We Live Forever

Chapter 19: I Love You, All Of You

Crimson's POV:

I snuck out of the house, not wanting to have deal with Edna and Norton without Hank. Yet another reason why I need him. 

I walk through the dark frozen streets trying to think of where he might've gone. Unfortunately, only one place comes to mind. 

Another thing he probably blames himself for. 

A long walk later

I arrive at the scene of the crash and see a confirmation of my suspicions. Hank's sitting there at the edge of the lake just starring. 

Despite the walk, I'm still not entirely sure what to say. It's hard to think of anything when it's freezing out and you've not dressed appropriately. 

"From the first time I ever met you I was blown away. You are truly the most amazing person I have ever met in my life. You're sweet and kind and loving and funny and so much more. I could spend years standing here listing all the reasons I love you. I vow to be by your side through everything. I vow to take care of you, even when you insist you're fine. I vow to show you that I love you each and every day for the rest of our lives"

"You remember the whole thing?"

"The man I married vowed to be by my side through everything. And I love him for it. I need you."

"You don't need me to protect you, I only put you in danger"

"I've put myself in plenty of danger. And even if I don't always need your protection, I do want it. I want you by my side."

"You deserve someone better"

"There's no such thing. You are absolutely perfect. I love you, all of you. I don't care that you turn blue sometimes, can't see, correct the information in nature documentaries, or have terrible parents because you're my husband. Nothing and no one will ever change that."

"But-"

"Hey, I wasn't done yet."

I reached down into my pocket and grabbed some old notes I'd been meaning to tell Hank about. I unfolded them and tossed them in front of where he sat. 

"What is this?"

"Notes. On everything, you said about my mutation, how it works, and how you brought it back the first time."

"You- you've been trying to get it back"

"No, love, I was trying to get rid of it."

"Why would you- oh."

"You're the love of my life, you always will be. If that life lasts 2000 years then I'm gonna have to spend the majority of them missing you. I don't want to live my life without you."

"You were gonna get rid of your mutation just so we wouldn't have to be apart?"

"Yes, and I based all my work off of you because you're the smartest and most talented person I know. I trust you more than anyone else."

"I don't know what to say"

"I love you is always a good place to start"

"Well now it would sound forced"

"Oh, shut up"

I pulled Hank off the ground and gave him a quick kiss. I then slid his wedding ring back on his finger; where it belongs.

"Never do this again, okay?"

"I promise"

The Following Morning

Much like a puppy, Hank bounced back unnervingly quickly after running away. He's already back in the lab working on the Dreamstride and waiting for me to wake up. 

I start to head down there when something catches my eye. Intrigued and avoiding work I investigate. I discover a small vial, a syringe, and a note in unfamiliar handwriting. 

"Crimson, whatever the reason you clearly mean a lot to our son, and despite what was said at dinner he is important to us. You make him happy and keep him out of our business, which means we support your marriage. We need to keep our son happy, so here's a unique sort of insurance policy. 

The serum attached here will grant whoever drinks it the ability to heal from any injury, but only the person who drinks it. 

Please take it. For Henry."

I don't want immortality. I can't be without the love of my life for eternity. 

Still, I take the gift put it in my pocket.

It would be rude to leave a gift after all.

"Crimson!"

"Coming Hank!"

Hank's POV:

A Few Minutes Earlier

I waited for Crimson to wake up, she deserves to rest after having to chase me down last night. I don't know what I was thinking just leaving like that. 

I'm just about to call out to her when I notice something out of place. Fascinated I search further and find a small vial, a syringe, and a note in horrifically familiar handwriting. 

"Henry, we understand that you would never abandon your work with those children. However, we also want to ensure that you're kept safe. We do still care about you.

The serum attached here will grant whoever drinks it the ability to heal from any injury, but only the person who drinks it. 

Please take it, we need to know you're safe."

I don't want this. I agree with my wife. I'd never want to live after she's gone. 

It would be rude to refuse.

I decide to just pocket the gift anyways.

"Crimson!"

"Coming Hank!"

Author's Note:

I don't know what productivity demon possessed me today, but here is your third chapter today.

Do we trust Edna and Norton enough to believe the serum does what it says?

Why give it to them separately?