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Hunter woke to hear a conversation in another room. He forced himself up so he could hear better.
“Why should we trust him? He’s the golden guard for fuck’s sake! On that note, why should we trust you? You’ve apparently been talking to him for months!” the owl lady exclaimed.
“Because it’s not his fault! He was manipulated and abused by someone he trusted!” and oh, that was Jon.
“Really.” the owl lady's voice was dry.
“Yes. I can and will vouch for him.” Jon said. Hunter quietly cleared his throat.
“Eda.” and that must be the human. Luz, he's pretty sure her name is. “It’s pretty rare to see Jon this worked up. Maybe we should give him a chance?” Hunter cleared his throat louder, and they all turned to look at him.
“Hi.” Jon walked over.
“What are you doing up? You should be resting!” there was worry in Jon’s voice, and it warmed Hunter.
“I wanted to know what you were talking about.”
Someone,” Jon glared over his shoulder. “Doesn’t know you like I do and is refusing to trust me about you.”
“Oh.”
“Look, Jon, he’s done some pretty shitty stuff-” Jon whirled around to glare at her.
“No. Shut up. I’ve done some really shitty stuff in my day, and you welcomed me in within a heartbeat. Stop. I understand that you don’t like him and yes, he’s messed up before, but give him a shot.” the air felt heavy and Hunter realized this must be one of the powers Jon mentioned he had. It was likely worse for the owl lady, as Jon was full-on glaring at her, his normally brown eyes tinged with green and hair shifting slightly in a non-existent breeze.
“Jon, take a deep breath.” the hum-Luz instructed. To Hunter's surprise, he did.
“Sorry. I went a little overboard, but I stand by what I said.”
“Why are you so adamant about this anyway?” The owl lady asked, and Hunter found himself agreeing.
“Because…because I kind of relate to him. I know what it's like to be manipulated into doing bad stuff. Our circumstances are far from the same but still.” Jon said, looking away. “I was manipulated into becoming what I am now. Jonah is the reason I’m a monster.”
“You are not a monster!” Hunter burst out, before realizing his mistake. “Sorry. It’s just…you’ve been helping me for months for no other reason than because you wanted to. You’ve given me first aid and…you’re the reason I’ve started to realize what Belos has done to me was wrong.” Jon smiled at him.
“I’m glad to know you think so highly of me. But again, I was just doing what any decent person would do.”
“Okay, that was cute.” the owl lady sighed. “He can stay, at least for now.” Jon grinned.
“Welcome home Hunter.”