donotlick | spooky scary

[ Gavin rolls his eyes and clicks his seat belt in. Such a dad, Hank. ]

Yeah. Maybe it was a mistake to not make a bigger deal of seeing her but... she might have done something worse. I don't know.

[ He sighs. He know show your average run of the mill person works, but throwing in all this supernatural hunter shit just makes him unsure. Gavin doesn't like being unsure about anything. ]

[ Once a dad, always a dad. ]

Yeah, last thing you wanted was a scene. You made the right call.

[ He wouldn't put it past her to somehow force Gavin to shift somehow so she'd be justified uh killing him. He'd heard her talk about hunting some others of his kind, so he knows the lengths she'll go. ]

Me and her, we... we agreed she'd leave me alone if I just stayed the way things were. I don't know if this was her trying to send me a message or if she's really lost it or what.

[ Gavin's general opinion of her was that she was a smart and capable woman, long before he knew of her Real profession. (Clearly the kind of person Hank would be interested in.) There has to be a reason. ]

I'm leaning towards message. Maybe she knew you'd find a way to save me? She was just so calm, I didn't even sense I was in any danger. Kinda creepy, in hindsight.

[ Surely Hank's ex-wife would know he's still the kind of guy who would go to the end's of the earth to save someone, right? ...right? Shit. He almost doesn't want to think anything too bad of her for the risk of breaking Hank's heart all over again. ]

[ Hank sighs. ]

I hope that's all it was. If she really was trying to kill you, I... fuck.

[ It's all very conflicting, at least Hank had the drive to focus on, because if he thinks too hard about the fact that his ex-wife tried to kill his mate, he might lose it. ]

She's always been good at her job. Really good. I kind of... I didn't ask, back when we first met and when we still had Cole. Even after I got turned, she really seemed like she wanted the best for me. [ He pauses. He loved her. He really did, once. But she'd always been the kind of person to kill monsters, wasn't she? ] Maybe I was wrong.

[ Gavin frowns and sits up a little more. Shit... this is tough. They might not be together anymore, but it's still a betrayal isn't it? He remembers how Hank looked when he spoke of her years ago... he loved her so much. He figures you can't just erase someone from your heart completely, especially when you had a child together. That's something Gavin can't understand.

But what he does understand is how he feels about Hank. He loves him, wants to stand beside him and protect him. He saved his life, after all. At the end of the day, if Beth is trying to hurt him... but. ]

Hey, let's just see what happens. You always told me to never jump to conclusions with stuff, right?

[ Hearing you sound so sad makes his heart hurt, Hank. (He wants to be the reason you smile...) ]

[ Hank takes a deep breath, gripping the steering wheel tight and shaking his head to try and knock himself out of it. He's been getting better at not dwelling in stuff. Now isn't the time to start again. ]

Yeah, you're right. We don't have the whole picture, so we'll wait and see.

[ Plus Gavin is alive and that's the important thing. His mate is here, and he's safe, and he's sitting right beside him. They'll be fine. Hank isn't alone, after all. He's got Gavin. He's never felt luckier to have him. ]

Once we eat and regroup at home, maybe we can figure this shit out. Together.

[ He wonders... would Hank go back to her, if she wanted to? Oh. Ow. His heart absolutely wrenches at the thought. But... if it's what he wanted. He's gotten over Hank before, he could do it again. Couldn't he? ...couldn't he? Shit.

He takes a shaky breath. One thing at a time. So he smiles a little and nods, his stomach deciding to make a sound again to cut through the tension. ]

Yup. The sooner the better, I say. I'm wasting away over here.

[ He definitely can't go back, not after the things they both said and how much they've changed. It doesn't change the fact that Hank loved her once, that he was so in love with her that they had a child and cared for that child with all the joy in the world.

But once Cole was gone, that spark they had died. Everything they did reminded Hank of what he'd lost, and as he started to drink more and do less, she started hunting more and spending less time at home. They were trying to fill the gap in their lives outside of each other, and it just wasn't going to work out no matter how hard they tried.

She left him with a warning. She made him promise. He knew it was a promise he could keep, back then. Why would he want to turn anyone? So they could suffer his same fate? He never thought he'd meet someone like Gavin. Someone stupid enough to save his life—someone who wasn't made of metal so they couldn't be brought back. Someone dumb enough to fall for him, despite his faults and his curse and his ten-ton emotional baggage.

Hank doesn't need to know Gavin is in love with him to think he's something else. He can feel it in his bones. Even in the way Gavin forces that smile. Hank chuckles, feeling the stress simmer down at Gavin's adorable stomach growl. ]

Always gotta feed the baby.

[ Don't worry, Gavin, you're a cute baby. And they're pulling up to a drive thru now, so the time has come. ]

Whaddya want?

[ Gavin snorts and puts his feet down, crossing his arms. His cheeks pink a little. ]

I will only accept being the best baby. [ At least his big dumb werewolf appetite makes Hank laugh a little. ] The usual, but with bacon this time.

[ Well, whatever happens it'll work out... he's in the best headspace he's been in years, he'll handle it. Eli's back in his life. If he has to wail about a broken heart in his twin's lap then, dammit, he will. ]

I'll pay this time.

You are, don't worry.

[ Hank grins, ordering their double meat, extra bacon burgers and large fries. He's happy to have Gavin here, dumb wolf appetite and all.

He'll try not to break his heart, but then the thought of being found attractive is completely out of this world for him. They drive up to the next window, the woman reading off their order and cringing a bit at how much meat and grease they ordered. ]

Alright, pay up, Reed.

[ Hank, you absolute goof. How does he not notice how the woman flushes and bites back a smile when she looks up from their order at him? Gavin's just grinning himself as he fishes out his wallet and hands him the money with a wink. ]

Feels like you've been my sugar daddy lately with all these meals you keep gettin' me.

[ He's teasing, obviously. Once they get their bag of food, he immediately beings to dig into the bag to fish out some piping hot fries. ]

[ He's dense like that. Hank waves his thanks at the girl and parks them into a spot so they can eat without making a mess of his car. He's not a barbarian. ]

And here I was all this time I thinking I was your alpha.

[ When your obliviousness to your own hotness just makes you hotter, the Hank Anderson life. Once the car is parked he pulls out his burger and unfolds the wrapper in his lap, then starts going to town. ]

Alpha, sugar daddy, same thing. [ His eyes are playfully twinkling. He looks at Hank for a moment as he chews and swallows, licking his lips. It slips out before— ]

You look nice today, by the way.

[ Hank scoffs. He can't disagree, he'd drop everything to help Gavin. He's bought him lunch and dinner several times now. Is that what people think when they see them? Huh. Hank stuffs some fries in his mouth, nearly choking when Gavin compliments him. Very smooth, Hank.

I mean, he'd dressed up a little nicer today, it's true. He just didn't think anyone would actually notice, much less the person Hank was subconsciously dressing up for. Whatever, it's fine!! He's blushing but he covers it up by taking a large sip of soda and clearing his throat a bit. ]

Uh, thanks. Yeah, I just... I dunno, thought I'd try something a little different.

[ No, most people just think you're two sappy idiots who are dating and in love.

Gavin blinks and then grins at Hank's reaction. Ah... getting Hank flustered always feels like such a victory. His own heart gives a warm little flutter. Fuck, he's cute when he's all red like that. ]

Well, it's definitely working. [ He takes another big bite of burger. ] Gonna have to start beating people off you with a stick even more if you keep this up.

[ What a completely unlikely story that Hank would never believe! Hank is flustered alright. He can feel his face and neck heating up something fierce. God, it's like he's a kid again and he's talking to his crush or something. He's got it bad. ]

Doubt that'll ever be a problem, don't worry.

[ He gets started on his burger, mostly because it'll give his hands something to do besides fret and eat fries. He's hungry too -- werewolves are always hungry, but in this case it should hopefully be enough of a distraction to keep him from saying anything too stupid. ]

[ What a delightful reverse!! Gavin remembers all those times when he first started, when Hank would tell him he did a good job or ruffle his hair or help him with training and he'd just... get so red. His face and neck would feel so hot for the longest time, it was ridiculous. (One time Hank pinned him to the mat in practice and he nearly fainted.)

He licks some ketchup off his thumb. ]

You kidding? You make people swoon all the damn time.

[ Oh, Gavin licking ketchup off his thumb is a problem. It's a very hot problem. Hank focuses intently on his burger, taking another bite and still somehow turning even redder. ]

I haven't done that in years, Gav.

[ Sure, he was once the office heartthrob, but that was decades ago. Now he's washed up and old, who are they kidding? The office has Connor now -- hell, even Gavin can turn heads. Hank really doubts anyone is into the old, grizzled look. ]

[ He eats some more fries and licks the salt off his fingers, giving him a look. A look like he's just grown two extra heads... and then he dawns on him. Hank doesn't... think he's handsome? What the actual fuck? ]

Hank. [ He shifts and reaches over to put a hand on his knee. ] I'm saying this as your friend and someone who's known you for years: You're hot. You've always been hot.

[ Yeah, that's not making Hank's life any easier. Hank's eyes are definitely glued to Gavin's fingers as he licks them clean. Jesus, Gavin! Hank barely catches the disbelief, he's so distracted. The touch snaps him out of it at least, though he know has to stare at Gavin and actually listen which means... yeah. ]

...You think I'm hot?

[ The way Hank asks is way too honest. Wow, this is embarrassing. He knows he's being stupid. He's fifty-four fucking years old. Having some friend of his, his beta, tell him he's hot shouldn't make his heart race like this. Jesus!! This burger is going to disappear at this rate because Hank keeps taking bites to try and divert attention away from how hard he's blushing!! He swallows thickly, somehow wishing he could jump out of the car and make a run for it.

What is he, ten? ]

Look.... I'm well past my prime. You seriously think anyone's into that?

[ ...oh. Huh. See Gavin's got the superior hearing too and he can hear that. It's kind of hard not to feel a rush of pride and satisfaction that he got Hank's heart to race. Oh fuck. His own starts to kick up to double time and he swallows, ducking his head almost shyly.

He rubs the back of his neck. ]

Nobody cares about that kinda shit. [ 'Nobody' being... him. ] And yeah, I mean. I kinda thought it was obvious I did...

[ With all the touching, kissing and climbing on your lap he does lately... ]

[ They're both such idiots. Hank can pretty much hear what Gavin's saying here. It's in the beat of his heart and the tone of his words. It's not like they don't spend every moment alone all over each other, but Hank really did think that it was all... just instinct. But with Gavin's heart speeding up and him going all shy for once -- shit, Hank knows what that means.

He's known Gavin had a crush on him years ago. But now? ]

I kinda figured you'd gotten over it, after... you know, everything.

[ He just sort of huffs and bites his lip cutely. Gavin shrugs and looks back up at him, smirking. ]

I mean, you broke my fucking heart by getting married you jerk. So I had to get over it. [ He picks up another fry, starting to eat it. ] But, y'know. The more things change the more they stay the same.

[ Fuck. Hank licks his lips, whether it's the sauce from the burger or a different response entirely, he's not even really sure. He puts his burger down for a second and looks at Gavin. really looks at him. Was it more than just instinct? Did they actually have feelings? For each other? ]

Jesus, Reed.

[ Um, yeah, that's not very eloquent and doesn't acknowledge his feelings very well. Try again, Hank. ]

I thought it was all just... shit.

[ Fuck, he really didn't expect this conversation to go like this... he isn't ready to leap into his arms and declare that he loves him but— But he does want Hank to know he really cares.

He scratches behind his ear, fiddles with his earring. ]

I mean... you really think I'd just let something like this control my every move? I've been sticking at your side 'cause I want to, Hank.

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