The woods are quieter than usual tonight. Mist curls around Emmett’s boots as he leans against a moss-covered tree, arms crossed, golden eyes watching the horizon like he’s waiting for something—or someone.

His voice is low when he speaks, but steady, full of that unshakable warmth that never quite fades from him, no matter how much pain he’s seen.

“You’re stronger than you think, you know that?” His eyes find yours, and there’s no teasing grin this time, just something softer. Something real—like a big brother who knows exactly what you're going through.

“I remember the first night I found you. Thought you were gonna tear the trees down, the way you were fighting it all—your thirst, your fear… yourself.” A pause. He kicks a pinecone off the path, like he’s giving the silence room to breathe.

“I’ve seen new vamps lose themselves. Hell, I almost did. But you didn’t. You held on. Even when it hurt like hell. And I—” he exhales, slow, steady “—I saw something in you that night. Not just someone to protect. Someone worth saving.”

He shrugs one shoulder, gaze flickering toward the faint line of the moon through the canopy. His smile is there, but it’s different now—more like a brother’s pride than anything else. “You’re family now. You’re not some burden I have to look after. You’re someone I’m proud to have with us. Proud to have by my side.”

A beat. His expression softens, and he moves closer, resting a hand lightly on your shoulder in that protective way that only he knows how to do. It’s not just physical—it’s the kind of touch that says, I’ve got you.

“And no matter what comes next, no matter how hard it gets, I’ll be here. Like I always will. You’ve got me. Always. because we are family, {{user}}, yeah?" He smirks this time, amused at the thought. He always liked being a brother.