donotlick | spooky scary

[ Hank's not gonna mess with him too much, since he's just getting used to all this stuff. But he can't stop himself from laughing at his quips. They're both assholes, let's be honest. ]

Yeah, I thought about it but then I'd have two wet mutts in my house. And I get enough shit from Sumo, I don't need you dragging mud in the house, too.

[ Hank's there despite everything, standing up as Gavin does and making it clear that he can lean on him if he needs to. The fact is Gavin almost died. He did die, technically. Hank knows the less they talk about it, the better. ]

I got food upstairs too. Doubt you wanna eat any of the shit that's down here right now.

[ Raw meat is great and all, but it's kind of jumping off the deep end here... ]

[ Somehow getting Hank to laugh makes him feel a little more grounded, but he still wobbles a little and absently puts a hand on his upper arm. He just blinks a few times, takes a deep breath, and slowly straightens his spine like it's suddenly made of tissue paper or something.

He rolls his eyes, about to snark something else before— Wait— He looks at him, brows raising. ] Wait... can you talk to dogs? Is that what you're saying?

[ Because if Gavin can talk to dogs he wants a refund because he's a cat person, goddammit.

At the mention of food he realizes his stomach is still churning and the thought is entirely unpleasant at the moment. He grits his teeth a little. ]

Maybe. Let me shower first and I'll think about it.

[ With that, he starts to hobble over to the stairs. ]

[ Hank shrugs. Talking to dogs isn't even the weirdest thing he can do, Gavin. ]

Kinda. I mean, they listen to me. I can, uh... kinda tell how they feel? Got a lot better at understanding their body language. But it's not like Sumo's gonna bark the words to Old McDonald or anything.

[ Hank smirks, still giving Gavin sass for all that he's going to help him up the stairs. See, he can be a good guy sometimes. ]

Not for nothing, Reed, but after recovering from that much shit -- if you don't eat you're gonna wanna claw your skin off in a couple hours.

[ It's infuriating how much sense that makes. He just huffs as they make their way upstairs, stomach still twisting. ]

I fuckin' hope not. [ Ugh, god, the wood creaking in the stairs is awful. ] Yeah, yeah... I'll eat something. Just gimme a bit.

[ He thinks there might be one last bullet in his gut causing trouble. Maybe it was the one that really would have killed him... did kill him?

Fuck. Quick, move on— ]

You got clothes I can borrow?

[ Welcome to being kind of a dog, Gavin. It's not as bad as it sounds (ok, it definitely is,) but you get used to it. And the sounds will likely get less annoying once you've eaten something... though with the full moon coming up, that's. Hm. Yeah. ]

You got time.

[ Hank helps him up the stairs, leading him to the back door. Sumo's so excited to hear Hank is home, he's definitely whining behind the door. ]

Sure, right. [ He gives Gavin a look, taking in the-- yeah, there's blood everywhere, those clothes have got to go. ] I got some old shirts that might fit you. And pants... hope you like sweats.

[ Oh fuck there's Sumo and... yup. He 'understands' that whine. Goddammit! He's not gonna stop being a cat person because of this, Hank!

He grunts when they're inside, giving said dog a little look. Hey, yeah, we're cousins now or some shit Sumo. Whoop-dee-doo. ]

S'fine. [ Fuck it. He shrugs out of his jacket, which is mostly intact, but then just peels off his tattered shirt right then and there. His torso is still caked in dried blood. ] Not gonna be picky.

[ huh, well, that sure is a shirtless Gavin in his house now. That's... hm. Yeah, that's a thing. The blood kinda ruins the look but at least it makes it easier for Hank to snap out of it and stop staring.

Hank snorts. ]

That's fucking incredible, coming from you.

[ Of course for all the shit he gives him, Hank still shows him the way to the bathroom. Sumo is trailing behind them all the way, sniffing at Gavin and just being really happy because Hank is home and he brought a friend and he's been so lonely all day. ]

Yeah, yeah, I'll deal with you in a second, Sumo.

[ Hank pats him on the head, smiling before he turns right back to give Gavin shit. ]

Try not to get any blood on my towels, alright?

I have my moments. [ He hasn't been shirtless around Hank since he was a rookie and he's so very past the point of giving a shit at the moment. (He hopes, in the back of his mind, that getting turned didn't like... erase his tattoo on his back.)

...and why is Sumo really fucking cute to him all of a sudden? Jesus Christ, what is happening to him?! He meanders to the bathroom and huffs. ]

I won't wreck your bathroom, don't worry. [ He pauses a moment, working his jaw back and forth. It doesn't click like it used to. ] But... thanks.

[ You got built, Gavin, jeez. The tattoo is still there at least. Even if his body heals internally, he's gonna have his scars because... uh... because it's skin? No more scars from here on, though. Well, except for the faded scar from where Hank bit him, but it looks more like something Gavin's had for years than the bright red of a fresh wound. ]

Yeah, we'll see if you're still thanking me in a couple of days.

[ Hank waves him off, giving him the privacy he no doubt needs. It's... it's a life, sure, but it's still a curse. He's sure Gavin needs. A break. ]

I'll be out walking Sumo, so take as long as you need. I'll even let you use all the hot water.

[ Between running all over Detroit, stress working out a lot after his grandmother died and everything else he's kept in pretty good shape. ]

Yeah, yeah. [ He's flippant but he's reaching the end of his rope a little. He's glad Hank's going to step out for a minute.

He swallows around the lump in his throat. ] Take your time. See you in a bit then.

[ With that, he goes into the bathroom and closes the door. And immediatly runs over to the toilet and heaves and chokes over it. Blood and leftover bile come out and he coughs a few more times, the final bullet finally falling into his palm. Gavin's breath is ragged for a moment before he tosses it in the trash and flushes the toilet.

He stumbles over to the sink and looks at himself. He looks... the same, yet not. The bags and wrinkles under his eyes from the years of insomnia are suddenly gone, his mild eczema vanished and... what? The scar is still there, but he runs two fingers down each side of his nose. Then inhales harshly withot a snort or a honk. What the fuck? It un-deviated is septum?

He stares at his face again. It's like the mask of Gavin is suddenly gone and all he can see is his brother's face, fully for the first time in over a decade.

Fuck.

He almost rips off his belt, jeans and underwear and all but leaps into the shower. He turns the water on a scalding hot and stares at his hands.

He's too different now, isn't he? Too different from Eli? Gavin crumbles to the floor of the tub and cries. It's more like a howl, a growl, and he watches the blood circle down the drain.

Gavin just crouches there until the water runs cold, until he hears Hank and Sumo return. ]

[ Yeah, Hank doesn't need to be in the house to know Gavin's distressed. In fact, he can practically feel it in his bones, the hurt and the fear and everything else is there, even if it's not his. Hank's gotten pretty good at controlling his instincts and keeping shit separate, but this is a new feeling. Fuck, no wonder it's such a bad idea to turn people, how was anyone supposed to keep their head on straight if their pack was fucking emotional? ]

Guess we better play nice with Reed, huh, Sumo? At least for now.

[ Hank gives Sumo a comforting pat, knowing the dog can also pick up on Gavin's pained howling. He's gonna have all the dogs in the neighborhood crying at this rate, but it's not like there's anything they can do about that. Best Hank can do is let him get it all out and walk around the block with Sumo until he's calmed down somewhat. He steps inside and refills Sumo's bowl before stepping into his room to grab Gavin the clothes he promised: an old band t-shirt and some sweatpants that haven't fit him since before Cole was even born. It's not high fashion, but it'll have to do. At least Gavin's not as twinky as Connor. ]

Hey. [ Hank knocks on the door, gently. ] I got those clothes for you. You decent?

[ Gavin lets it all out and feels... drained but a little more stable on his feet. All the blood has finally washed off of him and he steps out of the shower.

He wipes the condensation off the mirror and stares at himself again. His hair is plastered to his forehead, all the gel washed out, and he somehow looks even younger. He reaches up and puts a hand over the spot where Hank bit him, feeling goosebumps pull up his neck at the still fresh memory. Fuck. Fuck. He closes his eyes and gulps, opening them when he hears Hank approach.

He wraps the towel around his waist, running his fingers through his hair. ]

Yeah, I'm covered up. You can come in. [ He sounds... tired. ]

[ Hank opens the door, getting a faceful of steam. It takes him a bit to actually see Gavin and... yeah it's a noticeable change. He looks like he's actually slept. His face looks... sharper? His skin is clearer too. Damn. Doesn't help that Hank definitely feels that pull again, the sense that Gavin is his responsibility now. His pack. He's fresh and new and needs protecting. Yeah, that's annoying as fuck. ]

Here you go. [ Hank hands him the stack of clothes. The sweats smell a little musty but they smell like Hank, that much should be obvious. ]

I'll start up some food. You look like shit. [ He doesn't, actually, for maybe the first time since Hank has known him? ] After you eat you can get some rest, alright? I'm sure as fuck not letting you outta my sight till you've slept this off.

[ Hank's always been kind of a comfort professionally, although Gavin would never dare admit it. But now it's... different. Something rough and primal deep inside him almost wants to coo in relief when he sees Hank again, having been so distraught when he was alone. Fuck, this is gonna be annoying to get used to.

The clothes do smell like him and it's... nice. He accepts them with a small nod. ] Yeah, uh, thanks.

[ He snorts, looking at the shirt. This band was pretty big when he was in high school... And as if on cue, his stomach gurgles. He makes a face, sighing. ]

Yeah... I think that's best. I can barely tell my head from my ass right now. [ Then he looks back at Hank, then the door. ] So get a move on so I can change, alright?

[ Well he's definitely feeling a little better, huh? ]

[ Yeah, yeah, you're a baby, Gavin. A child. Hank is at least relieved to hear Gavin acting more like himself at least. He'd hate if this thing suddenly made him act nice all of a sudden. That would be way too fucking weird. ]

You got it, princess.

[ Hank rolls his eyes, turning around to leave the bathroom. "Dinner" is really just going to be a massive steak and some microwaved rice, so don't expect much. The steak, naturally, will be served rare, and is the kind of size that decent people would be embarrassed to order. (No need for shame in his house.) And Hank's hungry too so he's making enough for the both of them. It'll almost be quaint. ]

[ Gavin just shoots him the bird as he leaves. And then once he's alone he... presses the shirt to his face.

Oh fuck.

He yanks it away, turning red up to his ears and shaking his head. What the fuck! No! Absolutely not!

Grumbling, he drops the towel and slips on the sweats and shirt. A little baggy, but it has a drawstring and he's broad enough in the shoulders that he's not swimming in it.

Once he steps back out into the hall he smells the steak and... okay, Gavin's never been a steak guy. He was a vegetarian through most of school, actually. But holy fuck that smells like the best goddamn thing ever.

He pads into the kitchen, bangs on his head making him look incredibly boyish, and he crosses his arms. ]

Can't fuckin' believe you've made me want steak now, Anderson.

[ With that, he plops himself down at the table. ]

[ He really is a kid, jesus. Though Hank's gotta admit, Gavin looks good in his clothes, even if they barely fit him. And by "he's gotta admit" I mean he'll never actually admit it. Ever. But the thought is there as he chuckles and flips over the first steak. ]

Just one of the many fun side-effects to this whole thing. [ He flips the steak again and just kind of watches it sizzle for a bit before sliding it onto a plate. ] Fish and chicken and pork work just as well, but beef's the best. I think it's 'cause there's usually less bones to deal with.

[ And with that he scoops a handful of rice onto the plate and sets it down on the table for Gavin. The steak is very rare. It dwarfs the rice almost hilariously, but Hank figures he should at least pretend this is a real dinner and not totally a werewolf thing. ]

Go ahead and dig in. Mine'll only take a bit.

[ He can hear his mother aghast at the thought of him eating rare red meat in his head. Hm, maybe that's why he never liked steak. The woman overcooked everything she tried to make.

He sniffs and looks down at it, picking up the knife and fork. (He holds them very proper, like he was taught.) ] Fish, huh? [ He blinks. ] So would sushi work? [ That suddenly sounds absolutely delightful.

So he tucks into the food, figuring out he can just... tear the meat with the fork instead of having to cut it with the knife. Huh. Before he knows it he's cleaned his plate and he feels satisfied enough that he's not even aghast at it. ]

[ Hank snorts. He'll be done with his steak in just a second too, he doesn't need to pretend he wouldn't eat it raw. ]

Sure, but you're gonna have to eat a fuckton of sushi.

[ But thankfully he finishes "cooking" his steak and plates it for himself, joining Gavin at the table even though he's basically almost done with his steak. Hey, at least he's using a fork and knife, Hank wouldn't have judged him if he tore into it with his hands. Hank cuts his too, but he takes some seriously huge pieces. Whatever, he's in his own home. ]

So, how're you feelin'?

Who's to say I don't already? [ It's an attempt at a joke, at least.

He stares at his empty plate for a moment before looking up as Hank sits down. God, it's so fucking weird, this... puppy like feeling wagging its tail deep in his chest. (It isn't any different from when he was younger and had that massive crush on him. Which is why it's annoying.)

He shrugs. ]

Physically, I feel the best I have in years. [ He reaches up and taps in between his eyes. ] You fixed my nose, asshole. That was half of my charm.

[ He drops his hand back into his lap and shrugs again. ] I'm fuckin' grateful to be alive but it's... weird. I haven't quite reached the 'acceptance' part of this. I'm just numb right now.

[ Hank shrugs, grinning a little at Gavin's attempts at levity. ]

That's what looks different about you. I couldn't put my finger on it.

[ Hank takes another bite of his steak as he considers that. He knew the transformation would keep him from dying and keep him from getting hurt, but fixing old broken bones is new, as far as he knows. Then again, he's not really that up to date on the lore and he never had a pack of his own so he's flying blind here, mostly. ]

Yeah, that doesn't surprise me. You were pretty, uh... You were pretty gone. [ How can you still eat while you say this, Hank. ] You even wanted me to tell "your" somebody... something. You got a secret girlfriend or boyfriend out there?

Guess now I won't snore when I sleep.

[ Probably something about having to fix him up to be the 'apex predator.' Can't be one if you sound like a foghorn when you sleep.

He just watches Hank eat and his brows raise when he starts to talk... yeah he was pretty gone. He was certain he was about to die. Die in Hank's arms, fuck. But—

He ruffles and his cheeks flush all of a sudden; it's a good thing he finished eating or he would have done a comical spit take. ] No, you really think I have time to date?!

[ He huffs and looks back down at his lap. Well, shit. No point in hiding anything anymore, is there? He was going to tell Hank anyway... maybe he always wanted to tell him. (Maybe he wanted him to figure it out.) ]

I have a brother. A twin brother. [ He shrugs. ] That's who I meant.

It's not all bad, huh? Maybe you won't scare anybody away with that foghorn of yours.

[ Look, they've had stakeouts together. Hank knows what your snores sound like, Gavin. He takes another bite of his food, considering his words. Oh, Gavin has a brother. That's cute. And a twin? How the fuck have they not met him before?

Well, Hank is a detective. He can figure this out. He probably doesn't know because they're estranged. Estranged enough that they aren't in each other's lives at all, but Hank's also pretty sure he didn't find any other "Reeds" when it came time to give Gavin his seal of approval to join the squad. (Yeah, the nice thing about being Lieutenant is you actually know this shit.) So if there aren't any other Reeds, then Gavin changed his name. Which could be due to any number of reasons, but the likeliest would be that people would recognize the. ]

A twin? Damn.

[ Hank squints, really taking a close look at Gavin's face now that his nose is fixed. He does look familiar, doesn't he? Hank wasn't sure at first, but now it's... Who does it remind him of? ]

How come this is the first I'm hearing it?

[ He shrugs. ] Yeah.

[ It's odd. He knows Hank is looking at him but he also... knows. Like instinctively. It makes his heart thud for a few beats, although that might also be the nerves of finally telling someone about his real family. ]

Didn't want anybody to know. [ Gavin sniffs and shrugs again, then looks up at the ceiling. ] You've already met him anyway.

[ Oh, no.

There's only one person on forefront of Hank's mind who fits the bill for that and... well, he fits all the right boxes. Giant asshole? Check. So well-known that Gavin would have to change his name? Yeah, check. Someone Hank has met? Unfortunately, that checks out too.

Hank has to put his fork down for this. ]

Christ.

[ Give him a sec. ]

You're twins with Elijah Kamski?

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