[ At least for all that he's a mess, he can still feel rage. He had been so angry—scared, yes, but angry most of all. It had been that rage that fueled him, that allowed him to tap into strength he didn't have. Sure, Elijah stays in shape, but he never stood a chance against vampires. He was only awake long enough for them to try to toy with him, but still he'd been so, so angry. ]
They wanted to send a message, I... I don't remember much. They wanted Hank.
[ It should bother him, but right now all he can feel is anger and the warm presence of his brother beside him. He doesn't even notice that his alpha is right there, observing them both while making sure they've killed everyone else.
Sure is gonna be hard to explain this one to the cops, but Hank will take care of it. He can already smell what Gavin himself just realized. ]
[ Gavin's eyes widen, his chest hurting at that knowledge. ]
I'm so sorry.
[ He's still cradling his face, looking at his big dumb brother. At the end of the day, when things are desperate, they both always go above and beyond for each other. Sometimes at their own detriment.
There's a lump in his throat. At least Ezra had a choice. He hadn't wanted this kind of life for him, but at least Hank could have given him the bite and... ]
[ Elijah smiles. Everything feels much more muted now that he's a vampire, but he's still covered in guts and blood and surrounded by death, so he'll have plenty of time to realize that stuff later. He reaches up and takes his brother's hands, red eyes staring at gold. ]
I'm supposed to protect you, little brother. It's okay.
[ If it's anyone's fault, it's Hank's, though Hank won't interrupt the two of them. He knows their bond takes priority even above what he and Gavin share. It sucks, and Hank wants to personally claw out the throats of the ones responsible for this, but he has to keep himself steady for Gavin. For his pack, both Kamskis are part of it. He pulls out his phone and texts Connor the details—he'll take care of everything. They can take Elijah home and figure out the rest once they're ready. ]
[ His skin is cold now. His heart hurts, but Eli is still here with him. They both had to die to survive, didn't they? Twins until the end. They've been different since he was turned, it's not any different than before.
Their eyes are glowing in the pitch blackness. Ezra chokes a little, stepping closer to him. ]
Crybaby. [ He says, fully aware that he sounds like he's about to cry himself. ] At least now I don't have to watch you turn into an old man.
[ Elijah snorts a little, still as ugly and tired as ever. He can't think too hard about this now, but he can pull his brother into a hug and smell his gross, familiar, dog smell. He's not sure if he cries or not, but he's building himself up to be functional again, at least. Having Ezra always helps. Being here, holding him, feeling his too-fast heartbeat and too-warm skin against his. ]
I told you I would never grow old.
[ Hey, it's something, right? He's trying. Meanwhile Hank has finished catching up Connor and getting a read for what they need to do next. Kamski wasn't gone long enough for a missing person's report, and Chloe has been taken to CyberLife for reconstruction, so she should be fine. ]
We gotta get out of here. Connor's got a car waiting.
[ Ezra buries his face in Eli's neck, tugging him close. He hugs him so tight, so close, so nothing could separate them. He's colder now and his heart is so... slow. His own seems too fast, thudding against a gentle and slow beat that seems to only appear when it wants to. How Eli.
It hurts, but it's better than the alternative. They're together still. No one has to fall apart.
He pulls away when Hank talks, sniffing. He keeps a hand on Eli's upper arm. ]
Come on, we'll take you home. I'll keep an eye on you for a while.
[ He can do for him what Hank did for him in the beginning. Go down into the basement and see what he needs. ]
[ Elijah smiles softly, his cold heart growing a little warm at the thought. He's so tired he leans into Gavin's touch and just collapses, right then and there. Apparently that was enough. Knowing he's safe and they can leave just takes the wind right out of him. It's ok, Gavin will totally catch him, right? ]
[ And Ezra catches him easily, scooping him up and holding him close to his chest. A hand cradles his head, fingers pressing gently to his scalp despite the drying blood. He huffs and sighs, putting his forehead against his for a moment. ]
I got you, Ellie.
[ He turns back to Hank, a grim sort of look on his face. He walks silently towards the door and Hank's car, gears turning. This isn't the worst outcome of the evening but it's still a lot to process. ]
[ Hank stays silent for the most part. He doesn't have to ask how Gavin's feeling, he can already tell. As far as it all goes, it's not the worst case by a long shot but the method and everything Elijah must have gone through definitely isn't worth the positives. ]
I've got a blanket for the back seat. Think you were the last one to use it, actually. Probably smells like you.
[ That gets a little huff out of him, a small smile. He's not trying to brood he's just in the middle of processing it all. Once they get to the car, he lays Eli down gently and drapes the blanket over him. He brushes some of his hair out of his face and leans down to press a kiss to his forehead softly
It's a good thing the whole coven is dead. Because he wouldn't be able to stop until he ripped all of their hearts out with his teeth.
He heads to the passengers seat and sits down, putting a hand on his forehead. After a pause he slams his hand on the dashboard. ]
[ Hank sits himself in the front seat, letting Gavin take his time with his brother. Once he's back in the passenger's seat, Hank sets a hand on his shoulder, steady and solid. Let it out, buddy. ]
He's still here. We'll take care of him.
[ Connor will take care of the mess with the coven, and Chloe should be back by tomorrow or sooner. They'll have to figure stuff out with Eli, but Hank kinda figures Gavin might want to do that on his own. He'll give him space if he needs to. ]
[ He leans into Hank's hand, nuzzling him with a keening little purr. ]
I know. I know we will.
[ He takes Hank hand and kisses the top of it gently before he lets go, looking down at his lap. Gavin smiles softly and reaches up to touch his mark, to really let him know how much he appreciates it. And the use of his real name. ]
You are. I've never had any doubt. [ He looks back to his brother. ] It's not... the vampire thing. It's just that he should have had a choice.
[ It's so fucked up. Find out the richest man in the world is connected to Detroit's alpha. Turn him into a vampire. Probably figured they could use him as a pawn. Hah. ]
He's pack. And he's your brother. He deserved better.
[ Well, that's good to know. Hank lets the warmth of Gavin's emotions wash over him, enjoying their connection as always. If nothing else steadies him, it's that. ]
It's fucked up.
[ Even dying, Hank had given Gavin a choice. Elijah was grabbed as a power play—the weak human in an otherwise strong pack. They probably intended to enthrall him, use his money and take over Detroit. Christ.
Hank sighs and gets the car started. They have to get moving before the cops show up. ]
He did. [ He snarls a little. ] They're lucky they're all dead.
[ Gavin's not surprised. Eli's taken to everything like a duck to water, of course he got his revenge. He wonders if their twin connection and his spot in their pack gave him some kind of advantage. Maybe there will be some answers when Eli is up to talking about it.
He leans back in the seat and sighs again, just closing his eyes. Gavin feels exhausted from the emotional roller coaster he'd just been on. ]
I'll take him down to the basement and stay with him tonight. If he's gonna have urges to feed I'd rather him use me as a blood bank.
[ Hank meets the threat with a deep, low growl. He'd have taken to them just as quick—no one fucks with his pack and gets away with it. Not now, not ever again.
But for now taking care of Elijah and making sure Gavin is okay takes priority. Hank leans a hand over and rests it on Gavin's thigh, stroking him softly.
The thought of him giving away his blood makes Hank's skin itch a bit, but he'll ignore it. Gavin may be his mate, but he's Elijah's twin. They were once the same, he has every right to his blood. ]
Don't push yourself, okay? You're tougher 'cause you're my beta, but even you've got your limits.
[ The growl and the hand on his thigh makes him shiver a little, a soft purr rumbling his chest. Ah, god. Once he knows Eli will be okay he's gonna climb Hank like a tree. All night. Multiple times.
He lolls his head to him and smiles tiredly, nodding. ]
Don't worry. I'm a little brother, I know how to get him to stop taking my stuff. [ He turns to look back at Eli, expression softening a little. ] Damn crybaby.
[ Hank smiles softly. Those soft purrs and growls are getting to him too. Maybe if Elijah sleeps all day, they can go at it for a bit.
He's got more important things to worry about, sure, but it's not like he can't save the thought for later. They need to get home right now. And take care of a new, fledgling vampire. ]
That's why he's got you. Bet you stood up for him and he hated it.
[ He knows you like it when he uses your real name. And besides, distracting Gavin before they get home and he has to deal with everything is probably a good idea. Hank's a good husband like that. ]
He's always trying to look out for you, but you end up taking care of him, huh?
[ Hank smiles, giving his own wedding band a twist when they make it to a stop light. He can imagine how much it would hurt Kamski to lose Chloe, actually. After all, she's been there with him from the beginning. She's family too. ]
Well, one thing's for sure, your brother knows how to make some damn good robots.
[ Chloe and Connor both, but all the rest, too. ]
Connor said her hard drive was made a little tougher than most models. Though Eli might have backups, it looks like he wanted to make sure Chloe could survive anything.
[ Hank smiles. He knows it's the twin shit, but Elijah really has thanked him for taking care of his little brother in the past. Maybe being brother-in-law with a triilionaire is a little weird, (especially because of the twin thing,) but Hank wouldn't have it any other way. ]
But it's good he uses that brain of his to keep the worst from happening with shit like this. Didn't he also build a bunker for you in one of his basements?
[ He's glad they've all learned to co-exist and get along, in spite of all the... weirdness. Babcia's little charm around his neck helped in certain areas that's for sure. ]
Yep. Guess he'll probably start getting more use out of it himself. [ And he's sure he'll go over the top in adjusting to this vampire shit. Use his big brain to make some ridiculous invention or two. That's just how how Eli does things. ]
[ Hank nods reassuringly, giving Eli a quick glance and driving them the rest of the way home. It doesn't take long—it's the middle of the night, after all. ]
Let me know if you need any help. You know Connor, he'll find anything for the pack.
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[ At least for all that he's a mess, he can still feel rage. He had been so angry—scared, yes, but angry most of all. It had been that rage that fueled him, that allowed him to tap into strength he didn't have. Sure, Elijah stays in shape, but he never stood a chance against vampires. He was only awake long enough for them to try to toy with him, but still he'd been so, so angry. ]
They wanted to send a message, I... I don't remember much. They wanted Hank.
[ It should bother him, but right now all he can feel is anger and the warm presence of his brother beside him. He doesn't even notice that his alpha is right there, observing them both while making sure they've killed everyone else.
Sure is gonna be hard to explain this one to the cops, but Hank will take care of it. He can already smell what Gavin himself just realized. ]
I couldn't let them hurt you.
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I'm so sorry.
[ He's still cradling his face, looking at his big dumb brother. At the end of the day, when things are desperate, they both always go above and beyond for each other. Sometimes at their own detriment.
There's a lump in his throat. At least Ezra had a choice. He hadn't wanted this kind of life for him, but at least Hank could have given him the bite and... ]
No one's ever going to hurt us again. I promise.
[ He swallows the lump in his throat. ]
I'm so sorry. I should have been there for you.
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[ Elijah smiles. Everything feels much more muted now that he's a vampire, but he's still covered in guts and blood and surrounded by death, so he'll have plenty of time to realize that stuff later. He reaches up and takes his brother's hands, red eyes staring at gold. ]
I'm supposed to protect you, little brother. It's okay.
[ If it's anyone's fault, it's Hank's, though Hank won't interrupt the two of them. He knows their bond takes priority even above what he and Gavin share. It sucks, and Hank wants to personally claw out the throats of the ones responsible for this, but he has to keep himself steady for Gavin. For his pack, both Kamskis are part of it. He pulls out his phone and texts Connor the details—he'll take care of everything. They can take Elijah home and figure out the rest once they're ready. ]
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Their eyes are glowing in the pitch blackness. Ezra chokes a little, stepping closer to him. ]
Crybaby. [ He says, fully aware that he sounds like he's about to cry himself. ] At least now I don't have to watch you turn into an old man.
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I told you I would never grow old.
[ Hey, it's something, right? He's trying. Meanwhile Hank has finished catching up Connor and getting a read for what they need to do next. Kamski wasn't gone long enough for a missing person's report, and Chloe has been taken to CyberLife for reconstruction, so she should be fine. ]
We gotta get out of here. Connor's got a car waiting.
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It hurts, but it's better than the alternative. They're together still. No one has to fall apart.
He pulls away when Hank talks, sniffing. He keeps a hand on Eli's upper arm. ]
Come on, we'll take you home. I'll keep an eye on you for a while.
[ He can do for him what Hank did for him in the beginning. Go down into the basement and see what he needs. ]
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[ Elijah smiles softly, his cold heart growing a little warm at the thought. He's so tired he leans into Gavin's touch and just collapses, right then and there. Apparently that was enough. Knowing he's safe and they can leave just takes the wind right out of him. It's ok, Gavin will totally catch him, right? ]
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I got you, Ellie.
[ He turns back to Hank, a grim sort of look on his face. He walks silently towards the door and Hank's car, gears turning. This isn't the worst outcome of the evening but it's still a lot to process. ]
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I've got a blanket for the back seat. Think you were the last one to use it, actually. Probably smells like you.
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It's a good thing the whole coven is dead. Because he wouldn't be able to stop until he ripped all of their hearts out with his teeth.
He heads to the passengers seat and sits down, putting a hand on his forehead. After a pause he slams his hand on the dashboard. ]
Fuck.
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He's still here. We'll take care of him.
[ Connor will take care of the mess with the coven, and Chloe should be back by tomorrow or sooner. They'll have to figure stuff out with Eli, but Hank kinda figures Gavin might want to do that on his own. He'll give him space if he needs to. ]
I'm here for you, Ezra. Whatever you need.
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I know. I know we will.
[ He takes Hank hand and kisses the top of it gently before he lets go, looking down at his lap. Gavin smiles softly and reaches up to touch his mark, to really let him know how much he appreciates it. And the use of his real name. ]
You are. I've never had any doubt. [ He looks back to his brother. ] It's not... the vampire thing. It's just that he should have had a choice.
[ It's so fucked up. Find out the richest man in the world is connected to Detroit's alpha. Turn him into a vampire. Probably figured they could use him as a pawn. Hah. ]
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[ Well, that's good to know. Hank lets the warmth of Gavin's emotions wash over him, enjoying their connection as always. If nothing else steadies him, it's that. ]
It's fucked up.
[ Even dying, Hank had given Gavin a choice. Elijah was grabbed as a power play—the weak human in an otherwise strong pack. They probably intended to enthrall him, use his money and take over Detroit. Christ.
Hank sighs and gets the car started. They have to get moving before the cops show up. ]
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[ Gavin's not surprised. Eli's taken to everything like a duck to water, of course he got his revenge. He wonders if their twin connection and his spot in their pack gave him some kind of advantage. Maybe there will be some answers when Eli is up to talking about it.
He leans back in the seat and sighs again, just closing his eyes. Gavin feels exhausted from the emotional roller coaster he'd just been on. ]
I'll take him down to the basement and stay with him tonight. If he's gonna have urges to feed I'd rather him use me as a blood bank.
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[ Hank meets the threat with a deep, low growl. He'd have taken to them just as quick—no one fucks with his pack and gets away with it. Not now, not ever again.
But for now taking care of Elijah and making sure Gavin is okay takes priority. Hank leans a hand over and rests it on Gavin's thigh, stroking him softly.
The thought of him giving away his blood makes Hank's skin itch a bit, but he'll ignore it. Gavin may be his mate, but he's Elijah's twin. They were once the same, he has every right to his blood. ]
Don't push yourself, okay? You're tougher 'cause you're my beta, but even you've got your limits.
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He lolls his head to him and smiles tiredly, nodding. ]
Don't worry. I'm a little brother, I know how to get him to stop taking my stuff. [ He turns to look back at Eli, expression softening a little. ] Damn crybaby.
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He's got more important things to worry about, sure, but it's not like he can't save the thought for later. They need to get home right now. And take care of a new, fledgling vampire. ]
That's why he's got you. Bet you stood up for him and he hated it.
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Gavin snickers at that, a genuine smile lighting up his face. ]
Pretty much. Why else would he have figured out a way to get bullies to fight each other? I kept trying to punch them.
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[ He knows you like it when he uses your real name. And besides, distracting Gavin before they get home and he has to deal with everything is probably a good idea. Hank's a good husband like that. ]
He's always trying to look out for you, but you end up taking care of him, huh?
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Pretty much. Kinda nice that nothing much has changed over the years, despite it all.
[ He looks back at him. ]
I'm glad Chloe's going to be okay. I think that would well and truly break him if she wasn't.
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Well, one thing's for sure, your brother knows how to make some damn good robots.
[ Chloe and Connor both, but all the rest, too. ]
Connor said her hard drive was made a little tougher than most models. Though Eli might have backups, it looks like he wanted to make sure Chloe could survive anything.
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[ He opens an eye, looking at his husband. ] And you, as a byproduct. But he won't admit that.
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[ Hank smiles. He knows it's the twin shit, but Elijah really has thanked him for taking care of his little brother in the past. Maybe being brother-in-law with a triilionaire is a little weird, (especially because of the twin thing,) but Hank wouldn't have it any other way. ]
But it's good he uses that brain of his to keep the worst from happening with shit like this. Didn't he also build a bunker for you in one of his basements?
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Yep. Guess he'll probably start getting more use out of it himself. [ And he's sure he'll go over the top in adjusting to this vampire shit. Use his big brain to make some ridiculous invention or two. That's just how how Eli does things. ]
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[ Hank nods reassuringly, giving Eli a quick glance and driving them the rest of the way home. It doesn't take long—it's the middle of the night, after all. ]
Let me know if you need any help. You know Connor, he'll find anything for the pack.
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