Archive of Our Own

Glam was more than used to showing up to the school at this point. The kids always seemed to find themselves getting into trouble one way or another. Sometimes the calls were warranted though most of the time Glam felt as if the school had a personal vendetta against his offspring. The amount of times he's been called in because of their 'improper appearance' or 'disobedient behavior' was embarrassing. Sometimes he’d even ask Vicky to go in his stead just so he’d get some peace and quiet for at least a few weeks. Or how ever long it took for the staff to heal from his wife’s vicious attacks. But today none of the usual complaints had been brought forth. Instead, it was something much more serious.

" Drugs? " Glam supposed he sounded more menacing than intended; at least judging by the frightened reactions. But he didn't care enough to apologize at the moment. "That's a very big accusation to make against my son."

"Well that's the thing..." The female teacher nervously fiddled with her hands, "Had it been your son I would just assume he was blackmailing someone or bribing a student. Still an issue, but one I would have simply sent a note home for." she cleared her throat, "It was your daughter that was caught with the drugs."

"Hela?" Glam's eyebrows shot up. "You can't possibly be saying that Hela, of all people, was using drugs! She's only twelve."

"Exactly! This is why it is such a concern."

Glam narrows his eyes and looks behind him through the window and into the waiting room. He could see the top of Hela's red hair as she looked down at the floor, slumped in shame. Next to her was Dee who had a hand on her shoulder in comfort. Glam had wondered why she was so fidgety when he walked in rather than her usual relieved look. Now he knew why. "Do you have any proof?"

"Well, yes and no." The teacher snapped her fingers and a male teacher quickly ran over, holding a brown bag. She turned the bag upside down and two small glass bottles rolled across the desk along with a broken needle. "See? They were in her gym bag and had fallen out during a scuffle with another student."

Glam reached over and picked up one of the vials, though frowned when he noticed the labels were scratched off. He gave her a questioning look. 

"Your son Daniel did that. He got a hold of them before we could and scratched them clean off. As well as dumping whatever was inside in the nurse's sink."

"Dee?" He frowns. Now that was peculiar. They were both in on this? But what for? Neither of them seemed the type to do drugs. And if they were, he didn't see why they would jump right to something that required needles. It was a process, or so Ches had told him long ago. It was rare anyone jumped right to the heavy stuff without at least trying low grade drugs first like cigarettes, weed or pills. If they did jump right in, it was most likely because someone close to them was doing it too. Which, again, wasn't the case. "Now that's interesting..."

"We would have called the police about this matter but since we don't know the contents of the vials and it was only between the two, we decided to merely suspend Daniel for two days. However for Hela we would have to suspend her for two weeks. It is a big offence."

"...Understandable." For once, Glam would not fight them on their decision. He supposed he should be lucky Hela wasn't outright expelled. "I apologize for the incident. I will be talking to them."

"Thank you Mr. Shvagenbagen, I-"

"Glam." he corrects as he tucks away the vials into his jacket.

"Ah, yes, Glam...Thank you. Good luck."

His face is expressionless as he walks back to the waiting room. Dee looks up at his dad with a matching blank expression, though Glam knows he is only saving face. Hela, on the other hand, doesn't even look up when he comes out. "Let's go home."

The ride back is awkward as they all squeeze onto the motorcycle. Dee sits behind him, Hela sits in front of him. All of them silent. As they come to a stop at a red light, Glam glances back at Dee. He can see his blue eyes from behind the visor. He's looking off to the side with brows furrowed in concentration; thinking of what to say no doubt. Glam sighs and looks forward again. It would be nice if they could talk about it without having a sort of mind game, but Glam would put up with whatever Dee has planned. He was confident that he could get some answers out of Dee regardless. If he needed too, then Glam would be strict with him. For as big as Dee liked to talk, neither child could fully disobey Glam when he was serious. Not that he wanted to scare his kids. He was just worried for their safety more than anything else. Even more so when it looked like Hela was the one who had started it all. Dee was just covering for her. 

Glam looked down at Hela though could only see the top of the helmet and her red braid draped over her shoulder. It was so out of her nature that Glam didn't know what to think. For once the genius was stumped as nothing he came up with could sufficiently explain what happened today. Though as the light turned green and he drove off, he did begin to realize that she had been acting a little differently for a while. Before Hela had been fairly happy and excitable; always bouncing off the walls and more than happy to annoy her older brother or spend time with her parents. But recently she's become more and more reserved; instead choosing to stay in her room for the whole day than interact with anyone else. Even Vicky had mentioned that Hela seemed less enthusiastic at the biker club whenever she took her. Something was wrong and he needed to figure out what the problem was fast. 

Once they pulled into the driveway he took off the helmet, "Both of you get settled and meet me in my study in 15 minutes. I will talk to both of you."

"Very well." Dee said as he hoped off. 

"Okay…" Hela waited till Glam helped her off the motorcycle before she trailed behind Dee.

Glam waits for a moment before sighing and pushing his hair back. After putting away the motorcycle he steps into the house and hangs up his keys right next to Dee's and Hela's. Vicky's keys are absent, though he isn't surprised. She had said she had a complete restoration job to finish for one of her clients. Most likely she’d be out till late at night. He'd talk about it with her later, then. Hopefully he'd actually get an answer from the two before she arrives.

Glam washes his hands before heading up to his office. He sets two fold out chairs in front of his desk before taking a seat. Glam sits and waits till, after exactly 15 minutes, a knock on the door is heard. "Come in." Dee opens the door, striding in confidently as Hela walks in behind him, arms crossed anxiously. "Close the door and take a seat."

They do as they're told and Glam looks between the two. Dee is as calm as ever though Glam quickly notices the spark of defiance in his gaze. Hela lifts her head up slightly to look up at him, a dark bruise around her left eye and another one on the right side of her jaw. Hm. "Let's start with the easier question first. What was the fight about?"

Hela looks up at Dee for confirmation before looking at Glam,  "I got into a fight with Yelena. She pulled my braid after class. So I punched her and called her a stupid cunt. Then she threw my clothes in the sink. So then I broke her project."

"And?"

"...And then she called over her boyfriend Adrian." she said with a frown, scratching at her jaw. “Coward. She couldn’t even fight me herself.”

Glam frowned slightly. He always hated how often Hela got into fights. Vicky got into fights, sure, but she had shown herself to be more than capable of protecting herself. He still didn't like his wife getting hurt, but at least the playing field was fair. For Hela, however, "I told you to stop picking fights with people. Especially boys.”

"Hey he threw the first punch!" Hela said angrily, "What am I supposed to do? Not protect myself?"

"A fight is always avoidable, you know I don't like solving problems with violence. Besides, he's stronger than you. Getting into a fight with him wasn't smart."

Hela grimaced before leaning forward with a slight growl, "It doesn't matter! I can fight him!"

"No you can't."

"Mama can fight other people and she's a girl too!"

"It's not about being male or female. Mama is strong and can make her own choices. But you are a child and you are not Mama."

"Not fair!" Hela groaned in frustration before folding her arms and falling back into the chair. 

Dee took the opportunity to take over, "It's my fault she got into the fight. I wasn't there in time to stop it."

Glam looks at Dee before raising a brow, "Right.  Let's get to the main issue." he pulled the vial out of his pocket and put it on the table. "What is this?" he asks, folding his hands on the desk. When neither of them spoke he leaned forward, "The school says Hela had this in her bag. Along with another vial and a needle. I need to know why."

Hela frowned and looked away. Dee spoke up again, "It's mine."

"Why was it in Hela's bag?"

"I had her hold it for me."

"Oh?"

"It was only for today. I was going to sell it to another student."

"And where did you get it from?"

"Internet. I bypassed your security."

Not uncommon for him to do, but, "You put it in her bag."

"Just in case the kid I was selling it to would try and steal it from my bag. I was going to meet him by the field after school."

"So you'd put Hela in danger like that?"

"Yes." 

There’s hesitation in his words and Glam picks up on it immediately. Dee notices his mistake as well and he winces as Glam continues, "I don't think you would."

"It wasn’t that much danger."

"You don't even let Hela ride her scooter without a helmet. Or use chat rooms you don't approve of." Dee frowns some and Glam can see his facade cracking. "What were you selling?"

"Morphine."

"Are you saying that because it's the closest medicine in a bottle that would have street value?" He watches Dee wince, "I hate to tell you this, but if you were indeed selling to a kid your age you would have sold it in pill form, not a needle."

"I-"

"And if you were selling the drug to someone, you would never allow yourself to be in a position where they could steal it from your bag in the first place. Thus, you would have no need to use Hela as a secret storage."

Dee grits his teeth, "It was morphine and it was mine. I was-"

"Daniel Sebastian Shvagenbagen." Glam's tone is sharp and cold as he stands up, "Stop lying to me." 

Dee shrinks back some and Hela looks away.

"I am worried for Hela and your lying is not helping. If there is a problem, I need to fix it. This is not the school catching you stealing exam answers or Hela lighting a trash can on fire. Drugs are serious and will have consequences long after you leave school. So I need to know why you had these and why you are trying to cover for yourselves." he narrows his eyes, "I want the truth, or you will make me go through our computer, get the vial and needle tested and get Hela tested at the hospital as well."

It's a threat that seems to work as Dee's expression becomes worried. But he doesn't speak, instead looking at Hela. After a moment of silence Dee reaches over and puts a hand on her shoulder, "I’ll follow your lead. You do what you want." Is all he says before looking back at Glam with a slight frown. 

Hela bites her bottom lip and looks down at the ground for a while before she takes in a shaky breath, "I...I'm…" she closes her eyes for a moment before she looks up at him, "It...was mine. I bought it and I've been using it for three months already."

"What is it?"

"...Hormones...kind of..."

Glam stops and blinks in surprise. That was not an answer that he had been expecting. He stares at Hela and furrows his brows, "...what?"

Hela closes her eyes and looks down. “It’s a long story.” 

Glam paused before he goes in front of her and kneels down. He noticed her eyes are teary and he softens his expression some, “Tell me.”

It didn't feel like Hela was looking in the mirror. They were supposed to have reflections, right? Reversed images of how you really look like? But as she stood before it now in her underwear, she couldn't help but feel that it was glitched in some way. Like she was looking at someone else's reflection instead of her own. What happened to her old self? What happened to that kid who liked heavy metal and monsters? They've been replaced by this... body . This pretty, soft looking, girl body. 

Hela faced forward with a frown. She slides her hands down her sides slowly as she watches her reflection. Before they'd fall straight down to her hips and legs; always a straight line. It's what she's felt for years whenever she’d wipe her hands on her shirt and pants. Boxy, almost. Undefined shapes. But now they didn't slide down in a swift, single motion. They got caught at the growing dip at her waist and then stuck at her widening hips. Hints of a developing figure that would only become more defined more and more as the years passed. Hourglass . That's what it was called, right? Just like Mama. Just like Miss Anna. She touched her face and pinched the plump, fat cheeks that had remained long after Dee's had thinned out. Then she ran a hand along her lower jaw; soft and smooth. No sharp edges or definition like Dee. She was still young, sure, but she remembered Dee had begun looking more like Dad at this age...and now Hela was looking more like Mama…

Hela brought her hands up to her chest to touch the brand new addition to her wardrobe. A black bra that she had picked out a couple days ago. Oh how Hela HATED that black band of cloth. Her mother had insisted they get it since she was 'getting older' and needed it now a days. She didn't want to need it, though. It only seemed to make her feel even worse than before. As if her body could get less and less familiar. However Hela would, hopefully, soon change all of this. Soon she wouldn't need a bra or anything like that. Because Hela had a plan to make that reflection look right . To make it feel like her's.

"Hela! What do you want for breakfast?" 

Dee's voice snaps her back to reality and she straightens up, "Uhh...just eggs!" she called out. She heard him make a noise of annoyed affirmation before he walked away and she let her shoulder's drop as she looked back in the mirror. "Ugh, stupid." she grabbed her blanket and threw it on top of the mirror before she finished getting dressed. Their school had a uniform and Hela hated the skirt she had to wear with it. Sure, it was just a piece of clothing and it hadn’t bothered her much before but now it only accentuated the parts of her body that she didn't like. It put her in a category she wasn't fond of being in. Whatever, she'd just wear shorts underneath again. At least neither of her parents cared much about the uniform violations she got sent every day. That was one decent thing, she supposed.

Hela came down the stairs not long after, dragging her backpack against the steps. She flung it near the door before she plopped down at the table. Dee was already halfway done with his food by the time Glam set a plate down in front of her. "Eat up, it's almost time to go."

"Thanks Dad." Hela said before taking a big bite of the eggs, though regretting it immediately as it burned her mouth. "Ow, ow hot!"

Dee smirked, "Idiot-ack!"

"Don't call her an idiot." Victoria smacked Dee upside the head as she walked by to grab her coffee. "I should be back in the afternoon. I’ll pick up your stuff from Ches on the way back."

"Okay, thank you. I'll have dinner done by the time you get back." Glam gave Victoria a kiss and smiled, "Be safe."

"As safe as I can." She responded before she was off, giving her kids a kiss to their cheek (even if Dee tried to avoid it) before she left. 

After Victoria left Hela hesitated for a moment before speaking up, "Dad?"

"Yes Hela?"

"Is it okay if Nicolas and I hang out after school?"

"Oh?" Glam turned with a curious expression, though the smile was ever present, "Where and how long?" 

"Uh, the arcade. Just for a few hours?"

Glam hummed and turned away, "No."

"What?? Why not?" 

"You're too young to hang out by yourself and Nicolas is far too old to be around you alone."

"He's only sixteen."

"And you're not anywhere close to that."

"Just as friends." Hela huffed, "Dee could go places when he was thirteen!" She pointed an accusing finger at her brother who didn’t bother to look up from his book.

"Dee is more perceptive than you and less likely to get into a fight. Besides, how old are you right now?"

"....Twelve."

"There you go." Glam turned back to the dishes, "It's not safe for you to be on your own. But if Dee wants to watch you then you can go. Dee?"

"No."

"Then no, you can not go." 

"But-"

"That's all." 

Hela pouted but knew there'd be no point in arguing any further. Instead she just shoved more food into her mouth and glared at Dee as he smirked behind his book. 

Glam looked up at the clock and hummed, "Now hurry up and go to school. You don't want to be late."

After quickly finishing her food Hela follows Dee out the door and soon they're walking to the school. Dee has his bag slung over his shoulder as Hela drags hers. "You're going to rip it like that."

"It'll be fine. I have duct tape."

"That's not…" Dee sighs, deciding the argument was pointless. Instead he switches to another topic, "Why do you want to hang out with Nicolas so bad?"

Heavy shrugs and looks away, trying to look more bashful than nervous, "He was going to teach me how to hack some of the machines to get free plays."

Dee scoffs, "I can do that for you easily. You know that."

"Yeah, but it's not the same."

"How?"

"It's different."

Dee gives her a long stare before laughing and shaking his head, "Nicolas huh?" he scoffs, "You can find better people than him. And he's too old for you anyway."

"He's just sixteen."

"And you're not sixteen. Don't hang out with him, Hel'. It's not worth it." he looks back at her, "Besides he gives off weird vibes."

The nickname makes her smile a little. She always did like when Dee didn't call her by her full name. Sounded less feminine. Still, she quickly frowns and scoffs,"Fine." 

"I mean it."

"I know I know!" Hela groans, "I won't talk to him."

Hela was on her way to talk to Nicolas. 

She peeked out of the bathroom and looked down each end of the hall before she quickly headed toward the courtyard. Avoiding Dee was easier than she initially thought. Looks like his smart ass remarks landed him cleaning whiteboards for one of his teachers during lunch. She should have plenty of time. Spotting an open window Hela quietly hopped out and made her way to the dumpster's outback. Nicolas waited with an agitated expression before he spotted her, "Damn take all fucking day why don't you?" he pushes himself off the wall and stands tall, towering over Hela, though that was nothing new. She seemed doomed to be short.

"Sorry, the janitor was walking around and I almost ran into my brother." she said as she panted a little. 

"Whatever. You bring the stuff?" 

Hela nodded and slung her backpack over her shoulder before she handed it to him. "Here's all my medical stuff and the money."

Nicolas grinned as he looked it over, "Alright, alright." he counted the money twice, just to make sure. "Enough for the hormones and my personal fee. And no hassle. Hehe, I love you tranny customers. So loyal and desperate." 

"Fuck you!" 

He ignored her and stuffed the things into his bag, "Remember you need to pick it up at 4pm sharp. That's when Colette comes in for a shift change and I watch the counter by myself for ten minutes."

"Why only ten?"

"Eh, that's how long my uncle lasts when he fucks her."

"Eww."

"Grow up." he shoved her shoulder, "Listen, if you're not there after that, then I gotta throw it away and you need to pay again. You know how pissed my uncle would be if he found out I was selling out of their pharmacy?"

"Fine, fine, but…"

"But what?"

"...I said I was going to hang out with you today but my parents said no."

"So?"

"So...I might cut it close trying to sneak over there. And if Dee sees you without me tell him...ahh...that I tried to kiss you and you rejected me?"

"Why?"

"Cause it'll explain why I'm not home like I’m embarrassed or something- just do it okay?"

"Fine, whatever...but I wouldn't mind a kiss, ya know~ Before you go all butch on me."

"Fuck off." Hela shoved him away  "I'll see you later."

Nicolas laughed, "Don't be late."

Everything had been fine up until 3:30pm. Hela snuck out of school before the last class just so she'd have some distance between her and Dee- if he cared enough to look for her. After that she spent the rest of her time holed up in the library across town reading through a few things. She hated science books but it was worth another read to make sure she was ordering the right stuff and using it right. Nicolas had said that he'd do all the math work...but then again Nicolas was only in her grade because he was held back three times. So it was best to double check. 

However during that time her phone had been going off like crazy. First Dee texted he was going to stop by the store and he'd be home a little later. Then Dee again asked why she wasn't home. Then it was her Dad asking where she was, then saying she better not be out, and then directly telling her to answer her phone. Soon Mama joined in with angry and worried texts. Hell, even Uncle Ches and Anna called a few times. Hela felt guilty but she couldn't cave in. Not when she was so close. So she turned off her phone and when it was closer to 4pm she left in a hurry toward the pharmacy...but that's when trouble arose. 

Luckily for once in Hela's life, she was cautious. After leaving the library she decided to sneak through the alleys just in case. Turns out her intuition was right because just as she was about to step out onto the street she spotted Mama and Dad on their motorcycles at a light. She quickly hid behind the dumpster and waited till she heard them drive off. They were looking for her and no doubt others were as well. Fuck! Hela moved faster but had to stop constantly when she'd run into others. Next was Dee who was worriedly walking the streets and going into shops to see if she was there. Next was Anna who also drove around. And she was pretty sure she saw some other bikers from her Mama's club. Damn it! They'd spot her soon if she didn't hurry up. Then she'd be done for. It was her fault for mentioning the arcade. She should have said something farther away from the pharmacy to at least give her some space but she'd have to deal with her fuck up. Oh well, at least her camping out the library did buy her sometime. If Dee was tracking her phone, that must have been the first place they'd check. 

Eventually, after nearly half an hour of playing hide and seek, she made it to the pharmacy at 4:12pm though worried she was too late. Hela pushed through the glass doors and looked around, frowning when she saw the counter empty. But a loud psst! caught her attention. She turned and smiled widely when she saw Nicolas restocking some things the next aisle over, "Nicolas!" she ran up to him.

"You're are so fucking lucky Colette came in five minuets late." he scolded as he reached behind the counter and pulled out a shopping bag. "Stuff is in the soda cans, the bottoms come off. Needles are in the Alenka Chocolates and chips."

"Thank you so, so much." Hela carefully put the things in her bag. 

"Hey you get what you paid." he shrugged.

"But really, I-" she froze as she heard the revving of an all too familiar motorcycle. Even if it wasn't her parents, every biker in the area knew Mama. They would recognize Hela easily. Fuck! She should have hid in the bathroom or-

A sudden idea came to her and she resisted the urge to turn around. Instead she kept looking at Nicolas, "Hug me." she said suddenly, taking a step closer.

"What?" Nicolas blinked in surprise and leaned closer with a smirk, "Are you that overwhelmed? Didn't think you'd be so emotio-"

Another engine soon joined and both motorcycles shut off. "Hug me you idiot or we're both dead."

No argument here. Nicolas bent down and hugged Hela tightly, practically squeezing the life out of her as he lifted her up. He smelled like vinegar and was unexplainably sticky but Hela forced back a grimace as she wrapped her arms tightly around him back; trying to ignore the hands far too comfortable on her lower back. She thanked whatever God was up there that she had guessed right because as soon as the door opened she heard her parent's voices, " HELA ." 

Hela pulled back in surprise and gasped, feigning shock as she was dropped to the ground. There her parents stood with Dee right between them. Victoria was the first to react, absolutely furious as she marched over, "Get your hands off my daughter you fucking pervert!" Nicolas immediately jumped behind the counter to try and hide. Victoria followed him regardless, grabbing him with ease and lifting him up. Though Glam stopped her before she could really hurt him. Tensions were high as Glam absolutely destroyed Nicolas for being around Hela. Leaving the boy nearly in tears at what he said. Hela only felt a little guilty because it had been her decision to hug him, but if both of them wanted to avoid the drug talk, then this fake romance was a better option. Something Nicolas seemed to understand as he said nothing else as Glam put a hand on Hela's shoulder and led her away. 

Initially there was relief with Victoria squeezing her in a tight hug and Glam also hugging her tightly as both thought the worst and were just happy to see her alive. Even Dee seemed relieved to see his sister in one piece. The ride back home was quiet with Hela riding with her Dad and Dee with Victoria. Mostly so Dee could call everyone and tell them Hela was safe and sound. When they got home, however, the relief had worn off and was replaced with anger.

"Leaving school early, not answering any phone calls and, to top it all off, sneaking around with older boys!" Victoria slammed her helmet onto the table. "Have you lost your fucking mind??"

Hela grimaced as she looked to the side. Victoria, Glam and Dee stand in front of her with varied expressions. Mama was furious, Dad seemed disappointed and Dee was upset. It could be worse, she supposed. "It was just a date…"

"You were nowhere near the arcade. I searched everywhere and couldn't find anyone who saw you. Not even Nicolas." Dee said with a frown. 

"Well...we weren't at the arcade.." she muttered as she swung her feet and held her arm. 

“WHAT?” Victoria moved forward but Glam put a hand on her shoulder.

"Hela." Glam steps forward, "We were all worried for you. We thought something terrible happened."

"I'm fine, I just was out-"

"We thought you had been taken or harmed and we couldn't find you anywhere. No one had seen you the whole day. Not even people around town." Glam narrowed his eyes.

"I'm sorry. I didn't want to worry you-"

"All just to sneak around with some dickhead!" Victoria growled, "He's sixteen Hela. You shouldn't be with someone that old!"

"I'm not a kid!"

"You are a child and you are underage." Glam reminds her sternly, "It is very wrong and illegal."

"It was just a one time-"

"A hook up???" Victoria grabbed Hela by her shirt, "You put us all through this Hell just to hook up with a boy??"

Hela grimaced, "No! It was just a date. We didn't even do anything!"

"Except hug . Which could very well have come after kissing and god knows what!" Victoria growled before she dropped Hela back onto the chair. She pulls at her hair angrily but looks toward Glam. 

He looked back at her for a moment before he nodded and looked back at Hela. "You're grounded for a month."

"Dad!"

"No computer, no hanging out after school and you have to help Uncle Ches clean his store during the weekends." he crossed his hands behind his back. "You can not go anywhere unless one of us is with you now."

"...Till when?"

"Till you're 16."

Hela groaned but crossed her arms and looked away, tears in her eyes, "...Fine." 

"Go to your room." Glam motioned with his head toward the stairs. 

Hela sniffled before she grabbed her bag and rans. She could hear her mother angrily ranting to the other two as she left. 

Once in her room, however, she locks the door and falls against it with a shudder. She closes her eyes as tears fall; but not in sadness- joy. Finally...finally. Hela removed the shopping bag and shoved it under her bed for now. She ate dinner, talked with each of her parents to apologize (and have equally awkward sex talks), apologized to Dee and then heads to bed. But instead of sleeping she pulls out the vials and needles out of their hiding spot. 

That night she gave herself her first shot and, despite the soreness on her arm, she felt like a million bucks. It was finally done. Months of saving up money from her parents, Uncle Ches and doing dares had all paid off. 

Now he could finally say, with confidence, "I'm Heavy Shvagenbagen." and it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

Heavy felt different and for once it's been a good thing. The acne is the first symptom that showed up and he is neutral to it. It's not a lot and they're kind of fun to pick at, even if Dee tells him not to do it. It could leave scars , he said. Tch, who wouldn't want a scar? A pretty boy like Dee he supposed. Oh well, he let his brother slap whatever products he wanted on his face. It feels kind of nice to do face masks and the masks Dee has are cool, even if it made them both look silly. The weight gain showed up a little later but despite getting a little thicker it doesn't go to his boobs and that's all he's happy about. As long as he could slap on a few sport bras and a loose shirt then he'd be content for now.

Other than that, he doesn't see much else physically. A part of him is a little bummed out because he expected some fast results, even if he knew that it wasn't a realistic thought. But he guessed he'd need to be patient, even if it sucked to wait. Though he would admit that headaches had become more frequent and he felt sick most of the time. The symptoms were something he could deal with though and he just wrote them down in his little log for now. 

Instead of worrying about it he busied himself with trying to keep track of his shots and trying to change his appearance somewhat. The long hair he had once enjoyed sharing with his mother was now becoming bothersome. Too much of a remnant of his old self. He knows long hair doesn't necessarily mean 'girly'. Dee and his Dad both had long hair and even Uncle Ches wore it long. But he supposed it could be shorter rather than being in a long braid. It also made him look more like Mama, which wasn't something he wanted anymore. At least not a direct copy of Mama anyways. But he wasn't quite sure what to do with it or how to make it look good. Tonight was a good night to experiment, however. Mama and Dad were out and he expected Dee to be sneaking out any moment, so he would have the house to himself. Perfect.

Heavy stood in front of the mirror, tongue sticking out slightly as he tied his hair up in a high ponytail. He looked side to side as he took in the new hairstyle before frowning. Nah, looked like that girl Stacy from across the road. Not who he wanted to look like. He took his hair out of the tie and looked forward. He frowned and picked up a strand of hair before smiling and stuffing all his hair in his shirt. It did look better shorter. Maybe not as short as shoulder length, but close. He looked from side to side and grinned before he dug around the bathroom drawers and found a pair of scissors. Awesome. He grabbed about a fist full of hair and eyed the length and brought the scissors up just above his hand and-

"You need to wash it before you cut it."

Heavy screamed and dropped the scissors in the sink before spinning around to see Dee leaning against the doorway. "What the hell! Knock next time!"

"You left the door open."

"It's still the bathroom! Damn…" he shook his head and untucked the hair from his shirt.

"You know Mama will be pissed if you cut your hair."

"I just want to cut it a little bit. Like right...here." he measured to about his armpits. 

Dee scoffed and shook his head, "It still needs to be washed."

"I hate washing it. Makes me look like a girl…"

"You are a girl, idiot."

Heavy frowns at that and turns away, "Just go and leave already. I won't cut my hair so Mama and Dad won't get mad at you. Just go." he huffed and began to gather up the mess he made trying to style his hair.

There's some silence before Dee speaks, "I looked into Nicolas, you know."

Heavy slows, keeping his gaze down at the sink. 

"I know Mom and Dad think you were just messing around with an older boy but he'd never be your type. I know that."

"How would you know?"

"He likes rap and you hate dumbasses like him in general."

Heavy hesitates before looking at Dee through the mirror. He looks furious and Heavy immediately looks away. "So what?"

"I know he sells drugs. And I know he sold to you, Hela . I looked at the security cameras in his store."

Heavy feels sick and he grits his teeth, heart thundering in his chest.

"The other day when I grabbed your arm to drag you out of bed you winced. And when Mom jokingly hit your arm you complained more than usual."

"It was just sore…"

"Sore from what?"

"Nothing!" Heavy turned to face Dee who is standing up straight now. "You got your secrets and I've got mine. Just leave it at that."

Dee's frown deepens and he shakes his head. "No, that's not how it works."

"Dee-"

"Show me your arm."

There's a long pause before Heavy ran. Or at least tried to.

He pushed past Dee and tried to go up the stairs to lock himself up in his room but Dee's faster and has a longer reach. Dee grabs his arm and they struggle before Dee manages to get the upper hand. He may not be strong, but he is smart. 

With one kick to the back of the knee, Heavy's on the ground and he can't fight Dee off before he lifts his sleeve up. Heavy had just taken the shot. It's a little swollen from the spotty injection and slightly infected from improper sanitation. It hadn't bothered him before but now he was beginning to regret not being patient as he gave himself the shot. He could have avoided this whole thing, "What the fuck-"

"Dee don't tell anyone." Heavy sobbed, struggling to tear his arm free as Dee has him pinned. "Please, please, please…"

"Hela, what are you taking?? What-how…" Dee doesn't look angry anymore. He sounds worried and slightly frightened, "What is it! How much? Hela!"

"It's nothing!"

"Bullshit. Hela you're doing drugs? Really? You're a twelve year old girl and you're-!"

"Don't call me that! Don't!" he turned his face into the carpet, the rug burning his cheeks a little. 

"Don't call you Hela??"

"No…"

"What then?" Heavy shakes his head and Dee pauses before he slowly gets off of Heavy. He shifts his hold to his wrist before he speaks again, "What are you taking?"

"...it's not drugs, okay? It's not anything like that. So just drop it."

"I need to know. Even if you're not using anything illegal, it could still be dangerous. Please, tell me…" he looks him over, before his expression softens, "...Hel', tell me. Please."

Heavy opens his eyes and looks at Dee and sees understanding along with the concern. Heavy takes a deep breath before sighing, "It's...testosterone." Dee's eyes widen but says nothing yet, "I...I don't wanna be Hela anymore. I don't like who I am. I feel...I feel wrong." he hiccupped, "I'm sorry…"

Dee lets go of his arm before sighing and helping him sit up, "Listen, I understand. I...can see the signs now. You were kind of off for a while. Only recently have you actually been happy again. Which is why I thought you might be doing drugs to get this way." he took a deep breath and closed his eyes before he looked at him with a frown, "But you can not be taking fucking testosterone."

Heavy frowned and wiped his eyes, "Why not??"

"Because you're twelve you fucking dumbass. You can't be younger than fifteen to get those types of shots. And even then it's not safe till you're done with puberty."

“But Nicolas said-“

“Fuck Nicolas! He’d sell you things to make crack if you gave him enough money.” Dee pushed his hair back, “Just because you got it doesn’t mean you can take it.”

"But I don't want to be a girl! I don't want to look like Mama or get my period or whatever. I feel happy now. I feel good like this. I feel good being a boy ."

Dee sighed in exasperation but his expression softens, "I know. But this isn't the right way to do it."

"How then? Because I did everything I could to look things up and I saved all this money and time…"

"And it means nothing if you aren't doing it right. I can help you do this right because right now you're going to kill yourself. Or really mess up your body bad."

"You'd help?" Heavy asks timidly.

"Of course! I passed chemistry, math and health ages ago. I can take care of it."

Heavy looks down the back at him, "...You...you don't...mind, do you? That I'm...you know. You don't think it's weird or-"

"No, no. Look, I thought I was going to find you doing heroin. This is a lot better." he smiles lightly and puts a hand on his shoulder, "After I go and fuck up Nicolas for putting you in danger, we'll get to work on getting you some decent help."

"But you said-"

" Puberty Blockers . That's what you're supposed to be taking. If anything at all." Dee leans back, "I'll need to do some research but that's what you need to be taking. I can help you with the dosages and what not. I can even find it and buy it for you, no problem."

"Really?"

He nods then looks up toward the stairs, "But I need to make sure you're fine. Show me your stash and how much you've been taking, how long and...how did you get the dosage measurements?"

"Uh...Nicolas did it for me." Heavy says with a sheepish grin.

"Fuck." Dee runs a hand down his face and groans, looking agitated though it isn't at Heavy. "We have a lot of work to do…" he pauses before looking up at him, "So...what's your name now?"

"Huh?"

"People usually change their name right? Have you decided to change it?"

"Yeah um...it's Heavy…" he smiles shyly, "You know...like 'heavy metal'?"

Dee smiles faintly, " Heavy ...Heavy." he nods, "Nice name."

Heavy smiles at him and feels tears prick the corner of his eyes. He can't help but suddenly hug Dee, holding him tight, "Thanks, Dee."

Dee laughed softly before he hugged him back. "Of course." he pulled back and grinned, "We got this."

By the time Heavy had finished telling Glam everything, he was in tears and looking down at the ground. He couldn't meet his Dad's gaze. Not yet. He took a deep, shaky breath, "Dee didn't do anything wrong. He was just helping me. Made sure I was okay. I'm the one who wanted all this to happen." he shuts his eyes tightly, "I'm sorry."

Glam presses his lips together, taking in all the information. Though he was still greatly worried. Not because of the drugs, that was one thing he could mentally cross out. He also knew that Dee was smart enough to do his research and knew Heavy would listen and tell Dee whatever he needed; so he wasn't worried about either of them messing up the at home medical treatment. The fact that Heavy was transgender was not an issue either. Glam was well aware of what it was and knew people who were indeed transgender. People closer than his kids may even realize. None of that was the issue. It is just that-

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" he frowned, looking down at the two. Not telling Vicky was understandable, though an unnecessary worry on their end. Vicky was also well aware of what being trans meant and, despite being a little callous in terminology and jokes, she would not mind or care much. But the two keeping this hidden for so long, especially Heavy who must have gone through hell these past years, struck a nerve in him. Was Glam that unapproachable to his own children? 

"I don't know I just…" Heavy looked at Dee and then back at Glam, "I didn't know how'd you take it." He nervously began gesturing with his hands as he spoke, "You and Mama always talk about how we're both 'perfect copies' of each parent, of how happy Mama is that I'll grow up to be just like her, be a strong daughter and...I don't know. I didn't think you'd like it…I thought you'd-you'd be disappointed. Or miss having a daughter or-"

"No, no, no." Glam knelt down and got on eye level with Heavy, " No . Vicky and I would never think that way. We'd also never be disappointed in you for wanting to be yourself." he gently lifted Heavy's chin up when the other tried to look away and duck his head, "I'm sorry that I made you tell me about this on the spot. And I'm sorry if I made you feel pressured to say something. If you're mad at me for that, then you have every right to be. But please know that this doesn't change how we feel about you. You are still our child and part of this family. We will always be there for you." he brushed away some of Heavy's tears, careful to avoid the bruise, "And I won't 'miss' Hela because there never really was a 'Hela'. You've always been Heavy; you are just finally able to be yourself." Glam gave him a warm smile, "You're my son and I love you. That will never, ever change." 

Heavy's practically shaking as he listens to his Dad speak, overcome with emotions that he can't quite place or name. He always worried what he'd think. Always made such drastic scenarios in his head that never sounded true but felt equally terrifying nonetheless. But as he looks at his Dad, with all his kindness and warmth, he doesn't know why he was so scared in the first place. Maybe he wasn't ready, but he's ready now. Heavy quickly wraps his arms around Glam, hugging him tightly and burying his face in his shoulder. He sobs as the stress of the years and the secrets all start to fade away. "I love you too."

Despite the guilt he felt for putting such pressure on his son, Glam kept his attention on Heavy for now. He'd address it later when emotions had died down and Victoria was also told about it. Right now was about making the other safe and sound after such a nerve wracking day. He hummed as he rubbed the other's back, feeling him relax a little more with each second passed. He felt him shift and looked over to see Heavy reaching a hand out to Dee, who otherwise had been silent, with an open hand.

Hugging was usually not something Dee liked, but for Heavy he'd make an exception. There's always an exception for Heavy. Besides, despite his eldest son's colder exterior, he had a feeling it might be something he wanted too. Despite the amused huff, Dee lets himself be pulled into the hug by Heavy, wrapping his arms around his Dad and brother with equal amounts of affection. 

For a few moments they remained in the embrace till eventually, as Heavy's sobs stopped, Glam and Dee pulled away. Glam kept his hands on Heavy's shoulders and smiled at him, "How do you feel?"

"...Better. A lot better." 

He chuckled and reached over to grab a tissue before handing it to him, "If there's anything you need my help with or need to talk about, please let me know."

"I will...Well, there is...one thing I need help with, Dad.” 

“Anything.”

A small smile spread across Dee’s face as he looked at Heavy, already knowing what he was going to ask. Though he didn’t interrupt, only looking away as the other continued. Heavy looks up at Glam and slimes sheepishly, “Do you think you can cut my hair?” He pulls at the long braid. “Not too short, but...about right here? I know Mama might get mad if I do it or if Dee does it, but not if you do it.” 

Glam couldn’t help but chuckle at that. Not that they were wrong, but he was exceptionally happy that he could help. “Of course. I’ll make sure it comes out to your liking.”

About an hour later and they're all in the bathroom as Glam carefully snips away at Heavy's hair, nearly done with it. He sees the mix of anxiousness and excitement in Heavy's face as his son clutches the chopped off braid. "Relax Heavy, I promise that it will come out fine."

"I know, I know...but it feels weird. I don't think I've ever gotten my hair cut before."

"Not since you were a toddler." 

"Why did you cut it back then?"

"Dee stuck gum to your hair."

Heavy shot an accusatory glare to Dee who merely shrugged, "I wanted to see what would happen. At least I put it at the ends and not right on top."

Glam chuckled, "Vicky was not happy with that one."

Heavy grumbles though doesn't comment, a bit too distracted as Glam uses the blow dryer on his hair. He wished he was facing the mirror but there wasn't a chair in the house tall enough to reach it and Dee had given a stern no to cutting the hair in his room. ' I don't want to find red hair on the carpet ' had been his reasoning. Lame reason on his part, but Heavy didn't argue. It was just the suspense of it all that made him nervous. But he trusted his Dad, so he forced himself to relax.

After a couple more snips and a brushing out Glam narrowed his eyes, double checking his work, before he smiled widely. "There. It's done." Heavy looked up at him and Glam's smile softened as he carefully took the braid out of his hands, "Take a look for yourself."

Taking a deep breath Heavy stood up and walked over to the mirror, eyes closed as he held onto the sink. Cautiously he opened one eye slightly before he gasped and his eyes opened wide in surprise. It was perfect . Perfect length, perfect style-and he had bangs now! Just like Mama, and yet it didn't feel wrong it felt right. He looked like himself .

"Do you like it?" Immediately two small arms wrapped around Glam’s waist and he was quick to hug his son back once more, chuckling slightly. "I'll take that as a yes."

"It's perfect! I look so cool!" he turned back to the mirror and ran his hands through his hair, "Just like the guys in Manowar!"

Dee chuckled and crossed his arms as he looked at Heavy's hair, "Definitely a lot better. Maybe you'll finally wash it more." he laughed as Heavy nudged him with a frown. 

Still, Glam patted his head and smiled down at him, "I'm glad you like it."

Heavy smiled up at him, looking happier than he's looked in a long, long time. “Thank you Dad.”

“No problem, Heavy. I think Vicky will like it too.”

A Year Later

An eventful day, a quiet evening. Typical for the Metal Family. The escape room had become more hectic than Glam planned, but he wasn't one to complain. Everyone else seemed to have fun and the destruction would not be a financial strain. If the company had the guts to contact him about it. He already made sure the security cameras were wiped clean and his information would 'mysteriously' disappear from the system. Like they were never there in the first place. Glam wasn't worried and was contently going through paperwork in his office when he heard a knock on the door. "Come in, Dee."

Sure enough his oldest stepped inside, having switched to more casual clothes for the night. Heavy and Victoria, the "losers" of today's challenge, had left a while ago to get dinner. Leaving the two blondes alone for now. Though it was still rare for Dee to come into his office unprompted. "Are you busy?"

"Not particularly." he pushed his glasses up, "What would you like to talk about?"

"Two things."

"Okay."

"One, Uncle Ches asked me to watch his store for tomorrow. So I won't be at school."

"Alright. Did he say why?"

He scoffed and leaned against the wall, "He didn't give me a real answer again."

"Did he say 'Taking a grandma to the doctors' again?"

"Yeah." 

"Alright, very well." he sighed, "And the second question?"

Dee paused and crossed his arms, "At the escape room...You knew they were going to split us up originally didn't you?"

"Of course. It was practically given away by our host. You knew that as well."

"I did." He shrugged, "And you didn't bother to stop the switch hm?"

"What fun would that be?"

"Well, it would have been faster- far less destructive. Plus I know you would have loved to let Mama believe she solved everything herself. I was going to let Heavy get immersed in the game." He shrugged, “Though I guess it sort of happened either way.” 

"There was a change of plans."

"Uh-huh. Was that ‘change’ because the host called Heavy a girl ?"

Glam looked up from his paperwork to see Dee looking at him with a raised brow. Glam didn't get angry much. At least never visibly anymore. It was more disarming to keep on an air of pleasantries just to confuse his victims and lull them into a false sense of security. However he supposed he had his weak spots. Heavy had recently become one. Or rather, had become a more frequent one given how many assholes there were when it came to undermining his son and his identity. "Was it that obvious?" he chuckles. 

"I think you gave the lady a migraine." Dee shrugs and smirks, "I had to laugh when I heard that. I knew that the day was going to end up badly the second she said ‘boys vs girls’. For them, at least." he paused, "Why not correct her?”

“Heavy didn’t take offense so there was no need to bring it up, though I certainly did take offence. I put our names, ages and genders on the sign up form when I scheduled. And yet they still refused to acknowledge it.” 

“Mhm. We should be thankful Heavy didn't pick up on the Host's implication."

"That's a good thing." He took off his glasses and leaned back in his chair with a sigh, "He's getting more comfortable, which makes me very happy. Things like that are becoming second nature to him now."

For the last year or so Heavy has been happier than he’s ever been. True, they had some hiccups along the way and the school had not been easy on Heavy at times, but the other could rest assured that his family would be there for him whenever needed. Vicky had taken the news well and Ches seemed to already figure it out long before Heavy had a chance to tell him. Though, being the great Uncle he is, he still acted like he was being told for the first time. Glam still had no idea how Ches could read people so well. Though he supposed it was one of the few mysteries he was content leaving unsolved.

Dee seems to agree, giving a chuckle, "Oh well. Kind of a shitty escape room in the first place."

"Perhaps the renovations Vicky made will push them to make it more exciting." The two laughed though when there was a rapid knock at the door they looked up. "Come in."

"Dad?-oh. Sorry." Heavy stops and pulls the door closed a little when he sees the two, "Am I interrupting something?"

"No, we're just having light conversation." Glam smiled, "Is dinner ready?"

"Yeah, Mama says to come down soon or she'll eat without us."

"Okay" Glam stands up and turns off his desk lamp. "Tell her we'll be there shortly." 

"Okay!" Heavy smiles before quickly running back down the stairs, leaving the door slightly ajar. 

Pushing himself off the wall, Dee looks up at his Dad as he heads to the door, "If you keep punishing the people that misgender him, the whole city will be terrorized."

"If we keep punishing people." Glam raises a brow, "Don't think I didn't notice what you did to Heavy’s old science teacher. No one gets blackmailed out of money and a job for no reason."

He huffs, "I did give him a warning to stop calling Heavy by his dead name. If he refuses then my hands are tied and it's not my fault he's a pervert. Plus I'm only following your 'no violence' rule." he shrugged, "Either way, he deserved it."

Glam laughs and puts an arm around Dee as they walk out of his office, "I know."

"And Heavy deserves to be happy."

"I know. Thank you for watching out for him as well, Dee.” He smiles as they head toward the kitchen, “I couldn’t have asked for better sons.”