[ Hank smiles, rolling off the couch and yawning. He's still wearing yesterday's clothes—didn't really feel right to interrupt Gavin's sleep just to change into pj's.
He walks up to the kitchen and pets Sumo, opening one of the cupboards to fetch his kibble and refill his bowl. ]
[ Hank was a master at pushing people away for a long time, even regardless of the werewolf thing. He knows it when he sees it, so he's not totally surprised to find Gavin being totally tsun. Plus, yeah, he can totally press against that Thing they have and tell he's just kidding himself. ]
Still, it's... it's nice. You didn't strike me as the type. Guess we're gonna learn a lot more about each other from now on.
[ He hates this. He was a lot more vulnerable last night with the whole nearly dying adrenaline rush thing, now he's slept and some of his walls were put back up in the night. Or well, attempted to at least. It's suddenly seemingly a lot harder to do.
So he rolls his shoulders, ignoring the nervous pinch in between them at the thought of Hank just knowing him far too well and. Clears his throat.
And side steps his statement. ]
I know how to cook. My grandma didn't raise an ungrateful heathen. [ He says, face still delightfully flushed. ] Your coffee maker just started on its own, by the way.
[ Hank shuffles over to the coffee maker and serves himself a mug of coffee. He's actually in a pretty good mood this morning but coffee never hurts. Maybe knowing Gavin's alright and actually doing something nice for him is helping. ]
Hey, I ain't complaining. It would've just been me making you breakfast if you hadn't gone and started doing it.
[ Aw, Gavin, you're spoiling him. Hank loves it. Anybody who's nice to his dog gets an instant pass, even if you weren't already in his pack, that would be the clincher. ]
Yeah, good thing too. [ Hank chuckles. ] Much as I love the guy, I ain't about to have dog food for breakfast.
[ Has he tried dog food? He's definitely tried dog food. Look, Hank used to get drunk a lot. ]
[ Stop looking at him like that, he's gonna die!! That Puppy Feeling is wagging it's tail in his chest again, but he manages to not start the adorable growling all over again. (But his instincts are singing at making Hank so happy. What the fuck?)
He just clears his throat and takes the two plates over to the table. ]
For the best. [ Gavin definitely ate dog food in college once, he wouldn't judge. Quick change the subject: ] Did Connor come by?
[ Hank grabs a seat and grins at his plate. It feels nice to have Gavin make food for him. Weirdly, food is one of those things that he can enjoy both mentally and instinctively, though he's pretty sure he's never been this psyched to have someone cook for him before. It's probably a werewolf thing, so he won't think too hard on it. ]
Yep. He wanted to see how we were doing. I told him you were fine, just sleeping off the worst of it. [ And he didn't let Connor see him because his instincts had gotten the better of him, but Hank won't say that. ] He offered to help out if we need anything leading up to the full moon.
[ He pops the yolk and starts to cut up the meat, dipping it. Gavin snorts but is polite enough to not talk with a mouthful of food. ]
He's insufferably helpful sometimes. [ He's quiet for a moment as he eats, his brows softening a little. ] I dunno though... I wouldn't want to accidentally break him.
[ Hank scoops the egg up and flops it right on his steak, expertly flipping it over. Yeah, whatever, dipping is for people who are careful enough for that. He takes his first bite and hums softly at the taste. Shit, that's good. ]
Yeah, androids are kinda in a weird place with this whole thing. [ Hank twirls his fork just a bit for the "this whole thing" part. ] They don't smell alive at least not as far as the wolf is concerned. But they think and act like people, so it's not like we ignore 'em altogether.
[ Hank takes another bite, definitely not polite enough to not talk with his mouth full. ]
He's offered to stay with me on the full moon, but I always turn him down. I don't really wanna find out whether or not my dumbass wolf instincts think he's a chair or a snack.
[ Aw, but Gavin... cares. That's. More than Hank expected, actually, what with Gavin's general attitude towards Connor. Hank swallows, a knowing glint in his eye. Who knew Gavin could be nice? ]
He'll be safe leading up to it, though -- I'm not gonna let you lose your head so much that you start actually biting people on the leadup to your first shift.
[ Ugh, Hank, you're insufferably charming even with food in your mouth. Gavin looks at him while he talks, unable to stop the faint amused smirk on his face.
He nods at his explanation. ] Yeah, that makes sense I guess.
[ He rolls his shoulders again, sort of sensing his surprise at his statement. He shovels more food in his mouth to give him some time to think of a response. ]
Look, you can probably figure out why I was always such a dick about androids. But I've been... I dunno. Trying to be less of an asshole. Connor kicked my ass when I really needed it. [ He shrugs and swirls some steak in the yolk again. ] If he hadn't I probably would have had a full on mental breakdown all on my own.
[ Right, the Kamski thing. Hank nods. Connor's ass-kicking of Gavin had been a pretty big joke around the office, which probably didn't help things for Gavin. It's kind of weird thinking of Gavin as a person instead of just a bully, but Hank's kind of had a soft spot for the kid since he was a rookie back in the day. That soft spot is just kinda coming back now. ]
Hey, sometimes we need an ass-kicking to get our shit together. I know for me it took a damn android breaking into my house and throwing me under a cold tap to wake my ass up, so I got no room to judge.
[ Gavin snorts with a mouthful of food, covering his mouth absently. He's never been able to unlearn all the years of propriety training he was forced through as a kid. Damn high society freaks. ]
Yeah. Maybe if the detective thing doesn't work out he can work as a life coach or something. [ He keeps eating, already almost halfway done. Gavin looks up at him, swallowing with a bob of his throat. ]
I have noticed, by the way. That you've been better. [ He clenches his jaw for a moment. ]
[ It's very cute, at least, watching Gavin try his best table manners even now that he's a werewolf. ]
Yeah, you might be on to something there. Though he might not last long, what with kicking all of his clients.
[ Hank smirks, though the next bit catches him off-guard. Oh... that's sweet of Gavin. Normally Hank would brush off the concern but Gavin is in his pack now so it's. It's touching. ]
Thanks.
[ You did it, you made Hank blush. A little. Hank quickly sticks another large bite of steak in his mouth. That oughta do it. Mmhmm, not need to talk about that anymore. ]
[ Uh oh. Gavin's heart does a funny little twist and a squeeze, then starts fluttering against his ribs for a few seconds. Oh shit. Oh fuck. Flashbacks to when he was new, when Hank would praise him or ruffle his hair for doing a good job.
Absolutely not. He's almost forty now, he's not doing this. It's just these new weird pack instincts, that's all. Nothing more. Nope. Not at all.
Still, he huffs and goes back to eating. He's quiet for a second. ]
[ Hank snorts, nearly choking on his food. It's not an attractive sound, but Gavin caught him off-guard again, just in a completely different way. ]
Shit. Maybe? [ Hank looks back over at Gavin. The nose thing really is a new look on him. ] I haven't called Fowler yet, but if we get you the rest of the week off... Hah, it's not like the real reason's any less of a stretch.
Yeah, I mean. Not like you couldn't have gotten punched in the face or something.
[ Hank takes a few more bites of his steak, finishing it off. He's clearly thinking this through though. ]
Alright, I'll give Fowler a call and let him know what happened. For everybody else, we say you got slammed in the nose. Doctors fixed you up better than they found you. That oughta get you off till Monday, since the full moon's coming up anyway.
[ Hank stands up from his chair, making his way back to the living room to grab his phone. ]
You mind taking care of the dishes? I gotta shower after I make this call.
[ Of course, it's an alpha's duty to take care of his pack. Hank nods and shoots him a grateful smile--which lasts about a second because in the next moment he's on the phone with Jeffrey and they've been friends for long enough that Hank can greet him with a "No, I'm not dead, you asshole." Understandably, the conversation gets pretty heated. Fowler isn't exactly thrilled to find out Hank's turned Gavin, even if it saved his life. Gavin and his fancy new heightened senses should be able to pick up on most of the conversation. ]
Jesus christ, Hank. You promised Beth you wouldn't.
[ Hank growls something like an "I know what I promised, Jeffrey," his tone serious and leaving no room for argument. Fowler sighs, ultimately acquiescing with a "fine, fine," and gives the both of them off for the rest of the week. Gavin for his 'nose job' and Hank for whatever 'minor' injuries he should have after yesterday's shootout. Hank hangs up halfway into a lecture about how he can't keep doing this, but that's just how their friendship goes so he's sure Jeffrey will be over it by the time they come in on Monday. ]
Christ. [ Hank shakes his head, putting his phone down on the coffee table. At least after that mess he'll get to take a shower. He's probably got Gavin's blood on his shirt still? Oops. ] Right, I'm gonna go and wash up. If my phone rings, it's probably Connor. Answer it or don't, he's gonna keep calling.
[ Uh, yeah, so that's it??? He goes into the bathroom and tosses Gavin's pants out before he starts the water. He hasn't gone for a change of clothes or anything, he just wants to relax for a bit mostly. ]
[ Gavin can hear the conversation as he cleans the dishes. He has to pause at one point, reaching a damp hand up to touch the bite spot yet again. He can't wrap his head around the fact that Hank broke such a serious promise to save him. Him, Gavin fuckin' Reed. A lump forms in his throat and he swallows around it, going back to the dishes.
It doesn't have to mean anything, he tells himself. Maybe he already regrets doing it, he tells himself. Gavin sighs and puts the dishes in the drying rack.
He gives Hank a little nod when he comes in. ] Yeah, yeah, I'll handle him.
[ And then he heads to the bathroom and Gavin just sort of stands there until he hears his clothes fall in the hallway. He's never really been in Hank's house, much less continually left to his own devices. He slinks into the hallway and grabs his jeans (and underwear) and goes to start the washer.
Gavin ends up just... staring at it spinning. It's like he's in a trance all of a sudden, his new senses overtaking him and he hears and smells everything. There's a bird in the front with a new nest, a squirrel outside, a mouse in the walls and Sumo. ]
[ Hank enjoys a nice, long shower. The water helps drain him of most of his frustrations, and he hadn't noticed it with everything else going on, but not having the smell of Gavin's blood on him helps a lot too. Speaking of Gavin, Hank can't help but think back to what he's learned about him, all the ways he's surprised him since he decided to turn him.
Sure, it saved his life, but Hank can't deny this is a curse. Gavin gave his life to save him -- him, the most washed up cop in all of Detroit. That had to be worth something, even if Hank didn't think too highly of the kid in general. But things had been different once, too. Hank hadn't always been such a fuck up. And Gavin hadn't always been a colossal asshole. Maybe they were both trying to be better people. Maybe Hank was just lonely. Maybe this is a huge fucking mistake and Hank's a shit alpha and he's going to get them both killed and hunted for just trying to do the right thing. Who knows.
All Hank knows is Gavin is his responsibility now. His pack. He's going to do his damnest to make sure he doesn't fuck that up. When he started this werewolf thing, he'd been fucking miserable. If he can make it a little better for Gavin, then it'll be worth it. And if giving Gavin a second chance helps him reconnect with his family and maybe put some good in the world, then they should be fine. Nobody's gonna have any reason to mess with them and they can just figure this curse shit out one day at a time. Yeah, that's. That's something, at least.
And the weird, warm feelings he gets when Gavin is around and how he can feel how he's feeling just by looking at him, same as Sumo, well that's just gonna get pushed down and never get talked about. Doesn't that sound like a good plan? Hank steps out of the shower, shaking his head and splashing water all over. It's definitely a dumb dog thing but it feels so good to do, ok. ]
Right. First thing's first.
[ Hank wipes steam off the mirror and starts to trim his beard. Does he look... better? Less like shit? Maybe it's because he actually got some sleep last night. Having Gavin under his own roof, sleeping in his bed, had given Hank the kind of calm that he hadn't felt in decades. It hasn't really sunk in that he's an alpha now and that comes with certain perks, but it's definitely there, on the edge of his mind, ready to make itself known any moment now. But in the meantime Hank finishes shaving, wraps himself up in his towel and steps out of the bathroom. Hopefully Gavin's not like, there since Hank is a little self-conscious about his appearance, but the dash to his bedroom should be quick enough... ]
[ The shower turning off knocks him out of his weird little newborn werewolf trance. Oh shit, how long has it been? Way to just loose time there, dumbass. He rubs at his eyes and peeks at Hank's phone. No calls yet.
He hears him talking so he heads over to the hall. ] Yeah? Connor didn't— [ Oh he's. Just in a towel. Gavin yelps and scoots back into the kitchen. ] —call. Sorry.
[ Okay this is really hard because Hank is so fucking handsome, holy shit. The sound of his own heart drowns out everything else for a moment. ]
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He clears his throat and goes back to what he's doing. Eggs over easy, since he didn't feel like messing with poaching them. ]
I mean, I was up first. Seemed appropriate.
[ He just kind of grunts it out. Or attempts to. He's embarrassed!! ]
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[ Hank smiles, rolling off the couch and yawning. He's still wearing yesterday's clothes—didn't really feel right to interrupt Gavin's sleep just to change into pj's.
He walks up to the kitchen and pets Sumo, opening one of the cupboards to fetch his kibble and refill his bowl. ]
I won't tell anybody you're secretly an okay guy.
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He wonders if it's because of This that he finds himself muttering: ] It's easier if people think otherwise.
[ ...okay then. For fuck's sake. He grunts again. ] It's just breakfast, don't be so melodramatic.
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[ Hank was a master at pushing people away for a long time, even regardless of the werewolf thing. He knows it when he sees it, so he's not totally surprised to find Gavin being totally tsun. Plus, yeah, he can totally press against that Thing they have and tell he's just kidding himself. ]
Still, it's... it's nice. You didn't strike me as the type. Guess we're gonna learn a lot more about each other from now on.
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So he rolls his shoulders, ignoring the nervous pinch in between them at the thought of Hank just knowing him far too well and. Clears his throat.
And side steps his statement. ]
I know how to cook. My grandma didn't raise an ungrateful heathen. [ He says, face still delightfully flushed. ] Your coffee maker just started on its own, by the way.
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[ Hank shuffles over to the coffee maker and serves himself a mug of coffee. He's actually in a pretty good mood this morning but coffee never hurts. Maybe knowing Gavin's alright and actually doing something nice for him is helping. ]
Hey, I ain't complaining. It would've just been me making you breakfast if you hadn't gone and started doing it.
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Well it'd either be you, me or Sumo. And the fuzzball doesn't have opposable thumbs so it'd be a little tricky. Right?
[ Have another little bit of steak that came off the meat, buddy boy. ]
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Yeah, good thing too. [ Hank chuckles. ] Much as I love the guy, I ain't about to have dog food for breakfast.
[ Has he tried dog food? He's definitely tried dog food. Look, Hank used to get drunk a lot. ]
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He just clears his throat and takes the two plates over to the table. ]
For the best. [ Gavin definitely ate dog food in college once, he wouldn't judge. Quick change the subject: ] Did Connor come by?
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Yep. He wanted to see how we were doing. I told him you were fine, just sleeping off the worst of it. [ And he didn't let Connor see him because his instincts had gotten the better of him, but Hank won't say that. ] He offered to help out if we need anything leading up to the full moon.
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He's insufferably helpful sometimes. [ He's quiet for a moment as he eats, his brows softening a little. ] I dunno though... I wouldn't want to accidentally break him.
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Yeah, androids are kinda in a weird place with this whole thing. [ Hank twirls his fork just a bit for the "this whole thing" part. ] They don't smell alive at least not as far as the wolf is concerned. But they think and act like people, so it's not like we ignore 'em altogether.
[ Hank takes another bite, definitely not polite enough to not talk with his mouth full. ]
He's offered to stay with me on the full moon, but I always turn him down. I don't really wanna find out whether or not my dumbass wolf instincts think he's a chair or a snack.
[ Aw, but Gavin... cares. That's. More than Hank expected, actually, what with Gavin's general attitude towards Connor. Hank swallows, a knowing glint in his eye. Who knew Gavin could be nice? ]
He'll be safe leading up to it, though -- I'm not gonna let you lose your head so much that you start actually biting people on the leadup to your first shift.
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He nods at his explanation. ] Yeah, that makes sense I guess.
[ He rolls his shoulders again, sort of sensing his surprise at his statement. He shovels more food in his mouth to give him some time to think of a response. ]
Look, you can probably figure out why I was always such a dick about androids. But I've been... I dunno. Trying to be less of an asshole. Connor kicked my ass when I really needed it. [ He shrugs and swirls some steak in the yolk again. ] If he hadn't I probably would have had a full on mental breakdown all on my own.
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Hey, sometimes we need an ass-kicking to get our shit together. I know for me it took a damn android breaking into my house and throwing me under a cold tap to wake my ass up, so I got no room to judge.
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Yeah. Maybe if the detective thing doesn't work out he can work as a life coach or something. [ He keeps eating, already almost halfway done. Gavin looks up at him, swallowing with a bob of his throat. ]
I have noticed, by the way. That you've been better. [ He clenches his jaw for a moment. ]
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Yeah, you might be on to something there. Though he might not last long, what with kicking all of his clients.
[ Hank smirks, though the next bit catches him off-guard. Oh... that's sweet of Gavin. Normally Hank would brush off the concern but Gavin is in his pack now so it's. It's touching. ]
Thanks.
[ You did it, you made Hank blush. A little. Hank quickly sticks another large bite of steak in his mouth. That oughta do it. Mmhmm, not need to talk about that anymore. ]
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Absolutely not. He's almost forty now, he's not doing this. It's just these new weird pack instincts, that's all. Nothing more. Nope. Not at all.
Still, he huffs and goes back to eating. He's quiet for a second. ]
...you think anyone's gonna buy I got a nose job?
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Shit. Maybe? [ Hank looks back over at Gavin. The nose thing really is a new look on him. ] I haven't called Fowler yet, but if we get you the rest of the week off... Hah, it's not like the real reason's any less of a stretch.
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The once over is... something though. He suppresses the shudder that wants to erupt out of his chest at it. ]
That might work. Say it was starting to affect my breathing or some shit. And you drove me home or something.
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[ Hank takes a few more bites of his steak, finishing it off. He's clearly thinking this through though. ]
Alright, I'll give Fowler a call and let him know what happened. For everybody else, we say you got slammed in the nose. Doctors fixed you up better than they found you. That oughta get you off till Monday, since the full moon's coming up anyway.
[ Hank stands up from his chair, making his way back to the living room to grab his phone. ]
You mind taking care of the dishes? I gotta shower after I make this call.
[ He's already looking kinda scruffy. ]
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Shit. He's been on his own for so long he forgot what it felt like. He feels warm again, the Puppy Feeling revving up inside him.
So he just ducks his head and nods, going back to finishing up his last few bites of food. ]
Yeah, 'course. Go do your thing. Just, uh, if you can toss my pants out of the bathroom I'll shove them in the washer.
[ He gets up to take the plates to the sink to wash up. ]
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Jesus christ, Hank. You promised Beth you wouldn't.
[ Hank growls something like an "I know what I promised, Jeffrey," his tone serious and leaving no room for argument. Fowler sighs, ultimately acquiescing with a "fine, fine," and gives the both of them off for the rest of the week. Gavin for his 'nose job' and Hank for whatever 'minor' injuries he should have after yesterday's shootout. Hank hangs up halfway into a lecture about how he can't keep doing this, but that's just how their friendship goes so he's sure Jeffrey will be over it by the time they come in on Monday. ]
Christ. [ Hank shakes his head, putting his phone down on the coffee table. At least after that mess he'll get to take a shower. He's probably got Gavin's blood on his shirt still? Oops. ] Right, I'm gonna go and wash up. If my phone rings, it's probably Connor. Answer it or don't, he's gonna keep calling.
[ Uh, yeah, so that's it??? He goes into the bathroom and tosses Gavin's pants out before he starts the water. He hasn't gone for a change of clothes or anything, he just wants to relax for a bit mostly. ]
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It doesn't have to mean anything, he tells himself. Maybe he already regrets doing it, he tells himself. Gavin sighs and puts the dishes in the drying rack.
He gives Hank a little nod when he comes in. ] Yeah, yeah, I'll handle him.
[ And then he heads to the bathroom and Gavin just sort of stands there until he hears his clothes fall in the hallway. He's never really been in Hank's house, much less continually left to his own devices. He slinks into the hallway and grabs his jeans (and underwear) and goes to start the washer.
Gavin ends up just... staring at it spinning. It's like he's in a trance all of a sudden, his new senses overtaking him and he hears and smells everything. There's a bird in the front with a new nest, a squirrel outside, a mouse in the walls and Sumo. ]
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Sure, it saved his life, but Hank can't deny this is a curse. Gavin gave his life to save him -- him, the most washed up cop in all of Detroit. That had to be worth something, even if Hank didn't think too highly of the kid in general. But things had been different once, too. Hank hadn't always been such a fuck up. And Gavin hadn't always been a colossal asshole. Maybe they were both trying to be better people. Maybe Hank was just lonely. Maybe this is a huge fucking mistake and Hank's a shit alpha and he's going to get them both killed and hunted for just trying to do the right thing. Who knows.
All Hank knows is Gavin is his responsibility now. His pack. He's going to do his damnest to make sure he doesn't fuck that up. When he started this werewolf thing, he'd been fucking miserable. If he can make it a little better for Gavin, then it'll be worth it. And if giving Gavin a second chance helps him reconnect with his family and maybe put some good in the world, then they should be fine. Nobody's gonna have any reason to mess with them and they can just figure this curse shit out one day at a time. Yeah, that's. That's something, at least.
And the weird, warm feelings he gets when Gavin is around and how he can feel how he's feeling just by looking at him, same as Sumo, well that's just gonna get pushed down and never get talked about. Doesn't that sound like a good plan? Hank steps out of the shower, shaking his head and splashing water all over. It's definitely a dumb dog thing but it feels so good to do, ok. ]
Right. First thing's first.
[ Hank wipes steam off the mirror and starts to trim his beard. Does he look... better? Less like shit? Maybe it's because he actually got some sleep last night. Having Gavin under his own roof, sleeping in his bed, had given Hank the kind of calm that he hadn't felt in decades. It hasn't really sunk in that he's an alpha now and that comes with certain perks, but it's definitely there, on the edge of his mind, ready to make itself known any moment now. But in the meantime Hank finishes shaving, wraps himself up in his towel and steps out of the bathroom. Hopefully Gavin's not like, there since Hank is a little self-conscious about his appearance, but the dash to his bedroom should be quick enough... ]
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He hears him talking so he heads over to the hall. ] Yeah? Connor didn't— [ Oh he's. Just in a towel. Gavin yelps and scoots back into the kitchen. ] —call. Sorry.
[ Okay this is really hard because Hank is so fucking handsome, holy shit. The sound of his own heart drowns out everything else for a moment. ]
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