NPCs

[donotlick]

Comments

[murderator]

[this message erases all traces of itself almost immediately after Hank reads it, ominously.]

Hank, I know that Oswald is too kind for you. However, expect that if he does not make an example of you, I will. The rules are in place for a reason. - H

TUESDAY, after motive

[foo_bar]

Hank?

Got a moment?

[donotlick]

[ Well, Hank is probably in his room and Connor is off being upset, so yeah, he's got time. ]

Hm? Yeah, what's up?

[ Here's one person he's not surprised to see? ]

You as surprised as I am that I'm still alive?

[foo_bar]

Actually-- yeah.

This was the one thing that Oswald was freaked out before the course started. It's why I was late the first day.

[donotlick]

[ Hale works in mysterious ways. ]

"This" meaning people punching you, or...?

[foo_bar]

Apparently some of the students tried to attack him in the entrance exam. He's been paranoid ever since. There are so many different security protocols.

[donotlick]

Oh, shit.

[ I mean, that makes sense too. ]

Maybe, uh... I mean I don't know what the hell he's thinking, but it kinda seemed like he wanted to get me on his side. 'See things his way' or something like that.

You'd think with his weird spy, that would be enough friends for the guy.

[foo_bar]

[his eyebrows raise and... he looks a little unsure suddenly.]

What?

[donotlick]

Yeah, I mean. His punishment is to get me off of booze for the week, right? And I told him that quitting cold turkey was gonna fuck the shit out of me, so then this asshole goes: "I understand. Call me if you need anything." Or some shit like that.

It was real fucking surprising, let me tell you.

[foo_bar]

That is... extremely suspicious. I wouldn't trust him.

[but then again, not drinking would. be both good and bad. withdrawal will suck.]

[donotlick]

No shit. I trust him about as far as I can throw 'im.

[ Which isn't very far. But yes, Hank gets to go through some delightful withdrawal, won't that be fun. ]

But a whole lotta shit here doesn't add up, and I'm startin' to get fucking tired of it. At least if I got a direct line to the boss, I can know what he's fucking up to.

[foo_bar]

You might have an open line, but would you really know what he's up to? Oswald is a true believer who doesn't question what is happening. He's not going to second guess something depending on who it came from.

[donotlick]

That might be true, yeah. But even shitty testimony can have something worthwhile going for it.

I'm not ruling him out just because you don't like him, Han. The world out there is still fucked, and his reasons are fucking nuts, but Megumi believes it too. I trust you, and you did me a solid, even if Hale found out... but how come you're the odd man out?

WEEK 5, SUNDAY

[foo_bar]

[later that afternoon, Han's going to check on Hank.]

Hey. I wanted to check up on you after... everything last week.

[donotlick]

You mean after Connor died? Yeah.

[ Hank sounds very tired. ]

Yeah, it sure was a fucking week, wasn't it?

[foo_bar]

You don't have to tell me twice.

[he runs a hand through his hair.]

It was a nightmare, eh? Though, hopefully this week will be better.

[donotlick]

Well, I can fucking taste again, so that's good. And the last case was pretty open and shut, so that could've been worse.

[ Hank sighs. ]

Just feels like I'm cleaning up a fuckton of messes. Or every time I look away, somebody's fucking shit up.

[foo_bar]

Yeah. I've-- noticed something like that.

[obviously he has, or else he wouldn't have yelled at everyone. they were all chafing over the program, at this point.]

I think I owe you for the help.

[donotlick]

Kinda feels like I'm holding this place together half the time. Ain't exactly used to being a dad to a dozen kids with knives.

[ He pauses to sigh and roll his shoulders. ]

For what? Helping keep the kids in line, or helping out with Connor?

[foo_bar]

Pourquoi pas les deux?

[he says jokingly]

[donotlick]

[ Hank snorts. ]

Yeah, well don't mention it. Least not the shit with the kids -- that part's just my duty as a fucking adult.

The stuff with Connor's 'cause we're partners. He's my friend, I ain't leaving here without him.

[foo_bar]

[hm]

You care about him a lot. I admit... the threats had me a little worried on how to approach you for awhile, but I think I understand better where that came from.

[donotlick]

Hah! Really, that's what did it? Me telling you I'd fucking beat your ass for hurting him?

[ He laughs. Maybe he just likes coming off as a dick? ]

What, did I intimidate you or something?

[foo_bar]

Wasn't that what you were trying to do?

[donotlick]

Oh, you know it, little man. I just didn't figure you for the type to just give up on talking to me because I scared the shit out of you.

You know me and Connor are tight, right? Usually when you date somebody, a way to get close to 'em is to get nice and cozy with their friends.