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Hunter was nestled on the couch, sighing blissfully, the first opened beer of the day in his hand. Laundry fell onto Crosshair today, and before the water would cut out, he was urged to better make good use of it.
It was nice, this evening. Cozy. And nothing to worry about except for the rustling of raindrops, hammering against their window. So, feet up, TV on, and pray that the cable would withstand the connection. As Hunter sank into the plush cushions, he couldn't help but grin at himself, utterly pleased. By his side, Echo, buried under blankets, freezing. Aside him a muscle relaxing cream. His joints hurt- excruciating pain, for days. And nothing for anyone to do about it. That’s how Hunter knew this day was coming. Weather forecast this and that but noone was as precise as Echo.
On Echo, Gonky rested contentedly, her velvety fur brushing against him, kneading biscuits into the blanket. She seemed just as chilled out as he was, her gaze fixed on Echo’s face, giving him a gentle nudge every now and then.
“What are we watching?” he mumbled to Echo.
Echo’s hand got lost within Gonky’s fur. Sometimes, Echo mused, Gonky preferred him because there were less libs she could tangle herself in.
“I heard there is a rerun of Homeward bound-”
Hunter shook his head. He absolutely did not feel like crying today. “Are the Tipoca City Duplicates still playing?” he proposed instead. Their fourth year at nationals in a row. Hunter could finally wear his team member shirt in pride again.
“Don’t think so.” Echo hummed. “Could watch the news?”
“Sure.” Hunter switched about. Soon, the logo of “Kamino News” was on, casting their faces in a blue based glow. In it, obviously reports, detailing stories of basements under water, fallen trees and whatnot. Hunter let the noise fade past, eyes more on Gonky, resting peacefully on his half-brother.
Well, until, “Hey- look who it is” Echo sat up, startling the cat a little. He pointed, masking a giggle. Echo was quick to grab his phone, raising his hand for a quick picture.
A well known figure on the screen, hat on and all. Underneath him a banner “Cody Kenobi - Chief of Police”. He reported on some flooding, road work, handing out driving advice- the quintessence: stay home.
Hunter pointed back to the screen, something, someone else catching his eye. “That Rex?” Sure enough, someone in a similar fit, blonde hair, in the distance. Weird, seeing your family. Even if it was local TV.
Then the program cut to something else. The animal of the day. A fifteen year old dog, belonging to some old chap. Hunter took a long sip, eyes at half-mast.
Upstairs, the steady hum of running water and some melody echoing off the walls, told him Wrecker was still indulging in his bath – Well deserved after the day they had.
When working outside, a rainstorm wasn’t your first choice- His high-vis getting drenched, steel toed boots flooding, Cid shouting even more than usual… but tomorrow was off. Not even their snarky boss let them roam around a construction site in these conditions. For today it had been damage control. Laying down big tarps of blue, shielding what they could, and then, inevitably, hoping for the best.
With a contented exhale, Hunter raised his beer to his lips, relishing the sharp, bitter taste. His eyes wandered around the snug living room, soaking in the soft glow of the TV and the tantalizing scent of laundry detergent wafting from the depths of the hallway.
Just a small commotion caught his interest. A pair of small feet, jumping down the stairs.
Omega bounced into the room, her excitement practically tangible in the air. "Hey, Hunter! Guess what?”
“Huh” he watched on, staring into nothing.
Omega’s spirit wasn’t dampened, however. “Hera got a car for her 16th-"
"Amazing," Hunter interjected, though his tone held a hint of anxiety. He glanced briefly at his kid, a bright smile on her round face. It was in these moments… where Hunter felt like he’d utterly, and gigantonormously , failed as the guardian.
Sure, Hera was older. Sure, maybe such an occasion warranted a special something. But just something in him couldn’t shake the bile rising in his throat that out of her friends, Omega would stay the only one without such grand gestures. Shame was hot, seething through his very core.
Omega pressed on, undeterred by her brother's distracted response. "… means I’m going out tonight."
The frown deepened on Hunter's face as he turned his attention back to Omega. What the hell did she think she was doing? "No, you're not."
Omega rolled her eyes, a gesture all too familiar between siblings, but for Hunter it had a certain disrespect to it that he couldn’t condone. "Oh please, Hunter. Don't start with the protective brother routine. I can take care of myself."
Echo, sensing the tension in the room, chimed in from his spot beside Hunter. "That is the wrong way to ask for what you want, young lady." he turned back to the feline, massaging his chest. Even Gonky seemed to judge, her cross eyed stare fixed on the squabbling pair.
Hunter glanced out the paneling, his brows furrowing as he watched the rain hammering against the glass. "Don't want you going out in this kind of weather," he insisted, his voice edged with concern. He gave it another nip. Never easy, this type of talk.
Omega shrugged, her gaze fixed on her phone screen. "So what? It's just a little rain."
Hunter sighed, exasperated. "Have you looked outside instead of your phone lately? It's not safe." He gestured towards the window just as the sound of branches snapping echoed outside.
Omega waved off his worries with a dismissive gesture. "Oh, come on, Hunter! Don't be such a worrywart. We'll be fine. Besides, I can't bail on my friends now. They're counting on me."
"Omega, what makes you think I am joking? I'm dead serious," Hunter countered, his tone firm, "this storm isn't something to take lightly. It's going to be dangerous out there. You are staying home. That’s an order. End of the discussion."
Omega rolled her eyes, frustration evident in her demeanor. She was endearing. Even when furious. But that did not make it one bit easier for him.
"You're always trying to control me, Hunter. I'm not a kid anymore. I can make my own decisions."
Hunter took a deep breath, trying to calm the rising tension. "It's not about control, Omega. It's about keeping you safe," he reiterated, his voice steady but firm.
Omega glanced towards the window, a flicker of hope crossing her features. "Maybe it lightens up-"
Echo, however, silently pointed to the rectangular screen, where the weather forecast showed no signs of improvement, effectively mocking Omega’s hopeful exclamation.
Frustration crept into Hunter's voice as he continued, "I'm not trying to parent you, Omega," he said, even though it was a flat-out lie. "I'm trying to be your brother. And as your brother, I care about what happens to you. I don't want to see you get hurt."
Omega's voice rose, her defiance palpable. "Well, I don't need you to protect me, Hunter!"
Echo, usually the silent observer, couldn't help but interject from her spot behind the blankets on the chaise. "Kid, be careful," he warned, dropping the ever so popularly used “Sweetheart”.
But Omega was undeterred. "It’s true- I can look out for myself," she insisted. "You’re always teaming up against me! It’s not fair."
Hunter's irritation boiled over, his voice matching Omega's in intensity. He sat up, arms leaning on his knees. "No, you can't! You think you know everything, but you don't. Don’t make this bigger than it has to be." Despite his own rising anger, there was a hint of desperation in his tone, a plea for Omega to just… get it. He didn’t want to be like this. But when she behaved like a kriffin seven-year-old, he had to be.
Omega’s despair reached its peak as she lashed out, "You're always trying to ruin everything for me!"
Hunter's response was unexpected, his voice softening with a hint of sadness that even surprised him. "You are my kid.” he let slip, “I am responsible, want it or not."
"Urgh," Omega grunted in frustration, feeling the weight of his words pressing down on her.
Hunter was taken aback by Omega's reaction, his attempt at explanation faltering. "Omega, I... I'm just trying to..."
But before he could finish, Omega stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her. Next, he heard Crosshair yelling something, kneejerk. It didn’t seem to make a difference. In a flurry of motion, he heard how she grabbed her shoes and coat, disappearing out the door before Hunter could fully comprehend what was happening.
Two long feet made their way down, the old wooden steps creaking. "That was… impactful ," Tech remarked, and Hunter knew he needed at least three long Mississipies before he had processed the situation. "Category three seems to have transformed into a category four wind, but still three for rain..."
As Tech clicked around on his tablet, Echo, ever the observer, chimed in casually. "She'll not be long then." he remarked, his confidence unwavering. Hunter, however, wasn’t too sure about that.
Crosshair's snarky comment from the kitchen only added to the weight of the situation. "Yeah, as soon as she gets wet, she's gonna come back," he remarked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Hunter ran a hand through his hair, his head sinking into his hands in frustration. "I get that she wanted to- Just-" He paused, letting out a heavy sigh before continuing in exasperation, "What the fuck am I doing wrong? Why is it always me-"
Tech chimed in with his characteristic precision. "You? Well, given your esteemed position as the individual most akin to a paternal figure in her life, and in light of the profound reverence she holds for you, it is amidst this delicate dynamic that her current penchant for rebellion finds its genesis."
Hunter looked at Tech, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
"I didn’t get that either, mate," Echo added, his words mirroring Hunter's sentiment.
From his place in the distance, Crosshair offered his own succinct analysis. "You're the dad, that’s all," he supplied, as if that explained everything. As if that would give Hunter all the answers he ever wished to have in his life.
Hunter let out a weary sigh, "Huh- Since she turned fourteen, it's just one thing after the other," he mused aloud, a hint of exhaustion evident in his voice, even if he didn’t want it to be present.
Tech jumped in. "May I remind you that her prefrontal cortex has barely started its development and congruently she finds herself amidst the intricate process of discerning her impulses."
Impulses… What the hell did that even mean. Almost sounded as if she was a homicidal nutjob. She was their kid, for makers sake! Not just a case from some study.
Crosshair, never one to mince words, cut in with his bluness. "Don’t fucking bark all the time for a start," he quipped, his tone laced with spite. Yeah, it was easy for him to say. He didn’t bear the same responsibility. Legally as well as in other ways.
Hunter brought a hand to his neck. His bandana now awfully tight on his head. He tugged on it a little, a weight settling in his chest like a cornerstone, pressing down on him. "I just want what's best for her," he murmured, his voice tinged with weariness. "But sometimes it feels like I'm just talking against a thick brick wall!”
Echo hummed in sympathy. “Well, it’s not gonna get better from here on out, Sarge”
Hunter shut his eyelids, strained. This raising thing, good values and sociable behavior, he knew people made guides for these but Hunter doubted for one to exist for an their… unique situation .
Meanwhile, Wrecker thundered down, humming. Not a care in the world- Yet. He peaked in, leaning past Tech standing stoically in the door, still processing a little. A towel wrapped around his bald head and looking around the room with confusion. Blissfully unaware, as always. "Where did the kid go?" he asked, oblivious to the strain seeping through the air.
Once again, Hunter's gaze drifted toward the outside, drawn by the sound of rain tapping against the glass. Outside, the world seemed to blur in a haze of gray, the landscape transformed into a watercolor painting of muted tones. Trees swayed in the gusts of wind, their branches bending and contorting in a dance with the storm. Droplets clashed against each other, creating a cacophony of sound that filled the air. The furthest from comforting. It wasn’t relaxing, like in the dumb videos on the internet. Not like what Omega put on to study, or Wrecker, when he needed to calm after a long day. It didn’t help that puddles formed on the ground, growing in size until they resembled small lakes, reflecting the overcast sky like mirrors of silver. No driving weather. Especially not for someone just having learned how to drive.
As Hunter watched the scene unfold, a sense of unease gnawed at the edges of his mind.
Then, cutting through the tranquility, came the distant wail of an ambulance siren. Hunter's heart skipped a beat, his thoughts immediately racing to Omega. None of the members of Marauderlane were necessarily religious, but right then and there, when the world surrounding them seemed to want to end, Hunter prayed fervently that she was safe, that the ambulance wasn't coming for her. But… What if- Did she land in a ditch, crash into a tree, get swept away, or was… just lost? Hurt? Or worse, alone?
His hands clenched into fists as he listened intently, the sound growing louder with each passing second. The siren pierced through the air like a knife, slicing through the veil of uncertainty that hung heavy in the room. So aggravating it fueled nothing but aggression within him. And then, as suddenly as it had begun, the sound faded into the distance, leaving behind an eerie silence in its wake. Hunter let out a shaky breath.
Couldn’t be- Why did she never listen? He didn’t even have to say no before she was hell bent on doing it already.
This wasn't the first time she had ignored his warnings, and he feared it wouldn't be the last. Hadn’t he tried everything? lectures, punishments, even pleading with her to listen— Hunter had been tired, sick of it even at some points. She had a mind of her own, stubborn and unyielding, and nothing he said seemed to make a difference. Crosshair managed sometimes. Or Echo. Wrecker didn’t try at all and Tech was neither successful nor particularly hellbent on drawing this kind of wrath onto him.
All he could do was stand there, arms crossed tightly over his chest, a grim expression etched onto his rugged features. It grated against his pride, his sense of duty as her guardian, to see her so recklessly disregarding his warnings. But he was a former soldier, a man of action, and all he could do was stand there and watch, all efforts fruitless. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, the muscles in his jaw working as he fought to contain his frustration.
On the other side of town, just bordering the Tipoca City Suburbs, Omega and Hera found themselves nestled in Hera's brand-new car, the faint scent of leather mingling with the excitement in the air.
It was a pretty one, black, kind of small but Omega assumed that to be practical. She nipped at the iced coffee in her hand, savoring the sweetness on her tongue. They'd been chilled out, initially. But as rain began to pelt against the windshield, the atmosphere had shifted a little. The once-promising outing now felt like a precarious venture. Now, they were trapped here. On the parking lot, outside of a fast food chain. And who really knew how long this was gonna last.
“At least we are not starving” Hera mused, grabbing a fry off the bag in her lap. Omega nodded weakly. Not too big of a comfort.
The rhythmic pounding of raindrops was soon accompanied by the eerie howl of the wind, swirling around them like the angry tempest it was. Outside, the sky darkened ominously, casting a foreboding shadow over their surroundings.
Omega, who had entered the car with an air of confidence, now felt her resolve waver in the face of nature's fury. The storm seemed to amplify her doubts, echoing her inner turmoil as she gazed out at the chaos unfolding beyond the safety of the car's shelter. Omega's earlier bravado melted away as she watched the storm intensify outside. Raindrops pelted the windshield. Tiny missiles, and the howling wind seemed to echo her rapidly increasing heartbeat.
Hera raised her voice to be heard over the gusts. "Quite the storm, huh? Maybe we should've checked the forecast before heading out."
Omega's voice was barely above a whisper as she spoke, her gaze fixed on the tumultuous scene unfolding outside. "Yeah, maybe..." Why did Hunter always have to be right? Sometimes it almost felt as if the universe was against her regarding these things. On Hunter’s side, every single time. Annoying. Entirely. Omega bit her lip, eyes laid upon the booth of the car. “Hunter didn’t want me coming here”
“Mother didn’t either.” Hera twitched her shoulders. An indifference to her voice that made Omega shudder. Was that how she sounded like sometimes?
Omega's voice cracked with uncertainty as she spoke, her inner turmoil laid bare. "Maybe he's right, Hera. Maybe I should've stayed. He’s just such a dictator."
"My mom is too. Hera this, Hera that- Exhausting!" Hera's French accent became more pronounced as she vented her frustrations.
Omega nodded in understanding, empathizing with Hera's sentiments. Hunter could be just as overbearing at times. No Omega, not yet, absolutely not, I just don’t want you to get hurt-
The last one admittedly stung a little more than the rest.
"It's not too late to turn back. We can head home now if you want," Hera offered, her tone softening with concern.
Omega hesitated, torn between her pride and the growing fear gnawing at her insides. But before she could respond, a sudden bolt of lightning lit up the sky, followed by a deafening clap of thunder. The sheer intensity of the storm sent Omega's heart racing, the reality of their situation sinking in with each passing second. It was loud. Painfully so. For a moment, her ears rang.
As rain beat relentlessly against the car's windows, Hera's voice cut through the din, offering a semblance of reassurance. "Being in a car is safe- I think-"
But Omega's urgent interjection halted Hera's words, her tone betraying her anxiety. "Hera, I need to get back home." She swallowed. Multiple times.
With a nod of agreement, Hera wasted no time. "Yeah, let's get out of here."
With a sense of urgency, Hera started the car, its engine roaring to life as they began to navigate through the worsening weather. Omega's mind raced with worry as they drove, regretting her earlier decision and anxious to get back home to safety. The street was almost indistinguishable. Hera had her wipers on, highest setting, and for a minute, Omega feared they’d detach.
Hera maneuvered through the increasingly treacherous conditions, Omega's mind raced with worry. Regret was an ugly thing to feel. Especially when it was self-inflicted. Why in the seven moons of hell had she been so bent on going out?
The next gust of cold air pressing against the small vehicle seemed determined to test their resolve, the water drumming against the car's exterior with relentless force.
With each flash of lightning illuminating the sky, Omega's apprehension grew, her thoughts consumed by the image of Hunter's disapproving frown. She had to call. Tell him how sorry she was. Tell him-
She opened her phone, entirely on autopilot, clicking the first number in the call log, her fingers trembling with a mix of apprehension and desperation, she prayed for a connection amidst the storm's chaos. When his voice finally crackled through the receiver, relief flooded her senses, though it was short-lived.
"Hey-" Omega's voice wavered as she tried to steady herself against the tumult outside.
"OMEGA-" Hunter's shout pierced through the line, his concern palpable even through the phone's tiny speaker. She instinctively held the device away from her face, his urgency sending a shiver down her spine.
"Hera’s car- I-" Omega struggled to find her words amidst the tumult of emotions swirling inside her.
"PLEASE COME HOME- IT'S NOT SAFE," Hunter's words were laced with urgency, cutting through the static with a force that made her heart ache.
"I will. We’re on our way back. Almost there- Hunter, I just wanted to say that-" Omega's voice caught in her throat, tears threatening to spill over. She couldn't explain the sudden surge of emotion, but she could hear the startled shake in Hunter's voice, mirroring her own.
" Come home first, kid. That's the most important thing ," Hunter's words were a lifeline amidst the chaos. How did he do it? No matter how awful she was feeling, when Hunter's voice resounded from her phone, anything and everything was swept away.
"Hunter- I love you-" Omega's declaration was cut short by a sudden jolt, the car swerving off the curve just before her house. "HERA WATCH OUT!" Omega's cry was drowned out by the screech of tires and the deafening silence that followed.
As the car came to a stop, Omega found herself frozen in place, the weight of the moment pressing down upon her like a suffocating blanket. The car sat askew, its front end buried in a tangle of branches. She could feel Hera's panic radiating from the driver's seat beside her.
"Hera, are you okay?" Omega's voice trembled as she reached out to touch her friend's shoulder. The air hung heavy.
Hera nodded, her knuckles white as she gripped the steering wheel. Eyes wide, staring dead ahead. "I-I think so," she stammered, her breath coming in shallow gasps.
"Omega? Omega? OMEGA?" Hunter's frantic calls echoed through the emptiness, each word a reminder of the fragile thread that bound them together.
And then, it fell silent. For a moment, none of it mattered anymore. In the stillness that followed, Omega's world narrowed down to a single truth: She had to see her family again.
Doot Doot Doot
Doot Doot Doot
Doot Doot Doot
“Fuck”
Hunter paced back and forth across the small living room, his steps heavy with frustration and anxiety. His emotions churned within him like swallowing hot fucking iron. Along with that confusion, sadness, and fear. Healthy mix. As always.
Automatically, he called back, doot doot doot. Then, voicemail. A generated one, fucking cold.
He glanced out the window, the rain pounding relentlessly against the glass, a cruel barrier between him and the outside world. His fists clenched at his sides as he longed to break free from the confines of the house, to rush. To make sure he did SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
Again, he tried. Hunter would never give up on his kid.
Nothing. He thought he was going to pass out.
With a growl of frustration, Hunter raked a hand through his hair, his mind racing with a thousand thoughts and fears. A very known, pulsating pain was rushing to his neck.
“Hunter-” A grip to his shoulder. Echo’s. The only one that actually smelled good.
“Yeah” he wiped his nose with the back of his hand.
“She’ll be okay.” Echo mumbled. He hadn’t heard what Hunter had had to listen to- the yelling, the skittering, something impacting something else, metal groaning as it bent- Oh oh maker.
A sudden jolt of sound shattered the tense silence of the room. The doorbell rang, its chime echoing through the house. The house was too empty without her in it. Wrecker sprinted past him, beating everyone else to it. “Mega-” He ripped the door open, one of the hinges clinkering miserably upon impact.
Hunter’s heart dropped so quickly, he wasn’t sure if he was about to throw up for a second there-
With cautious steps, Hunter made his way to the entrance, his footsteps echoing against the hardwood floor. Each step felt like an eternity, the anticipation building with every passing moment.
There she was. Drenched head to toe. Well. Thank fuck she was well. “I’m sorry”
“KID” Hunter wasted no time closing in on the distance, hoisting her up with ease.
As Omega leaned into Hunter's embrace, the tension in the air seemed to evaporate, replaced by an almost tangible sense of relief. Hunter's arms enveloped her with a protective strength, his rugged physique a testament to his unwavering resolve, his heart pounding with a mixture of worry and gratitude.
"You're ice-cold," Hunter murmured, his voice thick with emotion as he turned his head to get a good lock at Omega. Blue lips, pink face, he’d never want to see this ever again. Never. “Kid-”
Omega met his gaze, her eyes wide with a mixture of exhaustion and relief. She didn't speak at all. Blank stare, right over his shoulder and trailing to the bottom.
Tech, ever the pragmatist, draped a blanket over Omega's shoulders, while Crosshair commandeered Wrecker's towel with a casual disregard for his protests.
Wrecker huffed indignantly. "Hey!"
Crosshair shot back with his characteristic snark. "You're fuckin' bald. You don't need that. Give her that-" Crosshair placed it around her head, trying to scrunch it a little, but when listening to her wince, he dropped it. Backing off.
Turning his attention back to Omega, Hunter gently lifted her chin, his gaze searching hers for any sign of injury. "Are you hurt? Did you hit your head?"
Omega shook her head against his neck, her locks dripping over the back of his shirt.
"You scared me," he admitted, voice giving out. It was true. She did that a lot these days- Or Hunter was more affected by it than he used to be.
Omega's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she met his gaze. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice filled with remorse, her face wet, and howling silent cries into his shoulder.
Hunter shook his head, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips despite the lingering fear in his heart. "Just promise me you won't do anything like that again. Okay?"
Omega nodded, her grip tightening around his hand as if seeking reassurance. "I promise," she replied, her voice barely audible above the sound of the rain outside.
Tech stooped around, posture littered with uncanny concern. “We should get her warmed up. Hot tea, perhaps?”
Hunter nodded, his gaze never leaving Omega's face as he gently brushed a strand of wet hair away from her forehead. "Yeah, hot tea sounds good," he replied, his voice soft with concern.
Echo stooped in, “Let’s make sure she’s okay first. Don’t overwhelm her.”
Hunter couldn’t say Echo was wrong about that. He hoisted her up a little more, settling her on his hip bone. He’d never admit it, but either she was getting heavier or he became weaker. “C’mon, kid” he mumbled. Instinctively, and Hunter himself couldn’t tell what let him to this automatic reflex, he set her into his bed, yet by the way she held on, he knew he wasn’t allowed to leave. Omega shivered, twitching on his chest, while Hunter himself started to look as if he’d been out there.
Leaning down, his warm breath came to her ear, hands cupping, and warming, hers. Silent, but nevertheless supportive. "I thought something terrible had happened to you," Hunter confessed softly, checking her over again. Maybe he’d missed something the first time.
Omega met his gaze, her eyes reflecting a blend of remorse and gratitude for his concern. Her voice barely above a whisper, she replied, "I- I'm sorry, Hunter. I didn't realize how bad it was out there." her jaw snapped shut, teeth quite audibly, and terrifyingly so, chattering. “I- w-walked-”
Hunter's heart clenched at the vulnerability in her tone, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking again, his voice firm but gentle.
"Promise me you'll never put yourself in danger like that again," Hunter implored, his words carrying something unexplored that he couldn’t even start to describe. That was the thing, most of it, he just improvised. He squeezed her hand reassuringly, silently urging her to understand the gravity of his request.
Maybe, she’d get it now. That he wasn’t the bad guy for nothing.
As Crosshair brought in a pile of clothes, Hunter gently eased Omega off his chest, one of his arms still wrapped protectively around her. He glanced at the assortment of clothing laid out before them, a mixture of socks, leggings, and a big something- All old. All well loved items.
Turning his attention back to Omega, Hunter's concern deepened at her subdued response. He carefully lifted her chin, meeting her gaze with a gentle yet searching look.
"Can you change... Is that okay for you, kid?" he asked softly, his voice tinged with uncertainty, hoping to gauge her reaction. Omega's response was subtle, a slight bob of her head indicating her consent. She didn't speak much further. Didn’t have to.
Crosshair began to pick at her foot, pinching in between her toes, carefully pulling the sopping wet sock off. “They are freezing,” he remarked, a bite of something different to that statement. Worry? sorrow perhaps? Crosshair did care. Even if he didn’t really show it. And Hunter knew to appreciate that.
“Jeans” he ordered, or asked. Hunter couldn’t make out the monotone in his voice.
“Hunter-” he said, low, eyebrows shooting up. For a second, Hunter didn’t know why his brother didn’t move. But then, it dawned on him.
“Right-” he nodded, low, understanding Crosshair's insinuation. His heart made a weird twinge at that. For the same reason why everything nowadays was embarrassing. Kissing your guardian goodbye was out, hugging in public wasn’t cool, even being seen with her brothers- Oh god forbid he existed!
Hunter managed a deep sigh, truly exhausted. Maybe in more than one way. “Do you want to change into those?”
Omega was hesitant. She extended a shaking arm, grasping for the pair. With her motor control still lacking like that, she let it fall right back out of her grasp. “Shit- sorry”
Crosshair stood like a pillar, eyes on Hunter’s before he stooped downward. “We can close our eyes?”
“Yeah, fine” she replied, a soft chatter to her voice. Finally some life breathed into her. “Thanks”
Hunter felt some hands moving about. Soft, small, frozen ones, trying to aid the bigger, rougher pair. Hunter held her waist, trying to stabilize the weak stand. Crosshair made a low hum, which had Omega responding with a soft giggle.
“Where the fuck are you? I can’t-” Hunter heard a rustle, then another giggle.
“I’m here, wait-” Omega struggled, but managed. After a bit, and Crosshair complaining about the touch of her cold limbs on his, the pants had been applied. “Done”
The sweater, next, was easier. As he pulled her old one off, all Hunter could hear was a slapping sound when Crosshair discarded it onto the floor. As Crosshair assisted Omega change into the rest, fresh shirt, long sleeves, plus Echo’s old cardigan, surely the first one he’d found, Hunter stepped back slightly, giving them space but remaining close by, ready to offer support if needed. He watched with a mixture of relief and gratitude as Crosshair handled the situation with unexpected gentleness and care. The bastard could, if he needed to.
“All set-” he gestured a mock-salute, trailing off with the lump of cold and wet in his arms. It wouldn't take long for him to come back, Hunter concluded. Even if he wasn’t in sight.
Surrendering to the gravitational pull that was a little sister around five older brothers (understandably so!), Tech swarmed in next, a tea in his hands, making sure she stayed hydrated. After that, it was Wrecker, drying her hair off, even though roughly, but she appreciated it nonetheless. And finally, Echo leaned in, dropping the cat into the room.
Soon, and despite Hunter’s room being by far the worst place to congregate in, everyone was somehow seated. On the floor, on the bed- It didn’t really matter.
“Hera? She okay?” he prompted, Omega’s glance faltering a little.
“Went home on the freeway. Safer-” Hunter nodded at Tech for that, telepathically trying to convey a check-in on her side. Dutifully, he walked off, mumbling hushed into the speaker. Cham. Lucky for that.
“I tried to run for the rest of the way-” Hunter pressed his mouth, understanding. Then, her eyes shot open. “Shoot- I forgot my phone- In her car- I- I must’ve dropped it- we dodged like a branch or something- and- ohh I’m so sorry- It fell into the back- I- ”
“What?” So that’s what that was. Just the image of her crashing- No- no- Hunter wouldn’t go there today. He couldn’t deny, however, the thought that came next. Maybe a little time away from this rectangular piece of absentmindedness wasn’t too bad for her. She spent way too much time on that thing anyway.
Hunter’s attention got drawn to someone else. Tech wandered back in, making a thumbs up. Thank the maker. Two kids safe, back home. What are the odds?
As Hunter sat across from Omega, shoulders pressed into the other end of the wall, his gaze fixed on her, he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt gnawing at his insides. He watched as she stared into her tea, her expression distant, her lips pressed into a tight line, holding back a flood of emotions.
"Just promise me, please, if we say no, there's always a reason for it. We don't do it to be mean," Hunter pleaded, his voice tinged with a mixture of concern and regret. He knew how much Omega wanted to break free from the constraints of their protective upbringing, to explore the world beyond-
Omega's response was barely anything, her admission of guilt so freaking omnipresent. Even in him, that’s how he knew it was genuine. Because he could feel it. "I'm sorry," she murmured, her words sending a pang of sympathy coursing through Hunter's heart.
He reached out, his hand seeking hers in a gesture of comfort. "I get it if it's not cool. But it's safe- And we fought hard so you could be nothing but safe," he reassured her, hoping to ease the tension that hung between them.
"Mother. Right. Thanks for that, by the way ," Omega added, her tone laced with bitterness. Her mention of their mother brought a bitter taste to Hunter's tongue, a reminder of the sacrifices they had made to keep Omega protected.
Surprisingly, it was Tech who spoke next. “One often fails to grasp the extent of a situation's severity until they have distanced themselves from it, do they not?” he murmured from his crouch on the floor, and Hunter became aware just of how moved he was by it all. Not even when discussing mother openly, did Tech ever respond. Crosshair? yes- taking very much offense, Wrecker sometimes, when she called and he was the unlucky one to pick up the landline phone. Hunter himself only if he absolutely had to. Or when fearing Omega had left something at her house when visiting. Or when picking her up and exposing himself to the usual grilling.
“I guess so,” Omega cast her glance at nothing, trailing her hand along her arms. Hunter, hell, every single one of the quadruplet kids knew what hid beneath. Deeply ingrained into their skin. A storm they couldn’t escape from. No matter how willing they were to bring forth the effort.
Hunter squeezed her hand again, hoping the weight of it all finally had some form of impact. Maybe, he was lucky. "Just promise me," he repeated, his voice softer this time, "that if we say no, there's always a reason for it. We're not trying to be mean."
Omega met his gaze with a somber nod, her eyes shining with things, Hunter couldn’t even begin to make out. "I promise," she whispered.
And as the next lightning struck, Omega snuggled in between her brothers. For right now, she was anything but alone.
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