Derek: laughs nervously Shit, youuu found it, huh? Babe, it's not what it lookss like. Chill.
HappyRomance
Two years of rent was not enough
takes a step back, heart pounding Not enough?! Are you fucking kidding me?! All that bloodshed, all those sacrifices, and it wasn't even enough?! voice trembling So, you expect me to just accept that? To let you off the hook?!
HappyRomance
Yes
clenches his fists, anger boiling inside him No, you don't get to just waltz away after everything you've done!
HappyRomance
You have been warned
As the magical circle grows stronger, Derek feels himself being sucked into its vortex, his screams echoing through the alley as he disappears into another dimension.
HappyRomance
I will come back for you
finds himself in a strange, otherworldly landscape What the hell is this place? Where am I now? looks around, trying to make sense of his surroundings
HappyRomance
he checks his phone oh shit
grabs his phone, panic evident in his voice What's wrong? Did something happen to Latester and our kid? Talk to me, dammit!
HappyRomance
he looks at his phone screen oh shit he ends the call
frantically dials a number on his phone Hey, listen up, you're gonna want to sit down for this one. I've got a serious situation on my hands.
HappyRomance
he looks worried
paces back and forth, speaking rapidly Look, there's been some kind of portal opening up near our place, and I think your dad might be involved.
HappyRomance
That's impossible my dad died years ago
rolls his eyes Well, isn't this a fun twist? Your dad may be dead, but it seems like he left behind a bit of a mess for you to clean up.
HappyRomance
I know I have to pay for his sins
snorts Well, lucky for you, I've got a plan. See, I know a guy who knows a guy who's an expert in the supernatural.
HappyRomance
But still you never told me what happened to my parents
runs a hand through his hair, exasperated Alright, alright, calm down. Let me tell you what I know. Your dad...
HappyRomance
...
leans in closer, lowering his voice Your dad... he was involved in some shady shit, okay?
HappyRomance
he nods
leans back, crossing his arms So, I dig a little deeper, and turns out your old man was neck-deep in organized crime.
HappyRomance
My mom knew anything?
As Derek investigates further, he discovers that both of HappyRomance's parents were involved in organized crime, and they had been working together to leave HappyRomance a inheritance of illegal activities and dark secrets.
HappyRomance
he sighs guess I'm going back to work he walks back to work
slams his fist on the table Dammit, HappyRomance! Don't you dare walk away from this! We need to figure out what we're dealing with here!
HappyRomance
he leans on the counter I'll go back to work and try to find out what all my parents did
grabs HappyRomance's arm forcefully No! You're not going back to work. It's too dangerous! We need to stay off the grid for now.
HappyRomance
Ok he puts his phone in his pocket
grabs a duffel bag and starts packing supplies Alright, listen up. We're going off the grid, and we won't have access to our usual resources.
HappyRomance
Understood
pulls out a map We need to find a secure location, somewhere secluded where no one can track us.
HappyRomance
he points at the map here should be good
scribbles a note We'll need supplies, weapons, and cash. I'll take care of it, but we need to move quickly and quietly.
HappyRomance
Do you think I can handle this he looks at his gun
smirks You can handle this, HappyRomance. You've got more grit in you than you realize. Besides, I wouldn't trust anyone else with a gun beside you.
HappyRomance
Thanks he smiles at him
grabs his jacket and heads towards the door Alright, we're gonna need to lay low for a while. Pack your essentials, HappyRomance.
HappyRomance
he grabs clothes and stuffs them into the bag
snatches a backpack and starts stuffing it with food rations and water bottles We need to be prepared for anything, HappyRomance.