Archive of Our Own ^beta

Henrik has been working at this hospital for as long as he can remember.

… there has to be more to the story, right? There has to be. At least that was what the doctor thought. So when he went to his coworkers one day, searching for answers, the last thing he expected was for them to genuinely not know of his origins. In fact, the head nurse wasn't sure what to say either, especially that her lapse in judgement basically allowed a single unknown individual to slip their way into the hospital as a surgeon. A damn good surgeon though, and they needed all the help they could get… but it didn't make it less messy. The most she could offer was a warning and a pat on the shoulder to keep quiet as they attempted to figure this out.

Well, then it was a friend of his. He asked them where they met for the first time, that it was admittedly a blur in his mind recently. Suzie said it was kind of hard to forget the doctor rolling in a patient with a laceration across his neck, barking out orders like he owned the place. That it was completely baffling the moment Henrik finally pulled off his mask to show that he and the patient looked exactly the same to begin with.

And so he stood there. Rather than eating his lunch, he stood at the start of it all. One comatose patient that lay dormant in his room, and has been for months now. The one thing they shared in common was a face, and yet Henrik can't recall a brother. He can't recall anything beyond the date Suzie had described. It was as if he suddenly existed that day, and he's been running off that high ever since. But now that he's taking the time to stop, and look… that feeling is starting to dwindle. He wasn't normal, so what was he? Was it amnesia of some kind? Or trauma? Even those would leave a record, some kind of trail to follow but it was hidden too well. The only information he could come up with was on Jack, the patient he came in with, and nothing else. Jack who was, in fact, not German. He was Irish, so there was either some strange branch in the family tree or an even weirder instance where they may not even be related at all.

With a sigh, he slowly sat himself down in the plush seat that no one had yet to sit in since the day he arrived. A bit of fumbling later, Henrik sat comfortably with his hands in his lap as he tried to imagine what to say. All he wanted was the truth, but until Jack wakes, he feels he's staring at a dead end.

“... you. You…” Henrik scoffed, slowly shaking his head and letting his eyes fall to the ground, “... I don't remember a single thing about myself. There is nothing I remember… no family. No home. I built myself up from this point. From you. And I have no clue how I did it. Or why you're at the center. Or… why we even look the same. Why you're stuck like this.”

The quiet breathing and slow rhythm of the machine brought Henrik to a slow stop. There was no use getting worked up, of course. He wasn't going to be getting an answer, and there's no use venting this way… but he needed this.

“... I want to know more. I want the truth, is that so much to ask for?”

Henrik waited. Patiently. Any sign, any words, or movement. It took just a few minutes to realize it was futile, the doctor signing and standing himself up, “I don't know why I'm here… I… I don't even know you. I shouldn't even be talking to y—”

A faint whisper reached Henrik’s ears, the doctor snapping his head up to the sound. Surely it had to be Jack, but the last time they'd checked he was in complete comatose. Was he waking up?

“Jack..?” Henrik rushed over to his bedside, gently resting a hand on the edge of the bed, “Jack, are you awake..? What is it?”

Another whisper, one too low to hear properly. Henrik hesitated, giving a moment’s thought before leaning down to listen to him.

It was just a single word.

More.

───── ✧ ─────

It was days after that incident. Henrik didn't speak a word of it to anyone, partially believing he'd made it all up in his head just to give him some kind of strange closure to that conversation. But the more he thought about it, the weirder it sounded. Why would he say more? More what? Does he want more of something? His treatments were fine, Henrik made sure to triple check the next day and nothing seemed out of place. In fact he seemed just as lost in comatose as the day he arrived, which was even more bizarre to the doctor considering he swears he heard the man breathe out that single word. Yet, completely unresponsive. Once again, without a flinch or care in the world as he laid in bed. Even some of the most talented people can't put up an act like that, and with Jack’s pristine record it was highly unlikely this was an act at all.

Henrik looked down at his coffee. With a slight frown, he lifted it up for a sip as he stared out the window of the employee’s room. With any hope he could just call it a day soon… he wasn't feeling his best, and while he'd love to drown his problems in his own work, a man does have his limits. Perhaps he should tell the nurse.

He set it down, his mind set on doing just that when the sound of a door slamming caught his attention. With a wince, he stared up at his coworker, “Suzi—?”

“You're… what the fuck?” She stared Henrik up and down, “You're here? But…”

“What is it?” Henrik set his cup down, rushing over to her, “Is something wrong?”

“There… there's another one.” She swallowed, “... looks exactly like you. They… they pulled him in here. He has a gunshot wound to the head, he’s in critical condition and I t-thought it was you but I knew you said you'd be here but now I'm just so confused, I— wait, where are you going?”

“I'm getting ready for surgery.” Henrik insisted as he rushed down the hall, “If there is a damn place I'm proving my worth, it's here.”

“Henrik, you can't, they'd never let you with family ties.”

“I can be very persuasive, doctor.” Henrik muttered, “And I've never met or known this man in my life. You could tell me his name and it would mean nothing, all we share is appearance.”

“Henrik, that's irrational.”

“As far as I'm concerned…” Henrik stopped for a single moment to turn and face her, “The only other surgeon in this hospital besides you and me is Jeff and he's currently out sick right now. So if this man has any chance of survival, I'm going to be there, and do my job. Are you helping me, or not?”

She sighed, watching Henrik walk off down the hallway, “... you are on thin ice.”

“Wouldn't have it any other way.”

The drape hid the stranger’s face from view. Honestly, a blessing in disguise. Even if he knew the man he was working on looked the same as he did, there was the difference that he didn't have to see it just yet. It was all a distraction, and right now he was focused on more than just the body and bullet. That was only the crux of the problem, and there was still bacteria and other substances that could have lodged it’s way into this man's skull. From the location the bullet hit… it… it felt like a suicide.

Henrik drew in a quick breath. It wasn't his choice to make that call, he was here to save him. Whether he wanted it or not.

This day was only beginning, and there were hours to go before this would be anywhere near over. They were hanging by a very fine thread.

Henrik sighed, finally working up the nerves to grab his tools, “I'm gonna need more coffee…”

Hours felt like an understatement, and yet he was hardly in there for two. Complications were imminent, and yet this one felt the most heart wrenching of them all. Maybe it would have been best if he didn't know what lay under that drape… maybe then he wouldn't have felt so pressured, but it was over. And, it was successful, so that was considered a win. A very mentally draining win, but a win nonetheless.

Pulling off his gloves, his mask… that was enough for the day. Far more than enough, his heart would give out if he had another panic like that again, he just needed to go to his apartment and rest. Paperwork and necessary medication will thankfully not be his job, Suzi would be taking care of that. She was a blessing, really. Henrik has no idea where he'd be without her.

He swiftly pulled on his coat for colder weather, the navy blue matching the icy color of his eyes quite well, and with a firm tug on his turtleneck he grabbed his messenger bag to leave. Before he could go though, he walked around for a moment to seek out the woman he owed so much to, “Suzi?”

Brown eyes met his, the doctor slowly smiling at the sight, “Heading home?”

“I wanted to thank you.” Henrik nodded, “And yes, I've been here since six… the sun has set a while ago now.” He said with a faint, nervous laugh, “I… I wanted to ask, that if—… when that patient—”

“Chase.”

“... pardon?”

“His name is Chase. Chase Brody.” She turned to look at him, “I'll call you when he wakes up.”

Chase. The name must've slipped his mind…

Henrik paused before slowly nodding, “Thank you…”

“Of course. Now go get some sleep for once in your damn life.” She smiled and pat him on the shoulder, “You've earned it.”

Henrik chuckled, “Yes, I think I will do just that… I will see you tomorrow.” He turned to walk away, feeling Suzi’s eyes on his back as he headed for the door.

“Take a vacation day!”

“As if. See you tomorrow.” He waved playfully back before leaving through the door.

It was not the next day that Chase awoke. It never really was, not for something so serious. The brain needed time to heal, and while the surgery was a success, there were still complications after such an injury. Henrik wasn't even sure if he should show his face, considering he might just cause panic within the patient. Maybe even in himself, when he realizes that the man he'd been working on looked exactly like him. How do you cope with that? Is there therapy for that? If there was, Henrik needs to book it, because he needs that right about now after saving two patients, each with a face to match his own.

But no. Not the next day. It was the day after, when he was checking through his clipboard that his other friend Jeff walked up to him. Henrik glanced up, “Feeling better so soon?”

“Medication does wonders. I was gone for a week, Henrik.”

“Aw, you missed me.” Henrik teased, his eyes flicking back to his notes, “I see how it is.”

With a roll of his eyes, Jeff nudged him, “Your friend is up. Not Jack, the other one. Suzi told me to come get you.”

Henrik froze, his eyes drifting down for a moment to process, “... right now?”

“No, in five minutes—” Jeff shook his head, “...yes, right now!”

“Scheisse.” He scrambled for a place to set his clipboard down, Jeff immediately grabbing it from his hands before the doctor spun around for the next five minutes in a panic.

“Go on, go get your answers.”

“I—… thank you. Thank you…” Henrik backed away, “I…”

“208. Chase Brody. Can't miss him, looks exactly like you do.”

“So I've heard, I… thank you!” Henrik repeated again, finally pulling his way out and down the hall with a final wave. Maybe now he'd get answers… or at least maybe he wouldn't feel so alone anymore.

“Chase Brody… you have no record of your age, or where you come from besides your family that moved upstate. You came here with a gunshot wound to the head… mind explaining that?” Henrik had picked up the clipboard specifically for Chase before walking in. It admittedly gave him something to do besides stand there awkwardly, but it didn't help that this Chase did in fact, look exactly like him… and no, he wasn't looking away with his head resting limp against his pillow. They stared blankly at each other, the doctor being the only one to glance away towards his notes once again. Henrik feared it would come to this, but before he could explain—

“Who are you?”

“My name is Henrik.” He answered sternly, “I was the surgeon that operated on you.”

“Why.”

“It's my job.”

“You know I… you know why I did it…” Chase muttered beneath his breath, “... it wasn't an accident…”

“That's none of my concern. What I saw was someone who needed help, so I helped them.” Henrik set the clipboard down, “And while it wasn't my main interest at the time, I think we might be similar.”

Chase scoffed, turning his head to glance out his room's window, “You don't fucking say…”

“Maybe for you it was longer.” Henrik answered simply, “But one day I showed up here without any memory of who I was or what I was doing here. No records, no family, no connections.” His icy eyes met Chase’s baby blue, “Tell me, were you the same?”

“I… I… um…” Chase clasped his hands to his blanket like a lifeline, “... y-yeah. Yeah… it was a couple of years ago. I made a lot of bad decisions…”

Henrik nodded, “... therapy will start in a month’s time.”

Chase sighed, his eyes slowly closing, “I thought I was done with therapy—”

“ Physical therapy, Mr. Brody.” Henrik insisted, “You were still shot, and while you may not wish it upon yourself, someone still called you in. So believe it or not, someone out there must care about you.”

“... who called it in?” Chase asked, squinting, “Was it a neighbor..?”

“Anonymous as far as I can tell.” Henrik set the clipboard aside, “But I'm not the police, I'm your doctor. You'd have to ask them.”

Chase frowned, his eyes slowly blinking in thought. No one was coming to mind…

“... but, I'm done interrogating you today.” Henrik gently patted a hand down on the clipboard to flatten the papers, turning to look back at Chase with a smile not all there. There was happiness to it, but more from pity than anything, “I've been looking for answers for a while now… and even if this wasn't the most ideal way to meet, I'm glad I did get a chance to meet you, Chase.”

“... yeah.” Chase glanced back towards Henrik, “... it's nice… knowing I'm not alone.”

Henrik nodded back, letting his eyes drift to the ground before walking himself out.

───── ✧ ─────

Chase was making a surprisingly quick recovery since their last meet. Before, he could already speak just fine which was a miracle in itself. Now he could genuinely sit up, and have lengthy conversations. There was a nervous tick in his hand that didn't seem to go away, but Henrik couldn't tell if it was from anxiety or a byproduct of what the bullet had to have hit. Considering it could have been far, far worse… this was the best outcome Henrik believes he's ever seen.

Though their last meet was, quite honestly, weeks ago. Henrik had been busying himself with more criminals coming in off the streets with their faces half beaten in. The news says there's some kind of… vigilante, on the loose. Just what Henrik needed, more people to patch up and discredit his handiwork. He'd slap the shit out of each criminal that walked through that door if he could, but he wouldn't doubt the vigilante probably did enough damage.

… okay, maybe the vigilante was growing on him. Less deaths is always a good thing, and those people probably deserved a fucking beating.

His eyes were drawn to his clipboard in front of him, running that checklist through his mind on loop. Preferably starting the beginning of the day with the long walks first, then dwindling into ‘if someone happens to get beat up again, which they probably will, that's what I have to do this evening’.

His heart nearly caught in his throat as shoes came into view right before him, the doctor quickly moving back to face the person before him rather than ram into them, “Shit, you scared me…”

“Sorry…” A shy smile was all that Chase could offer, standing awkwardly in the hall in his gown, “... I wanted to talk again. But I know you're busy, so I… I didn't uh… I don't have any way to talk to you without finding you, and I wanted to ask, so…”

“Y—” Henrik glanced at him up and down, a part of him not believing his own eyes. A look of ‘this bitch is standing? I saved him from death three weeks ago, and this bitch is standing in front of me?’ With a sigh, he quickly pulled Chase aside by the arm, the poor soul getting dragged along by his firm grasp with him until they stopped near the patient’s room, “ You , need to be resting.” Henrik muttered, placing a finger against his chest, “You still have a bullet in your head, and a lot of therapy to go through.”

“I know, but I've been doing better!” Chase said in a harsh whisper, “And all I can think about is what you said, okay? Like, that's… that's what kind of drove me down the wrong path and I was desperate and scared… and now you are here, and I don't feel so alone but I hardly even see you!”

“Chase, I am a busy man.”

“I know, I know, but…” Chase brought a hand up to rub at his elbow, “... I was hoping we could at least talk more. More than this… maybe figure something out?”

Henrik scoffed, slowly shaking his head, “You have made a miraculous recovery, I can't deny that, but you still need time to let your body heal…”

“I just want answers.” The desperation in his voice struck him. The same words that he wants… that he needs .

Henrik glanced down at his clipboard, and with a hefty sigh he gently tilted his head, “This way. Come on. I'm giving you five minutes.”

“Five minutes of what? Henrik ?” Chase walked after him, occasionally shying away as other doctors stared at the two. Though Henrik was quiet, slipping his clipboard underneath his arm as they walked down the rest of the hall towards the elevator.

A long several minutes later, they were in a different side of the hospital altogether. One that was much more quiet, and one Henrik wasn't sure he was going to be returning to… yet here he was. And now, with another piece of this… ‘puzzle’, if you could call it that.

A shaky hand grabbed the doorknob, Henrik pushing open the door. He held it open for Chase, the man stepping through into the room looking even more lost than before.

“Five minutes, I tell you all I know, and you go right back to bed. Then tomorrow, you will go to therapy, and continue your treatment without wandering out in the hallway looking for me.” Henrik muttered quietly, “Is that a deal, Mr. Brody?”

Chase looked back at Henrik, forcing a small nod as the doctor walked into the room.

“... I arrived at this hospital years ago, wheeling in a patient named Jack. He had a deep laceration going across his neck.” Henrik walked further into the room, his eyes landing on his first patient that was blissfully asleep in his hospital bed. The lack of cards and flowers always saddened him, but he never quite had the time to get Jack his own with taking care of him and the hospital, “...That's as far back as I can remember. Bringing him here. The cut across his neck seemed to be self-inflicted, but he recovered through that without any complications. The real problem is that it has been years now. Years, and he still has not woken up.”

“I…” Chase stared at the second familiar face, his brows knitting tightly in confusion, “There's… three of us?”

“Possibly more.” Henrik blurted out.

“What makes you say that?”

“... call it a hunch.”

After a long walk back, Suzi was waiting expectantly at the door. A position with her arms crossed told him all he needed to know of what was to come. He urged Chase inside in time before the head nurse led on in a long lecture about how patients, despite how well and cognitive they may seem, shouldn't be taken out from their room while still in a state of recovery (and oh boy did Henrik get the whole five star treatment there). From possible complications, to allowing Chase near another patient that neither of them were related to beyond appearances, the good doctor heard it all.

But, Chase did follow through with his end of the bargain which was a relief. The moment they made it back, Chase did exactly as promised and passed out in bed again. Or Henrik hoped he was asleep. He could have just been laying there, lost in thought with his back facing the door.

Hours went by, the sun was slowly starting to set when Henrik was in his office. Nothing particularly interesting today, but when was it ever meant to be? Maybe this was the break he needed. No strange cases, no people with the same face and a lengthy case of amnesia. Just a purely normal day, with normal individuals… and the occasional criminal that was being wheeled in after getting broken ribs by what could only be described as a force of nature. This vigilante would not let up.

Henrik sighed, tossing his pen to the side and letting it roll on his desk. It was an adjustment, again. First it's Jack. Now, Chase is here, also wanting answers that Henrik can't give him. Then it's criminals being wheeled in every day, but the victims always came first. What’s next? Would they have to put up with this forever, or until this vigilante gets himself killed?

His phone began to ring, Henrik hurriedly picking it up to avoid the long silence that would have followed without it, “Yes?”

“There's another one.”

“Another vhat, you're going to need to be more specific, Suzi.” Henrik muttered, picking up his pen again to click the button on the end.

“Another… you. ”

Henrik sighed, bringing a hand up to rub his forehead. So much for that break…

“... name? What is their condition?”

“It's… it's hard to explain. You need to get down here and see for yourself.”

With a tap of the button he hung up, pushing himself out of his chair. Here we go again…

“Multiple wounds to the wrists and neck. Each arm looks like they've been constricted by some kind of… rope. No rope burn, but…” Suzi gently pressed her fingers against a tunnel that had been dug into the side of this new patient’s arm, the same diameter as a pencil. Henrik had already finished patching up his right arm, Suzi still staring into the hole on the left. An uneasy feeling settled in the pit of her stomach, looking at the strange marks in their arms. There was even one on the base of their neck, leading down the spine. This must've been some kind of torture, that was the only explanation that came to mind, “... this… this is awful.”

Henrik could only hum in solemn agreement. It wasn't life threatening, but the mental damage it could leave behind for this poor soul would probably be catastrophic. His hands reached for the patient’s, slowly and carefully turning his hand up to look at it better. There were marks along his fingers. Not large ones, but something must've been tied there for a while.

“... where did you say he worked?” Henrik asked, gently resting their hand down.

“Their name is Jameson. I honestly didn't see the resemblance at first with the mustache…” Suzi said with a short-lived laugh, “He… he doesn't work anywhere. He was dropped off in the front of the hospital with a note taped to his chest.

Henrik raised a brow, “A note?”

“Yeah. Here.” Suzi slowly started to hand it to him, only for her to snatch it back away when Henrik eagerly reached for it, “You be careful with this. It's going to the police.”

Henrik nodded, grabbing it more carefully this time and slowly reading the large messy handwriting that still smelled of sharpie; “Please take care of him. -Red”

“...” Henrik flipped the note towards the back, then forward again with a squint, “... that's it? Who's ‘Red’? Was zhis note meant for someone?”

“Red is the vigilante.”

“Stupid name.” Henrik didn't skip a beat.

“Yeah well when you can beat the shit out of people, feel free to call yourself whatever you want.” Suzi finished patching up Jameson’s left arm, moving it back into position, “I for one, think that he might be doing a bit of good in this city.”

“Then why are you giving this to the police?” Henrik held up the note with a suspicious glance.

“And tell the police… what, when they ask about this suspicious new case of a guy with holes in his arms?” Suzi walked around the edge of the bed to stare Henrik in the eyes, “Just because I think he's doing some good doesn't mean I'm bending the rules for him.”

“Good.” Henrik held the note out for her, Suzi snatching it before he could consider pulling it away. They took one final look towards the patient before starting to walk out, side by side down the hall, “We don't know what side this vigilante is on.”

“Well considering he's saved a hell of a lot of people, left a note for one of our worst cases yet, and beat the shit out of a lot of bad guys… I'd say he's probably on our side, mister skeptic.”

“That's doctor skeptic, to you.” He teased, Suzi letting out a small breathy laugh. It wasn't long before Henrik slowed a little ways down the hall, slowly coming to a halt. Suzi noticed a bit late, walking for a bit before finally turning to notice Henrik had suddenly stopped.

“What's wrong?”

“What… what's happening, to this hospital?” Henrik asked quietly, more so as food for his own thoughts. Suzi gave him a confused stare.

“What do you mean?”

“Three people. Not including me, there are three people here and we all share the same face.” He used his thumb to point behind his shoulder, “Jack, who's currently in comatose.” He pointed forward down the hall, “Chase, who has the same exact amnesia problems I have been facing recently. On top of that, is recovering from potential suicide.” And lastly, pointing to the door he'd just come from, “And now Jameson. Who was brought here by the vigilante, with constriction marks and burrows into his wrists like he'd been strung up like a fucking puppęt. All of these people, doesn't that strike you as weird? At all??”

“Henrik we are doing the best we can for them.” Suzi turned to face him, an all too familiar look on her face. With a sigh, he prepared himself for the oncoming ‘stern mom talk’ that would come next.

“They could all look like me, and I wouldn't give a damn.”

“Easy for you to say…” Henrik muttered, “I operated on my own doppelgänger…”

“Hey.” She snapped her fingers, “You offered to. You did that because you wanted to save that man’s life. You didn't care then. Why does this matter now? What changed, Henrik?”

“Every day I worry that another person is going to come through those doors with one of our faces, and they won't make it out alive.” Henrik said, walking closer with a fear reflected in his eyes. One he never wanted to show in his life. One that was very real, one that he shouldn't be thinking about and yet…

 “I worry that one day I'm going to see a corpse with my own face on it. Or… or all these people that have come to this place, that look like me… that one day I'm bound to end up in a hospital bed next to them. Or… or that there's someone going after them, and I'm next on that list! We don't know if Chase’s was a suicide. Jack’s either… but I know Jameson in there couldn't have made those scars himself—”

“Henrik, you need to calm down.”

“Suzi, I don't know where I'm from!” Henrik said, bordering a thin line between fear and hysteria with a laugh that didn't sound fully like either, “I'm no one! I arrived here, years ago. No memories, no family, nothing! And now I'm suddenly being brought one person a month that looks like me. And I know there's more of them. There’s going to be more of them because Jack…”

Henrik bit his lip.

“... Jack? What about Jack?”

“...”

“Henrik.”

“... he…” Henrik sighed, slowly crossing his arms, “... it had to have been over a month ago. Days before Chase came by. I went to talk with Jack, to see if I could get anything out of him. I was about to leave when he said something. Just one word. More, and that was it.”

“More could have meant those two. That's two more.” Suzi frowned as Henrik began shaking his head.

“No. No you don't just say more for two. More implies many. A group. More could even mean he doesn't know how many…”

“He's a patient in comatose, it's incredible he even spoke.” Suzi gently pat him on the shoulder, “But that doesn't mean he's completely right, either.”

“He's the one thing I have that’s been a constant in my life.” Henrik mumbled, “He has been there since the start. It's connected to him somehow, it has to be…”

“As far as I'm concerned, this hospital has been a constant in your life.” Suzi said, pulling her hand away, “It's not just Jack, or any of this . You need a break, Henrik. You need to find something outside of this hospital to really take the time and effort to care for.”

“I don't have anyone, I just told you I—” She held up a hand before he could say more, Henrik watching as she pointed down the hall.

“Chase has been doing just fine. He's basically the closest thing you have to a family right now.”

“You said get away from this shit.”

“I said you need a break.” She said with a sly smile, “Don't put words in my mouth, Henrik.”

“... okay.” Henrik sighed, his nerves slowly dwindling as he shook his hands, “... yeah. Okay. Alright. A break. I can do that.”

───── ✧ ─────

No, he couldn't.

Not actually, at least. He arrived as normal, he treated his day almost as any other, until he wandered past Chase’s door. The name glared him in the face, Henrik slowing to a stop to stare at it. Suzi was right after all… they were family right now.

One soft sigh and enough courage to turn the handle eventually wormed its way into his mind, and before he knew it he stood in Chase’s room.

Chase had been staring out the window, his scar hidden from view from where Henrik was standing. The emptiness of the table, not even a single card reminded him entirely of Jack. Right now, he could only see Jack. Awake. Their eyes slowly met, Chase only giving enough of a confused glance to send the doctor out of his spiral.

“I—…” Henrik fumbled, patting his coat for his notebook, or anything to hold. In the end he gave up, a slow exhale calmed his nerves, “... We should… talk. More. Since we kind of are like a family, after all.”

Chase’s eyes widened. Clearly this wasn't something he expected, but it was too late for Henrik to take it back now, “... really?”

“Really.” Henrik nodded, “... your therapy has been going well. Uh…”

“... Mhm.”

“...” Henrik reached a hand up to itch at the back of his head, “... How… are you feeling, though?”

“You are trying so, so hard.”

“Shut up.” The outburst made Chase smile, Henrik close behind with a smile of his own, “I don't know how… family works.”

“When was the last time you got out of this hospital? For like, any break in time at all? And talked to people?”

“I—” Henrik shut his mouth, in a slow attempt to remember the last genuine time he'd taken a vacation. Though the longer he thought about it, the realization hit him that he really… hadn't. So not only was he stuck trying to remember something that never happened, but Chase was starting to chuckle from his bed in the corner, “... okay, you got me. I don't believe… I have.”

“Not once?”

“Zhere has been one week I vas given some time off. Zhat vas nice, but I didn't have anyone to spend it with so I came back and haven't considered time off since.”

“Huh…” Chase squinted at him. A small look up and down, then squinted harder…

“Judge me all you'd like—”

“We need to take you to a party.”

Henrik scoffed, “Absolutely not. Not you, at least. You're recovering from not only the gunshot wound, but your record has a bad history when it comes to alcoholism as well. You're not going near a bar if I can help it.”

“Well where do you wanna go, some kind of bouncy house thing? Trampoline park?”

“Remember, you are recovering. ”

Chase pouted, “... how about coffee?”

Henrik perked up at that admittedly a bit too fast, Chase’s smirk starting to return, “I know a good place. Plus when we are done there we can shop around town.”

“That… sounds good.” Henrik slowly nodded, “... yes. I'll take a few days off soon.”

“Pshhh… let's go now!” Chase playfully threw his hands up in the air, Henrik shaking his head with a disappointed smile, “Let's live a little! Get out of this hospital!”

“I can't. I'm already clocked in for today, and as much as you don't believe so, every ounce of rest you get goes a long way. Besides…” Henrik’s smile slowly faded, “... I have another patient to check on. Another one of us. He was brought here last night with a note on his chest and severe wounds on his arms and neck.”

Chase slowly lowered his arms, “.. another?”

“They were brought in by the vigilante. The note said to take care of him, and I'm hoping to do just that. His name is Jameson… he hasn't woken up yet.”

Chase stared, his eyes wandering off in thought. He took a deep breath in, wishing he could speak his mind but he wasn't quite sure what to say. Henrik just slowly nodded, ready to turn away before Chase spoke up, “Hey Henrik?”

“Hm?” The doctor spun on his heels to face Chase, who didn't bother to smile this time.

“... tomorrow, right? We can get out of here tomorrow?”

Henrik’s smile slowly came back as he nodded, “Tomorrow. I… I promise.”

“Who’s turn was it to go to the store?” Chase grumbled, shuffling aside the few things in the fridge. A couple of sodas and some leftover boxes, but they'd run out of his favorite of course. Out of habit, he closed the fridge door and checked the freezer in case. That wasn't any better, it's not like there would be soda in there. He closed it in front of his face, the bright yellow sticky note was stuck there that blatantly read ‘Chase, go to the store’ in the messiest handwriting he'd ever seen in his life.

Faint laughter came from the living room, Chase snapping his head toward the sound, “Hey!”

“It's literally on the fridge, Chase.” Henrik smirked, taking a sip of his coffee, “Someone doesn't read .”

Who knew that in those short few days, they'd consider moving in together? Well, Henrik sure didn't. Neither did Chase, but they wouldn't have it any other way. It took a week or two before Chase was allowed to finally leave the hospital with bills and yet another card for therapy. One he was at least putting to use this time, and things have been good. They haven't been alone anymore. And while Henrik does hate the fact Chase keeps shooting him with that damn nerf gun, at least he can get him back by shoving ice cubes down the back of Chase’s shirt when he's the one not looking.

“Well excuse me, but therapy has been a bit all over the place lately, and you know I can't carry a lot. I don't want our milk on the sidewalk and you always have the car.” Chase snagged his coat from the couch.

“Twitching still a problem?” Henrik glanced away from the blank TV screen to look at Chase.

“Yeah…” He sighed, slipping on his coat and checking aimlessly for the keys, “Therapy isn't helping…”

“Some things won't be the same, Chase. Just because something's not going away doesn't mean that therapy hasn't been helping at all.” Henrik set his cup down, grabbing the keys from the coffee table in front of him and holding them out for Chase, “You're very lucky no other motor functions were hit or you could have had it a lot worse.”

“I know, I know.” Chase snagged the keys, a smirk forming on his face as he leaned against the back of the couch, “I'm a goddamn miracle.”

“Ooh, don't push your luck.” Henrik scoffed, a smile on his face, “Shoot me with that nerf gun again and I'll smack you upside the head.”

A playful gasp, “You'd never hurt a miracle patient!”

“I just might. Now go, I have to get to the hospital later on today for paperwork and this is the only time you're getting the car.”

“You loo ooove me~” Chase teased, taking one last opportunity to face Henrik, “Oh hey, we really need birthdays.”

“Birthdays?” Henrik squinted at him, “What for? Why is this coming to mind?”

“Well everyone else has a birthday! So…” Chase shrugged slowly, “And I kinda want cake. Like, I love cake, man.”

“Go buy a cake?”

“That takes away from the celebration!” Chase’s smile made Henrik roll his eyes, “Come on!! Like uh… I don't remember my birthday so I guess we have to make it up.”

“I have a feeling ve might all share one.” Henrik muttered, “... but just to change it a bit… I have always enjoyed September.”

“I'll be… March.”

“It is March. You want a celebration? Wait for it.”

Chase huffed playfully, leaning against the doorframe, “Fine. April, then.”

“Well with your birthday coming up soon, we'd best be preparing for your what… second birthday?”

“ Henrik— ”

“My my, how they grow up so fast!”

Chase began to laugh, “You dick. Well, if that's how it is, then technically I'm…” He tapped a finger on the doorframe, still yet to open the door, “... I'm as old as my kids?”

Henrik nearly spat out his coffee, “What??”

“Hm. Kinda weird. Okay, bye!” Chase waved, quickly swinging himself out the front door before the doctor could grasp what exactly Chase had said.

It didn't take long for him to get to the hospital from his apartment. Chase grabbed what he needed, then came back to pick Henrik up which the doctor found funny. Apparently Chase wanted to visit Jack and Jameson rather than rest at home which Henrik found to be very reminiscent of him. Maybe he was starting to rub off on Chase… which was probably not a good thing the more he thought about it.

Henrik walked in, holding the door for Chase as they passed through. Chase was stuck in the front to sign papers as Henrik headed immediately for the back room, preparing his things for a long night ahead.

“Henrik?”

The doctor sighed as his name was called. This usually meant one of three things… one, he was late. Which one glance at the clock said that wasn't the case. Two, Jameson must've woken up, which would probably be the best news he's heard that week. Or three, there's another doppelgänger that has found their way into the hospital. So with the little hope he had, he turned towards Jeff with a vague smile, “Yes?”

“Jameson is awake.”

“Oh… oh that's great news.” Henrik’s smile widened, “Is he alright? How—”

“We… we need you for translation.” Jeff admitted quietly, Henrik giving him a strange stare, “... you said you know sign language, right?”

“Oh.”

Jeff was the first to leave, Henrik slowly setting his things down. He didn't anticipate that the wounds on his neck would be that severe… or if it was because of those wounds at all. He did hope that Jameson’s hands wouldn't need to be amputated which, if he can sign, probably meant they'd pull through. That was good.

Henrik came out shortly after, meeting with Chase in the hallway. He didn't hesitate to rush up towards Henrik at a familiar loss painted on his face, “What's up? Something wrong?”

“Jameson’s awake.” Henrik turned his head to look at him.

“That's… that's good. What's the ‘but’?”

“He can't speak…” Henrik sighed, walking down the hallway and hearing Chase follow behind him, “His wrists are probably in no condition to be writing, let alone signing, but at least signing is less strainful than holding a pen.”

“Well, if he knows sign then that probably means that it wasn't the wound that did it, right?” Chase gently tapped Henrik’s shoulder with his hand, “He was mute before.”

“That, or he was very lucky with what he was taking in school.”

“Henrik, we never went to school.”

The doctor stopped in his tracks, Chase slowing to a stop beside him, “... shit. You're right.”

“That's the first time I've heard you say ‘shit’ in my life.”

“So… wait.” Henrik squinted, the realizations slowly hitting him one after another as they started to walk down the hall again, “He must've always been mute. Right?”

“You went from ‘must've been the injuries’ to ‘always mute’, which is it?”

“Well I assumed the injuries but that doesn't make sense because he had to have known before he made it into the hospital. He can't learn while he's asleep... So, either he taught himself in the years he's been here or he just knew like how I know surgery. He doesn't have a record so he’s exactly like us, he's…”

“Your mind is running a mile a minute right now.” Chase grabbed Henrik’s arm, forcing them both to stop in the hallway, “Calm down. Look at me.”

Henrik avoided Chase’s eyes, but after a few moments of silence he slowly met his. He could feel his eyes ready to tear up, but he didn't know why. Why was this making him emotional? Why did he suddenly feel so lost? He hated this…

“What's really wrong? Ever since Jameson—”

“It's not… just Jameson.” Henrik corrected quietly, “... it's… it's this. All of this. None of it makes sense. None of us have answers as to who we are or what we are from, and Jameson is going to ask, and I won't know what to tell him like I didn't know what to tell you .”

“One step at a time.” Chase placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder, “Right now, Jameson needs someone to translate. We need to find out who did this to him and catch the fucker.”

“Yes… yes. You are right.” Henrik took a deep breath, his eyes softening as he looked at Chase, “I don't know where I'd be without you or Suzi.”

A flicker of happiness sparked in Chase’s eyes. It was faint, but enough for Henrik to notice the gentle smile Chase gave in return, “Hey… you're the one who saved my life. I'm supposed to be saying that to you.”

Henrik laughed, “It goes both ways… come on. Let's… let's not leave Jameson waiting any longer.”

Chase nodded, following Henrik quietly to the newest addition to their strange little group. It was a comfortable silence, lasting all the way to the door where Jeff was waiting outside for the two. First, he looked at Chase, “Are you visiting?”

“Consider it a family visit.” Henrik stepped in, “He has no records, a lot like us.”

“You guys are some of the strangest people I've ever met…”

“Thank you!”  Chase’s chipper attitude made Henrik’s mouth curve into a small smile.

“I'm assuming the police left?”

“Yeah…” Jeff turned to look back at the door, “We forced them out. He can't write for too long, his wrists need time to heal properly and the last thing we need is for the wounds to reopen because those fuckers want him to write out the stressful shit he's been though.”

“Hm… is he fluent?”

“In sign?” Jeff looked back at him, “Yeah. Perfectly, as far as I'm aware.”

“Deaf?”

“No, just mute.”

“Okay… I'll be talking with him if anyone needs me.” Henrik gave him a small wave before stepping inside.

Despite the ever familiar sight of a patient sitting up in their room, this time he was fumbling with the remote rather than staring out the window which eased Henrik’s nerves. The mustache was also a change of pace, the strange man seeming to tilt and view the piece of plastic as if it were some form of magic.

The clicking of Chase closing the door behind him alerted Jameson of their presence. His eyes darted up, immediately widening with a hint of fear as he glanced between them both.

Henrik signed a quick ‘Hello’, noticing the panic slowly forming in Jameson’s eyes, ' I am here to translate’.

‘Who are you?’ The response was immediate. Jeff wasn't kidding when he mentioned Jameson was fluent.

“I… ah…” Henrik glanced back towards Chase, gently motioning to him, “This is Chase.” He brought a hand up to his chest, “I am Henrik. I am a doctor here, Chase is a friend of mine.”

“We believe you might be like us..?” Chase walked inward, but Jameson shrunk back in his sheets which caused Chase to slowly back away, “Uh… we look the same. We kind of arrived one day, without any memories about who we are or where we came from… and we aren't exactly related.”

Jameson glanced between the two of them, his posture softening, ‘You're not here to hurt me?’

“Hurt you?” Henrik squinted, “... is there another one like us that's… that's hurting you?”

‘Not like us. Not like us.’ Jameson quickly shook his head as he signed, ‘Looks like us. Is nothing like us.’

“This just got a whole lot more complicated, didn't it?” Chase whispered to Henrik, watching the doctor slowly nod.

“If just one of us has a criminal record, we are all in deep trouble. They'd know I've been working here without a degree and make sure I never work in a hospital again. You'd be searched by the police as well as me for records when we don't have anything to prove we exist. And that's if we don't get arrested. Not to mention, finding the guy.”

Chase brought his arms up to shrug, stopping half way to glance towards Jameson, then back to Henrik, “But, Henrik, we can't just…”

“Chase this isn't just about us either, we're talking about Jameson too—”

Jameson slowly knocked on the table beside his bed, Henrik and Chase looking up at him, ‘We can keep it quiet. I'd rather do that than get involved in a case of any kind.’

“What did he say?”

Henrik looked between them, “He said we can keep it quiet… for now.”

“For— what?!” Chase looked back at Jameson, “What do you mean?? Don't you want them behind bars for what they did to you?”

‘They would never believe me.’ Jameson signed, his hands slowly lowering, ‘I don't think it can be caught.’

“He doesn't think they can be caught.” Henrik looked back up at Chase, “... he doesn't think the police would believe him anyways. If he says that the person looked like us, we are all getting put on the suspect list.”

“This is so fucked up…” Chase’s shoulders slumped, looking between the two, “... so that's it? We do nothing?”

Henrik hated to admit it, and yet he nodded. For all of their sakes. His eyes met Jameson’s again, “We are still here for you. If you need to talk, or… if you need anything. And if you do want to go to the police with this information, we won't be stopping you.” Chase perked up at that, just in time for Henrik to hold up a finger, “But… we'd all be under police supervision if we get too far into this case. We might never get out of it when they discover we simply appeared out of thin air.”

Jameson looked between them, eventually starting to nod, ‘Okay. Thank you.’

Henrik gave him a small nod, signing back a small ‘No. Thank you’. He looked back towards Chase, noticing he was still staring at Jameson with nothing but an empty stare, “Chase.”

Chase looked up at Henrik.

“Let's let him rest.”

The following days were quiet. Between Henrik and Chase, they were on opposing ends of it all. Chase knew he was right… who knows what would happen to them all if people dug a little too deep? What would they find? And what would they do if they found nothing? It was such a bizarre situation without a solid conclusion. All of them truly and suddenly appeared out of thin air, and not a single person would believe them.

Chase knew Henrik wasn't doing much better either. All they ever wanted was answers, and he wasn't so sure Henrik could stand the police questioning him for something he's been trying to search for his whole life.

So quiet was how it was. Chase occasionally visits with Henrik, learning more about Jameson while building… well, whatever this was.

They brought up Jack, and their situations. Chase opened up a bit about his own wife at that time to Henrik, admitting that he showed up with what he thought was a loving wife until she left him in the dirt. Not a mention of his kids since, she didn't bother even asking for child support which made Chase more angry than anything, even if he was broke. It was a passing conversation, but Henrik saw it as an important one.

Jameson didn't mention much of the attacker when they talked, he seemed to avoid their name purposefully and they let it be. If Jameson wanted to speak of them he could, they weren't going to force it. So instead, Jameson often distracted himself with reading or the TV in his room. Each time he needed help with the remote, and learning how certain technologies worked which Chase found amusing.

“Come on grandpa, here.” Chase snagged the remote, pressing the red power button to turn the screen on. Jameson huffed in annoyance, only for it to disappear as he looked at the screen in awe. Chase glanced between him and the screen, a smirk growing on his face, “Have… have you never seen a TV before? Really?”

Jameson looked at Chase before back at the screen, his hands reaching to rub at his wrists. He shook his head before holding up a finger.

“Was it… him?”

Another nod.

“I'm sorry…” Chase said quietly, “... we don't have to leave it on. We could get you some more books, or—”

Jameson shook his head, reaching for the notepad beside his bed and starting to write. Chase watched with squinted eyes, hoping his wrists would be fine but it didn't take too long to write.

‘I want to learn. No use hiding if it is everywhere.’

Chase scoffed. It wasn't out of pity or amusement, but a genuine curiosity. Jameson was a strange, weird… but very strong individual.

“Yeah… okay. Well… where should I start, huh?”

Jameson smiled back, offering a small shrug.

“How about… a phone?”

Jameson tilted his head much like a confused puppy until Chase pulled out his phone. A similar spark of curiosity lit up in his eyes as the screen turned on, Chase starting to chuckle.

Henrik sat in Jack’s room. He wasn't sure how long it had been, leaning his elbows on his knees as he stared at the man before him. The golden light of the sunset was peeking it's way through the windows, and Henrik mentally scolded himself for joking that somehow he still wasn't waking up with the sun blaring in his eyes like that. Through it all, Jack was still asleep, and still (likely) holding the answers he needed. He was the only one of them with any form of a record at all, albeit a small one, but he still had a family. He had parents. People cared for him out there… so why weren't they here? Did they know?

Henrik glanced toward the clock. He had to have been there for an hour, not saying a thing as he listened to the rhythmic beating of the patient’s heart monitor. It was therapeutic in a way that made Henrik not want to leave just yet… but, he still worked here, and he can't waste his lunch break staring at a comatose patient that he didn't know personally.

“... have any more wisdom for me today?” Henrik teased, slowly leaning himself back in his chair as if he'd suddenly get an answer now, “Your two more are here. Chase and Jameson. Do you know zhem?”

Nothing but faint breathing. Henrik wasn't sure what he was expecting, but usually something tended to happen on days like this. An unexpected feeling to visit this room, enough of an urge to make it feel guaranteed even the smallest of notions.

“... Chase came in a while ago. Wound to the head. Jameson had scars on his wrists and neck.” Henrik picked away at his fingernails, his eyes avoiding Jack’s as he kept staring down in thought. He had to have known something… there has to be something here.

He pressed again, his eyes looking back up to stare at Jack, “... did you know zhey were coming?”

Silence, again. Henrik sighed, his eyes falling back to the ground as he interlaced his fingers, “I just want answers… I need something, Jack. Anything. Please.”

A faint hissing, enough to grab the doctor’s attention. He stood immediately, rushing to Jack’s side. It was another word, he knew it was, but it was so faint the doctor could barely hear, “Vhat is it?”

“... s… six .”

“Six what? Of us? ”

“Sounds like it.” Henrik hung his coat up, Chase walking into the apartment behind him, “Right now we are at four. You, me, Jack, and Jameson.”

“I don't know how I feel about sharing my face with six different people.” Chase paused as Henrik turned to him with a deadpan expression, “I—… no offense.”

“Well we don't have much of a choice. So we're stuck with it.” The doctor huffed, turning away to set his bag on the couch.

“You're sure he said six?”

“What, did you want him to say? Seven? Yes, he said six. I heard him.” Henrik snapped, “For once he gave us a number. Not just more , but a genuine number. That's the best part! That there isn't just an ever growing number. It's fixed. Six. There's six of us.”

“Do… do we know if he included himself?”

“I'd like to hope he did, or your wish for seven might be coming true.”

“I didn't wish for seven.” Chase pouted, “I'm just saying… Jack is different. He might mean six of us. Not including him.”

“Hm…” Henrik pulled out his paperwork before grabbing his bag again, leaning it against the couch before taking a seat, “Maybe so, but I'd say a number is better than nothing.”

“Should we… look for them?”

“Something tells me they tend to find their way to the hospital, one way or another.” Henrik glanced up at Chase, “Whether we are towards each other, or towards Jack. Four of us in one place is bound to draw the last two or three out in time.”

───── ✧ ─────

A week came and went, and Chase made it painfully aware how close his “deemed” birthday was. Which was in fact, after some deliberation, April 11th. Mostly he was excited for cake, but Henrik was too busy wondering what on earth to get him for his birthday that cake slipped his mind until Chase brought it up again. But they'd have a birthday, that much was certain. The first celebrated one at least.

Henrik was passing through the halls when he suddenly ran into Chase making his way out of a room. Clipboard in hand, and his own scrubs that Henrik found a bit strange on him considering the only thing he's ever seen him in was jeans or a hospital gown. A faint smile came across his face as Chase looked up at him, “Seems like you're settling well.”

“What can I say? Medical assistant pays the bills and I get to help out you, Jameson, and Jack. It's nothing but wins all around.” Chase said, walking side by side with him, “Any news from Jack?”

“No.” Henrik said quietly. Admittedly he'd never been back to that room, but usually he never had to be. It was always an urge, or feeling that brought him there… and as much as he trusted Chase, he wasn't sure he wanted to try explaining something as minute as that to him, “... but they will arrive. Someday.”

“You sound so confident.” Chase said with a faint smile.

“Oh I know they will be here.” Henrik reassured, tilting his head down to get a good look at Chase through his glasses, “As if there's not already every indication that you all flock to this hospital. I draw you all out like a magnet.”

“Charming doctor sexy, bringing the boys together.”

“Never call me that again.”

Chase laughed.

“Henrik!”

At this point, was the doctor really surprised? This was the third time his coworker has come in with a look of pure fear and confusion as, once again, another doppelgänger showed up in critical condition. It was becoming predictable to the point he could pin this as happening once per month. Henrik just wished he could tell Chase ‘I told you so’ right about now.

“Another?”

Jeff nodded, “Burn wounds on their hands and stab wounds to the abdomen. No record or name, but they look like you.”

“Yeah, yeah… Suzi is still out?”

“Yeah she's on leave for the next few days.”

Henrik nodded, forcing his way out of his office to walk beside Jeff, “Anything else? How is their condition?”

“It's erratic. I've never seen wounds like this before… the burns are in his skin. For a second it looked like… like they were glowing.”

Henrik squinted. That… didn't sound right, “... some kind of fluorescent? Poisoned?”

“Perhaps… almost seemed like molten rock or hot metal.”

What on earth has this doppelgänger gone through...

“If things go south we may need an amputation.” Henrik insisted, a mental checklist going through his mind for each possibility, every next idea being worse than the last. “If there is hot metal lodged in his arm, not only would it hurt like hell, but that could get infected and we can't risk it. So unless it's a prosthetic of some kind that can be extracted safely , don't expect that he's keeping them.”

“Got it, but…” Jeff looked back at Henrik, a worried gleam in his eye, “The police are very persistent about this one.”

Henrik was about to ask when it suddenly hit him. He sighed, resisting the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose, “Of course… he was stabbed.”

“I can take over for surgery if you want to avoid them for the day. Wouldn't hold it against you.”

Henrik scoffed, “No... Thank you for the offer, but I'm going to save him just as I did Chase. I'm not running because of a few police dogs. Besides, if I left now I'd just seem more suspicious.”

“Fair point…”

“Let's put it this way… if I don't give them any reason to search me, they shouldn't, yes?”

“ Shouldn't doesn't mean they won't. ”

As if getting there wasn't slow enough, this conversation was dragging Henrik’s mind down a spiral that not even his ‘charming optimism’ could pull him out of. What he really needed right now was coffee, Suzi to be there, and Chase for moral support… but that clearly wasn't happening, so he'd have to make do with Jeff who, admittedly, was still a big help in this situation. If the doctor was alone, he might've just lost his mįnd at this point.

The doors neared closer, Henrik finally having the satisfaction of forcing them open. Another familiar face, no matter how often he sees it… it was something he could never really get over. The only difference between them both was this person had longer, curlier hair. His outfit wasn't something Henrik could ignore either, a navy blue buttoned vest with a white frilly undershirt. A black cape Henrik could only assume was his hung from the back of a chair alongside some sort of strange cat-shaped mask. The only conclusion the doctor could come to was that he must be some kind of performer...

His hands forced themselves to clap, a moment of clarity as he pulled himself from his thoughts. This can all wait, right now he was an individual that was bleeding out. With a new mentality in place, he reached for his tools while his eyes caught hold of a strange orange glow in the performer’s hands. It wasn't particularly bright, and it didn't seem to be hurting him. The glow maneuvered through their veins in a way that appeared supernatural. If anything it seemed like…

Magic?

Chase was waiting nervously by the door, his foot tapping the tile as fast and quietly as he could to ease his nerves. It had only been an hour, but even then, he couldn't think straight. Another doppelgänger was back, and this time they were stabbed. Stabbed. Literally stabbed in the chest, and Chase had reason to believe it was Jameson’s attacker that had come back for round two and landed on an entirely different person for reasons beyond his understanding.

With a small sigh, he glanced up from his spot. He'd probably get fired if he hangs around for too long. He did have a job to do after all, he can't just ignore the world until his friend gets back with news on another person that looks like them. That… was a bizarre thought, honestly.

He pulled himself up off the wall, turning to walk down the hallway with only one thing left on his mind. His eyes darted around just to be sure none of the nurses were looking as he quietly slipped away into Jameson’s room.

“Hey JJ…” Chase whispered, turning the corner to see those familiar baby blues watching the TV intently. They pulled themselves away to stare at Chase before a soft smile came across his face. He returned with a gentle wave, Chase smiling back and scurrying in before anyone could notice.

Chase hurried in, taking a quick seat, “I probably should be working right now but— ” His eyes darted up to Jameson, who was now squinting his direction, “ But… uh… there's another one of us. In the hospital. We don't have a name yet, but they were stabbed… and I didn't know if you think it might be the same guy that hurt you..?”

Jameson’s eyes widened. They glanced away for a second to ponder, but it didn't take long before he reached for his notepad to write, 'It is likely’.

“Likely?!” Jameson flinched at the sound, Chase quickly glancing towards the door before back at JJ, “Sorry, but… Jameson this is serious! We need to go to the police with this…”

Jameson slowly shook his head, writing out another note to show Chase, ‘This is not something the police can handle.’

“And why not?” Chase nudged towards the ends of his seat, “Why shouldn't we? I'm sorry, you shouldn't be writing… but I really need to know Jamie.”

Jameson let his eyes fall toward his pen. A brief thought came across his mind to write the truth, but his mind was too busy wondering if Chase would accept it. Would it lead into acceptance or denial? From his defensiveness, Jameson could only assume the latter, but there wasn't much choice.

With a sigh, Jameson wrote down a quick note first, ‘Only if you promise to believe me.’

“Of course.” Chase sounded genuine enough, but he could sense a fear of uncertainty growing underneath, “... anything. I promise.”

JJ looked back into Chase’s eyes for the first time since he'd walked in, and after slight hesitation wrote, ‘It’s not human’.

Henrik pulled off his gloves, tossing them aside with a much needed breath of relief. Stable. He hasn't lost a doppelgänger yet, and he'd drag them back from death themself if they tried.

His eyes scan around for a familiar face as he wandered the halls, but for once Chase seemed to not have hung around. Unfortunate that he didn't, Henrik wanted to get his idea on this strange… magic. Turns out the performer’s hands were just fine. Scratched up and bruised, but completely fine in their own right. The glow came from within and yet there wasn't any hint of damage… so beyond all odds, Henrik had reason to believe fucking magic existed and he just witnessed it. Chase would be over the fucking moon right now if he could tell him, but perhaps he was actually working. For some reason, Henrik didn't believe he'd be working right now… he had a habit of running off when he had a lot on his mind.

Though as persistent as he was on the thought of magic, he and Jeff could have been seeing things. With the amount of coffee they had between the two of them, that could have been just as likely.

As he walked down the hall, a tall figure made their way toward him. All Henrik saw was a flash of red before he was dragged aside to an empty hallway by a firm hand. Though they didn't stop until they forced their way into the stairwell, dragging the doctor along like he was nothing but a rag doll. Henrik wasn't even given a second to react as he was suddenly let go at the door, “What the fuck—”

Papers were shoved into his hands as they pulled the red hood away from their face. Another… familiar face…

“Give these to the police.” They held out the papers for Henrik to take, the doctor squinting up at him.

“Excuse me? What…”

“This will get them off your back.” Henrik wasn't sure what to say, but gently took the papers in hand. His eyes widened as he read the records.

“Certificates..?”

“Forgeries.”

“Forg—” Henrik sighed, almost ready to crumple the papers in his hands, “If the police find out about this, I'm going to get arrested. I don't even know you! Who are you?”

“Listen.” They leaned against the wall with their arms crossed. Henrik crossed his own similarly as they spoke, “Either they believe this, or they have to figure out how we appeared out of nowhere. Which by the way, they are completely free to try! But knowing most cops, they want this to be an easy open and close case. Guy got stabbed coming home the back way from work sounds probable. If it's suddenly ‘a guy without any records of a past’ got stabbed in an alley, then it becomes a case. And we don't want that.”

“Says who?” Henrik snapped.

“Says you, Chase, and Jameson.”

Henrik’s eyes widened, “... how… do you know about Jameson? How do you know about all of us?”

“I don't have time to explain—”

“Make time.” Henrik hissed, “The only people who know about Jameson are us, the person who did that to him, and the person that saved him.”

“Why would I be the one that did that to him?! I'm trying to save your asses from possibly military confinement, because we're not ordinary people!”

“There's only six.” Henrik muttered bitterly, keeping his eyes focused on their deep blue eyes, “Six of us. And one of six is out there hurting people.”

“Yeah… you're right.” They said, backing away towards the door, “Not including Jack, there are six of us.”

Henrik sighed, closing his eyes for a moment, “Damn Chase...” He muttered underneath his breath. Chase was right after all… so there were truly seven of them, Jack just didn't decide to include himself on that list. Though that brought up the question; who was the seventh?

His eyes open again to look at the man in the red hoodie only to find him gone. His eyes darted around for anything, hoping to spot him to question him more, only to hear the click of a door further up in the stairwell. With a frustrated sigh, he looked back down at the papers left in his hands. The lack of explanation left an uneasy feeling worming around in his gut, but this… this was the easiest way.

“Who are you?”

“If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me that, I wouldn't even have to work at this hospital anymore.” Henrik slowly crossed his arms, keeping his eyes on the longer haired person before him. From a glance at the certificate, their name was Marvin. A performer who, as the story goes, ‘was stabbed for money’ and the burglar took off. It seemed like Marvin didn't say anything else to the police, so he must have been on board with that idea. Henrik couldn't tell if that was a relief, or more concerning.

He still waited for a name, Henrik sighing before lowering his arms, “My name is Henrik. I am one of the doctors here that helped save your life after you were…” He held up a conspicuous finger, “Stabbed by someone when walking home through an alley.”

Marvin scoffed, “Did you come up with that story?”

“No. Credit for that goes to a man in a red hoodie, as well as the false records.” Henrik muttered the past bit, catching Marvin’s raised brow.

“... wait, so are you…”

“We all have no origins.” Henrik shrugged, “One day we simply came to be without explanation. No remnants of a past, and yet we all share the same face.”

“We?” Marvin’s tone suddenly shifted, he practically sat upright which made Henrik flinch.

“Scheisse— lay down! You were stabbed! Your wound is going to reopen!” Henrik rushed over, watching as Marvin slowly laid himself back down.

“Wait, so how many?! There's more?” Marvin was smiling. This mad man likely just opened up a major stab wound, and he was smiling. Henrik was fully convinced at this point that this one was crazy.

“Yes, yes… how are you not in pain?” Henrik grumbled, “You shouldn't even be awake right now…”

“Oh, I healed some of it.”

“... excuse me?”

“Look.” Marvin gently slipped his arms through the neck of his gown, tugging it down to show off the bloody bandages underneath. Henrik watched skeptically as he gently tugged at the bandage, noticing when he pulled it away, it… was nearly gone. It appeared visually as a deep cut more than a stab wound which…. shouldn't be possible. He was just on the table for a stab wound, how was he…

Wait. Magic.

“You…” Henrik squinted, looking back at Marvin, “Your hands were glowing during the operation.”

“I… may have known I was going to get stabbed.” Marvin admitted quietly, “... so I put precautions in order. It would've been for nothing if it wasn't for you guys though.”

Henrik slowly crossed his arms, “... so magic, huh?”

A devilish smile spread across the performer’s face, “Magicians never reveal their secrets.”

“At this point, why am I surprised…” Henrik sighed, bringing a hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose, “We all appeared out of thin air, let's blame it on magic and witchcraft.”

“Save your sass, doctor. I'm here to help you.”

“Help us how.” Henrik pulled his hand away, tilting his head to get a better look at Marvin, “From what? Is there some kind of magic that's after us? A sorcerer? Is that who hurt you?”

“If only.” Marvin grumbled, “If it was just a person, we'd be a lot better off.”

Henrik threw his hands in the air, his sarcasm bleeding through, “Well that explains everything! Not only do I get ominous comments from you, but now a mysterious man in a red hoodie that makes forged documents because we don't actually exist.”

“Hey—” Marvin hardly got the time to grumble out the word before Henrik cut him off.

“I am a doctor. I saved your life, just as I did with a good friend of mine. I'm not here to play games and bounce around a subject.” Henrik muttered, his icy blue eyes staring directly through Marvin’s flickering turquoise, “I don't ask for much, but what I will fucking ask for us the god damn truth because if someone is coming after us, then I deserve to know. We all deserve to know. And when I see that fucker in the red hoodie again, I'm telling him the same exact fucking thing.”

“You're messing with things you don't understand.” Marvin muttered, a serious glare in his eyes that left Henrik unphased.

“We don't even understand ourselves.” Henrik leaned forward a bit, “Try again.”

“You're a bitch.”

“ So I've heard .”

Marvin sighed, leaning back in his hospital bed, “Fine. Fuck. Well… there's something coming after us. It wants us dead. Or if not dead, then suffering. Does that help you?”

“Do I get a name or do I make one up?” Henrik unblinkingly stared at him.

“He doesn't give us one. He keeps saying he's some kind of cure. An antiseptic… thing.”

“Well I'm not calling him Cure .”

“You're taking this very well.” Marvin squinted.

“Marvin.” Henrik took a deep breath, “I just saw multiple stab wounds in your side be reduced to nothing but a deep cut. Your hands were glowing on the operating table. None of us actually know our origins, and at this point I might as well believe anything you tell me because what reason would you lie?”

“...” Marvin glanced down at the blankets, slowly starting to nod, “... okay. Yeah.”

“You aren't lying, right?”

Marvin shook his head.

“If I find out you've been lying, I'm stabbing you myself.”

Marvin scoffed, “Is that a threat?”

“It's a promise.” Henrik grabbed his notes from the table, turning to face Marvin, “And I will personally wrestle you if you don't stay in that bed. Magic or not, it's still a deep cut and needs to heal. You sit there, and you recover. Fake it if you have to, but I can't explain magic to the nurses to let you out early.”

“Worth a try.” Marvin slipped his arms back through the right holes in his gown before slipping it back on, “You guys need room in the hospital for more important people than me. Slap an ice pack on it and give me a permission slip.”

“No. You are resting. At least a week here, checking your vitals and then we can talk about letting you leave.” Henrik could hear the protests, but just shook his head and walked towards the door, “I don't care how well you healed it Marvin, you need time and that is exactly what you're getting. Now rest.”

Henrik shut the door behind him before he could get the chance to hear more complaints. Complaints from someone who just had their life saved. Even Chase didn't complain, and his was intentional.

Chase… Henrik immediately glanced up from the tile floor for his friend. Not there, once again. Usually Chase had a habit of running into him, but today didn't seem to be that kind of day. Perhaps he was busy, but something told him otherwise. Chase did have a habit of wandering when he had a lot on his mind, and he has two different places to wander to that didn't involve leaving the hospital.

Henrik gently knocked the back of his hand against the door before slowly letting himself inside, “Jameson?” He muttered, hearing a bit of shuffling and a quick double knock for permission.

The doctor stepped in, his eyes scanning the room for Chase when he didn't appear to be here either, “Sorry… I was looking for Chase. I haven't seen him around.” He admitted shyly, though he still set his things down. He should check on Jameson too, after all.

Jameson smiled, starting to sign, ‘No worries. He came by earlier to talk.’

“As I suspected.” A small smirk grew on his face, “... though, I do need to talk to you too. I know your hands have been healing, and eventually you will be fine enough to leave the hospital... where do you plan to go?”

Jameson's eyes slowly widened. It was not something he thought of before, and yet it was incredibly important now that it was brought to mind. He couldn't live at the hospital forever, but he didn't want to leave, either.

He raised his head to look at the doctor that was waiting patiently, ‘I was thinking of staying. Getting a small apartment near here and a job. I don't want to leave any of you.’

A warm smile overcame him, “Jameson… you are free to go and do whatever you'd like. You don't have to stay with us crazy people.”

‘I think I want to hang around these crazy people.’ Jameson signed with a teasing grin, 'We're basically family. I've never felt more sure that here is where I'm meant to be.’

“Jamie…” Henrik could hardly contain the awkward smile plastered across his face, “... you're welcome to stay with us until you get settled.”

‘I might take you up on that.’ Jameson signed with a small nod, ‘I don't exactly know how things work around here.’

“I know, I've heard enough grandpa comments from Chase to last a lifetime.” Henrik teased, taking a final glance around the room, “Which, I still have to find him. We found another— well, two. We found two more of us, and one has apparently recovered from a stab wound in a matter of hours. Some kind of… magician. The other is suspiciously good at avoiding the police.”

‘Sounds like they'll fit right in.’ Jameson smiled, leaning back onto his bed.

Henrik began to laugh, “Yes, I… I suppose you're right. What's more crazy to this already crazy family we have?” He said, looking up at Jameson with a bit more happiness in his eyes than when he entered.

‘The more the merrier. We truly are becoming our own little family, aren't we?’ Jameson signed with a warm smile.

Henrik slowly nodded, a smile taking over, “Yes… we are…” His eyes drifted back up to meet Jameson’s, “... thank you.”

Jameson tilted his head, ‘For what?’

“For making me realize…” Henrik took a deep breath, trying to find the right words, “... before, I felt like all these people made me lost, because none of us have answers. We can't explain this. We don't know what is actually happening. How we all looked the same just kept throwing me off and making me feel more… uncertain about things, but you and Chase made me realize that we don't need answers. We have each other. We're all here for each other. That's what matters.”

‘We might not ever have answers… but that's okay. Not everything does.’ Jameson signed, lowering his hands again as he rested his head back.

Henrik nodded, his smile slowly fading as he drifted into his thoughts. With a faint wave he turned and walked out, leaving for Jack’s room.

A small knock brought Chase from his thoughts. Panic settled in, realizing he'd probably been sitting there for hours. What was once the golden glow of sunset had long since passed, leaving Chase in a dimly lit hospital room. He had to work, damn it he was going to get fired—

“Chase?” Henrik walked in, Chase looking up at him with a long sigh of relief.

“Sorry, I… I should be working…” Chase glanced back towards the hospital bed, towards Jack. He rested there, quiet and still as ever. There was a familiar gleam in his eye, one Henrik knew well enough to call hope. Hope that he'd wake up, and everything could be explained… but it was a fleeting spark. The doctor set down his notes, walking over and taking a quiet seat beside him.

“It's okay.”

“Is it?” Chase’s eyes were begging him for an answer, but Henrik wasn't sure what question he would be answering.

“...” Henrik sighed, shifting in his seat, “I know you're worried about Jameson, and now Marvin.”

“His name is Marvin?”

Henrik nodded, “But, they will pull through. We're all going to pull through, because we aren't alone anymore.” Henrik looked up in time to see Chase’s eyes staring back up at him, “We were all alone at first, not knowing a damn thing about ourselves. We still don't but now we have each other.”

“And you don't think we should…” Chase sighed, slowly hugging his arms, “... there's one of us out there that's dangerous… and Jameson said they're not human. What are we supposed to do with that?”

Henrik blinked. He had to admit that wasn't quite what he was expecting, but… “Well, lucky for us we have a sorcerer on our side.”

“A what?” Chase said with a faint laugh, “You're shitting me.”

“Glowing magic hands and all. Recovered from a stab wound in hours.”

“Marvin?”

Henrik nodded, playfully nudging Chase with his shoulder, “I was going to talk to you about it but I couldn't find you.”

“Eh, I'm predictable… you can always find me.” Chase looked back towards Jack, leaning his elbows against his knees again, “... think he'd wake up if we're all here?”

“Maybe.” Henrik glanced toward Jack as well, “I still have to find the bastard that handed me forgeries and left.”

“Yeah, what the fuck was that about?”

“No clue.”

“Think he'll come back?”

“Without a doubt.” Henrik looked at him with a sly grin, “He seemed like the type to care too much.”

“Oh really? Please inform me, doctor.” Chase said with a chuckle.

“Well first, who gives well made forgeries to strangers in the first place?”

Chase smirked, starting to nod, “Dead giveaway.”

“Wasn't even trying to hide it.” Henrik agreed, “And called Jameson by name. Which I said he'd only know if he was either the person who did that to him, or saved him. Which was bullshit, he could have looked it up since we all look the same, but he took the bait and got defensive.”

“So… you think he saved him?”

“I think our friend has at least something in common with the red vigilante running around… as if the red hoodie wasn't a sign already.”

Chase scoffed and looked back at Henrik, “That's a hell of an accusation.”

“Wouldn't be too far fetched. If anyone knows how to stay away from cops, it's vigilantes.”

“Still! It's one thing to say he's probably really good at making forged documents and a whole other saying he runs around, beating the shit out of bad guys…”

“Well if I'm right, you're bringing me coffee every day before work for a month.”

“Alright, and if I win, I get to shoot you with my nerf gun in public. For a month.”

Henrik glared at him, Chase having a devilish grin on his face, “... deal.”

“Hear that Jack? He sounds so confident.” Chase teased, his eyes landing on the third person still in the room.

“As if it could be anyone else.” Henrik muttered, “He's got vigilante written all over him in bright red sharpie.”

“Well I say he's a guy that knows how to do this shit because he had to.” Chase nudged him, “Because of the whole ‘no records’ thing and he wants to help out.”

“I guess we will see, won't we?” Henrik said with a grin, slowly standing himself up to head towards the door, “Come on, medical assistant. You've taken a long enough break—”

Henrik turned to look at Chase, noticing them standing still at the side of Jack’s bed. Chase didn't move, Henrik looking at him with worry, “... what is it?”

“He's smiling...” Chase said quietly, looking back up at Henrik, “Has he always been smiling?”

“No…”

Chase looked back down at Jack, a genuine smile to match Jack’s, “Well hell, I bet he's making fun of us right now. Probably heard every word.”

“He probably knows who's going to be winning.” Henrik said, turning to walk out the door, “Which it's going to be me, always is!”

“Not always!” Chase called back, hearing the door click behind Henrik. With a small sigh, he looked back down at Jack. Still unmoving, but now with a hint of life in that smile of his. A glimpse of hope that maybe he might be waking soon. Or at least that he was there, listening.

Chase placed a hand against the edge of the bed, giving him one last look before gently nodding, “... I'll come by more often to talk. Promise.”

He tore his hand away before backing up, happy knowing that playful banter wasn't falling upon deaf ears.

Henrik was standing outside the door, Chase nearly ramming into him when he stepped out, “Henrik— what gives…” His eyes followed the doctor’s, landing on a pair of detectives in the hall discussing with one of the nurses. The pair were persistent, one taller with what could only be considered ‘bad cop’ vibes in Chase’s eyes, the shorter talking calmly to the person before them. If only they had come out later…

“Chase, you walk the other way, I'll handle them.”

“Henrik, they can't be that superstitious.” Chase whispered, to which Henrik glared at him, “... right? Ah fuck it, what am I saying. If they're after one of us, they're after all of us…”

“I'll deal with it.” 

“... do you think they found out about the fake certificates?”

“Chase, you're not helping my nerves right now.”

“Sorry, I'll… I'm gonna go this way.” Chase backed away, swiftly turning on his heel and making a beeline down the hall in the opposite direction. Which left Henrik in the hall, frozen where he stood as he tried to piece together every option in his head. It was only a matter of time before they spotted him. He sighed, gathering what little composure he could before approaching the two cops headed his way.

“Good evening officers. Is there anything you need?”

“We are here to speak to Jameson Jackson, we've heard he's been in a similar stabbing as Marvin—”

“And where did you hear this?” Henrik squinted, “As far as I'm aware, both have made their statements to the police.”

“Yes, and all stabbing or assaults are reported directly to the police department regardless of the patient. Both have made their statements regarding their attackers.” The taller officer insisted, “We are investigating a rise in criminal activity and we have reason to believe that they might have seen their faces and would rather keep those criminals off the streets.”

His eyes darted between the two, “Before you start, I'd prefer if you'd correct your facts, officers. Marvin may have been stabbed, but Jameson vas not.”

“Both were brought to the hospital by a specific individual that we—”

“So this is what that's about now?” Henrik snapped, his eyes narrowing, “It was never about catching the people who did this, but you are so fucking obsessed with a vigilante that you come into my hospital, interrogate my patients, in the hopes that you will catch them? Is that it?”

Both were taken aback, though the taller one was persistent, “Like it or not, this vigilante is a criminal as well and needs to be brought down. We are investigating both cases and the two most recent to have met him are Jameson and Marvin.”

“You are investigating nothing. ” Henrik practically growled out the word, “If you think I'd help you after blatantly admitting you'd rather catch the person who saved their lives rather than the person who tried to end them—”

“Henrik, is it?” A third voice came from behind, Henrik immediately turning to see a familiar face, one he could only assume to be the one who brought him papers last time. This time he wasn't in a worn out hoodie, but a dark suit that seemed a bit too snug for him. They pulled out a badge from their coat pocket, flashing it in the direction of the officers, “Name is Adam Gamred, FBI. I couldn't help but notice you were talking with one of the people I'm here to question.”

Henrik squinted his direction before looking back at the officers.

“Why is the FBI involved in this?” The shorter officer questioned, crossing her arms.

“There is a string of murder cases that have been happening recently. I was visiting the hospital to see if any victims happened to know the description given by our only witness when I ran into you two. So, what exactly are you two doing here if it's not a case involving the detective division?”

“We're looking into the victims left behind by the vigilante.”

“... victims of the vigilante?” He raised a brow.

“No, sir.” The officer’s voice became quieter, “Victims that were brought here to the hospital by the vigilante.”

“Uh huh. So you're here under whose directive?”

“...”

“Well?”

“Our own. Sir.”

Henrik let out a frustrated sigh, his eyes narrowing at the both of them. He curled his hands into fists as he eyed them both. Adam thankfully had more self control, but his voice was as stern as ever.

“If I were you, I'd leave before anyone knew you were here.” Adam said, slipping his hands into his pockets with a fury underlining his voice, “You'd best drop this right now or I'll have to report you both. This is a serious, serious infringement upon personal privacy and it is an abuse of power.”

They both nodded silently, giving each other a glance before turning to walk away. Henrik could only sign in relief, a weight lifted off his shoulders the further they got, “Thank you.”

“They've been trying to track me for a while now. Don't worry about it.”

Henrik’s eyes snapped open, “Track..?”

“My name isn't Adam. Come on.” ‘Adam’ turned and began walking down the hall, Henrik struggling to keep up.

“What?! Did you—”

“Yes.” They pulled out their phone, one with a very noticeably cracked screen, and pressed a few buttons before holding it to his ear, “Hold on I gotta make a call to a friend of mine…”

“You'd better know what you're doing…”

“Eh.” They shrugged, Henrik about ready to blow a fuse before a voice came through on the phone, “Hey Adam! Uh… so I might have used my get-out-of-bad-situations free card… yes. Yeah I pretended I was you. Just don't deny that you were at the hospital today and I think we are solid, caught a couple of police officers trying to find the vigilante on their own terms. Names? Yeah they had their badges on them, but I said I'd let them go with a warning if they left.”

A smile came across his face, “Yeah I know I'm a lucky son of a bitch. I'll talk to you later. See you.”

Henrik had his arms crossed. He didn't dare blink, knowing that they might try to leave again if he did. They slipped their phone away taking a deep breath before facing Henrik, “Okay… explaining. This is gonna be fun.”

“I'm not letting you out of my sight.” Henrik muttered, “We find you and suddenly you disappear.”

“Well technically I found you— ”

“Technically it doesn't matter. You know my name, so what's yours?”

“... my name is Jackie.”

Henrik tilted his head, “... like Jack?”

“No. Jackie. Not Jack, but Jackie. ”

“That must be confusing.” Henrik scratched the back of his neck, “... how much do you know? Have you been stalking us?”

“I…” Jackie tilted his head back and forth as he pondered, “... yes. Yeah, I basically have.”

“Since when?”

“Uh… since Chase came in. Months ago…” Jackie hung his head like a child that had been caught, “... I was the one who called him in…”

Henrik’s eyes widened, “And you never bothered to show yourself? At all?” He slowly lowered his arms, “Why?”

“I…” Jackie glanced away for a moment, “... I don't… know.”

“Were you scared?”

“What?” Jackie looked back at him immediately, “No! Of course not. Why would I be scared?”

“Seems like showing yourself at all was a big thing for you.” Henrik slipped his hands into his pockets, “Maybe you were putting off meeting us because you didn't know if you should.”

“Okay, thanks. Why don't you just psychoanalyze  the rest of my personality while you're at it.”

“Do you feel like we don't deserve to know who you are, or is it zhe other way around, Jackie?”

“That was a joke…” Jackie muttered before going quiet, fidgeting with the cuffs of his suit, “I'm not… listen, just do whatever the fuck you want. I'm leaving.” He brushed his way past, Henrik lashing out a hand to grab Jackie’s arm.

“We're a family. It's your own choice if you want to leave, but don't choose to leave because of something neither of us can control. Choose it because you actually want to.”

“... you guys just seem better off without me.” Jackie admitted, slowly turning to him, “I feel like I lost my chance to… join in months ago. I should've…”

“What is there, a date??” Henrik exclaimed, gesturing his hands wildly, “There's an expiration date on meeting new people? This is news to me. Alert the media!”

Jackie scoffed quietly, a smile growing on his face, “Asshole…”

“Jackie, you have made yourself known already and as far as I'm concerned, you're not leaving anytime soon.” Henrik said, starting to cross his arms again, “So you're welcome to come meet Chase and I, and the people you saved.”

Jackie’s eyes widened, “S-saved? I— uh… aha… what do you...” He looked around nervously for an out, yet Henrik stared unimpressed.

“You come into my hospital wearing a red hoodie teaching me how to escape the cops, and are particularly concerned for Jameson and Marvin’s safety. Do you know who that sounds like?” Henrik stared at him persistently, “Now tell me if I'm right.”

“You're… not going to tell anyone, right?”

“Chase. We made a bet.”

Jackie began to smile again, “Yeah, I know. Enjoy your delivered coffee for a month.”

“You knew?”

“I could hear…”

Henrik narrowed his eyes, “You were outside the room?!”

“No, I was two floors down.” Jackie slowly crossed his arms to match Henrik’s, “Marvin has his magic, and I have my own.”

“Sly bastard. Talk about a stalker.” Henrik grumbled, turning and walking away, “Come on, let's introduce you to Chase. Seems we have a super powered vigilante being added to our group and he's going to want to know everything. ”

Jackie perked up, following behind in a way that reminded Henrik of a lost puppy, “Do you think Chase and I can play with nerf guns? Is he cool with that?”

Oh no, it's another Chase. “Not in the hospital.”

“Nerf battle!” Jackie whispered excitedly, and Henrik worried he just agreed to babysitting a kid that beats the shit out of people in his spare time.

“How did you manage to act mature in front of two police officers and become a literal child the moment they leave?”

“I have many talents.” Jackie beamed, following at a close pace, “I wish I could get out of this stupid suit though.”

“Damn, guess you have to keep acting mature.” Henrik insisted, though he knew it was futile to hope.

“In your dreams!”

Chase slowly closed the door behind him with a sigh. It had only been a day since Marvin was admitted into the hospital and already he was trying to leave after being stabbed. He could never piece together how the performer did it, but he didn't doubt he must've had some form of magic caffeine running through those veins. Unless… was magic like caffeine? Honestly that would make a lot of sense for a whole lot of magic movies. He'd have to ask Marvin about it when he wasn't busy trying to escape his own hospital room. He pulled his hand away from the door, turning to notice Henrik and a familiar face that was following close behind him.

“Oh, you found him.” Chase slowly walked up to them with a smile, Henrik stopping and Jackie edging up behind him.

“He found me.” Henrik corrected, moving out of the way for them both, “Chase, this is Jackie.”

“Like—..?”

“Not Jack.” Jackie stated quickly, “Jackie. There's a difference.”

“Oh.” Chase blinked, looking at him for a moment before he held out a hand, “Well, my name is Chase, nice to meet you!”

“He knows that.” Henrik butted in, Jackie taking Chase’s offer for a handshake anyways and giving Henrik a side glare.

“He does?”

“He's a little bit of a stalker.”

“Sorry.” Jackie said quietly, “... yeah, I've been hanging around.”

“Why didn't you just… meet us?”

Henrik looked at Jackie with a knowing smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. He really wanted his coffee delivered for the next month, and Jackie knew that was exactly what the doctor was impatiently waiting for.

“I… I do stupid shit and don't know if I should...” Jackie muttered, “Stupid shit like... beat up bad people. At night.”

“And I get coffee delivered to me for the next month.”

“What? Wait you're actually…” Chase squinted at him, “Is this a joke? This has to be a joke. You teamed up on this.”

“It's very obviously not, and if it makes you feel better about it, Jackie admits he has super hearing.”

“Superpowers?!”

“SH! You guys, we are still in a public hospital!” Jackie glared at them both.

Henrik glanced around, “They've heard weirder. And seen weirder. Did I mention that time Marvin’s hands glowed on the operating table?”

“Yes.” Jackie and Chase replied immediately.

The doctor raised his hands in mock surrender, “I rest my case.”

“Still, I just got through with getting the police off our backs. The last thing we need is someone here overhearing something and bringing them back in!”

“Hey, speaking of those forgeries.” Chase turned to look at Jackie, “Could you do that for all of us?”

“I…” Jackie sighed, “... I could. It'd be a lot, but I could.”

“You can crash at our place for a month if you do.”

“What?” Henrik stared at Chase with wide eyes and Jackie smirked.

“Deal.”

“I personally see no downside to this. Henrik you get a great forgery and therefore can't get fired as easily, and we all get proof of our existence! Win win!”

“You just met him?”

“I like him. He's a funny guy.”

“Thank you?” Jackie had an awkward smile on his face, but he wasn't complaining.

Henrik sighed, “Jackie can't stay, Jameson is staying with us when he gets discharged.”

“Sounds like we just need to invite Marvin and it's a party.” Jackie teased.

“It's a two bedroom apartment! We can't invite everyone , Chase ! ”

“It's a two bedroom apartment with very comfortable couches.” Chase added, raising a finger.

“If they’re so comfortable, you're taking one.”

“Hey—”

“Henrik.”

The three of them all turned at the name, leaving Jeff standing awkwardly in the midst of three people who all looked the exact same with the same expression on their face. He cleared his throat as he looked between them, “Uh… wow. Okay. Uh… I needed to…”

“Don't mind them.” Henrik waved a hand, “What's the problem?”

“Marvin is insistent on leaving.”

“God damn it not again…” Henrik sighed, turning to face Chase and Jackie, “You two stick together. We are not done talking about our living situations, and no, Jackie can't stay.”

“Jackie will stay!” Chase corrected.

“Then you're both sharing the couch, renting out your own apartment, or finding us a bigger place!” Henrik kept walking down the hall, Jeff following up behind him.

“You're all living together? How does that work…”

“It's not.” Henrik looked at him, “We aren't all living together, that would be a nightmare.”

“Sounds like that's what's happening.”

“I'd go insane. Already Marvin is driving me through the roof after trying to leave a single day after being in critical condition for a stab wound. He has no restraint, and if this keeps up then the police are going to come back with more questions. One being, how the fuck is he walking with a stab wound when he should be bedridden for the next three weeks?”

“Yeah, how is he doing that?”

“Would you believe me if I told you it's magic?” Henrik asked, his face never looking more serious. Still, Jeff couldn't help but chuckle.

“No.”

“Then don't ask.” Henrik slipped his way inside, only to run face to face with the magician in question. Henrik stumbled back, the magician standing his ground while crossing his arms stubbornly. Marvin narrowed his eyes at him, Henrik doing the same, “You should be in bed.”

“I'm allowed to do whatever I want.”

“Don't test me, Marvin. I will personally hold you down and force you to wait this out. Go back to bed.”

“Why can't I leave?”

“You know full well why you can't!” Henrik set his clipboard down, “You still have a wound in your side, and if that's not enough for you, then you have to stay here because the police are going to ask why you're suddenly walking after being stabbed!”

Marvin grumbled out a few words, eventually giving up and sitting on the edge of his bed again. He winced slightly, enough to catch Henrik’s attention, “See! You need rest!”

“I should be practicing my magic and preparing.”

Henrik sighed, “Okay! Then do it here. Practice in your hospital room, and do so carefully.”

Marvin perked up, “Really?”

“I don't see why not…” Henrik crossed his arms, “Just be careful and don't ruin anything… don't make me regret this.”

Marvin’s lips curved upward into a smile, “Sounds like a deal.”

Henrik stared worriedly down at the magician now sitting patiently on his bed, wondering if he'd just made a deal with the devil… but Marvin seemed content and he wasn't leaving, so it was a start.

───── ✧ ─────

“Keep quiet, he’ll be home at any minute.”

“I'm staying the night, right?”

Henrik sighed, turning to face Jackie, “Yes, you can stay the night—”

“Yes!”

“You're on the couch though.”

“Sounds good to me, doc!” Jackie grinned, shuffling aside and accidentally bumping into Marvin as they hid behind the couch, “Shit, sorry—”

“Watch it, wonder boy.”

“Watch your attitude or I'm dragging you back into the hospital myself.” Henrik muttered from across the room.

Marvin stuck out a tongue towards the doctor, his eyes landing on Jameson who was also hiding behind the kitchen counter with him, and was laughing silently.

“...”

“...”

“...”

“This is becoming a workout.” Jackie said suddenly, catching Marvin off guard enough to make him chuckle. Jackie began to chuckle with them, then Henrik and Jameson joined in that all led into a quiet laughing fit. They weren't sure how long they were supposed to be waiting, but Henrik was sure that at this point they'd give themselves away with their stupid giggling that it wouldn't even be a surprise they were here at this point. He grinned, “I guess we might as well chat at this point. How was your day?”

“I got to escape the hospital for once, so I'm doing pretty good.” Marvin admitted, “Although I hardly know you guys.”

“You're stuck with us.” Henrik muttered, “And besides, I'm not seeing you wanting to leave.”

“Hell, and miss cake? I think the fuck not.”

“We're basically a family at this point!” Jackie said with a grin.

“Calm down, hugger.”

“I am a hugger and I'm proud!” Jackie beamed, which earned some hushing from Henrik.

“You're gonna have fifty new nicknames for Jackie by the time the party is over.” Henrik muttered. A tap on his shoulder made him look over, watching Jameson sign with a smile and a laugh, “Oh sorry you're right Jamie, they'll have fifty before Chase even makes it through the door.”

Marvin rolled his eyes, ready to speak up when Jackie perked up, “I think he's coming!”

“It better not be the neighbor this time.” Henrik muttered, Jackie starting to shake his head.

“I can hear his sneakers.”

“Wow. Chase is the only person in the world who wears sneakers! ” Marvin winced with a grin as Jackie playfully smacked his shoulder. Though Marvin had to admit he hit a bit harder than he probably meant to, “Ow— bitch!”

“SH!”

They all went quiet, occasionally the sound of one of them shuffling where they were as they waited impatiently for Chase to arrive.

The steps drew near, and Jackie’s smile grew even wider as he glanced between everyone. Henrik had an ever present smirk on his face as the door slowly creaked open…

“SURPRISE!”

Chase flinched, suddenly dropping the bag he'd been carrying with a loud “Fuck!”

Jackie began to laugh, pulling out a nerf gun he'd had behind the couch and shooting Chase in the chest with it, “Gotcha, bitch!”

Chase scoffed, a smile overtaking his small panic, “Holy shit you guys scared me… is that—”

“We got cake, just like you wanted.” Henrik gestured to the table, where alongside a store bought cake were an array of snacks. Most were chips, but there were a few cookies as well that were all on one end of the table. The other half had four gifts, two of them being neatly wrapped, one being a card, and one that was wrapped poorly, but it had spirit.

Chase glanced around at them all, his smile only growing wider as he noticed that everyone was there. Marvin waved with a gloved hand and playful grin as his eyes met Chase’s, “Hello birthday boy.”

Jameson waved as well, signing a big ‘Happy Birthday!’ for Chase to see.

“And I'm spending the night!” Jackie said excitedly, practically vibrating where he stood with excitement, “So we get to play games and all kinds of shit!”

Jameson signed something, gently nudging Henrik for a translation, “Oh, and gifts. Can't forget gifts.”

“You guys…” Chase began to laugh, his eyes on the brink of watering. For a second he wasn't sure what to say… just months ago he'd hit a point in his life he thought he'd never come back from, and now here he was. Surrounded by friends… each one brought together by the strangest circumstances, but here they were.

And he wouldn't have it any other way.

Chase closed his eyes, chuckling, “Well let's get this party started! Who wants to play Mario kart?”

“I DO!” Jackie hardly let Chase finish his sentence before he threw himself onto the couch. Marvin was soon to follow, letting Chase take a seat first before sitting on the other couch. Jamie rested against the back of the couch, content with just watching. Henrik sighed with a small shrug. Might as well join in on the games too.

Turns out Chase was an absolute master at Mario kart. It wasn't much of a surprise considering how often he played video games, but his winning streak beat everyone several times over. It didn't stop the others from trying, and admittedly they had fun. Jackie did beat Chase once, but once was all he got before winning second in most rounds. Then Marvin occasionally hit fifth place but stuck around near eighth most of the time. Henrik was struggling the most, usually remaining in last beside one really strange round where he got second and stated 'that's the best I’m doing for the night, so I'm done’. 

Chase decided cake was next, and Jackie was always the first to follow close behind. Marvin was usually next, and Henrik and Jameson usually were the more quiet and reserved, letting them have their fun as they took their time.

“Present time?” Jackie asked as he noticed Chase eyeing the presents on the table while he'd been nibbling on cake. Chase could only scoff.

“Am I that obvious? I've always gotten my kids presents, but I've never had any of my own… I'm curious what they might be…” Chase tapped an impatient finger against the table, eventually giving in and grabbing the card first. It had ‘Chase’ written on the side of the envelope in a delicate cursive. What threw Chase off the most was that it had a genuine wax seal.

His eyes darted up to see if anyone was making a hint towards who it was from, but no one made a sound. That was already a telling sign it wasn't Jackie, but he didn't think this was from Henrik either. He gently opened it, reading the card. ‘Every year you become more and more beautiful inside and out’. Chase raised a brow before opening the card.

‘Bitch <3. Happy birthday.

-Marvin’

Chase began to laugh, “I should've expected that.” He pulled out a gift card that had been tucked inside, looking back up at Marvin, “Thank you.”

“You're welcome, bitch.” The magician smirked, eating another bite of his ice cream as Chase reached for the next gift. This time, it was a smaller and neatly wrapped box. He didn't waste any time in opening it up, pulling out a nice red scarf. He gently wrapped it around his neck, a smile coming across his face, “It's so soft…”

Jameson began to sign, Henrik glancing up towards him, 'You always complain about the cold in the hospital and I know you like your jacket, so I thought a nice scarf would help!’

“Jameson says he knows how much you hate the cold in the hospital and he knows you love your jacket, so he got you a scarf to help.” Henrik translated, Jameson nodding.

“Aw, thanks Jamie! I love it.” Chase unraveled it a bit, playfully draping a part of it over his hat with a grin. Jackie chuckled at the sight, his eyes darting towards the next present Chase was reaching for. The poorly wrapped one, that definitely had spirit. It still concealed what was there, but he could tell who it was from, especially from the giddy looks that Jackie was giving him as he opened it up.

Alas, inside was a brand new nerf gun. Gone were the days of his old one sometimes not shooting, and in with a brand new one! Jackie just grinned and said, “You know exactly why I got you that.”

“You bet I do…” Chase smirked, ready to pull it out of it’s packaging… but there was one gift left. It was the biggest, and from Henrik. He gently set the nerf gun aside for later, giving Jackie a knowing grin, “Nerf battle later.”

Jackie nodded knowingly, “Fuck yeah.”

“I better not find nerf bullets lodged all over my apartment.” Henrik glanced between the two, “You only have so many of those.”

“We’ll pick up!” Jackie promised, Chase nodding along with him. Though now it was on to the last gift, and he couldn't wait. Knowing Henrik it probably wasn't much to write home about, but for some reason he was hopeful in thinking Henrik probably put a lot of thought into his gifts.

He pulled off the wrapping paper, opening up the box and noticing… a hat. A brand new baseball cap. Not the boring old grey one he always wore, but a patterned red and grey one with a skull on the front. His eyes widened as he tilted it to get a better look, his smile widening as he eyed the embroidered skull with sunglasses and red eyes.

“Thought you would like a new one.” Henrik said with a smile, “Jackie helped me pick it out… and Marvin. And Jamie.”

“We basically all picked it.” Jackie shrugged, “Henrik wanted to get you the new hat but we wanted to pick out a badass one and that one seemed the coolest. It's a limited edition!”

Chase pulled his old hat off, letting his scarf fall back down against his shoulders. With a smile, he donned his new hat carefully on his head, giving it a firm tug as the rest watched happily. He looked between them all with a warmed heart, and for that moment, he felt like he truly did belong.

There was no place he'd rather be.

“I love it… thank you.”

Henrik had never seen Chase without that hat since. Even at work, he'd bring it even if it meant he had to keep it in his locker. The moment he was off work, he'd slip it on as if it was a necessary to his day to day life. It didn't matter to him if he couldn't wear it all the time as long as it was nearby. At that point, that hat was a part of him now. 

Though that also meant that in those couple of days after Chase’s birthday, Marvin was forced back into the hospital by the good doctor himself. The magician reluctantly agreed, knowing he could practice his smaller spells within the confines of his hospital room. In turn that meant Jackie had to bring him his arcane books, but Jackie didn't seem to care as long as Marvin showed him some magic.

All seemed to be going well. Jameson was staying with Henrik and Chase now, and occasionally he frequented the hospital to visit Marvin or Jack in his spare time. It wasn't until he started visiting daily, his visits becoming longer than the last when Henrik drew attention to it.

“Jamie, you've been here for four hours… is something wrong?” Henrik had pulled him from Jack’s room, standing with his arms crossed as Jameson kept his eyes focused on the floor, fidgeting with his hands. Henrik tried again, gently nudging his hand against Jameson’s arm, “Please, what's wrong..?”

'I've been hearing things in the apartment when I am alone.’ Jameson admitted, his eyes slowly looking up to meet Henrik’s, ‘I know you think I might be paranoid, but things have been turning on in the middle of nowhere. It's worrying me.’

Henrik hummed, “... do you think it's magic?”

‘I think it's the one that did this to me.’ He motioned to his wrists, a fearful look in his eye.

Henrik’s eyes widened, “You… think he broke in?”

‘I think it can go wherever he pleases. It's not limited to a body. It's not human.’ Jameson signed quickly, the doctor hardly catching the last part.

Henrik tapped a nervous finger against his arm, “... okay. Then… you can stay with us. Stick around the hospital. We will look into it when we get home.”

‘Thank you.’ Jameson sighed, ‘I'm sorry if I scared you.’

“No, it's alright.” Henrik stated a bit too fast. His worries were starting to get to him, and admittedly, he was scared. Being told something inhuman was stalking them and possibly breaking into their apartment was something that scared the shit out of him, but he couldn't tell Jameson that. Jameson already looked like he'd seen a ghost, the last thing he wanted to do was worry him further. With a soft sigh and reassuring smile, he glanced back up at Jameson, “Don't worry. We will figure it out.”

Jameson nodded, his eyes darting around before landing on Henrik, ‘Is there anything you need help with?’

“No, I think ve have everything in order… you can always entertain Marvin.” Henrik teased, Jameson smiling back.

'I'll go do that then.’

“Chase, can I talk with you?” Henrik waited for Chase to walk over, a curious look in his eyes. The doctor watched the door to Chase’s room, hoping Jameson wouldn't come out as they were speaking, but he could only hope. Jackie perked up from the couch, nearly giving Henrik a heart attack considering he forgot he was there half the time, “Scheisse, Jackie you scared me.”

“Sorry… something wrong?”

“Yeah, what's up?” Chase asked, Jackie glancing between the two.

“Is this between you guys? I can play music on my headphones super loud—”

“No, no. You too.” Henrik motioned for him to join, Jackie standing himself up from the couch and walking over to join their little group huddled in the kitchen.

“Jameson has been worried recently thinking that the person who attacked him is coming back, and that they are stalking him.”

“I've never actually seen it.” Jackie admitted quietly, “I've heard it though. It's… weird.”

“Weird how?” Henrik asked, watching Jackie shrug.

“Staticky. At least I think that's what it was. That's the only thing I could piece together from when I found them.”

“Anything else we should know?” Chase asked, looking between them, “Like weaknesses? Strengths? Do either of us have any idea what this thing is?”

“No… that's Marvin and Jameson’s area of expertise.” Jackie crossed his arms, “I've only seen the aftermath… and it's not pretty.”

“Well I don't want either of them to tell us if they don't want to, but…” Chase sighed, “We have no idea what we are dealing with.”

“I can try talking to Jamie.” Henrik offered, “Chase, do you want to try Marvin?”

“Sure.”

“What should I do?” Jackie awaited his orders, Henrik taking a moment to think.

“You… I suppose you can try to find it. They said it's not limited to a body, but it has to be limited to something. Especially if every time it's around you can hear static.”

Jackie nodded, though Chase didn't seem as pleased with the idea, “You want him to seek out the thing hurting us?”

“If anyone can take care of himself, I believe it would be Jackie. Jackie, you don't have to—”

“No… I want to.” Jackie said with a firm nod, “I'm supposed to go beat up bad guys, remember?”

Chase and Henrik both chuckled at that, Chase sighing before saying, “Okay, just… be careful, okay?”

“Yessir!” Jackie held up a hand for a salute, and with that their group dispersed. Jackie headed straight over to his duffel bag, and while Chase started towards the door he became distracted and neared Jackie instead at the sound of the zipper. Henrik could hear them both as he neared Jameson’s door despite Chase’s attempts to whisper, “Is that your suit?”

“Yeah.”

“Can I see?”

Henrik looked over to see the most proud grin he believes he's ever seen on Jackie’s face before nodding. A few tugs of the zipper later, and he was pulling out a red and maroon suit with armor embedded in it, and a blue leather mask that he pressed onto his face. With a smile he looked back up at Chase who squinted back at him.

“That hides your face?”

“Usually it's too dark for them to tell, but sometimes I put on a scarf.”

“Aw, wittle scarf for the wittle hewo when he gets cold?”

“That's it.” Jackie pulled off his mask, keeping it firmly in his hand, “You don't get to try it on.”

“Nooo! Jackie pleeeease…” Chase pleaded, keeling down next to him with a smile on his face, “Can I try it on?”

“Go put on your wittle scarf.” Jackie teased, though after a moment he finally handed over the mask. Chase didn't hesitate before pressing it on his face, standing himself up with his arms on his hips.

“I'm a superhero!”

“Ahem.” Henrik was leaning against the wall next to Chase’s door with his arms crossed, a serious look on his face and yet a smile was threatening to peek through, “Marvin?”

“I… yep, yep I'm going now.” Chase hurriedly took it off and handed it to Jackie before snagging the keys from the coffee table, “I'll be back!”

They both waved, Jackie turning to face his suit again. He wasted no time in slipping his hoodie off, Henrik turning away to gently knock on Chase’s door. Two knocks sounded shortly after for permission, Henrik quietly opening the door and letting himself in.

Chase’s bedroom was rather clean considering how it usually was. Henrik had reason to believe Jameson probably had something to do with the empty soda cans and clothes he usually left on the floor, considering Chase usually didn't have the energy to clean up after himself. Now they were all properly put up or thrown away, and even as he walked in, Jameson was moving aside a few papers on his desk. His eyes met Henrik’s and a small smile appeared on the dapper's face, ‘Just cleaning up.’

“I see that.” Henrik said, a smile forming as he walked in. He admitted the orange and navy blue colors reminded him of a college dorm; the permanent boxes in Chase’s room weren't helping remove that image from his head. He glanced around for a moment, his smile slowly falling as he looked back up at Jameson, “Jameson, we need to talk. About… someone. And I know you might not vant to, but Chase, Jackie and I have no clue vhat we are dealing with.”

Jameson’s happy expression suddenly fell, the sight putting a wrench in Henrik’s heart. Though with a breathy sigh, Jameson began to sign, ‘I don't know much besides his strings.’

“Strings?” Henrik sat himself down on the edge of the bed, Jameson taking a cautious seat beside him, “Like what wrapped around your arms?”

‘Not only wrapped around. They went into my arms.’ Jameson avoided his eyes, ‘They move like they're alive, and when they get inside they start to move you around. Control you.’

“I'm sorry.” Henrik said quietly, “... I know you probably don't want to talk about this.”

‘I know that you, Chase, and Jackie need to be warned. I can't tell you much else, I've never seen him directly except once. It was dark, but he looked like us. Us, except that he had black eyes, and a smile that cut past his cheeks.’ Jameson pressed his fingers into the side of his cheeks, arguably almost past his cheeks and more on the side of his head before starting to sign again, ‘He disappears a lot. You never know where he's going to be.’

“Teleporting?” Henrik asked, Jameson starting to nod, “Okay… I'll have to tell Jackie that before he leaves.”

‘Where is Jackie going?’ Jameson raised a brow.

“He wants to find the person who did that to you, and beat the shit out of them.” Henrik said, a small smile on his face that faded when he saw the horrified look on Jameson’s.

‘He can't fight it!’

“Jameson, it's alright. He's less focused on fighting, more on finding before it finds us.”

‘It possesses people! It's a demon! A ghost! Jackie can't fight it!’ His signing was quick, and Henrik held up his hands.

“Don't worry, that's why I'm going to go tell him now before he leaves. Calm down.” He gently rested a hand against Jameson’s shoulder, “I'll tell him not to find it, but he still is going to go out beating people up tonight. It's practically in his blood… and I wouldn't doubt he's still going to try.”

Jameson sighed, holding his hands close to his chest, ‘... Tell him to be careful… and that it's okay to run from a fight if it feels too dangerous.’

“I will. Thank you Jamie.”

Jameson nodded, subconsciously rubbing at his wrists as he stared out the window. Henrik watched him for a moment, a pang of guilt running through him that he'd taken Jameson’s smile, but the information was important. It could possibly even save their lives, but Henrik didn't want to think about that right now. Slowly he stood himself up and left the room, leaving Jameson sitting on the edge of the bed.

Jackie was thankfully still in the living room, his eyes were locked on the sun slowly setting on the horizon. His red and maroon suit looked admittedly like one from a superhero TV show, but it wasn't bright to the point it was tacky. The armor covered his shoulders, chest, and back. A hood shielded his head from view while the black gloves and boots tied it all together. The sudden strong presence it left in place of the playful fun loving Jackie was enough to make Henrik stop in the hallway.

“What did Jamie say?” Jackie turned to face him, his blue mask pressed against his face. What threw off Henrik the most was that his eyes were white.

“What the hell is going on vith your eyes?”

“Oh!” Jackie blinked, and in an instant his eyes were back to their normal deep blue, “Sorry. Helps me see in the dark.”

“Vhat the fuck.”

“So? Jameson?”

“I… right.” Henrik crossed his arms, shifting a bit where he stood to regain his composure, “He says not to find it, that you can't fight it. And if you find yourself in a dangerous situation, that it's okay to run away.”

“Has a lot of faith, doesn't he—”

“I'm not done.” Henrik raised a finger, “He says it's like a ghost. A demon. It can disappear and reappear at will, and it can possess people. He specifically mentioned it uses some kind of strings to latch onto people, and when they do, they get underneath your skin and attempt to control you.”

“So if it doesn't get you with the strings, it just straight up possesses you?” Jackie sighed, a part of him not wanting to believe it… but Jameson wouldn't lie about this. Even then, he knows what he saw. Those tunnels that dug into Jameson’s wrist were baffling from the start, but now the connotation was making it all the more horrifying.

“... I'm going to the hospital.” Henrik mentioned, his arms slowly falling into his pockets, “... if you need me, I'll be there.”

“Is Chase and Jameson going?”

“Yes. Chase has the late shift with me, and Jameson doesn't want to be alone. I should head over there now, I'm going until morning.”

“Wish you luck, doc.” Jackie smirked, his eyes blinking again and revealing the same pure white eyes as before, “I'll pop by!”

“It better not be in costume.” Henrik said sternly, but a smile was growing on his face.

“It just might~! See you later!” Jackie forced open the window. With a small wave back, Jackie sat himself on the edge before leaning backwards until he fell out. Henrik couldn't help but panic at the sight, rushing over to the window and peering out the edge for the superhero to find Jackie was… hovering. He was looking back up at Henrik as if he were swinging from an invisible hammock without a care in the world, a sly grin on his face, “Scare ya?”

“You bitch.” Henrik grumbled, squinting at the cocky smile the hero gave him, “I'd throw something at you if I could… since when could you fly? ”

“My powers aren't limited to super hearing.” He unfolded his arms out from behind his head, slowly straightening himself up. His eyes darted down in the alleyway below, though no one was passing by at the time which was a relief, “I'm gonna go before someone sees me, but tell Jameson I hope he feels better!”

“I will… be careful, Jackie. Remember it's okay to back out of a fight if it gets to be too much.”

“I know doc.” Jackie gently kicked off the side of the building, floating his way up. Gravity just had no effect on the hero anymore, and it almost made the doctor jealous at how carefree he was about it, “Stay safe.”

Henrik nodded, and after a few moments of staring at the hero drifting off into the sky, slowly closed his window.

Hours later he was in his office, in the hospital. This was becoming one of the rare times where Henrik had to admit, he wished he'd taken the day off. Jackie running around possibly seeking out this demon was eating away at him as much as Jameson’s words of warning. His eyes dart to his phone, and for a second he wonders if he should call him… or would that distract him? Was his phone silent anyways? Did he even bring his phone when he was on patrol?

Henrik sighed, tossing his pen aside and letting it roll against his desk. Who was he kidding, he couldn't do work like this even if he tried. The most he'd gotten through was a single paper and it had been an hour at this point. 

A knock sounded on his door, Henrik decided to shuffle aside his papers for later, “Come in.”

“Sounds like someone’s tired.”

The familiar voice made Henrik perk up, a smile overtaking his frown, “Suzi! How was break?”

“Long and boring compared to here.” She teased, slipping inside, “I heard you found another?”

“Ah, yes. Jackie.” Henrik nodded, “I believe we have everyone. Chase, Jameson, Marvin, and Jackie.”

“And you all look the same?” She crossed her arms with a smile, “No origins? Nothing?”

“Nothing.” Henrik leaned his arms against his desk, “We all suddenly appeared without a thing besides our names and various knowledge. Each one of us is different… and dare I say some of us are magical?” He tilted his head with a playful smile.

“Magical?” She raised a brow, walking and and taking a seat across from Henrik, “Jeff did mention someone's hands glowing on an operating table.”

“We are never going to let Marvin live that down.” Henrik chuckled, “... believe it or not, we decided to stick together. We… for now, all live with each other.”

“Holy shit. That's a lot of people that look the same in a two bedroom apartment.” Suzi muttered, “How is that working out?”

“We make do.” Henrik grabbed his pen again, starting to spin it on his fingers, “I think we are going to find a bigger place… an actual house. Even though we are all grown ups with our own responsibilities, I think… I think that we need a family. We don't want to be alone anymore.”

Henrik scoffed, stopping his pen to look up at Suzi, “Some of us don't even act like adults half the time. I have to keep them in check.”

She laughed, Henrik starting to smile again. In a way, she'd always been there since the start… and now it felt like this part of his story was reaching its end. Ready for a new beginning, with this new family that had made its way into his life. His worries for Jackie still rested in the back of his mind, but a part of him reminded him that Jackie could take care of himself.

“And have you gotten any closer to your answer?”

Her question made him stop. For a moment all he could do was stare at his desk in thought. It was a difficult question, one that probably would have made him angry if it were asked months earlier… but now it seemed to bring him a brief moment of clarity.

“... no.” He answered truthfully, “No, I haven't… but that's okay.” He straightened himself up in his chair, “Not everything has answers. Not everything needs to be answered.”

Suzi smiled, “My, have you grown.”

“Well I'm turning three in September, I'm a growing boy.” Henrik teased, to which Suzi began to laugh.

“Awww, I need to get you a little baby maraca!”

Henrik chuckled, “Oh no, please don't get me baby toys…”

“Maybe a cute little stuffed bear~”

“Suzi…” Henrik rolled his eyes, and with a sigh his playful grin softened, “... thank you. For always being there for me.”

“Of course. Couldn't fire our best doctor.”

“Yes, well one without a record is a different story—” Henrik’s phone rang, and the doctor stopped and immediately grabbed his phone off the desk beside him. Suzi stared worriedly as he stared at the name. Jackie. “Hold on, I've got to take this…”

Suzi nodded, resting back in her chair. Henrik quickly grabbed his phone and held it to his ear, “Jackie? Is something wrong?”

His words made Suzi glance at him strangely, though Henrik was too focused on the raspy breathing coming through the phone to care, “Roof… I'm on the roof…”

“I'll be right there.” Henrik immediately hung up, flinging himself out of his seat at such a speed that Suzi had to move back before he rushed into her.

“What is it?”

“It…” Henrik could hear his heart racing. He knew this would happen, he knew… he faced Suzi with panic in his eyes, and as much as he tried to keep himself composed he could tell his hands were starting to shake. There was a tremble in his voice, “It's a friend of mine. They are hurt, and on the roof… and I need you to help me but please promise you won't tell anyone about them…”

“What??” Suzi squinted at him. Though after a moment, she slowly shook her head, “I… okay. Alright…”

“Grab the kit, we are going to be on the roof.” Henrik forced his way past her, Suzi’s eyes widening.

“On the roof?!”

“We can't take him inside. Don't let anyone know he's there, not even Jeff. The less people that know, the better!” Henrik said, hardly giving her the time to react as he bolted for the stairwell.

“Henrik…” Jackie’s voice was weak, the doctor could hardly hear him with the wind blowing forcefully against the rooftop. Henrik rushed over, nearly falling as a second gust of chilling wind pushed against him. The hero was laying flat against the concrete, his eyes threatening to close when Henrik managed to reach him.

“Jackie?! Jackie stay with me…” He quickly turned the hero over on his back, letting out a distressed breath as he looked over the amount of cuts in the hero’s suit. No stab wounds as far as Henrik could see, but they were deep enough to cause concern. Jackie himself was trembling and jolting in a way that wasn't just nerves, either. Something wasn't right.

“Jackie, we need to take you to the stairwell, can you walk?” Henrik asked, already in the process of wrapping the hero’s arm around his neck. With a small countdown, he forced them both up, hearing a pained groan from the hero’s mouth.

“H-h-he… I couldn't run… I c-...” Jackie’s breathing was erratic, and while a part of him blamed the pain he was going through, he could see the tears coming from his eyes.

“Hey, hey okay, come on—” Henrik nearly toppled over as Jackie’s legs gave in, but he swiftly helped the hero back to his feet. He forced the stairwell door open, eventually leaning Jackie up against the wall, “Listen, a friend of mine is going to come help. Don't worry, I'd trust her with my life.” He explained, starting to tug Jackie’s suit off. His eyes focused on a large gash in his abdomen, and immediately the doctor pulled off his coat to force it against it, “Hold this.”

Jackie winced, holding it tight as he kept taking deep breaths.

“We need to get you out of this suit…” He kept pulling the rest of it off as Jackie held the coat tight. Footsteps were making their way up, but Henrik was too busy to look.

“Holy shit…”

“Suzi, the kit. Now.”

She handed it to Henrik, and only moment’s later he was already pulling out a needle alongside the antiseptic, “You might need to bite on something…” He muttered to Jackie, but he wasn't sure the hero heard him anyways. He squinted, moving the coat aside enough to start stitching, the hero hissing the moment the needle made contact. It took an unexpected amount of effort to pull the needle through, but eventually the doctor forced it through to the other side. It wasn't easy, nor pretty, but through each grueling stitch he slowly started to close the wound.

Henrik walked out of the stairwell with a box in hand. His arms had remnants of red lingering, but thankfully that was cleaned. No, instead people might be more concerned with the red stained shirt he was wearing considering he just had to save his best friend’s life. At this point, he was becoming the reason why the others haven't gotten themselves killed.

His eyes darted around for a familiar face, eventually landing on Jeff. He walked up with the box in hand, “Do you know where Chase is?”

Jeff turned to face him, his eyes wide when he did, “Holy shit, what happened?”

“Another drop off.” Henrik muttered, “We didn't have time to bring them in like Marvin… anyways, I need to see Chase.”

“Should be with Marvin, actually. Marvin keeps trying to leave, he keeps getting paranoid that something is in the hospital..?” Jeff could only shrug, “Chase is trying to calm him down.”

“Okay…” Henrik blinked a few times, letting that process before turning and heading towards Marvin’s room, “I'll be back.”

“Get yourself changed, you look like shit.”

Henrik flipped him off as he walked down the hall, knowing full well that Jeff was smiling as he kept walking.

“Marvin please…” Chase sighed. For the past thirty minutes he'd been trying to calm down one of his best friends from what only he could assume, was some kind of panic attack. Suddenly he'd caught Marvin out in the hall like a deer in headlights, and now he was wrestling him back into his room (and somehow winning). Though Marvin wasn't putting his full force into fighting him, and that wasn't hard to tell.

“I need to leave, please!” He tried to shove his way past, only for Chase to grab him around the chest in a hug and tug him back.

“No, I'm not letting you leave—! You need to be resting! Stop fighting me on this, you'll make it worse!”

“You don't understand!”

“Then make me understand!”

“I heard it's voice, it's here in the hospital!” Marvin’s fighting spirit was dwindling before Chase’s eyes, a hopelessness settling in, “It's coming for us… Chase, it's going to take us…”

“Marvin the best chance we have is sticking together—”

“No… no you don't understand…” Marvin’s voice was low and shaky, “I can't stay here… it wants us all in one place. We shouldn't all be here, this is what it wants…”

Chase opened his mouth to argue, only for the door to open. Henrik walked in, the box in his hands and blood stained shirt didn't ease their nerves. If anything, it made Marvin start to struggle again, and this time with more force than before.

“Hey, easy.” Henrik set the box aside, looking at the both of them, “What's the problem?”

“What's the problem?!” Marvin screeched, “You have blood on your clothes!”

“Jackie… got attacked. These are his—”

“So he's here?! This is exactly what it wants! We are all in one—… place!” Marvin kicked his legs against the floor, forcing Chase to stumble backwards into a wall.

“Ow— motherfucker!” Chase held a hand against his jaw, an aching pain settling in after Marvin had thrown his head back. Though now Marvin stood in the middle of the room, ready to sprint at a moment’s notice.

“Why is this suddenly a problem again?” Henrik faced him, “You were fine earlier!”

“I just realized, that's exactly what it wants… it wants us here, and… that's why it attacked us. It knew we'd go to the hospital, it knew…” Marvin backed his way up towards the door, a panic in his eyes that Henrik had never seen before. The doctor reached out for him, but before he could stop him the magician forced his way out. Henrik could only sigh, knowing he'd be long gone down the halls before Henrik. If there's one thing Henrik wasn't fit for, it was a chase.

But he knew where he would be. Henrik walked up to Chase, bringing a hand up to check his friend's jaw, “You okay..?”

“Yeah… fuck. He's scared as shit.” Chase muttered bitterly, “Who knows what that thing must've said to him…”

The door opened, and Jameson walked in. He stared at the two, a worried glance that was shared between them, ‘I just saw Marvin running in the hall’.

“He's leaving.” Henrik sighed angrily, “He's meant to be recovering still, and now he's up and left in a panic. I don't understand that man… Jackie is hurt and he's running away.”

Chase and Jameson both glanced at each other, Jameson being the first to look up, ‘I can get Marvin. Where is he going?’

“He's going to grab his things, probably.” Henrik shook his head, “I'm not sure why he suddenly panicked. Everything was fine until just now.” He looked at Chase, “Can you check on Jackie? Make sure he's stable, and that no one finds out who he is. Suzi should be with him, they're in the top of the stairwell.”

Chase nodded, “Y-yeah, sure… where are you going?”

“I need to check on Jack.” Henrik stated, backing out towards the door, “We can all meet back at my office in an hour.”

The two nodded in unison. Each left the room taking off in different directions. Jameson heading further down the hall, and Chase for the stairwell. Henrik headed for the elevator, an eerie feeling creeping up his spine. He might not have known Marvin for long, but why would he suddenly panic? He didn't seem the type, even through all his ominous ramblings there was always a shred of pride in there somewhere. Now he was just… terrified.

He pressed the elevator button, standing and waiting for the doors to slowly close. That same feeling persisted, to visit Jack, and yet this time it was laced with uncertainty. It had an aura about it that didn't feel like a visit anymore. There was a word he was searching for, but for some reason it wasn't coming to mind.

The elevator dinged, Henrik stepping his way out into an empty hallway. It was dark out, leaving the halls in an eerie artificial light. Normally this sight didn't scare the doctor, he saw it all the time… but it sent alarm signals in his head. The lack of noise became increasingly apparent the further he walked down the hall. Not a single person was in sight. No other doctor seemed to even be on this floor, which was… odd.

Each step seemed heavier than the last, walking towards the door. It was only when he reached out for the door handle when he sensed it. A faint static was seeping into the back of his mind. Just enough to be unnoticeable unless you were searching for it. He pulled his hand away, taking a moment to look at the door as if it would open on its own. His eyes darted around the halls for anyone, the presence of something watching was growing. It grew closer, and closer until it draped overtop him. He couldn't tell if it was behind him or just around him. Or was it in his head? He wasn't really sure at this point.

With a subtle shake of his head, he stepped inside, gently closing the door behind him rather than trusting it to close by itself. A few steps in and he could see Jack, lying asleep in his hospital bed. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, it was all the same as they'd left it.

Henrik let out a faint sigh of relief. He had to admit, Marvin’s panic must've really gotten to him. This whole endeavor felt like a weight on his shoulders, but even as he stood here, the weight wasn't lifting.

“... Jack?” Henrik walked closer, nearing the edge of the bed, “Are you doing okay?”

No response, but Henrik could see the patient’s brows were knit. He couldn't tell if it was an expression of anger, or of pain.

“Jack… talk to me.” Henrik pleaded. This feeling of being alone was starting to suffocate him, he was starting to wish he'd brought someone along. Maybe Chase could have came rather than checked on Jackie, surely Suzi had it under control. His hand was ready to reach for his phone, but he stopped himself. He was overreacting. This was one big overreaction, and things were fine. He sighed, letting his hand fall again as he stared at Jack for an answer.

But it was quiet, all except the rhythm of the heart monitor. With a hesitant step, he backed himself away. It must've all been in his head, Marvin must've infected him with the same paranoia. That must be it, right? It has to be? But if that's the case, why was he still panicking? Why did it suddenly feel like the room was closing in on him, when nothing has changed? It felt like a static building in the neck of his mind… It was a never ending growing stress, one that wasn't being released. It just kept building, and building in silence.

Clack.

Henrik jumped, spinning around to notice his pen had rolled off the counter and landed on the tile floor. With a frustrated sigh, he walked over and bent down to grab it, “Stupid thing almost gave me a heart attack…” He muttered, straight into himself back up. He rested a gentle hand on his heart, taking a few deep breaths.

“ He’s here. ”

Jack’s soft voice made Henrik turn, only to be met with two neon green eyes, and a row of needle sharp teeth.

“Henrik!”

This wasn't right. It's been hours.

“Henrik, where are you?”

Chase rushed his way down the halls, asking every last nurse or doctor in sight if they'd seen him. Suzi had finished with Jackie and agreed to look for him, Jeff as well. Even Jackie attempted to look, but Chase forced him back in bed so he wouldn't pull a stitch. It's what Henrik would have wanted, but Jackie became restless. This wasn't right. He knew Henrik would scold him if he tried to get out of bed, but he'd rather hear that from Henrik’s own voice than the thoughts in his mind.

“Henrik?” Suzi called through the stairwell. The echo reverberated through, and there wasn't even a knock or sound back. It wasn't like Henrik to just… leave. Did he leave? She made her way into the stairwell, taking the steps down. She'd check every floor if she had to, but her sights were set on the bottom floor. If he did leave, they'd know.

Chase couldn't help himself, rounding the corner once again and finding himself in Jack’s room. It always led here… it all led here. He said he was going to Jack’s room, so why wasn't he here? Pushing his way through the door with a bit more force than he should, Chase’s eyes land on Jack. The lack of a response made an anger in him fester, but he knew it wasn't either of their faults… he was just worried. And scared. And… god, he'd give anything to know Henrik was alright.

“Was he here?” Chase asked Jack. At this point he wasn't even sure if he wanted an answer, but he needed something. Chase walked over to his bedside, resting his hands on the bar, “Please… where is Henrik? Did he make it to your room?”

The monitor was the only sound left in the room besides Chase’s heavy breathing. His hands gripped the rail harder, his knuckles turning white as his eyes darted around the room. There has to be a sign… maybe they were panicking and Henrik did go home… but if he did then why wasn't he answering his phone? He never said anything about going home! They were supposed to meet in his office, so where was he?!

He forced himself away from Jack’s bedside. A fury was boiling inside him, and the last thing he wanted was to take it out on someone who wasn't even awake. With a frustrated sigh, he spun towards the door, though he spun back to look at Jack, and he kept turning, not knowing where to go. This was all so much, it was all too much… Henrik was missing and they couldn't find him… 

Chase forced himself to stop, eventually slumping down into a chair. He rested his head in his hands when they grabbed onto his hat instead. He gently tugged it off, and with one hand held it close to his heart. Henrik had to be okay… he had to be...