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Henry Oak-Garcia starts his day the same every day, consistency makes things feel less suffocating. Routines are healthy, and when you live in such a chaotic house, it's a good idea. He wakes up every morning at 5:00 am, watches the sun rise by the window in the living room with a cup of coffee, and then starts breakfast. Mercedes, his beautiful wife, has offered to make breakfast a handful of times but Henry likes the addition to the routine and she's usually getting ready for work by then. He’ll take the dog out, and feed the birds and goat, then water the plants as well, enjoying the silence.
Mercedes walks downstairs at around 6:05, makes her own cup of coffee and then goes to wake up their two beautiful boys, Lark and Sparrow. The twins are incredibly similar, and sometimes it's hard to tell them a part, but in the morning it's always the most obvious which boy is which. Lark is grumpy and wants to go back to bed, but Sparrow rises with the energy of an army. Henry gives the boys their breakfasts, says goodbye to Mercedes as she leaves for work, and then helps Lark and Sparrow get ready for school.
He drives them in his Prius and drops them off in the car line, then drives to the San Dimas Museum Of Natural History for work. The small parts of his routine that he usually doesn't note, are the little things he enjoys, like getting an early good morning message from Darryl, his boyfriend, and sending his own message to Glenn, his and Darryl’s boyfriend, as well. Glenn always rises later, getting up in the morning to make sure his son Nick is up and ready (a new addition to his routine curtesy his and Nick’s family counselor.) then gets back to bed. So Henry usually gets a response from Glenn by the time he arrives at the museum. Henry also learned after a bit that Glenn doesn't like having to answer messages when he initially awakes, and so he made it clear that Glenn could answer his message later on.
That's the routine that Henry follows every morning, that makes him happy and ready to take on a new day! Even when small things go wrong, like one or both of the twins getting sick (usually both since the two constantly share Sparrow’s bottom bunk of their bed instead of splitting off at night.) or Glenn sending Henry a panicked text because something goes wrong with the Close family morning, Henry has learned after being around a mostly sober Glenn for a while that he has some anxiety issues. Or Darryl needs help getting Grant to school because of work. Things are okay though! Because Henry is able to take these things on, even when it feels tough in the moment, he has amazing people in his life at his side that love and care about him and he loves them fully in return.
But, somedays, things just won't stop going wrong. Henry, instead of waking gently to his alarm of soft music, wakes suddenly. He sits up quickly, gasping for air, clenching at his chest. He had a nightmare, about something that he can't remember, that blurry picture that he’s come so accustomed to being his childhood and early adulthood. He digs the heels of his hands into his eyes, slumping over and trying to catch his breath. Get the tears out of his eyes. He’s trembling, his hands shaking terribly. The sun hasn't come up yet, obviously, and when he checks the alarm clock next to the bed, it reads ‘4:21 am.’ Henry frowns and brushes his long hair out of his face.
Mercedes is still sleeping soundlessly beside him, her big brown curls hiding her face from view. Henry wipes at the tears on his cheeks, then throws the comforter off of him, standing up. He doubts he’ll be able to sleep again. Flashes of yelling in his mind, blood and knives, broken glass, sobbing. He shakes his head, trying to physically clear the thoughts from his head. He stretches his body, trying to stop trembling, and picks up his glasses. He doesn't exactly need to wear them but he likes that they make him look different. He always hates to see his eyes staring back at him in mirrors, eyes that look so similarly to his father.
Henry barely remembers the man, his therapist says it's traumatic memories being hidden from view because his brain wants to protect him. He must have been terrible, from what Henry does remember. Henry walks to the bathroom connected to he and Mercedes’ bedroom, and he brushes his hair, looking away from his reflection. His hair is blonde and long, stopping at the base of his neck. He keeps it long, no longer than how it is now, but the thought of cutting it all off has always made his skin crawl. This small part of getting himself ready for the day, brushing out the knots in his hair that come from sleep, is his least favorite. He hates doing it for some reason, but he always hates it more when other people do it.
He’s reminded of the time Glenn had offered to brush his hair for him one morning after he had spent the night over at the Close Household, and Henry almost had a full on panic attack at the idea of it. Henry always preferred doing Glenn’s hair anyway, not the other way around. Henry shuts his eyes as his own shaky hands rake through the soft waves in his hair. He places down the wooden brush he has, and ties the hair back into a loose ponytail at the base of his neck. He opens them slowly and leans over, propping himself up with his hands on the sink. He tries again, to use breathing exercises to calm himself, but for some reason this stupid nightmare has shaken him badly. It doesn't work that much, but he's spent so much time in the bathroom that it’s already around the time he would be up and getting himself ready usually.
Henry throws on a t-shirt and cargo shorts, then also puts on a cardigan that Darryl had bought him a while back. It’s a nice green color and Darryl said it matched his eyes. As much as Henry hates his eyes, he loves Darryl more and the cardigan is pretty and comfortable, so he wears it still.
Henry walks into the kitchen and sets the coffee pot on, sitting down at the table instead of where he usually stands near the window in the kitchen. He puts his head in his hands. Why won’t he stop shaking? What is his brain trying to tell him?
“Boys his age mustn't act so ignorantly,” A man speaks.
“He’s turned only eight, Dearest. He is still growing-” A woman, she’s petting Henry on the head, her fingers racking through his hair. Her hands tremble.
“I have expectations, he’s already disappointed me.”
Henry rests his head onto the table, his arms folded around him, his breathing has worsened and he feels sick. God he feels so bad. Today- jesus, what is today? Henry sits up just for a moment to take out his phone, clicking it open. May 23rd. He curses and sets it down, digging his nails into his scalp.
It's his birthday.
Henry has an indescribable feeling about his own birthday. No one but Mercedes is aware of this, considering that he's spent many birthdays with her now. The day haunts him, he knew it was coming, only now did he realize that it was today. 14 years ago when he had met Mercedes, she had asked him when it was after hers had come around.
Henry was living with her and her brother, Ricky, in their apartment then, and they were at a small get together for her birthday, the guests consisting of a few close friends and her family. Henry had paused at the thought, had felt dread fill his entire being after she had asked, but he’d answered and she’d noticed his reaction. She didn't ask about it then but later on she did, and he confessed he didn't exactly know why he didn't like the day. Usually when someone says they don't like their birthday, it's because of the attention, but that’s not Henry’s issue with it, he just dreads the day entirely no matter what they do. He doesn't even think it has anything to do with the fact it's his birthday.
Henry breathes deeply, trying to catch his breath again. He can't even enjoy sitting and watching the sun as it rises, and it’s one of his favorite things in the mornings. Henry comes back down to earth for a second when he feels something cold and wet against his bare leg. He looks down and it's Fart, their dog. He sighs standing on shaky legs and goes to open the backdoor, letting him out into the yard. The dog yaps a little and runs around in the grass and Henry hugs himself tightly, trying to maintain some semblance of sanity, of calm. The coffee machine makes a noise and he walks back over to take it off, he sniffles a little, wiping at tears he hadn’t realized had fallen down his face.
He pours his coffee and walks into the living room to feed the birds quickly. Then he walks back to the kitchen and stares at the coffee in his mug, not drinking it. He sets it back down on the counter and turns, sitting down on the tile. He brings the sleeve of the knitted cardigan over his hand and wipes at his face a bit more, trying to breathe. Why can't he just fucking breathe? He brings his glasses up and lets them sit on his head, out of the way of his face.
His phone, sitting in his pocket, buzzes and he takes it out. There's a text message from Darryl. He opens it, bringing his knees to his chest.
Henry Oak-Garcia to Darryl Wilson // “Dar! <3”
5:51 am, Thursday.
Dar! <3: Good Morning Henry!!! I love you hope you have a great day!
Me: Morning, love you too
Henry buries his face into his knees, letting the hand holding up his phone go slack. He knows his response is lacking it’s usual pep and happiness and that Darryl is bound to notice, but he’s so tired and stressed out from absolutely nothing that he can't bring himself to fake it. Darryl doesn't even know about today being Henry’s birthday, nor does he know about Henry’s disdain towards it. God, not even the boys know. Henry tries to teach them that Birthdays are days that are good and that you should always do what you want to and what feels good to you, but honestly Henry just wants to shrivel up and die right now.
His phone buzzes a few more times and Henry sniffles, wiping at his face with his sleeve again and looks back at the messages.
Henry Oak-Garcia to Darryl Wilson // “Dar! <3”
5:53 am, Thursday.
Dar! <3: Are you okay?
Dar! <3: Did something happen??
Me: I’m alright don't worry about me
Dar! <3: You say that but now I’m more worried.
Me: Darryl honey, I’m fine
Dar! <3: You sound a lot like Glenn right now and it's making me nervous.
Dar! <3: Are you sure?
Henry frowns at the message. Henry’s usually all about open communication, and talking about his feelings. Why does he want to hide this away from Darryl? Why is he being closed off? Contradicting everything he stands for. Henry sighs, he turns off his phone and stands, leaning against the counter. He places it down and leans over, his face buried in his hands still.
“Henry?” He jumps, turning around like a spooked animal to see Mercedes standing in the entryway to the kitchen in her bathrobe. Her eyes widen at his reaction. “Woah, mi amor, what's wrong?” Henry shuts his eyes, brushing his bangs away shakily, leaned back against the counter. Mercedes starts to approach him but stays away, knowing Henry when he's like this.
“I- uhm…Geez-” He tries to say. He shakes his head, covering his mouth with his hand. Mercedes looks at him with worried eyes. “I can’t- gosh- I-” Mercedes takes a step forward hesitantly and Henry just nods. She takes one of his hands gently and places it on her chest, right above her heart. She’s breathing deeply, in an exaggerated way and Henry tries to match it, it's a weak attempt and it's barely working because now he’s just crying more, but he's just happy that he has someone with him. Eventually Henry just leans forward and Mercedes embraces him in her arms, holding him gently.
“Oh baby…” Mercedes mumbles. “You’re safe, I promise.” Henry just wishes he could be fully convinced, that he didn't feel so jumpy and so nervous. He wishes these feelings weren't so confusing, that he knew why he felt like this about everything. Would he ever know? Henry stops crying eventually, but Mercedes still holds him, rocking the two of them back and forth gently.
“I love you,” Henry whispers, clutching at the back of Mercedes’ robe. She sighs, petting his back slowly.
“I love you too,” She responds. Henry hums. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“Uhm…” Henry says. “I don't think I can,” He mumbles, he's still shaking a little, even though he’s calmed down more. The tension is still there, the feeling of being…watched. Chased. When the word comes to mind Henry stiffens a bit. What does that mean? Why would that be the thing that makes the most sense?! “It's uh…uhm- some-something memory related, I guess.” He answers.
“Oh-” Mercedes says, as if shes realizing something. “It's your- right, oh mi león..” Henry melts against her, burying his face in her neck. He can tell she remembers now, what the day is. “If you need me to drive the boys, you can go back to bed.” Henry stops to think for a second, he knows he can't go into work today, he's pretty sure he had already taken a vacation day for the 23rd anyway.
“You’d do that?” He whispers. He knows she would, he knows her so well. But Henry needs the confirmation in this moment, to make sure everything is good, that this is real. He hates these kind of moments, he feels so weak.
“Of course, love.” Mercedes whispers. “Always.” Henry shuts his eyes, he squeezes her tighter somehow and then backs away a bit, still holding her but with a small amount of space between them.
“Thank you,” Mercedes takes his glasses off of his head, placing them on the counter and cups his face. Henry smiles, it's weak and barely anything, but Mercedes smiles back. Her smile is gentle and filled with love. She kisses him on the cheek and he sighs. She rests her forehead against his.
“Go get some rest, I’ll tell the boys you aren't feeling well.” He nods and kisses her on the mouth this time, it's a small peck at best but she smiles at him still.
“You're amazing, Merce.” Henry whispers. He lets go of her and takes his phone and glasses from the counter, walking back down the hall and to their room. He shuts the door behind him and strips his shorts to wear some more comfortable sweatpants instead. He lays down, burying himself in the different quilts and blankets they have all over their bed, and sighs. He takes out his phone again, a few more new messages. He opens them, feeling better now, but still bad. He feels a headache starting behind his eyes from the crying.
Henry Oak-Garcia to Darryl Wilson // “Dar! <3”
6:21 am, Thursday.
Dar! <3: Henry?
Dar! <3: You're worrying me a bit.
Me: I’m better now, sorry
Me: Having a bad anxiety day, I didn't mean to worry you :(
Dar! <3: It's okay! I’m just glad you're alright.
Dar! <3: If there's anything I can do for you I’m here. I’m heading to the school to drop off Grant because he missed the bus, but I can head over to your place after if needed.
Me: You’re sweet, I’m alright but thank you
Me: I’m going to get some rest now, skipping out on work for the day
Me: Tell Grant that I hope he has a good day at school!
Dar! <3: Will do! I love you don't stress yourself out too much. I’m driving the kids home today so I’ll be around later anyway.
Me: I will, love you too
Me: Sorry again for worrying you
Dar! <3: You're all good Hon. Get some sleep.
Me: Alright <3
Henry shuts off his phone and places it on the side table with his glasses. He shuts his eyes and pulls the blankets over him tighter. He prays that he doesn't have another nightmare or something. He hates being like this, having bad days. Sure he has bad anxiety days where he's too stressed to get anything done really, but this is different. This isn't the anxiety, it's more so the PTSD. Darryl and Glenn don't even know about any of that yet, sure they know he gets anxious that much is obvious just by looking at him. But he doesn't want them to know everything yet, not that he has much to hide about it, he doesn’t even remember any of the things that make him have these episodes.
Henry just rolls over onto his side and tries to sleep, and the exhaustion from his breakdown makes this easy.
—
He wakes up next to nothing, his eyes gently opening. He sits up and brushes his hair away from his face, he feels pretty shitty but at least he didn't have any more dreams. The curtains in the room are still drawn, supposedly Mercedes had left them closed since Henry is usually the one to open them. He wasn't exactly in his right mind. He reaches for his phone and blinks away the bleariness from his eyes. It's around 11 in the morning now, and he has a few messages, a few from Glenn and one from Mercedes, he opens his messages with Glenn first.
Henry Oak-Garcia to Glenn Close // “Glenny <3”
10:21 am, Thursday
Glenny <3: morning babe, you all good? havent heard from you today
10:32 am, Thursday
Glenny <3: nvm dar said youre sleeping, hope you have a good rest and stuff
11:15 am, Thursday
Me: Ah sorry! Forgot to text this morning :(
Glenny <3: all good, how you holding up?
Me: I’m alright, just woke up a few minutes ago
Glenny <3: you sleep well?
Me: Yeah!
Glenny <3: thats good,
Me: How are you?
Glenny <3: doing fine, just hanging around
Me: That’s good!
Glenny <3: know your having a tough day and stuff, if you wanna talk or anything im around
Me: Oh Glenn, thank you but I think I’m okay
Glenny <3: cool cool, just offering yk
Glenny <3: wait is it your birthday today?
Henry freezes, staring at the message, he frowns that dread running down his spine again. It feels like a disease infecting his entire body. He flops back against the bed, turning to rest on his side and stare at his phone. He doesn't really know how to answer that..what to say. How does Glenn know? Henry never told him. Henry purposefully never told him. He sighs, this was going to come up eventually. This is all a part of opening himself up to new relationships outside of Mercedes.
He needs to be honest and communicate with them, if Darryl isn't also aware by now, by however Glenn is, then Henry will message him as well. He’ll explain everything, he has to. Even if it's hard, sometimes conversations are hard, but bad communication and avoidance is even harder.
Henry Oak-Garcia to Glenn Close // “Glenny <3”
11:32 am, Thursday
Me: Yeah it is
Glenny <3: babe holy shit, sorry i didnt realize
Glenny <3: nick told me the twins were talking abt it or whatever,
Me: It's okay! I’m not a big fan of it honestly
Me: That's why I didn't mention it
Glenny <3: really? never clocked you as that type
Me: Yeah, I have my reasons and I can try to tell you them if you want me to, It’s just never been a good day for me in general
Glenny <3: alright got it, i mean its your choice if you wanna tell me
Glenny <3: i can just pretend like its any other day
Me: No it's okay, It's not like I don't like birthdays or the attention or anything
Me: The specific day just brings up bad memories I guess
Glenny <3: oh okay
Glenny <3: that sucks, i get how that is
Me: Yeah
Glenny <3: so do you care if i get you something? because if it bothers you i wont
Me: Awh Glenn, you can get me something if you want yeah!
Glenny <3: cool cool
Glenny <3: i can stop by later or tomorrow, if ur up to it
Me: Whenever you want is alright, I might not be in the greatest mood though
Glenny <3: all good with me, grumpy henry is still pretty cute
Me: Awh you’re sweet
Me: You sure though? I feel kinda fragile and antsy
Glenny <3: yeah ofc, no worries baby
Glenny <3: I’ll come around when darryls over after my shift, we can make a lil date out of it, plus that way i can drive nick home from ur place
Me: Awh okay, thanks Sweetheart
Glenny <3: yeah yeah anything for you, lll be heading to work soon, but ill see you then
Me: You're going to make me cry
Glenny <3: god please dont do that
Henry smiles a bit to himself, and he feels weak and sad, but he's got his people. That wasn't even as hard as he thought it would be. He sighs and rolls so he’s looking up at the ceiling. Henry does have to wonder where he found such wonderful people to call his lovers. He looks back at his phone to see Mercedes’ message as well, to quickly respond to before attempting to start his day.
Henry Oak-Garcia to Mercedes Oak-Garcia // “Mi Leona <3”
8:21 am, Thursday
Mi Leona <3: Buen día mi corazón, I hope you see this once you're awake again! The boys got to school okay and I’m at work now, if you need me to I can come back home, but I understand if you need the alone time, A reminder that I love you deeply and we all care about you, and take your time with everything, I know today can be hard and we’re all here for you!! <3
11:52 am, Thursday
Me: Thank you mi amor, I love you as well! I’ll be alright by myself today, Darryl is driving home the twins and Glenn should be over for a bit as well, the kids can hang out for a bit if they’d like to!
Mi Leona <3: Oh! Alright! You sure you up to having them around today?
Me: Yeah I’ll be okay, honestly I think it would be helpful to be with them right now
Mi Leona <3: If you say so, love, I have to get back to work but I’m glad you're feeling better, te amo <3
Me: Yo también te amo <3
Henry shuts off his phone before frowning a bit. He hasn't told Darryl about today, and sure he's bound to find out anyway considering that Glenn knows and so do the kids, but Henry would like to be more in control of that situation. Of course Glenn didn't mean to find out like that nor did he know that Henry had any issues with his Birthday, and of course both his boys and Nick have no idea, but if Henry is to have another conversation about it he’d like to have that control.
He decides to get up and pace around the house a bit to get that anxious energy out of his system, he tries not to go into full on panic mode again which is proving to be hard, but he tries not to focus on it all too much. Darryl won’t react badly, Henry knows him, he knows that deep in his heart Darryl would never do anything to upset him. But Henry still has that voice in the back of his head that thinks everything is a lie, that is mistrusting of everyone. Henry stops pacing after a bit and sits down at the table, grabbing his phone. He can't let himself spiral right now, Darryl works from home so he’ll respond if Henry messages him. He opens the messages and takes a deep breath in.
Henry Oak-Garcia to Darryl Wilson // “Dar! <3”
12:01 pm, Thursday
Me: Could we talk real quick?
Dar! <3: Sure. Everything okay with you?
Me: Not exactly? I just think I need to tell you something, would it be easier to call?
Dar! <3: Would it be easier for you?
Me: Yeah…
Dar! <3: Then yeah, of course.
Henry sighs, smiling a bit, as he presses the call button on the screen and places the phone over his ear. He brings his knees up to his chest, resting his feet on the dining room chair. It would probably be more comfortable to sit on the couch but he doesn't feel like getting up and moving right now. He can feel the anxiety clawing its way back up his throat, and he swallows it down as Darryl answers the call.
“Hey, are you okay?” Darryl’s gruff but sweet voice speaks from the other side of the phone, Henry bites at his thumbnail.
“Yeah, I’m okay…” Henry responds, his voice cracks a little and he winces at it.
“Henry..” Darryl sighs and Henry looks down at the floor. “What’s going on?”
“I just…okay this is going to be weird and awkward, and I’m sorry about that- but you know it's good to uh, be open and communicate with the people you care about…” Henry tries to say. “I just want to make sure you heard this from me instead of somewhere else? I guess?” He bites off a fingernail and flicks it away, brushing his bangs back.
“Oh..alright, is this about this morning?” Darryl asks, he sounds unsure of himself. Henry knows that Darryl isn't exactly used to how communicative Henry has made sure their relationship, and their relationship with Glenn as well is. Darryl had some issues with that stuff before with his ex-wife, Carol, and their son Grant. But he's getting better and Henry couldn't be more proud of him. Henry takes a deep breath, this is the best turn of events. The best way to deal with this, on his own accord.
“Yeah,” Henry says, he sighs. “My birthday’s today. I didn't mention it because I don't like my birthday that much and it's usually kinda a rough day for me emotionally and everything. I uhm…I don't know, I just-” Henry frowns to himself, his breathing quickens. “Sorry.”
“Oh hey, it's alright.” Darryl speaks. “I can uh, understand if some days are harder for you, for whatever reasons you have. You don't have to tell me anything that you don't want to. I’m..I’m here though.” Henry lets his words resonate with him, lets them settle over him like a warm blanket. He breathes out deeply. “You sure you're okay Henry?”
“Uhm…Geez..” Henry pinches his nose bridge. “Yeah, I- I just get antsy and stuff, it's hard to explain why. Just, something happened a long time ago and it never left me I guess.” Henry doesn't even know what that something is. Darryl goes quiet for a bit and it makes Henry feel more anxious. “I-I’m sorry this is- gosh, uhm-”
“Honey, you're fine. I promise, you don't have to apologize for anything. I understand. Thank you for telling me,” Darryl provides. Henry leans back, letting his head rest back so he's staring up at the ceiling. “Is there anything I can do to help? At all?”
“I- uh,” Henry hums a bit. “I’d like some company.” He mumbles, playing with some of his hair. His ponytail had fallen out at some point when he was asleep, falling and framing his face.
“Of course, I have uh, some work to get done but I can do it over there if you’d like? Might not be the most attentive.”Darryl says. Henry laughs a little.
“That's fine, I just want to be near you I think.” Henry brushes the hair out of his face, adjusting his glasses.
“Alright, I can do that.” Darryl responds. Henry smiles softly to himself. They hang up eventually and Henry places his phone down on the table in front of him. He stares at the floor for a while, he doesn't understand why he feels so wrong today. He never does.
There's a knock at the door and Henry gets up without really thinking, his body carrying him to open the door. Darryl is standing on the front step holding his bag with him, he smiles at Henry gently. Henry takes in a deep breath and attempts to smile back, but he's exhausted and it's barely anything. Darryl sets down his bag as the door behind him shuts, and he envelops Henry into a hug, Henry tries not to cry at the relief, at the company.
“Hey hon,” Darryl whispers into his hair. Henry melts, his body trembling a little.
“I love you.” Henry says, his voice muffled and weak.
“I love you too.”
—
Henry has always been the type to need something to occupy himself with, whether it be doing the dishes or working on stuff for the Museum, or just entertaining himself with books and Tv shows. But now, he's perfectly fine with doing nothing. Darryl is sitting on the couch with his computer in his lap. He's typing away at some email thing, and he's chewing on his lip a little as he pauses to reread his writing. Henry sits next to him, his head leaned against the man’s shoulder, sure he's definitely leaving himself to resonate in his thoughts, but Darryl is right next to him, and feeling the vibrations of him typing is enough to calm him.
Henry eventually falls back asleep, he doesn't even know when, it's nice. Peaceful. Sure the anxiety and bad feelings haven't faded, but it's something. At least it was nice for a while.
—
“Henry? Babe? Henry!” He gasps as he sits up, breathing fast and shakily. He looks around at his surroundings quickly, taking everything in, he sees a man in front of him and he backs away, his back hitting the arm of the couch. He's lying on a couch. Where is he? Where is Father? He needed to be working, so Father won't be disappointed. Where is Mother? The man in front of him has long black hair that's red at the ends, he's wearing a black thing over his shoulders and arms. The man has metal in his face and he's looking down at him with a great deal of worry in his facial expression. “Hey-”
He blinks a couple of times and there's tears in his eyes, his emotions catching up on him and tugging at his brain. He can't cry now, he can't, if he cries- Father will be disappointed. He clutches at his arms. Father will be angry if he messes up enough, he can't deal with that. He can't breathe! He feels like he's dying.
The man approaches closer, he reaches his hand out towards him.
“Glenn- what’s going on?” Another man enters, he's taller and burly. “Woah- Henry, hey,” Henry?
He looks around more, taking in his surroundings. A living space, two couches and a Television, a coffee table covered in different toys and coloring books, a lamp on a small side table, a bookshelf behind him. There's books and different framed pictures. He looks down at his hands for a second. He's wearing a wedding ring. Henry…his name is Henry. Henry Oak-Garcia, he's married to Mercedes Oak-Garcia and they have two beautiful sons, Lark and Sparrow. Henry takes a deep breath and looks back towards the two men in front of him, his lovers. Darryl Wilson and Glenn Close look back at him, he hugs himself a bit, trying to calm his breathing.
“Hey…” Darryl says gently. Glenn looks scared almost. There's a blanket covering Henry’s legs, and his glasses are resting on the coffee table. He bushes his bangs back with shaky hands.
“Sorry..” He mumbles, his voice weak, and he's gasping for air. There are still tears in his eyes but he's determined to make sure they don't fall. Not now.
“It's okay,” Glenn says. “You don't have to apologize,” He smiles gently at Henry. Darryl walks a little closer to him and Henry reaches out, letting the taller man hold his hand. Glenn’s sitting on the couch near him.
“You okay?” Darryl asks. Henry pauses, and frowns. He’s trembling, Glenn seems to want to get closer but he hesitates.
“Uhm…” He looks away. “I- uh,” He can’t find his words and everything is too much, too overwhelming. He squeezes Darryl’s hand, trying to gather his bearings. Another bad dream. He never wanted to upset anyone, but he did, he messed up. He ruined everything. He looks at the people who care about him, and he feels sick. They don’t know how terrible he is, how disappointing he is. Henry chokes, covering his mouth with one hand, tears falling down his face. He doesn’t even remember what he’s done, but the guilt is consuming.
“Hey, it’s alright.” Darryl speaks gently, a hand coming up to rest on Henry’s back. Glenn is still just watching them with a worried look. Henry looks towards him, letting his hand fall from his face. Glenn frowns at him. Henry takes one of Glenn’s hands, the one he doesn’t have in a brace. He tries to focus on holding the two men near him, on the physical touch. He’s trying not to sob anymore, but Glenn comes closer and cups his hand on the base of Henry’s neck and he can’t hold it back. His body is screaming, tired from so much stress in just one day. Henry rests his head against Glenn’s shoulder, crying hard. Darryl squeezes his hand, rubbing a hand on his back in an attempt at comfort.
After a while, Henry stops crying and his breathing settles. The terrible feeling still sits in his chest like a deep pit. He hates these kinds of days. He’s still rested against Glenn’s shoulder, he doesn't even know how long he’s been just sitting there, playing with the rings Glenn has on his fingers. Darryl is rubbing his back gently, the three of them sitting together. Henry feels more settled now.
“What time is it?” He mumbles the question.
“1:24” Darryl answers. Henry lifts his head up from where it was rested, rubs at his eyes a little. “Glenn got off work early, so he came by.”
“Yeah, turned up and you were still sleeping.” Glenn says, a smirk on his face. Henry laughs a little, smiling at him. He shifts where he’s seated so he leaned back against the couch cushions and sitting so he’s faced towards both Darryl and Glenn.
“I-” Henry takes a deep breath, he stares at his hands. “That was a lot, I didn’t-”
“Henry Oak-Garcia if you apologize one more time I swear to god-” Glenn says, that soft grin on his face as he teases. Henry stops talking, laughs a little.
”Okay yeah, you got me there.” He says, shrugging up his shoulders. Glenn shakes his head gently.
“Hey, we’re here for you, whatever you need.” Darryl says softly. Glenn nods in agreement. Henry feels that warm feeling in his chest again, that love. He smiles at them, it’s weak and gentle.
“Thank you,” He says. He swallows, takes a deep breath, he stares at the ceiling as he begins to talk. “I uhm…there’s somethings I haven’t really told you guys yet, and some things I can’t…because even I have no idea what happened. But uhm…you know how I mentioned I grew up far away from San Dimas?” He dares to look at the two men in front of him, Darryl and Glenn share a confused look.
“Yeah?” Glenn says, he fiddles with the velcro straps on the brace that he wears on his left hand, so it won’t hurt as much. He’d hurt it a long time ago and only now has been getting it treated, since he hasn’t been able to play guitar like he used to.
“I grew up on a commune.” Henry says slowly, awaiting their reactions. Glenn’s eyebrows raise and Darryl’s furrow. “My uh, my Father kinda ran the entire thing, I didn’t really know anything about the outside world until I was like 20 or something, and uhm…apparently it wasn’t the greatest way to grow up because my brain has blocked out most of my childhood in self defense.” Henry rambles, staring at his hands. “For all I know, my Father wasn’t a good man, and for some reason that I’m not aware of, he’s why my Birthday is such a tough day for me.” He shrugs and looks back at Darryl and Glenn, who seem to processing what he’s just said.
“Jesus…” Glenn mumbles. Henry frowns. He shouldn’t have said anything, that was too much. What was he thinking? Spilling himself out like that? They’re not ready for this, fuck he’s not ready for this either! Henry feels panic start to fill his body again. “I’m sorry Henry, that’s- wow. That’s fucked man.” Glenn makes a bit of a face, reaches out and holds Henry’s hand with his right one. Henry’s expression softens, feeling a bit relieved.
“A commune…what does that mean?” Darryl asks softly, looking apologetic and confused. Henry is about to answer but Glenn says it before he has to, thank god.
“Like a bunch of people living off in the wilderness away from society, usually it’s a cultural or religious thing..right?” Glenn looks to Henry for confirmation, Henry just nods curtly.
“Oh…so like a cult?” Darryl asks slowly. Henry flinches at that. “Sorry- did I-” Henry sighs.
“I don’t know…It could’ve been- I just, don’t remember much of it.” Henry mumbles, sounding smaller than he usually does. Glenn rubs a thumb on the back of his hand.
“Right…I’m sorry I’m not trying to stress you out more.” Darryl says, frowning as he puts his hand on Henry’s shoulder. Henry smiles a little at him.
“I forgive you, it’s alright.” He says, his voice cracking a little. “I just thought you two should know…since I love you both and you’re important to me-” His voice breaks a little more and Darryl puts his arm around his shoulders, pulling him to his side. Henry leans his head on his shoulder, relaxing against him. Glenn moves to his other side as well.
“We love you too,” Glenn mumbles. Henry raises his eyebrows, lifts his head to look over at the man. Glenn hasn’t exactly gotten to the point, saying ‘I love you’ out loud. This is the closest he’s gotten to it. Henry’s patient, he knows that being in a new relationship after Morgan has been hard for him, and that in general he’s always been pretty closed off. He won’t make a big deal out of it, because for one he’s exhausted and making big deals out of things, although his specialty, can really take you out, and because he doesn’t want to scare him off. Henry smiles at him.
“Glenn’s right,” Darryl whispers, Henry can hear the happiness in his voice though. Glenn is blushing, not meeting their eyes. Henry looks over to Darryl, he kisses him on the head softly.
“Thank you for being here…” Henry whispers back. Glenn leans his head onto Henry’s shoulder. Darryl hums, face hidden in Henry’s hair still. They stay like that for a while piled together on the couch, sitting with each other. Henry feels exhausted, but calmer,
“Hey, Henry.” Glenn says after a while. Henry hums in response, Glenn fiddles with his fingers a little. “You know that uh, whole geology convention you were talking about the other day? The one in Nevada?” Henry furrows his eyebrows.
“Yeah, I remember…” He says softly, turning his head to look down at Glenn. Glenn’s not looking at him, his expression unreadable.
“Well, you also remember how you’d mentioned you probably wouldn’t be able to go because of costs and because you’re so busy all the time.” Darryl chuckles a little, as if he knows where Glenn’s going with this.
“Glenn..” Henry whispers, smiling softly.
“Happy Birthday?” Glenn says, shrugging and looking at him with a grin. Henry raises his eyebrows.
“You…oh my gosh.” Henry says, smiling. “You didn’t-”
“Hey, you, Dar, me and the open road baby.” Glenn says, grinning wide.
“We worked it all out with Mercedes already,” Darryl adds. “You should be free for a weekend, and the kids will all get to stay here for the time we’re gone” He explains. Henry feels more tears prick at his eyes, because goddammit he’s already fragile. Henry sits up, lip wobbling a bit.
“Oh jesus- Babe, don’t cry-” Glenn says quickly, a stressed out look on his face as he looks at Henry.
“You guys are the sweetest people in the world-” His voice hitches and Glenn sighs, Darryl laughs hugging both of them close.
“Darryl! You’re gonna suffocate me!” Glenn yelps. Henry laughs, tears running down his cheeks now. He’s happy, not perfect, but he’s relieved to finally be open and get something off his chest. He’s happy that the people he loves are so caring, and that his lovers are doing things for him just because he’s him. They know him so well, they listen when he goes on long ramblings…it’s wonderful. He had just been talking to Mercedes about wanting to do something with the two of them soon, since a lot of the time they’re so busy. It’s like they read his mind.
Henry sighs, leans into the touch of being hugged by Darryl, and Glenn resting his forehead on his shoulder as he shakes his head in exasperation.
“Thank you two so fucking much-” Henry says, sniffling as he wipes the happy tears from his face.
“Meh it was nothing,” Glenn says. Darryl swats at him a little and he yelps. “What the hell man?”
“You’re welcome, hon.” Darryl says, rolling his eyes and kissing Henry on the forehead. Henry smiles. He loves them so much.