What even what

When would it all end? It seemed every damn alien species across the Sol System and beyond was determined to snuff out the last sparks of humanity. All for the sake of some giant cue ball above them. They hadn't asked for this, none of them had. That damned Traveler was like an unending curse; as if its very being fed on the misfortune that kept befalling them. 

With each offset, humanity would somehow still continue to stride forward, the sheer force of adamant determination (or pure folly) pushing them towards what they could all only hope was a better future. It was in their nature to reach out and expand their domain, to conquer the unconquerable, to seek out sights and places across the universe that those before them could have only dreamt of reaching. In their doing so, it was inevitable that every other sentient being out there would turn their attention to humanity. The clash of every single force would rage on, until the end of times it seemed. And it had all started with the Traveler rolling into their solar system. Like the universe's worst catalyst, or attempt at a twisted joke.

Yet, despite all of it… Tevis knew that here in the haze of the fire's smoke with the weight of a body against him, and the droning buzz of snores around camp—he wouldn't wish things any different. Through all their pains and struggles, while Tevis may occasionally desire to set back the clock and do things over, better—with less death and loss—his time with the Pack had still been the best of his entire Risen life.

He wouldn't trade that—or them, for anything. Not even for a chance at peace.

Was that selfish? Maybe. Peace was never guaranteed though, and not by the price it was theoretically asking for either.

If Tevis ever had anything to thank the Traveler for, and you would never get him to utter those words, not even at knifepoint— it was for the existence of his crew. The ragtag band of Hunters were just about the only thing keeping Tevis going. He'd be all but nothing if he lost them. Not even putting his faith in humanity, unceasing as they were, could get him through the worst of the worst these days.

Tevis huffed on the last of his cigarette, flicking it into the fire as he breathed out smoke. He watched the remainder of its filter turn to ash in the flames, and wondered if his thoughts could ever quiet down that quick. 

He eased Shiro from his lap then, just enough to reach over and snatch the spare blanket off Cayde's feet. Shiro startled awake at the movement, grumbling and grabbing at Tevis’ side with a firm hold. Meanwhile, Cayde groaned a curse in his sleep, even kicking a boot at Tevis’ hands. His feet didn't even get cold, the blanket hog.

Tevis couldn't help the snort that left him as he settled back down. Shiro's grip softened as he caught sight of the blanket in Tevis’ hand. He even hummed appreciatively as Tevis wrapped it over them both. The Exo shifted back into him, resting his head against the man's shoulder and settling his arms around Tevis. He'd pretty much draped himself over the Nightstalker like a second blanket.

Tevis didn't have it in him to push Shiro off, not that he minded the contact to begin with. Shiro was a welcome presence, and the Exo was toasty warm to boot.

Before his eyes could finally close, comfortable as he was now, Tevis caught Andal's glance from across the cave.

Andal smiled at him, his eyes seeming to glow as they reflected the light of the fire. He mouthed, “get some rest already,” before turning his attention back towards the cave's entrance. 

Tevis was currently ‘banned’ from night watch, seeing as he'd gone the last 80 hours or so without even a wink of sleep. While the others protested his insistence that sleep deprivation made his Void more effective, they typically let him be. Tevis could be a pain in the ass when he wanted to make a point.

It wasn't until the fourth day, when the topic of sleep arose once more over comms— that Andal himself moved from his cover over to Tevis’. The Hunter had raised his voice (they were far enough out to not be heard by their target), and settled his hands on Tevis’ shoulders firmly.

“Tev, you're going to get some damned sleep tonight. Traveler help me, I'll put a bullet in ya and talk your Ghost out of rezzing if you don't go willingly. The rest of us will handle keeping an eye out for one night.”

There was no arguing when Andal took on that tone nor gave you that look. Tevis had grumbled his last for the sake of grumbling—but nonetheless, after their sortie of the day, he'd plopped himself down against the far wall of the cave they'd been operating out of, and made no moves to take up watch.

That had been the end of the discussion.

Now, some time after a hearty stew made from someone's lucky hunt (Cayde and Andal were sure to keep bickering over who'd made the killing shot), Tevis couldn't find it in himself to complain. He had the weight of Shiro on him, and while Tevis knew that was probably an intentional means to keep him from getting up and relieving whoever was on watch— the Exo's body was warm and solid, a familiar yet rare comfort. He’d had so little of that these days, what with the circumstances of their constant harsh and unforgiving reality.

So tonight, Tevis would rest. Wrapped in an old blanket and an equally old Exo. While sleep never came easy, deprived of it as he often was, it found him well that night. Surrounded by his pack, and enveloped in the warmth their collective presences brought, Tevis slept soundly.