Beyond the Shadow of a Doubt: Hunter x OC

A Heart to Heart

This chapter comes to us courtesy of @letsquestjess on Tumblr!

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"Hey, look, the lunar blossom has started falling," Wrecker said, motioning to the path ahead where the overhanging hedges had shed their sleek silver petals over the low wall and onto the cobblestone. Some had been torn by birds in search of nesting material and others were slimed over in a glistening gunk by soft, slow-moving insects. "It'll be festival time soon."

Omega remained quiet, gaze downcast and fixated on the few scuff marks that marred her school shoes.

"Kid?" He intentionally slowed down, hoping she would speak to him, but she kept her silence, avoiding both him and the muted foliage. "We'll come this way later in the week and collect some blossoms for your festival crown, if you want. Last year's looked great, but I reckon we can make an even better one this year."

Gripping her backpack straps until her knuckles paled, she muttered an inaudible reply and shook her head. For a stomach-sinking moment, Wrecker swore he glimpsed tears, her lashes preventing the dam from breaking and the determined set of her jaw holding them at bay.

"Omega, are you all right? Is something wrong?"

He caught the meager "I'm fine" before she turned away, hunching her shoulders to conceal her face. He knew she was far from fine, but her shrinking demeanor begged him not to push the subject. Despite his concern, he refrained from asking further. Whatever was bothering her, she would approach her brothers in her own time, as she usually did.

Raising a little sister and shielding her from harm had presented its own challenges, but a sense of accomplishment swelled within him, knowing they had provided her with unwavering care and encouragement during difficult times. Watching the downtrodden expression fill her eyes, however, he began to wonder if any of that was true. Had the support not been enough? Should they do more? Were they failing her?

It was unusual for her to withdraw like this; she always faced any hardship undaunted and defiant. Now, she looked as though the burden had grown too much. If it were possible, he would have lightened the load as she confronted the adversity blocking her path. He'd toil night and day to forge her a happy future, even travel the galaxy to bring her a handful of pure starlight if she needed it, all while bearing her troubles on his back.

After settling on the picturesque world, his brothers had convened to discuss how they would raise her, intending to present a united, stable front considering the tumultuous life she'd had. They had agreed that they would give her independence to handle her problems as she saw best, only stepping in if she was in immediate danger or if she directly asked them to. But it was proving difficult for the towering clone who just wanted to smack every obstacle out of her way and see that sunshine smile of hers again.

"How about we take the trail up to school today?" he suggested.

At the idea, Omega's pinched expression relaxed and her distant gaze drifted to her brother. "We wouldn't be late?"

"Course not. We left earlier than usual, so we have plenty of time."

Omega ruminated on the plan, the birdsong-tickled calm and the mint-scented wildflowers calling to her, promising a refuge, a pocket of solace to soothe her apprehension and dispel her unease. "You're sure we won't be late?"

"Totally sure." Wrecker gave her his signature hopeful smile and pointed her towards the signposted turn that ascended into the forest. "After you."

Lulling birdsong welcomed them beneath the leafy canopy. Tiny, bushy-tailed creatures scurried down the tree trunks on delicate paws to steal quick glances at the passers-by and dash to their cozy dens. A spirited one scampered across their path and slid to a halt in the dry dirt in front of them, gazing up with curious, unblinking eyes. Ears twitching back and forth and sensing for danger, it wriggled its nose, let out a chirp, and hurried on its way again.