Work Text
Somewhere in Nevada
Hank stepped into the rusty old magnification tube and exhaled slowly, the tube was much bigger than him, and though everyone called him a mag he was far from it, shorter than your average half mag but still taller than Jebidiah Christoff himself his height barely rivaled that of the ‘great’ director of Nexus Core. Hank’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a glitched voice and a large amount of metal falling, he glanced up to see the smartest man in Nevada tripping over some paint cans and knocking over a whole shelf.
“...God damn clown…” Hank scoffed as he shook his head, the short zombified clown had gotten back up after a fight with the metal shelf. It appeared to be proud of itself but still ticked off by the events that had gone on. It laughed maniacally before glitching back into its Pokerface, and walking over to the control panel. It grumbled to itself while trying to figure out the proper settings
“What are you waiting for? Get on with it already!” Hank growled and gripped the open door, digging his large talons into it, his aggressiveness was nothing new to the clown so it just shrugged and laughed at him
“ N-Not with that atti-ti-tittude I won’t! ” The clown laughed and began to press some buttons
“ All right wise guy guy guy What year did y-yye-you say it was? ”
“...##02, It’s doable, right? I know it's roughly 14 years ago but, it still can happen can’t it?”
“ Uh, no shit it can. I made the damn th-thing! Thing! Thing! Thing!” It typed the numbers into the control panel and stopped before pushing the button. “I should warn you.. All p-prr-rior memories of this will be gone within the first 15 minutes, so you’ve got 15 minutes to make it right and not start this all over again Hank.Hank.Hank. After that, these 14 years will be gone for G-good… However, there is a minor possibility tha-”
“Just… Do it dammit!” Hank growled he didn’t want to keep living like this, and suicide wouldn’t work as he’d just be brought back
The clown shrugged and smashed it’s hand on the button
“Suit yourself.” As the machine revved up the room grew bright before the door slammed shut. The clown fell down again this time leaving a trail of glitter as he hit the floor.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Somewhere in Las Vagas
Hank’s eyes blinked open slowly, burning from the harsh sunlight. As he finally came too and his hearing returned, the horrific sound of the chicken dance music filled his ears, quickly overstimulating him. He stood up and looked around and quickly looked down at his hands. Small, soft, unscathed by scaring. Fingertips are still intact. He reached his hand to his mandible and rubbed it, chiseled and covered in the scruff. He smiled softly.
“...It worked…” he muttered to himself, eventually realizing he needed to get away from the spot he was in before his time was up and he did something irrational, beginning the cycle again. He steadied his footing and darted away from the tree toward his motorbike, his mind raced as he felt the brisk fall air against his face. He knew who he needed to see, but he wanted to tell his friend before it all else to explain it all, so he quickly wrote a note to himself within his phone, making sure not to close the tab. He climbed atop his bike and revved it up.
“Just enough gas to get to Brandon’s. Then, maybe to Dad’s..” Hank slipped on his helmet before getting onto a main road, speeding past the stopped traffic and towards the ghetto neighborhoods, he watched closely for any police as he sped into the parking lot of a rundown apartment. Hank hopped off his bike and ran inside and up the stairs before busting into his friend’s apartment
“Cryt! Buddy!” The smell of rot and various drugs filled Hank’s senses, though overwhelming it was comforting to him
A crusty-looking guy walked out of the hallway
“Oh shitt.. Hey man, what you up to.” Cryt wiped some blood off his hands before shoving them into his pockets, his expression was hard to read as usual. Can’t tell if he’s happy, or just fine. He mostly has the same chill expression on his face. Half-done locs draped from his head, though it appeared he had no intention of finishing them. Hank huffed.
“Listen man I gotta tell you something, and I’m gonna sound fucking crazy but you have to hear me out here.” Hank rushed over at sat on the couch, Brandon shrugged and followed him flopping down next to Hank, preparing a fresh bowl of pot for the both of them to enjoy.
As time went by and Hank had forgotten what had happened they both just chilled cracking jokes about exes and dumb shit Brandon keeps getting himself into. Hank reached for the stereo remote and began cranking up the music that was playing, no one really lived in the old complex so no one really cared about sound, the place was filled with coke dealers and druggies, Cryt was a whole other kind of dealer.
“So I like… grabbed the mother fucker and slit his throat, the guy was stupid enough to run off without paying so I took the money myself, and a few tips as well, heheh..” Cryt kicked his feet up on the messy coffee table and tossed the last nub of his joint into the empty bowl.
“Is that the schmuck on the table over there? His liver looks like shit..”
“Yeahh.. Heheehh… He was a drinker from hell, dumbass didn’t know what hit him.. That’s also the work of my stash…” Cryt smiled, he looked proud of himself for committing such a disgusting crime. Hank shrugged and glanced down at his phone.
“Shit.. I.. I gotta bounce I just remembered I got something to do.. Uhh.. I’ll see you later man” Hank stood up.
‘When the hell did I write this he thought to himself
“Need a ride?” Cryt stood up a little concerned that Hank was so quick to jump up
“Is it something with your dad, little dude?” He watched as Hank put together his things sloppily, Hank looked quite panicked.
“I’m good dude… I just uh.. Gotta get home and sober up, I forgot about something I had to do.” Before Cryt could say much more of anything Hank rushed out the door.
“...Bad batch a weed maybe?..” Cryt looked over at the fresh jar he had finished curing just that morning.
Hank rushed to his bike and quickly got back on the road again. He stared down at his gas meter hoping it was enough to carry him out to the suburbs where his father lived.
He pulled into the driveway and walked inside the clean house, Hank looked around noticing no signs of life.
“Dad?..” He walked down the hall and knocked on the door to his father’s home office, where he spent most of his time making his silly animations and drawing. The door swung open to reveal a lesser-than-average-height man standing before his tall son.
“Ah, Hank nice to see you kiddo!” The man smiled adjusting his glasses
“...Are you high again..” M raised an eyebrow.
“Yea…” Hank looked down shamefully and began to fidget with his hands.
“Need a place to stay for the night again cause you’re scared to go home?”
“No… I uh, came here to sober up and say ‘Hi’ Is it such a crime to visit my own father?” Hank laughed nervously
“Well... No, I guess not, come on I’ll get you some water.” M walked off to the kitchen with Hank following behind like a lost dog. He looked around at the photos of the small family. Just M and Hank, always have been since Hank was adopted by him.
“So kiddo, How’s work been? Freelance art working for ya?” M handed Hank the glass of water he had promised
“It’s going.. And I literally work for you sometimes… Remember.. Music and textures..”
“Neaah, that ain’t true work Hank, you’re my son and offer to do that stuff.” M leaned against the wall clutching a cup of coffee.
“...I’m gonna try to talk to Kyle again…” Hank sipped his water nervously, his father almost choked on his coffee
“...Go back? Hank, kiddo, you know that isn’t going to end well... You remember the Ezra stuff.”
“I know, but… It was the drugs dad. That’s why they left, I quit doing that shit years ago.”
“It wasn’t the drugs Hank, it was that husband of their’s”
“He’s fucking abusive Dad.. I’m sure they’ve realized by now and left him”
“...Hank… It isn’t that easy, I’m just worried you’ll get hurt again” While Hank scoffed at his father’s remarks, M couldn’t help but still worry for his son, causing his thoughts began to run rampant in his head, leading him to take a hit from his vape pen as an attempt to calm down.
“I thought you said you’d stop vaping if I stopped smoking…”
“And you didn’t stop smoking.” a cocky smirk formed for a short amount of time before quickly fading noticing his son appeared to be in a worse mood than before.
“You’re a real fucking hypocrite Dad… You preach about how shitty smoking cigs and weed is and you turn around and vape”
“Old habits die hard.” M shrugged before pocketing the pen and continuing to drink his coffee, Hank huffed and finished his glass of water.
“...I’m sorry for lashing out at you like that.. I should probably be nicer to you, afterall you practically saved me.” Hank smiled softly
“Saved you? I found you in a wolmart parking lot” M chuckled into his mug #1 dad mug. Hank rolled his eyes and placed his glass on the table.
“Whatever… Still saved me, probably would’ve just died in the cold… Nights were kinda harsh that winter, besides I was fresh out of Juvie.” M raised an eyebrow
“What does Juvie have to do with you being kicked out and left in a wolmart parking lot?”
“...I’m going to the Nexus Medical Center you’re impossible right now.” Hank put his glass in the kitchen sink before collecting his things.
“Yeah yeah, I’ll see you when I see you, kiddo. Have fun and don’t get killed!” M waved to his son before walking back down the hallway to his home office. Hank smiled softly as he walked out the door and toward his motorbike again.
The wind blew through Hank’s clothes as he approached the N.M.C, the evening wind was chilling as winter was approaching quickly once more,
‘Nevada has gotten awfully cold within the past few years, it’s odd… I wonder if this is the work of The Director…’ Hank snapped out of his thoughts to park and throw on his coat before running inside. A kind looking woman greeted him at the desk
“Hello! I can help you over here.” She smiled brightly, despite looking exhausted
“Hey, Uh… I’m here to see Doctor Oмерзительный, It’s urgent.” Hank tapped his fingers on the desk minorly impatiently
“Do you… Have an appointment? If so is there a name to go with that?”
“No ma’am.. I told you it’s urgent, are they available?” He began to grow anxious, worried their shift was already up.
“I… Do believe they are on break right now, and if it is as urgent as you make it out to be I’d assume The Director or someone of high ranks sent you.”
“Y-Yes! I was sent here by the head scientist there was some… Issues involving experiments…” He smiled obviously nervous now.
“Down the hallway first elevator to the left, floor 4. Their office is up there marked with their name. Don’t try anything while you’re up there intern.” She gave Hank a glare, she seemed mostly convinced but still skeptical. Hank nodded and walked off quickly.
As Hank walked out of the elevator a shorter guy bumped him, cursing at him for not watching where he was going. Hank rubbed the black of his neck nervously
“Sorry, I’m just trying to get to one of the Doc’s offices.”
“Yea? Well, that makes two of us then, what makes you so special then huh?!” The man tried getting up to Hank’s height, though failing miserably.
“...I don’t want to start anything, especially in a place like this. Now would you please move to the side?...”
“In your dreams wise guy, you ruined a perfectly good suit!” Hank inspected the man’s suit, it looked fine other than a few burn marks.
“It looks alright to me.” He smiled nervously as the man huffed loudly, causing a black and orange haze to escape his nose as he stormed off cursing to himself. Hank just nodded and continued down the hallway, reading various doctor names. The side he was on started with ‘L’ , eventually reaching the only one ‘O’ name. The glass was frosted, but the lights were on. Hank felt a pit rest in his stomach as he leaned against the wall on the opposite side, trying to gain the courage to speak to his childhood friend, whom of which he hadn’t spoken to in 5 years.
He finally got the courage and hesitantly knocked on the door it wasn’t a heavy knock either, he’d consider himself lucky if the doctor even heard it. Hank was startled to see the door open in such a short amount of time, or even at all.
“I’m on break god dammit, I don’t have time for this, shit…” They paused their rant to stare at Hank for a moment, He just waved nervously and continued fidgeting with his hands
“Jesus fucking Christ…” They sighed and leaned against their doorframe
“How the fuck did
you
of all people get in here.” Doc crossed their arms expecting a good answer.
“They uhm… Uh.. Let me up…” Hank’s face flushed red, and their unimpressed gaze caused a rush of embarrassment through him.
“They… Just let you in, or did you come up with a shitty sob story?..” Doc began to visibly grow impatient with the timid man in front of them
“Okay okay, I uhm… They asked me if it was Nexus core business so I said Doctor Hoffnar sent me cause of experiment stuff and she.. Looked skeptical but I guess she believed it.” Hank smiled nervously as he picked at the skin around his fingernails. Doc sighed and looked around for anyone before pulling Hank inside their office and slamming the door, causing Hank to flinch.
“Why are you here, cause you’re really fucking pushing my buttons right now Hank James.” Doc kept a firm grip on Hanks's wrists as they stared him down.
“...You aren’t gonna like my answer…” He looked off to the side avoiding eye contact.
“I just kinda missed you…” Doc barely let Hank finish his sentence before slapping him across the face.
“Oh because of fucking course you did, you be fucking dick for two years and then when I finally leave, FIVE years later you decide to come crawling back when I’m married and… happy.” they sighed and pushed Hank’s arms away from their grasp.
“You sure?.. You uhm… Don’t seem happy.” Hank took a moment to look over their greatly changed appearance, long hair braided and tied with a purple ribbon, thin physique, and seemingly forced feminine features.
“...Do you ever drop the female form?..” Doc instantly took note of what Hank said and dropped the form to be their normal masculine one.
“Of course I do! That uhm must have been why I’m so tired. I forgot about it. Doesn’t change the fact you… Practically broke in here despite me saying I didn’t want to see you again.”
“You never said that, you just said you were done and leaving. You also stole my beanie.” Hank remained standing as to not get in any trouble.
“Okay fine, I did say that, and the beanie thing was accidental. It fell into my bag.” Doc huffed and clicked their pen.
“I’m not here to fight Doc, if you want me to leave just say the word.” Hank smiled softly to appear less threatening to them, Doc sat down at their desk. Taking a moment to think
Doc sighed and looked down at their feet, placing their hands over their knees.
“I guess he has been… Cheating on me, its nothing new though. He’s always loved, my little brother.” Their grip tightened on their scrubs
“I don’t get it… Why, why am I never enough for him, I do what he asks… I wear what he wants, I style my hair how he wants, and yet it’s never enough.” They scoffed and looked up at Hank, their demeanor quickly switching up
“Why the hell am I even telling you this? More importantly, why are you still here? Get out.” They barked
“...Ky.. Doc… I want to help you man, but if you want me to go then I will. Though if you ever need a place to stay, my apartment has a spare room available since Grey’s death.” He smiled and walked out the door quietly. Kyle turned around as the door shut and began logging off of their system, their thoughts beginning to run rampant. They stood up and checked their phone after a brief break, 3 missed calls all from Phobos. They checked the various text messages he had sent and reluctantly shut off their phone screen.
Hank hopped on his bike and sped off in the night rain, the sweet air filled his lungs as he listened to the drops hit his helmet, he stopped at a light and took a moment to turn on some music, making sure to get the perfect rain to music ratio. Most nights in Vagas were rainy, no one understood why, but it always seems to compliment the lights of the casinos and bars, sad songs were an odd compliment to the nightlife, and the sorrowful nature of his music echoed through Hank’s earbuds. He sighed, taking in his surroundings, not focusing on direction, just driving. He felt euphoric in a sense, the only kind that can be described as a smooth high, maybe it was the meds wearing off, or just that he needed to night drive more. He stopped at a red light and slumped down on his seat. He felt relaxed, all of his pent-up stress just seemed to melt away.
He continued on, eventually pulling into his garage portion and running inside, his jeans and leather jacket now soaked, along with his hair. As he walked inside he was greeted by his two cats, Pickle and Cheese. He hung up his jacket and picked up Cheese, as Pickle ran off to zoom around the house.
“Well then, How’s my favorite little raw chicken doing?” Hank laughed and gently petted the hairless cat, who only let out a small ‘mew’ in response to the affection. He placed the cat on the couch and pet her head gently.
“It’s a bit cold tonight so I’ll go grab you a sweater after I change my pants.” Hank smiled and walked down the hall, stopping to look at Pickle who was staring at the wall near Grey’s door.
“...Hey Grey, welcome home man.” Hank’s smile faded as he walked into his bedroom, behind him formed a red figure, which quickly glitched away after he shut the door.
S̴̕͜ő̶̹m̴̔ͅe̴̫͠w̵̻̌h̵̹́ē̶̤r̷̚͜e̸̦̒ ̶́ͅi̸͉͆n̶̦̍ ̷̬͆n̴͖̒e̸̠͐v̶̥̕a̷̦͆ḏ̶̈́a̶̠̕
The sound of heavy leather boots pounded across the ground. Shouting can be heard within the distance as the man hopped behind cover, he winced as he covered the burning gunshot wound with his hand. The man lowered his face covering and flicked on his earpiece
“Backup… Now…” All he heard on the other end was unintelligible chatter. He whimpered and shut off his comms once again as he stared into the bright red beam streaking across the sky. He sat for what felt like years until his requested backup arrived.
“Woah big guy? What happened here?” the voices of his peers echoed through his skull. As his vision began to fade the sound of an alarm rang in his ears.
Back in Vegas.
Hank sat up slowly and rubbed his head as he reached for his phone, shutting off the alarm, he groaned as he rolled off his bed and onto the floor where he’d lay for the next 3 minutes as two cats crawled on top of his chest
“Alright babies.. I gotta get to work.. PFft-... Pickle your breath stinks girlie.. Quit biting my nose.” he pushed Pickle off his chest and sat up causing Cheese to run off. Hank stumbled off into his bathroom with a fresh pair of clothes for the day, though quickly interrupted by two cats meowing at his feet.
“I fed you two yesterday morrr… ohh.. Your bowl is empty cause s certain FATASS, is eating all the food.” He stared at the chunky Sphinx on the floor.
“FAT.” He laughed and walked off into the cat’s room. Aka the living room.
After multiple morning chores, Hank finally pushed his way out of the front door and slung his guitar bag over his shoulder.
“Just one gig, can’t go that bad can it?”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
I rested my hands in my lap as I looked around the room I sat in, is this truly what I wanted after all?.. Maybe that damn boy was right, I’m just a pawn in an endless game of chess doomed to be knocked down time after time again. As soon as my regretful thoughts began they were shut down by the sound of my pager beeping alerting me of an emergency, and because I was so lucky it just had to be a raging mag born. The biggest creature on this earth apart from that damn project my husband was so busy with. The conditions of that poor man sicken me more than the asylums. I gathered my things and began off to the emergency care unit, passing alarm after alarm I finally stumbled my way into the holding room out of breath. I watched as 2 half mags and 3 guards held down the disgusting beast “Finally! Someone who knows what they're doing!” The Auditor rushed towards me and placed their hand on my cheek gently. “Be careful with this one, that manthing of yours will stop at nothing to kill one of my best mags if it hurts you.” They smiled softly and carried on out the door, leaving a small trail of deep red smoke in Their path. ‘They’ve still got the sweets for me as well. Great that makes two of them..’ I sighed and grabbed my sedation rifle from its sling, attempting a steady aim. Though large it was a shockingly hard task to shoot a mag-born, let alone directly in a major artery, the roars of the creature and the shouting of people holding it to the table. My head aches as I try and focus on something other than the noise, in my frustration my hand tensed, pulling the trigger. The dart landed loosely in the Mag-born’s neck, though not far enough to initiate a full dosage, the result was an extremely pissed Mag. The beast ripped out the dart and stabbed it into the larger half-Mag causing him to pass out instantaneously and fall to the ground. Within the blink of an eye, I found the creature ripping off the last bits of its restraints and charging toward me, I quickly loaded my rifle and aim for the visibly pulsating vein on his neck, a purple light flashed as I pulled the trigger, though what I hit was not my target in the slightest. An angry groan followed by a thud echoed through the room as I stared at the bright crimson cape in front of me, Black tendrils hued by a purple haze tangled around the beast. I gasped realizing who it was, I rushed over to him and ripped the dart out of his back, and quickly ran to sedate the raging Mag. The man released the mag and stood up slowly. “Kyle…” He scoffed, staring down at me whilst lifting the now sedated Mag onto the operation table. “Phobos. I uhm,, I didn’t mean to you just.. Kind of appeared!” I laughed nervously fearing he'd be furious, Phobos sighed and kneeled to hug me. “I’m not angry with you… It was my mistake. I’m sorry, I knew something felt off especially when my brother came in with The Auditor. I just want you to be safe mi amor." Phobos caressed my cheek gently I placed my hand on his and gently pushed it away "I must get to work Phobos.. I'll call you once I am finished." He nodded and stood up, I smiled and walked over to my tools "If it begins to go south. Call me, I can restrain those freaks of nature with utmost ease.." Phobos opened a portal to his office and stepped through it. I sighed and turned to begin work on the long overdue process of taking care of this large infected gash along the Mag's chest. My thoughts were filled with Hank’s words, with constant second-guessing of the choices I've made in the past years. I took a breath and attempted to clear my mind of them 'Don't think about it too much. This is the best you've felt in years… He's just trying to win you back’ The hours passed and I paged The Auditor to pick up her oversized beast, letting her know I was finished with his little "boo boo" I carefully injected the reverse serum into the Mag to wake him up, hoping he'd still be a bit groggy and not attack me when he eventually does. A familiar knock pattern played from the door, and without any questions, a blackened blob drenched in an orange fiery hue crawled under the door and popped back into a humanoid form "Aye!! There's just the man I wanted to see!" Deimos lit another cigarette and padded over to me. "Deimos… You know how I feel about you smoking in the health center Deimos. What if your brother knew about this" "KAAAAHAHA.. he wouldn't care! Now help me fix this!" He whined. I gave him a blank stare and cocked my eyebrow as I lifted my radio "OKAY OKAY I'LL PUT IT OUT SHEESH" He quickly burnt out the cigarette on his suit and put the stick back in his box for later. "Send me the Lieutenant." "WAIT NONONONO WAIT" Deimos laughed practically begging me to call him off. I shook my head and dragged him out of the room by his tie. I forced Deimos to sit down on a chair in my office, he crossed his arms and flicked his tail in annoyance, I assume making sure to slap it against anything he could to piss me off further. "Deimos quit that you're going to get 'happy tail' and that isn't fucking fun to treat cause you REFUSE TO STOP SQUIRMING ." I scoffed and poured some blood into my mug, sipping it carefully as I accidentally overfilled it. My office door suddenly opened and a tall muscular man stood there with 3 other guards. "Alright, where's that little bozo .." Sanford walked into the room and crossed his arms, Deimos made a run for it, ultimately being stopped by the guards who all carried assault rifles. Sanford turned around and sighed, obviously annoyed. "Deimos, what the hell are ye up to now…" Deimos laughed nervously, I just continued sipping my drink as the large Scottish man began tearing into a literal Demigod. "Can you boys not do this in my office? Walk and talk, you two!" I turned around to face my desk "My apologies sir! We'll be leaving right this instant." Sanford slung Deimos over his shoulder and carried him out. "THIS IS EMBARRASSING SANFORD!" Deimos whined as he was dragged away yet again I finished one final spreadsheet and stood up for a break, I grabbed my phone from my pocket to call Phobos but took a moment, I scrolled down in my contacts to a specific number. A large crossed circle appeared next to the name. I hesitated for a moment before unblocking it. I winced and called Phobos. " Hello? " His voice echoed through the speaker "Hey.. I'm going on break, mind picking me up and we can go for lunch?" I fidgeted with my braided hair. As a loud huff was heard from the other end " No. I'm very busy today. Perhaps another time." I bite my tongue and sigh "... Alright then.. see you after work then… Love you.." Phobos hung up the phone without saying a word. I scoffed and stuck my phone in my pocket. I quickly gathered my things and left the building as fast as possible. Though multiple guards made a valiant attempt to stop me. I pushed my way out the front door. I grew angrier and angrier as I traveled out to my car, once in I slammed the door and punched the steering wheel "Fuck! " I whimpered and buried my head in my hands, ' Why.. Why does he never make time for me?! ' I buckled my seatbelt and drove out of the parking lot. Not even a minute after I had left my phone began to ring on the side seat, I tensed and pressed the answer button " Papa!! Glad you picked up omg! This cool artist opened up for my show and just oh my gawd he was just so great !" "That's great Ero. So how did the show go?" " AUH-MAY-ZING! Like when do they NOT go great? Anyway, I'll send you the video I got of the guy, he's got your style! Ya know.. when you were with my mother!" "Don't remind me. Anyway, I'm sure he was like… really cool. Anyway, I'm heading for lunch. Wanna meet up at the cafe downtown? Your father was too busy again." " Oh yeah! Of course! As long as I can bring this singer with me!" "..Fine. This better not turn into a relationship thing Erotes. You're still only 18." " OH GAW NO! He's like 10 years older than me! Ugh, whatevs. I'll see you soon! " The sound of the call ending caused my ears to ring. I slowly pressed on the gas, getting up to highway speed, as not to be late for lunch and to have enough time to get back to work. I parked my car and got out, I saw Erotes sitting down outside drinking some kind of sparkly purple beverage. I couldn't see the man behind him. Though a specific braid draped from his fluffy bangs. "Oh god dammit." I marched over and huffed the man mouthed a silent "Oh shit" "Hank J…" I huffed and sat down. The table instantly grew quiet, and tension visibly grew between Hank and I, or so I had thought. The waitress came over and took our orders, I of course remained silent. Hank as well, he smiled softly and handed her a piece of paper assumingly containing his order. ‘I feel like I’m in a shitty wottpal fanfiction…’ I crossed my legs and dug through my side bag looking for some chapstick. “So, papa… Uhm. How’s you and my birth dad’s relationship going.” Erotes smiled through his seemingly grungy tone. I pause my search to look up and give him a slightly worried look. I carefully scribble words onto a napkin and handed it to him. He responds with a slight ‘ah’ sound and a nod of the head. Hank cocked an eyebrow at our silent conversation, attempting to relay something to Erotes in sign language, Russian sign language. The only variation Ero knows cause I had taught him myself, as well as Hank. “You’re not slick James.” I practically hissed at him, causing his hands to plan themselves firmly in his lap “Ss..Sorry.” Hank stuttered through quick breaths, his eyes began to dart around frantically, and his skin appeared cold as he squeezed his eyes shut, trying to ignore whatever was bugging him. I scanned the area briefly, though nothing was in sight. He probably just forgot to take his medication again, though this seemed a lot worse than a typical schizo panic, he was quick to calm himself and regain ground on his situation. “Are you alright Hank? You seem kinda yuh know... Loopy” Erotes laughed nervously, Hank nodded slowly and picked at the skin around his fingernails. “I’m fine, just a freakish fuckin’... God, I can’t even find words to describe that one!” he laughed off what just happened, while I just sat in awe, ‘he’d usually be much more bothered by something like that, hiding in my arms for as long as I'd allow. Though it had been five years, perhaps he found a better grounding technique than... Clinging to his partner’ I trailed my eyes up and down Hank, confirming there was absolutely no way that man wasn’t single. He looked ratted up and exhausted with a tinge of the classic meth-head look. Other than that he looked like your average Vagas singer-songwriter. “Quit picking at your fingers, you’ll make yourself bleed.” I scolded him without thinking. “Nothing you can’t fix Doctor…” he spoke with a cocky tone as he quietly wheezed out. I crossed my arms and scoffed at his remark, luckily we were saved by our food. Erotes sipped his drink and glanced back and forth at me and Hank. Hank was quietly eating, attempting to keep the peace. Erotes’ loud drink slurping grew to aggravate eventually causing me to slam my fist on the table, I waved over the waitress at the first chance I got to order Erotes a refill on his tea. “Papa, what happened between you two, the tension here is WAY too fucking high” “Don’t worry about it squirt, boring adult life shit.” Hank shrugged. “Don’t even with me Hank James!” I clapped back, Hank sighed and just shook his head completely ignoring me and Erotes. Ero groaned and leaned back in his seat “Listen from what I remember y’all were the cutest couple, and even before y’all started dating y’all were stuck like glue!” “Shit happens kid. People don’t stay friends forever.” Hank huffed and averted his eyes to the traffic on the road. “...You called me ‘’A filthy-” “AP-BAP- shush. Don’t repeat it. Not wise.” Hank laughed nervously as he cut me off. “Probably better than what my pathetic excuse for a father calls you.” Erotes whined as his tail curled into a gentle coil.” “Wait, what kind of shit does he say?” Hank looked at me with slight concern, I just shook my head and sighed. “I’ll be going now.” I flagged down the waitress once more to get my bill, Hank shook his head. And placed his hand on my wrist, I ripped my arm away and stared at him. “You’re trying way too hard Hank.” I stood up and began to walk off, Erotes dashed in front of me blocking me with his wings. “No, cause even I’M worried papa, my father is far from a good man, my mama and siblings even think so… There is utterly NO way your safe with what you told me!” “Erotes you’re making a big deal out of this, not only that it’s causing a scene that will indefinitely ruin your reputation as well as Hank’s and my own.” I pushed past Erotes and paid quickly before swiftly walking off to my car. “At least tell me what’s wrong.” I dropped my keys, startled by Erotes’ sudden appearance behind me. “Fine, Meet me at your mom’s house, I guess it’s time I pay my son a visit anyway.” “Can I at LEAST bring Hank? Mama absolutely loves him you know.” Ero said with a smile. “Fffine… I guess, not that me saying no would stop you. Against my better judgment, I agreed. I watched as my stepson ran off to go tell his new friend about this amazing find. I shook my head slowly and climbed in my car, mentally preparing myself for the mentally painful experience, at least I get to see my kids again.