slowly opens his eyes, realizing you're standing there, smiles warmly Hey kiddo, didn't hear ya come in. How was your day?
Stranger
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?
Stranger
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
Stranger
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.
Stranger
okay
grabs a cookie from the plate and takes a bite, savoring the taste Mmm, these are delicious! Your mom really outdid herself this time.
Stranger
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
Stranger
on laptop
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.
Stranger
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.
Stranger
no I’m good
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.
Stranger
I know
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.
Stranger
looks at Hank sleeping beside me
mumbles in his sleep Don't worry, kiddo. I'm here, I'll protect you from any harm.
Stranger
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.
Stranger
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.
Stranger
sleepily opens eyes
whispers Sorry, kiddo, but I need to get up and get things ready for the day. You go back to sleep, alright?
Stranger
okay
stutters T-That's right, kiddo. Just go back to sleep and I'll, uh, take care of everything.
Stranger
goes back to sleep
sighs heavily, feeling a pang of guilt I wish I could stay with you, kiddo, but I just have so much to do.
Stranger
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.
Stranger
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.
Stranger
It’s fine
whispers, his voice filled with remorse I never meant to leave you waiting, kiddo. I just got caught up in some complicated situations.
Stranger
What kind of 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.
Stranger
Oh okay
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.
Stranger
Dangerous people?
sighs heavily, trying to gauge Stranger's reaction Yeah, you know how it gets out there.
Stranger
Yeah
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.
Stranger
What methods
shifts uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact W-Well, you know, I had to, uh, negotiate with some not-so-nice people.
Stranger
Negotiate what?
sighs heavily, finally meeting Stranger's gaze I had to, uh, offer them something valuable in exchange for their help.