2024 - France 

Ayaz stands in the living room, a hesitant tension clinging to his movements as he stands next to Druig. The soft glow from the afternoon sun catches in his golden blond hair, and his normally gold eyes shift to a deeper intensity, betraying his nerves. His gaze shifts between Louis, Francois, and Camille, gauging their reactions after his startling revelation. He had just bared his true nature to them, demonstrated his powers by teleporting across the room in a dark grey cloud of smoke and conjuring an intricate frost sculpture from thin air.

“We’re Eternals, from a planet called Olympia. We came here 7,000 years ago on the Domo, our starship, to protect humans from the Deviants,” Ayaz explains, his voice wavering ever so slightly as he nervously fidgets with his fingers. His powers feel like an extension of himself, but explaining their origin—explaining himself—is far more daunting.

Camille’s eyes flicker with curiosity, but there’s no trace of fear or panic. That alone is a relief. “Why didn’t you guys help fight Thanos? Or any war? Or all the other terrible things throughout history?” she asks, her tone carrying more wonder than accusation.

“We were instructed not to interfere in any human conflicts unless Deviants were involved,” Druig responds, his tone steady as he places a calming hand on Ayaz’s back. The touch sends a wave of reassurance through Ayaz, his tensed muscles immediately relaxing as if Druig’s presence is an anchor grounding him to the moment. Druig’s thumb grazes gently against his spine, an unspoken message of solidarity.

Camille’s gaze doesn’t miss the subtle exchange, and a small approving smile curves her lips. “Why?”

“If we’d protected humanity from everything for 7,000 years, you’d never have had the chance to develop in the way you were meant to,” Ayaz clarifies, his voice regaining some strength, though a flicker of apprehension remains. His mind churns with possible outcomes of this conversation, and he struggles not to dwell on the worst.

Louis, his brow furrowed in thought, steps forward. “But if the Deviants were eradicated a long time ago, why are you still here?”

“We’ve been waiting… to be told we can go home,” Ayaz admits, his golden eyes dimming slightly with an edge of bitterness. “But after waiting for centuries, we finally figured out there is no such place called Olympia and our mission was a lie.” He exhales deeply, turning his gaze to Francois, who has been silent throughout. “So… say something, pote.”

Francois chuckles, a smile spreading across his face. “I knew you were something,” he blurts out, causing Ayaz to blink in surprise.

“How?” Ayaz’s brow raises, caught off guard by the calm acceptance.

“I’ve noticed some unusual things happen when I’m around you. And I had my theories. Your basement is a mini Antarctica. And your eyes—they glow every time you’re sad or angry. You aren’t even aging, dude!” Francois lists his observations with amusement. “And there’s the best part: you once accidentally teleported when I was in the kitchen eating. You didn’t notice it, but I did.”

A grin breaks across Ayaz’s face, and he bumps fists with Francois, a burst of laughter escaping him. “I have no words, man.”

“I am very observant,” Francois states matter-of-factly before pulling Ayaz into a brotherly hug, the warmth of their bond reassuring amidst the surreal atmosphere.

Louis steps forward next, his lips quivering with unspoken emotions as he hugs Ayaz tightly. He’s the sensitive one, and Ayaz can feel the faint tremble in his friend’s frame as Louis sniffs loudly. “So, you’re gonna be gone?” he asks, his voice choked.

“Yeah,” Ayaz replies softly, patting his shoulder in an effort to comfort him. “I have to go.” His own sadness weaves into the moment, a shared sorrow for the inevitable distance that will grow between them.

“We’re gonna miss you, dude,” Louis murmurs, pulling back to offer a weak smile. Ayaz returns the smile, though it doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

Camille is the last to step forward, her embrace is gentle yet firm, grounding Ayaz even as he feels the weight of departure pressing against him. Her smile is sincere, tinged with something bittersweet. “I’m glad you found happiness again,” she says, her words quiet but filled with meaning.

Ayaz’s lips quirk into a cheeky grin as he returns the hug. “I want to give you something,” he murmurs. When he pulls back, he holds out his hand, closed-fisted, and Camille’s brows lift in curiosity. She extends her own hand.

“Keep them out of trouble,” he says with a smirk, pressing the key to his house into her palm.

“Says the king of troublemakers,” Camille teases, her laughter soft and light. She kisses his cheek tenderly, lingering for a moment before stepping back. “Thank you, Ayaz. Stay safe.”

The moment feels delicate, like the quiet pause before the end of a song, but it’s Druig who brings Ayaz back to the present, his hand finding Ayaz’s. He laces their fingers together, drawing him close, his gaze filled with an emotion that’s almost reverent.

Together, with one final glance at their friends, the dark grey smoke of Ayaz’s teleportation abilities curling around their feet as they prepare to disappear from sight. The journey ahead will be long, but in this moment, they know they will face it side by side.