowing how to respond to that, he opted to lean over and bury his head in Jevan’s broad chest, letting the man wrap his strong arms around him.

“I almost wish we could stay out here, just the two of us,” Jevan said after a few moments.

“Me too. All I keep thinking is that our entire world is on the brink of change,” Ardyn said. “We cannot unlearn what we know.”

“Very true. Unfortunately, I think Takyra would send an entire security detail after us if we don’t return,” Jevan said with a chuckle, giving Ardyn a quick hug. “We should head back soon.”

They gathered their packs and closed the airlock. Ardyn looked at it wistfully for a moment before taking Jevan’s hand in his as they walked back through the forest, enjoying the serenity surrounding them.

After a time, Jevan squeezed his hand. “So, what about you? Why do you spend so much time with me? Besides my obvious charms and good looks, of course,” Jevan teased.

Looking at Jevan, the Medellan gave him a wink and a smile, which made him laugh. “As you’ve said, so much has happened, and it forced us together. We’ve shared so much and you’re a comforting presence. You make me feel safe,” Ardyn admitted.

Stopping and facing him, Jevan smiled at him. “I do? That makes me glad to hear. All I want is for you to feel safe when you’re with me,” Jevan said with all sincerity. “No matter what happens, let’s make a promise to always be there for each other.”

“Yes, no matter what,” Ardyn agreed with a smile, before they continued heading back.

Ardyn wondered if he’d ever be ready for a more intimate relationship with Jevan. The man was so patient, and his kindness seemed to know no bounds. Ardyn once again cursed his elders and their ancestors who forced the sexual trauma on him, which kept him from seeking a more intimate connection with someone he cared so much about.

Maybe someday…?

Thank you for reading. If you enjoy my writing and are not yet a member of Medium, for a nominal fee you can join and support me, to unlock more of my articles and all the content on this platform.