[He sounds better than Héctor, at least, though not by much. His voice is still a little hoarse, speech a tad slurred.]
Should we skip past the "how are you" part? Seems like a useless formality these days. [since the answer is almost definitely "horrible."] Do you want to meet up? Talk? Or just... find something to relax with?
[He sighs. It's Hawke, not Dodger calling him through another phone.]
I'm a little stiff right now. [The aftermath of his latest death here.] I'm not sure I want to leave the house. [He doesn't want to leave Nekane.] But if you've got somewhere in mind, I'll go.
This is my [He thinks, frowning.] fourth down here. Fifth in all. My nerve damage from the first time makes it worse though. I have a hard time moving some days without all this.
I don't know if I can speak for Nekane but I can ask them for an estimate.
[ Blank and without remorse. Maker knows what will emerge when the numbness thaws out. ]
As you should. [ Softly. ] It changes you, you know. After helping people, killing people is my second greatest skill. Possibly third, after fucking. Maybe tied.
[ a n y w a y ]
I've been a mercenary and to war but I still remember the first one.
...Hawke. I lived through the revolution. I know what death looks like. I know what murder looks like. I know.
I didn't want to be this. I'm not a dumb kid who jumped for a gun, I'm the dumb kid that ran. I've let myself be dragged down so much by this place. I already barely recognized myself before this.
I know you mean well. But please. I don't want to talk about the weight and responsibility of death right now. I don't regret it. I intend to bear it. That's all.
I just... [he sighs heavily.] need cigarettes. Do you got any?
[There's a faint laugh shy of a sob. For the first time, it sounds like there's a smile in his voice.]
Dios, please, don't tease me like that. I haven't wanted a drink so bad since I was alive. I'd do anything to just think a little less. A little of what you have would be a bloody miracle.
Yes. Yes, please. Whatever the hell you want for it, I'll give it.
Wait, you want to drink? [ hold the fUCK up ] I can do that! Can I assume that tequila's off the table?
[ there's noise in the background now: Garrett rustling around, packing up various substances, snacks, grabbing random shit like decks of cards and dice. ]
Oh and- the mabari have to come. They haven't left my sight in days. Very clingy.
[ Protective. He hasn't done his usual thrice-daily runs with the dogs out in the suburb, either. ]
No. No, Garret. Just because I want to stop thinking doesn't mean I can make myself drink. Especially not now. Just... just the smokes. Please.
The dogs are fine. Bring them as you like. Let me just... let me just let Nekane know you're coming. We don't need surprises. Don't... don't go until I know what they say.
[There's a terrible noise. It's the distinct sound of someone in pain trying to move. And then hobble. The noise fades out with the clicking of a door. When he comes back, it'll probably be with Nekane's agreement.]
[ that sound makes him wince. Maker, his magic might not outright banish post-death sickness but he's at least going to offer them both a chance at some relief. It kills him to hear the pain in that voice and imagine the weight on that young frame.]
Héctor, dear, you do know that offering something doesn't mean I'm going to force it down- force it on you? [ Ha ha he's never using that turn of phrase again ] Just the smokes for you.
Alright. Give me a bit, I'm stopping for some good snacks. If you've got any requests, text me in the next few minutes.
[With that they hang up, and Garrett packs up some shit: a bottle of something-or-other in case Nekane needs to drink, his magnificently long pipe (that's a smoking pipe, you deviants), pot, tobacco, some snacks, and whatever brand of gaming console Hell has. Because listen, sometimes you need to turn off your brain and smash things as a tiny Lego man.
About 40 minutes later, Garrett turns up at their door with a duffel bag and two dogs, Angel (aussie shepherd) and Max (black Frenchie). They are both very happy to see the two residents, though Max is significantly less loud about it.]
[It's another long painful hobble to that door but he finds, when he greets Hawke and his dogs there, he's actually kind of happy at the thought of company. It's been so quiet here.]
Hey. Come on in. Make yourself at home. These two as well.
[Nekane, meanwhile, is still on the couch. They've changed back into their suit but they're still buried under what seems to be as many blankets as they can fit onto said couch and damned if there's really no room because of their wings.
Fluffy blankets are more important.
They offer a wave over the couch when they hear Garrett's voice though.]
[Garrett enters and greets Héctor with a hug that stops just before there's time for it to start getting Feels. It's a bit more than he can handle and besides, he'd wager that Héctor's had more than enough feelings lately than he goddamn needs. Max and Angel deliver joyful greetings as well, with Angel insistently shoving her entire snoot into Héctor's hand and Max running over to jump on Nekane and curl up in their nest.]
Hello. I come bearings gifts, most of which can be consumed!
[Then he looks around at the situation- specifically at Nekane and the couch. Hm.]
[It takes him by surprise, that hug. But hell if he isn't hugging back tight, a little desperate because he hasn't been able to get anything quite so grounding since he realized Nekane was lost and each little support he had snapped like so many little strings.
It feels like it ends too quick, but it's probably for the best. He doesn't need to embarrass himself weeping and Nekane doesn't need to see that and feel guilty either.
He smiles, grateful, then gives his attention to angel for a good moment, uttering praises in Spanish as he runs his hands over her. He notices the smaller dog nestled with Nekane too.]
[There's a not-so quiet "Oof!" as Max greets Nekane. But despite that they do move a little so the dog can curl up comfortably...so long as he doesn't try chewing on their wings.]
Is it the same shit you're feeding your dogs, Hawke? 'Cuz I don't think I'll be able to pick you up after this, Héctor.
[They can't anyway, not without magic. But they're kidding. Nekane hauls themself up so they can see what Garrett's brought along with him.]
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Garrett? Is that you?
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[He sounds better than Héctor, at least, though not by much. His voice is still a little hoarse, speech a tad slurred.]
Should we skip past the "how are you" part? Seems like a useless formality these days. [since the answer is almost definitely "horrible."] Do you want to meet up? Talk? Or just... find something to relax with?
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I'm a little stiff right now. [The aftermath of his latest death here.] I'm not sure I want to leave the house. [He doesn't want to leave Nekane.] But if you've got somewhere in mind, I'll go.
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Oh. What number are you on? How long do you think the two of you will be sick?
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I don't know if I can speak for Nekane but I can ask them for an estimate.
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Mm. Did you at least get a hit in?
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I killed him. I used your gun. He got close and I shot him.
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Was that your first?
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Yes.
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[ Garrett's tone is that of a man who truly understands. ]
How do you feel?
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Like hell.
[He sounds numb.]
But not sorry.
[Another pause.]
I never want to see him again.
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As you should. [ Softly. ] It changes you, you know. After helping people, killing people is my second greatest skill. Possibly third, after fucking. Maybe tied.
[ a n y w a y ]
I've been a mercenary and to war but I still remember the first one.
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I didn't want to be this. I'm not a dumb kid who jumped for a gun, I'm the dumb kid that ran. I've let myself be dragged down so much by this place. I already barely recognized myself before this.
I know you mean well. But please. I don't want to talk about the weight and responsibility of death right now. I don't regret it. I intend to bear it. That's all.
I just... [he sighs heavily.] need cigarettes. Do you got any?
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[ because why the fuck not. ]
Would you like courier service?
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Dios, please, don't tease me like that. I haven't wanted a drink so bad since I was alive. I'd do anything to just think a little less. A little of what you have would be a bloody miracle.
Yes. Yes, please. Whatever the hell you want for it, I'll give it.
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[ there's noise in the background now: Garrett rustling around, packing up various substances, snacks, grabbing random shit like decks of cards and dice. ]
Oh and- the mabari have to come. They haven't left my sight in days. Very clingy.
[ Protective. He hasn't done his usual thrice-daily runs with the dogs out in the suburb, either. ]
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The dogs are fine. Bring them as you like. Let me just... let me just let Nekane know you're coming. We don't need surprises. Don't... don't go until I know what they say.
[There's a terrible noise. It's the distinct sound of someone in pain trying to move. And then hobble. The noise fades out with the clicking of a door. When he comes back, it'll probably be with Nekane's agreement.]
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Héctor, dear, you do know that offering something doesn't mean I'm going to force it down- force it on you? [ Ha ha he's never using that turn of phrase again ] Just the smokes for you.
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It's not about knowing, Garrett. I don't panic that friends will murder me because I'm thinking straight. It's not personal, I promise.
Anyway. Nekane said yes. We'll both be better for the company, I think.
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[With that they hang up, and Garrett packs up some shit: a bottle of something-or-other in case Nekane needs to drink, his magnificently long pipe (that's a smoking pipe, you deviants), pot, tobacco, some snacks, and whatever brand of gaming console Hell has. Because listen, sometimes you need to turn off your brain and smash things as a tiny Lego man.
About 40 minutes later, Garrett turns up at their door with a duffel bag and two dogs, Angel (aussie shepherd) and Max (black Frenchie). They are both very happy to see the two residents, though Max is significantly less loud about it.]
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Hey. Come on in. Make yourself at home. These two as well.
[He smiles at the dogs.]
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Fluffy blankets are more important.
They offer a wave over the couch when they hear Garrett's voice though.]
Hey.
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Hello. I come bearings gifts, most of which can be consumed!
[Then he looks around at the situation- specifically at Nekane and the couch. Hm.]
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It feels like it ends too quick, but it's probably for the best. He doesn't need to embarrass himself weeping and Nekane doesn't need to see that and feel guilty either.
He smiles, grateful, then gives his attention to angel for a good moment, uttering praises in Spanish as he runs his hands over her. He notices the smaller dog nestled with Nekane too.]
You're a savior, Hawke. Really. Thank you.
[And then, in a lower voice.]
Have you been alright?
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Is it the same shit you're feeding your dogs, Hawke? 'Cuz I don't think I'll be able to pick you up after this, Héctor.
[They can't anyway, not without magic. But they're kidding. Nekane hauls themself up so they can see what Garrett's brought along with him.]
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