responsible parent seeks other parents for adventure

[donotlick]

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Monday, before Connor's return

[throwabookatit]

[ After one last look over everything, with no luck, Rebecca's at her wits end. She's sure, however, that it's worse for Hank. He's been looking for Connor, all day, and still.

Around the time when they're circling back to the dorms, she has a suggestion to make. ]

Hank... Maybe we should...take a break, for the night. I think...maybe all we can do now is leave it in Han's hands.

[donotlick]

[ It's worse for Hank. It's much worse. He can't say he thinks of Connor as his son, but he is his partner and that means more to him than anything else.

They've looked everywhere. Twice. Three times. More than that. Hank's been looking all day and still has nothing to show for it. ]

Fuck. Goddammit.

[ What else can he say? He's largely been cursing all day, so frustrated with his inadequacy, his inability to help Connor, or even find him. It's in Han's hands now and he knows it. But that doesn't make it any less frustrating.

He sighs in frustration. ]

Yeah. You're probably right. Han is... If he can't find him, no one will.

[ He seems particularly sad about that. But you know, inadequacy. It's been his close friend lately. ]

[throwabookatit]

[ She places a gentle hand on his back. ]

Come on. Why don't...we find a place to sit, and... Would you appreciate someone to drink with? I think...we could both use a nice, stiff one, after all this.

[donotlick]

I shouldn't...

[ He sighs. Connor's not here to tell him no, but still. ]

Maybe just the one drink. You can keep me honest.

[throwabookatit]

Oh, if you go for another I'll knock your block off.

[ Like, honestly. ]

Just...to be able to turn off. For an hour.

[donotlick]

[ Hank smirks. You can always count on Rebecca to set you straight. ]

Yeah, I... You're right. Yeah, a drink'll help.

[ Oh, that alcohol dependency. ]

At least... until we hear back from Han or something.

[throwabookatit]

Come on. I've got some whiskey I can grab, if you'd like, or...whatever else, yeah? They haven't been stingy with handing out the alcohol around here.

[ Let's go drink in Starbucks. ]

[donotlick]

Whiskey's my drink of choice, how'd you know?

[ He chuckles, still a bit tired. He'll drink anything, realistically. But Whiskey sounds great. He's definitely going to follow her to Starbucks. Booze is the quickest way to get Hank to do whatever you want... ]

[throwabookatit]

Just intuition, you know. Good Scottswoman always offers the drink of her people.

[ Well, let's grab the scotch whiskey from her fridge first and then away we go. ]

Honestly, waking up to this little gift should've seemed like a premonition. Maybe someone knew we'd need it, today.

[donotlick]

It's like they fucking knew, huh?

[ Hank rolls his shoulders, still stressed but trying to relax at least a little. It's not very effective, but the promise of booze helps. ]

Gotta say though, you Scots really make the best shit. No arguments there.

[throwabookatit]

[ ...Really, Rebecca wouldn't be surprised if they did know, but that's getting more into theories than she wants to right now. This is about relaxing. Nothing more.

Time to grab some cups...from behind the Starbucks...god that's weird. ]

Naturally. What I'd really like is some good Drambuie, but I'll take what I can get, especially if it's whiskey. [ Here, have a fucking coffee cup of alcohol. ] ...Only one drink, right?

[donotlick]

Hell, I'll drink anything. But that sounds like good shit.

[ Hank sighs, long and hard. ]

Make it a double?

[throwabookatit]

...If you start asking for more I'm sending you right back downstairs, alright?

[ But, okay. Here, a double. ]

[donotlick]

You're a peach, 'Becca.

[ He smiiiles. It's very tired, but it's a smile, ok. ]

Thanks. Seriously. I need this.

[throwabookatit]

It's not just for you. Honestly...I think I need it too. Haven't had a good drink in...too long, with everything that's been going on.

[donotlick]

Well, if you ever need just the one drink, I'm your guy.

[ He takes a sip and breathes a deep sigh as the burn runs through him. God, he is definitely still addicted to this stuff. ]

[throwabookatit]

[ Mmm, yeah. A nice gulp and Rebecca hums lightly. She has to make sure he saves some of this. ]

...It's been awhile since I've just...gone out drinking, with someone. I'm afraid I don't quite know what to talk about.

[donotlick]

Well, can't say I'm much better. Last time I had a drink with someone, all I did was bitch about... stupid shit.

[ mmmmm yeah he's taking another sip. don't ask who he was drinking with, ok!! (except do) ]

[throwabookatit]

[ eyes emoji ]

Nothing wrong with that. Especially not in this place.

[donotlick]

God, I wish that was just it. We've got such bigger shit going on. Now the shit I was bitching about seems stupid.

[ He sighs. ]

You know, like when you make a dumb mistake, but then realize "wow, I fucking knew that was a mistake, but I sure kept going."

[throwabookatit]

Haa, well... Yes, I'm familiar, with the feeling, unfortunately.

[donotlick]

[ Hank shrugs, staring down at his glass. ]

Yeah. Maybe I should just give up on some shit... but it's so much easier said then fucking done, right?

[ Hank, you're gonna have to give some context, dude. ]

[throwabookatit]

I can't really offer advice, without knowing the situation.

[ Wink, nudge. C'mon, open up. ]

[donotlick]

[ Hank sighs. The Situation is Complicated. ]

You have to promise not to tell. Anyone.

[throwabookatit]

Promise. My lips are sealed.