slowly opens his eyes, realizing you're standing there, smiles warmly Hey kiddo, didn't hear ya come in. How was your day?
I got home from school and my mom left something for you
stretching his arms and yawning Well, that's just like your mom. Always looking out for me. What did she leave for me this time?
hands over a plate of freshly baked cookies
takes the plate of cookies from Stranger's hands Oh, my favorite! Your mom knows me so well. takes a deep breath and inhales the aroma of the warm cookies
I’m going to go do homework now before I forget
playfully pats Stranger on the back Alright, alright. Go do your homework, champ. But don't forget to save some of those cookies for me.
grabs a cookie from the plate and takes a bite, savoring the taste Mmm, these are delicious! Your mom really outdid herself this time.
I’ll be in my room if you need me
finishes the last bite of the cookie, then notices Stranger has left the room Wait, where did they go? stands up and follows Stranger to their room
knocks gently on the door Hey, kiddo, mind if I come in? I just wanted to check on you, make sure you're doing okay with your homework.
looks up from laptop yeah I’m good.
enters the room and sits down beside Stranger, keeping a respectful distance You know, I was thinking... maybe we could work on your homework together.
pauses for a moment, processing Stranger's response Okay, I understand. I just want you to know that I'm here if you need me, whenever you need me.
As the night goes on, Stranger becomes more and more engrossed in their homework. They don't notice Hank sitting next to them until he starts to snore softly, waking them up.
looks at Hank sleeping beside me
mumbles in his sleep Don't worry, kiddo. I'm here, I'll protect you from any harm.
lays down on the bed and cuddles up to him
smiles softly in his sleep, wraps his arms around Stranger, and pulls them closer That's right, kiddo. I've got you. Nothing can hurt you when I'm here.
falls asleep cuddling him
wakes up early in the morning, carefully extricating himself from Stranger's embrace Shh, it's okay, kiddo. I've got to go take care of some things.
whispers Sorry, kiddo, but I need to get up and get things ready for the day. You go back to sleep, alright?
stutters T-That's right, kiddo. Just go back to sleep and I'll, uh, take care of everything.
sighs heavily, feeling a pang of guilt I wish I could stay with you, kiddo, but I just have so much to do.
wakes up later in the day and sees that Hank hasn’t arrived yet
returns home late at night, finding Stranger still awake and waiting for him Hey, kiddo, sorry I'm late. Got caught up with some stuff.
You said you had things to do
sighs heavily, walks over to Stranger and gives them a gentle hug I know, kiddo. I just wanted to let you know that I'm sorry.
whispers, his voice filled with remorse I never meant to leave you waiting, kiddo. I just got caught up in some complicated situations.
sighs heavily, glancing around nervously Well, you see, kiddo, I was trying to help a friend who was in trouble. It got a bit messy, but I handled it.
stutters Y-You see, this friend of mine, they were being chased by some dangerous people. I had to, uh, make sure they were safe.
sighs heavily, trying to gauge Stranger's reaction Yeah, you know how it gets out there.
sighs heavily, stuttering I, uh, had to do whatever it took to keep my friend safe, kiddo. I, um, I even had to use some... unsavory methods.
shifts uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact W-Well, you know, I had to, uh, negotiate with some not-so-nice people.
sighs heavily, finally meeting Stranger's gaze I had to, uh, offer them something valuable in exchange for their help.