[ Beth sighs, standing up. She's clearly not getting anywhere with the two of them, though she can tell Hank means what he says. He hasn't lost control and lost it. Sumo is still here. He must be at least trying, if he can mention Cole while sober. ]
You haven't sounded that sure in a long time, Hank. [ She smiles, maybe a bit sadly. ] You know I always said a dead monster is always better than a live one.
[ She said these things to her husband?? Yikes. Still, she looks down, just for a second. ]
Maybe I jumped to conclusions.
[ Hank finally deflates a little. It's probably as close to an apology as it's going to get, but that's alright. That's fine. She starts to make her way up to them, holding out her hand to shake.
Hank shouldn't take it. It almost physically hurts him to do it, but he does. ]
Beth. [ All the words die in his throat. ] Hank.
[ They shake hands. Hank lets go before it gets too awkward. He has to physically restrain himself to keep from attacking her. She can probably tell -- maybe that's a test, too. ]
I'll tell them I'm not your babysitter anymore. [ Then she looks at Gavin, unafraid. ] You'd better take care of him, or I'll use the fast stuff next time.
[ He cuts himself off, even though even remotely implying Hank is a monster makes his blood absolutely boil. No fucking wonder Hank was so lonely and miserable.
He watches them, not budging an inch. A pin could drop, things could go south so quickly... but it doesn't. They shake hands and Gavin deflates as well, lowering his shoulders and his defenses.
Then she looks at him and he can't help a smug, proud little smirk. Gavin reaches for Hank's hand in return, pulling it close and squeezing it gently. ]
I will. I'm never going to leave him alone again. He's mine.
[ He says that, all confident and tough but his heart is pounding like a jackhammer. ]
[ Hank keeps his eyes locked on Beth, watching to make sure she doesn't hurt Gavin again. If he was a wolf, Hank's ears would be pinned back right about now. ]
Good luck.
[ Hank blushes but he squeezes back, finding comfort in Gavin's touch. Beth watches the both of them and shakes her head. They can get shit for mating too soon later. She knows she's pushing it. She makes her way to the door, waving at Sumo and giving Hank one last, almost sympathetic smile. ]
If you ever have any questions, you have my number.
[ it's!! your!! fault!! Hank doesn't know this shit!! ]
[ Hank's very not used to the idea of PDA in front of his ex so he just keeps blushing until Beth is out the door.
Once she finally leaves, Hank releases a sigh, all the fight leaving him at once. God, it's a good thing Gavin is still smiling, because if Hank were in his shoes, he wouldn't want anything to do with this mess. ]
I'm... [ His shirt is still open. He looks down at himself, then turns fully and pulls Gavin into a tight hug. His head is a mess but instinct wins out -- he needs comforting and he needs his mate and all of the fuckery going on his head at least won't stop him from holding Gavin and breathing in deep. ] Fuck, I'm a mess.
[ Gavin's expression finally turns fully tender and he lets himself be tugged close. ] Hey, c'mere. [ He wraps his arms around Hank, holding him close. ] It's okay, you can be a mess for a bit. I've got you.
[ He does. He's got his mate. Holy fuck. That definitely explains some of the loud, clanging instincts that roar in the back of his mind from time to time. He's Hanks in every sense of the word.
[ Hank chuckles, or at least makes some kind of attempt at a chuckle. It manages to sound only slightly like a sob. ]
Fuck. No kidding.
[ He pulls Gavin tighter, pressing his nose right up to his neck. Gavin is his mate? No wonder Hank had been such an insufferable asshole about this. No wonder he wanted to keep claiming him and holding him and never let go. Fuck. ]
[ He shivers at the touch, pulling him closer and tangling a hand in the back of his head. His fingers fiddle with the tie in his hair. Gavin sighs, then blinks. ]
You don't have anything to be sorry about. Everything worked out fine, right? Nothing she's done is your fault.
[ Hank shakes his head against hi,. He should've done something. He should've... Well, he can't really focus because his brain is still looping over the fact that Gavin is his mate. ]
[ hank settles his hand over Gavin's familiar heartbeat. He's alive, it's true. He's alright. ]
It's not gonna happen again. I won't fucking let it.
[ That might be the alpha in him making him sound tough, but Hank really means every word. It doesn't matter if he has to learn how to spread his influence or maybe he has to follow Gavin around -- he's not losing him again. Not when he already doesn't deserve something this good. ]
You say that now. Being mated is... [ Well, Hank doesn't know all the details, does he! ] It's something else. It's more.
I know. And I'll be more careful now too, okay? We both have a lot of stuff to learn. I won't be so careless again.
[ Gavin takes his hand again and starts to lead him back into the bedroom. Not for anything other than rest, but they don't have to keep talking about this right in front of the door. ]
I know. I don't know how many times I have to keep telling you I don't mind.
[ Hank lets himself be led. At least this part of his instincts help calm him down. Being with Gavin only ever feels right. Taking care of him, watching over him -- that's all that matters. He can focus on that. ]
I know. [ Hank blushes again. Who's the big bad alpha here?? ] It's just... we're basically married now, you get that? But there's no divorce with this shit. This is it.
[ He shrugs out of his leather jacket and tosses it on the chair before he sits down, tugging Hank down with him. Gavin gets a little pink himself, his heart fluttering at married. He takes his hand again, looking down at it. ]
And you didn't even get me a ring, asshole. Wow. [ Gavin looks back up at him, smiling and biting his bottom lip. ] I know, Hank. I've understood what that meant this whole time, even if I didn't have a word for it. It's okay. I...
[ He swallows, almost saying love you. Should he? ]
[ Hank takes a seat beside Gavin. His head might be nervous, but his instincts and his body are totally okay with this development. Considering where they were at before coming home to all this Beth shit, it's not like they need to retread all of their feelings. ]
I know. [ Does he?? ] I just don't wanna fuck this up.
[ Hank lifts Gavin's hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to the back of his palm and licking him softly. It just feels so good to be with him. It feels good to know that Gavin is somehow okay with all this. ]
[ He shivers and brings his free hand up to touch his mark, so Hank knows how this makes him feel. Gavin sighs, then smiles a little. ]
You won't. Shouldn't I be the one saying that?
[ He scoots closer and looks at his hand. ]
That a promise, then? I'm looking forward to it. [ Then he takes his own, bringing it up to Hank's cheek and cupping his face gently. ] Remember what I said in the car? And everything else? If there's one thing I want now, it's to be by your side. However you'll have me.
[ Hank shudders pleasantly, always enjoying the warm thrum of emotion he gets whenever Gavin touches his neck. ]
I'm the alpha. It means I gotta take care of you.
[ And probably get him a ring. And probably announce that he and Gavin are married now. And that's... yeah, he'll worry about that later. Right now he has to focus on his mate, and for once he's really, consciously thinking about him like that. Gavin is his mate. No one else could ever matter as much as him. Hank smiles a bit, purring deep in his chest. ]
You know I will. You're mine -- I mean that. I want you... and everything that means. Even if it feels like I don't deserve this, I want you.
And I'm gonna take care of you. You've been doing it for everyone else for so long. Doesn't have anything to do with being an alpha.
[ The thought of Hank's ring on his finger is making him feel so giddy. So genuinely happy. The rumble in his chest and his sweet words— Oh. Gavin's eyes sting as he gets a little misty eyed. Fuck. He huffs and blinks through it.
With everything that's happened in his life, he thought he was destined to be alone. No one would ever accept him, or want him as Ezra. Maybe that's why he turned himself into Gavin Reed, a new person that could shield Ezra. But Hank cares about him. Cares about both, doesn't care who his brother is.
Hank doesn't care who Gavin was or is or wants to be. He knows him. As Ezra or not, he's a good man and Hank really wants this. He wants it to work. he wants to try. He wants to feel safe and happy and loved every day like this. It's hard to want it, hard to even hear those words without pulling back, but his wolf instinct overpowers the fear and the doubt.
Hank leans forward and kisses Gavin, placing his hand over the hand on his neck and giving him every ounce of care he has. Maybe it's love. Maybe he's too scared to admit it right now. But he can do this. He can try. ]
[ For a half second he can't believe he said it, trying to think of a way to cover up for it over the sound of his rabbit heartbeat in his ears. Oh shit, if he fucked this up already by coughing up his heart and just letting it land in Hank's lap—
Oh.
He purrs into the kiss, wrapping his arms around Hank in return and tugging him close. He hums and opens his mouth, asking for more.
It's okay. He just wants Hank to know. He loves him and he's never been more sure about anything in his life. ]
[ Hank doesn't have a mean bone in his body when it comes down to it. He could take Gavin's heart in his hands and hold it gently, he'd never want to hurt him. Not his mate. Hank deepens the kiss, sliding his tongue between Gavin's lips and just holding him.
Gavin is alive and he's his. Hank definitely loves him. He'll say it someday, just... right now, he's got this. And he's got Gavin. And he can worry about his ex-wife and all the rest later. ]
[ He moves and all but climbs into Hank's lap, settling down nicely. At some point he starts to cup Hank's face with both hands, just kissing him sweetly.
It's a different kind of energy from before, not so primal and urgent and hot. Soft, sweet and gentle... loving. Tender. It's okay that Hank doesn't say it back because he's treating him so sweetly.
When they part just barely enough, Gavin breathes into his lips. ]
Y'think we could... continue our plans from before or— [ Smooch. ] —has that ship sailed?
[ Mmmm, Gavin sure does feel right sitting in Hank's lap. Hank hums happily. He wants to surround himself with Gavin until he's all he has. Only his scent and his touch and his warmth. Hank presses in closer and mouths at Gavin's neck, dragging his teeth over the mark, ever-so softly. ]
Maybe... [ Hank growls. Fuck, Gavin loves him. How could he not? ] Maybe.
[ Hank growls possessively, rocking his hips against Gavin. He wants to feel the press of Gavin's hips, wants to know exactly what he's doing to him with his touch. ]
Yeah, maybe.
[ Maybe yes. Hank nods against Gavin's neck, rubbing his beard against him and teasing his mark. Nothing else will ever scar him as long as Hank's around. And no one else will ever touch him like this. ]
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You haven't sounded that sure in a long time, Hank. [ She smiles, maybe a bit sadly. ] You know I always said a dead monster is always better than a live one.
[ She said these things to her husband?? Yikes. Still, she looks down, just for a second. ]
Maybe I jumped to conclusions.
[ Hank finally deflates a little. It's probably as close to an apology as it's going to get, but that's alright. That's fine. She starts to make her way up to them, holding out her hand to shake.
Hank shouldn't take it. It almost physically hurts him to do it, but he does. ]
Beth. [ All the words die in his throat. ] Hank.
[ They shake hands. Hank lets go before it gets too awkward. He has to physically restrain himself to keep from attacking her. She can probably tell -- maybe that's a test, too. ]
I'll tell them I'm not your babysitter anymore. [ Then she looks at Gavin, unafraid. ] You'd better take care of him, or I'll use the fast stuff next time.
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[ He cuts himself off, even though even remotely implying Hank is a monster makes his blood absolutely boil. No fucking wonder Hank was so lonely and miserable.
He watches them, not budging an inch. A pin could drop, things could go south so quickly... but it doesn't. They shake hands and Gavin deflates as well, lowering his shoulders and his defenses.
Then she looks at him and he can't help a smug, proud little smirk. Gavin reaches for Hank's hand in return, pulling it close and squeezing it gently. ]
I will. I'm never going to leave him alone again. He's mine.
[ He says that, all confident and tough but his heart is pounding like a jackhammer. ]
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Good luck.
[ Hank blushes but he squeezes back, finding comfort in Gavin's touch. Beth watches the both of them and shakes her head. They can get shit for mating too soon later. She knows she's pushing it. She makes her way to the door, waving at Sumo and giving Hank one last, almost sympathetic smile. ]
If you ever have any questions, you have my number.
[ it's!! your!! fault!! Hank doesn't know this shit!! ]
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A little late for that, isn't it? [ But he tugs Hank's hand up and kisses the back of it. ] We'll put you on the Christmas card list.
[ But he finally looks back up at Hank, a tiny smile on his face. And he's blushing... Hank, you're so cute? ]
You okay?
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Once she finally leaves, Hank releases a sigh, all the fight leaving him at once. God, it's a good thing Gavin is still smiling, because if Hank were in his shoes, he wouldn't want anything to do with this mess. ]
I'm... [ His shirt is still open. He looks down at himself, then turns fully and pulls Gavin into a tight hug. His head is a mess but instinct wins out -- he needs comforting and he needs his mate and all of the fuckery going on his head at least won't stop him from holding Gavin and breathing in deep. ] Fuck, I'm a mess.
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[ He does. He's got his mate. Holy fuck. That definitely explains some of the loud, clanging instincts that roar in the back of his mind from time to time. He's Hanks in every sense of the word.
He loves it, honestly. Loves Hank so much. Fuck.
He smiles a little, turning to nuzzle him. ]
Talk about blue balls, huh?
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Fuck. No kidding.
[ He pulls Gavin tighter, pressing his nose right up to his neck. Gavin is his mate? No wonder Hank had been such an insufferable asshole about this. No wonder he wanted to keep claiming him and holding him and never let go. Fuck. ]
I should've -- I... I'm so sorry, Gavin.
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You don't have anything to be sorry about. Everything worked out fine, right? Nothing she's done is your fault.
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[ Hank shakes his head against hi,. He should've done something. He should've... Well, he can't really focus because his brain is still looping over the fact that Gavin is his mate. ]
Christ, and now you really are stuck with me.
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[ He shifts and takes one of Hank's hands, putting it on his chest so he can feel his very alive heartbeat again. ]
And I'm not stuck. I like where I am, here, with you. Like this.
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It's not gonna happen again. I won't fucking let it.
[ That might be the alpha in him making him sound tough, but Hank really means every word. It doesn't matter if he has to learn how to spread his influence or maybe he has to follow Gavin around -- he's not losing him again. Not when he already doesn't deserve something this good. ]
You say that now. Being mated is... [ Well, Hank doesn't know all the details, does he! ] It's something else. It's more.
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[ Gavin takes his hand again and starts to lead him back into the bedroom. Not for anything other than rest, but they don't have to keep talking about this right in front of the door. ]
I know. I don't know how many times I have to keep telling you I don't mind.
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[ Hank lets himself be led. At least this part of his instincts help calm him down. Being with Gavin only ever feels right. Taking care of him, watching over him -- that's all that matters. He can focus on that. ]
I know. [ Hank blushes again. Who's the big bad alpha here?? ] It's just... we're basically married now, you get that? But there's no divorce with this shit. This is it.
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And you didn't even get me a ring, asshole. Wow. [ Gavin looks back up at him, smiling and biting his bottom lip. ] I know, Hank. I've understood what that meant this whole time, even if I didn't have a word for it. It's okay. I...
[ He swallows, almost saying love you. Should he? ]
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I know. [ Does he?? ] I just don't wanna fuck this up.
[ Hank lifts Gavin's hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to the back of his palm and licking him softly. It just feels so good to be with him. It feels good to know that Gavin is somehow okay with all this. ]
I'll get you a ring next time, how's that?
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You won't. Shouldn't I be the one saying that?
[ He scoots closer and looks at his hand. ]
That a promise, then? I'm looking forward to it. [ Then he takes his own, bringing it up to Hank's cheek and cupping his face gently. ] Remember what I said in the car? And everything else? If there's one thing I want now, it's to be by your side. However you'll have me.
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I'm the alpha. It means I gotta take care of you.
[ And probably get him a ring. And probably announce that he and Gavin are married now. And that's... yeah, he'll worry about that later. Right now he has to focus on his mate, and for once he's really, consciously thinking about him like that. Gavin is his mate. No one else could ever matter as much as him. Hank smiles a bit, purring deep in his chest. ]
You know I will. You're mine -- I mean that. I want you... and everything that means. Even if it feels like I don't deserve this, I want you.
no subject
[ The thought of Hank's ring on his finger is making him feel so giddy. So genuinely happy. The rumble in his chest and his sweet words— Oh. Gavin's eyes sting as he gets a little misty eyed. Fuck. He huffs and blinks through it.
With everything that's happened in his life, he thought he was destined to be alone. No one would ever accept him, or want him as Ezra. Maybe that's why he turned himself into Gavin Reed, a new person that could shield Ezra. But Hank cares about him. Cares about both, doesn't care who his brother is.
It slips out. ]
I love you.
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Hank doesn't care who Gavin was or is or wants to be. He knows him. As Ezra or not, he's a good man and Hank really wants this. He wants it to work. he wants to try. He wants to feel safe and happy and loved every day like this. It's hard to want it, hard to even hear those words without pulling back, but his wolf instinct overpowers the fear and the doubt.
Hank leans forward and kisses Gavin, placing his hand over the hand on his neck and giving him every ounce of care he has. Maybe it's love. Maybe he's too scared to admit it right now. But he can do this. He can try. ]
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Oh.
He purrs into the kiss, wrapping his arms around Hank in return and tugging him close. He hums and opens his mouth, asking for more.
It's okay. He just wants Hank to know. He loves him and he's never been more sure about anything in his life. ]
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Gavin is alive and he's his. Hank definitely loves him. He'll say it someday, just... right now, he's got this. And he's got Gavin. And he can worry about his ex-wife and all the rest later. ]
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It's a different kind of energy from before, not so primal and urgent and hot. Soft, sweet and gentle... loving. Tender. It's okay that Hank doesn't say it back because he's treating him so sweetly.
When they part just barely enough, Gavin breathes into his lips. ]
Y'think we could... continue our plans from before or— [ Smooch. ] —has that ship sailed?
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Maybe... [ Hank growls. Fuck, Gavin loves him. How could he not? ] Maybe.
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Then lets out a little hoarse snicker. ] Maybe, huh?
[ He puts his hands on Hank's chest, slipping one under his shirt. ] At least let me finish getting this shirt off of you...
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Yeah, maybe.
[ Maybe yes. Hank nods against Gavin's neck, rubbing his beard against him and teasing his mark. Nothing else will ever scar him as long as Hank's around. And no one else will ever touch him like this. ]
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