Error 42 (Book 5)

Trauma Brings Us Closer Together

- Wednesday. August 6th, 2042 - 9:00 AM.

The next two months passed in a rhythmic blur as Benji and the rest of the group continued with trying to help Tommy recover from whatever horrors he had faced in the last year.

Unfortunately, He had totally refused to do any type of therapy with Benji, so no progress had been made in his recovery so far.

Back in the present time, Joel had just placed a plate of food at Tommy's bedside and was about to leave the bedroom when he was startled by Tommy reaching for his hand and hoarsely calling his name. "J - Joel?".

Joel was shocked and overjoyed by the fact that his little brother decided to finally speak but kept his cool as he carefully sat down on the bed. "Hey baby brother".

"I - I'm sorry". Tommy whispered as tears started to fall from his still horribly bruised eyes.

"I know, we're gonna work some stuff out together, alright?". Joel replied reassuringly.

Tommy slowly nodded before perking up slightly at the sound of the other's bustling about around the house.

"You think you're up to seeing everyone?". Joel asked, following Tommy's gaze.

Tommy looked rather nervous at the offer but nodded anyway, hiding behind Joel as he was led out of the bedroom and limped into the living room.

"Uncle Tommy!". Ellie cried out happily, preparing to get up from the couch to hug her uncle before Benji stopped her.

"I don't think he's ready for that baby girl". Joel said as he sat next to Tommy on the couch.

"I - I'm sorry". Tommy stuttered apologetically as he looked down in embarrassment.

"It's alright, we're taking things slow, remember?". Benji reminded him calmly.

Tommy gave a half hearted grin, reaching a shaky hand out to smooth down Ellie's hair and hold her hand for comfort as he looked around at everyone else. "I - I wanna talk about what happened".

"Alright, where do you want to begin?". Benji asked as he shared a proud look with Joel at Tommy's sudden progress.

"A - After I left our QZ in Toronto I made it out to Los Angeles a month and a half later, A couple of Abby's friends found me three days later a - and took me to that barn". Tommy explained.

Rocky and Joel shared a look before the former of the two spoke up. "Did you know their names?".

"Mel and Manny". Tommy replied quietly as Rocky swore under his breath.

"Who are Mel and Manny exactly?". Tony asked in confusion.

"They were with Abby and I during the ordeal with Joel and Ellie back in 2038". Rocky explained guiltily.

"A year after that incident I tracked her and Rocky down in this Seattle aquarium, when my dad saw that Mel was pregnant he made her walk out, which she did ". Ellie added on.

"Wait, you were at this aquarium too? What the hell were you doing there?". Tony questioned with a look over at Rocky.

"I was taking care of Yara and Lev, Yara had her arm broken by a couple of Seraphites and Mel had to amputate it". Rocky explained, ignoring Tony's hostility.

"You only followed Abby because you were afraid that she'd hurt them". Cedar realized.

"Those two didn't have anyone else, the only things they knew were the Seraphite camp and their fucked up customs". Rocky stated.

"What about their parent's?". Luca asked curiously.

"Their mother was a sadistic, devout Seraphite, when she found out Lev was trans she disowned him and Yara, Lev tried to talk to her but she slashed him with her knife and he killed her". Rocky explained. "After Mel took off, Joel spared my life by telling me to leave too, which I did".

"Then Abby sold you out to the rest of the Seraphites and those undercover Fireflies". Joel added, referring to the whole reason the group had to rescue Rio last year.

"Yeah". Rocky said, his voice breaking slightly as he wiped away some stray tears. "I don't regret it though, sparing you and Ellie like that when Abby wanted me to kill you both".

Tommy nodded and looked over at Boone. "I shouldn't have misjudged you like I did, you were a desperate kid and father, that's all".

Boone frowned and shook his head as he spoke. "You were right though, I am a low life for what I did, Serena was no saint but she didn't deserve to be raped".

Tommy reached out and squeezed Boone's shoulder in comfort before turning to a nervous looking Miguel. "And you, I don't even know where to begin".

"Saying your sorry would be a nice start". Joel mumbled as he shot his brother a glare and reached out to hold Miguel's hand.

Tommy glared back at Joel before softening up as he addressed Miguel. "I shouldn't have insulted you like that either, I was grieving over Maria's betrayal and it just boiled to the surface".

Miguel considered this for a minute before managing a small smile and nod. "It's alright, we're good".

Tommy smiled back before looking over at Joel. "Are you happy with Miguel?".

"I'm the happiest I've been in a long time". Joel confirmed without hesitation as he squeezed Miguel's hand.

"Then you both have my full approval". Tommy replied with a small nod and smile at the couple.

"Well not that I really need it since I'm the oldest and can be with whoever I want, but thank you". Joel joked even though he was clearly grateful that Tommy had come around.

"I hate to veer back into the hard stuff, but what did Mel and Manny want with you?". Benji asked, gearing the conversation back to Tommy's ordeal.

"First they asked me where Joel was, and then they asked me about Rocky and Lev". Tommy replied as he sighed and leaned back into the couch cushion.

"What'd you tell them?". Benji asked quietly.

"Not a damn thing". Tommy replied. "They tortured me nearly every day but I still didn't say a word".

"What could they want with Rocky and Lev? Mel and Manny were WLF members, not Seraphites". Ellie questioned.

"The WLF was at war with the Seraphites over wanting control of Seattle, remember?". Joel brought up. "That's probably why they asked about them".

"Can we pick this up another time? I - I'm not shutting down again or anything, I - I just don't think I can't handle anymore right now". Tommy asked hesitantly.

"Of course, does two days from now sound good?". Benji suggested, writing a reminder note to himself as Tommy nodded.

"Hey, It's good to see you up and talkin' again". Henry said with a small smile as Tommy reached over and clapped him on the shoulder.

Once that matter was settled Cedar stood up and retrieved his backpack. "I'm going on a walk, does anyone feel like tagging along?".

"I'll go!". Luca volunteered eagerly as he too retrieved his backpack.

"Same". Lev said as he got up and stood beside Luca.

"Mind if I tag along?". Rocky asked, looking between the trio.

"Sure". Cedar replied with a shrug.

"Cedar Dustin Baker do not grill him about any of the shit we just talked about, understood?". Joel said sternly, clearly catching onto why Cedar was so lax about Rocky tagging along.

"Yes Uncle Joel". Cedar groaned, his tone clearly indicating he had indeed planned on further asking Rocky about everything that had happened to him before joining the group.

Joel playfully rolled his eyes as he watched the group walk out of the house. "Thank you Bear!"...