Chapter Text
Harold was standing around in the main room. He didn't really have anything to do, as he was the prisoner of the multiversal superhero group, the Sharp Gang. Had been for months. And he liked watching people. And listening to them. Unfortunately, no interesting conversations were happening right now. So here he was. He heard the door open behind him. He swiveled around and saw that Benny Sharp had entered. Harold grinned and waved at the man as he stepped through the door. It was always a delight to see Benny.
"Ah, hey Harold!"
"Hey Benny," the cowboy responded. "How're ya doin'?"
"Good. I was just 'bouta head over to Champ's universe to talk to 'em. Wanna come?"
Harold chuckled and shook his head. "Would love to, but I don't think Sterlin' and Alexis want me leavin' the tank."
"Ah, right. Forgot." Benny responded lightly, but he seemed disappointed. "Oh, could ya do me a favor?"
Harold nodded quickly. "Sure, whaddya need?"
"Champ wanted a book from here, but I don't got time to run over and grab it. It's on the 3rd table from the entrance. Could ya grab it for me?"
"Of course. Be right back!" Harold sprinted off in the direction of the library. While he was running, his mind dashed at an even faster pace. He seemed disappointed. Does he know? God he's pretty. Wish i could come with him. Those eyes.. hey! Snap back to reality, would ya?
He swung open the doors and quickly grabbed the book from the table. He sprinted back and held out the book to Benny. "Here ya go."
He smiled and took the book from Harold's hands, their fingers brushing together. He let go of the book before he got too focused on that.
"Thanks Harold!" Benny said enthusiastically. "Dunno what I'd do without ya." They both chuckled for a minute. They both knew where he'd be without the cowboy.
Harold leaned back on the counter and tipped his hat to Benny. "Well, have fun with Dr. Champagne. Let me know if he flips out over somethin'."
Benny laughed and tapped his watch a bit, searching for the correct universe. "I will. Always do." He tapped his watch one more time as purple lightning sparked from it and began spreading. "Wonder where I'd be without him." He smiled a slightly dreamy smile, undoubtedly thinking of his boyfriend. He then waved to Harold as the last of the lighting encased him, and he disappeared in a flash.
Harold smiled for a bit, then sighed and put his hand over his eyes. I don't have a chance. I don't have a chance with either of them. He rubbed his eyes forcefully, trying to keep the tears back. Stupid, stupid. Why did you have to do this?! You know they're in a relationship, but nope. Why do I have to like them…. I know they don't. No one has. Wasting my time..
His thoughts were interrupted by a pang. What felt like a pain in his chest. The pain became worse. Like there was something digging into his lungs. He could feel something in there, moving. Rustling the tissue. Blooming. He tried to take a deep breath, but it cut off as the pain increased. He started wheezing. Gasping. This.. stuff was growing. Taking up space. Restricting. He finally started coughing. Hacking. Bits of leaves flew out, and after a while, petals. Then a whole bud. A small, red tulip bud. Harold looked curiously at the little thing, wet with saliva. Where did this come from? He'd heard of flowers growing in people's lungs before, but it had never been an issue for them. Hell, he'd coughed up petals on occasion over the last few days. But he'd never heard of anyone coughing up a tulip bud. He shrugged, and threw the tulip in the trash. It was nothing, he was sure. He walked to his small room and hung up his hat. After taking off his boots and changing, he settled down in his sleeping bag and dozed off.