Poison

All Good Things Come To An End

    It was getting late, everyone just finished eating the amazing dinner Izzy was so good at making. Ethan stayed in his seat though, still a bit giggly from the good air that was left from the dinner. He wasn't ready for bed, tonight was a good night, one of those things that didn't happen too much. Days like this, he always dreaded going to bed, because he knew it would be over, and it didn't want it to. All good things come to an end though right? He's gotta sleep. He smiled to himself, looking around the empty room. Just this.. feeling he had, like he was free, even for this short moment. Free from all the pain, free from tears and death and demons. It just.. it felt amazing. He felt.. normal. He always did on these days.
   Izzy stayed downstairs with him for a minute, wrapping her arms around him and standing on her toes to kiss him. "I love you.. I'm gonna go get the bedroom ready for you." By that, she meant to just clean the room and make the bed, but in reality, she was making it ready for him by crawling in the bed and falling asleep for him to cuddle when he finally comes to bed. The kids had already went upstairs, Gram and Max in their rooms already asleep, and Auggy in his garage, listening to the big speakers, the sound barely muffled through the rest of He house. He wasn't tired enough to sleep yet, so he was gonna have a concert to wear himself out.
   Ethan was tired, yeah. He was always tired. But he stood up finally, the music muffled through the House was.. relaxing surprisingly. It felt nice, to know his brother was right there, alive, decently happy. But it was momentarily, and he knew it. It always was. It was for him too, and that's okay. He thought about.. all the things he'd always wanted to tell his brother, all the things he wanted to do, the places he wanted to take him. He thought about what their life could be like without all this weird shit, and in a way.. it.. wasn't as good as you'd think. He liked the way things were, he wouldn't trade his brother for the world. He smiled, a little wider than before and walked to the fridge. Even though Ethan was tall, the fridge was too. A notebook for grocery lists, notes, little things you'd need paper for stayed up there. And he brought it down, the pen still in the little rings of it. He sit down on the table, taking his seat back. He didn't write much. He never was a.. journal kind of guy, and it never struck him to even try. But.. maybe if he just writes down the things that spin around in his head, in a way.. maybe.. Auggy would know them. It sounded weird but.. that gave him the idea. He'd give it to him, all the things he wanted so desperately to say, but never had the right time, or place. Maybe Auggy would keep it, maybe it would keep him happy. He didn't know, but what he did know, is that his brother needed that reassurance. He needed that comfort in knowing that even after death, Ethan still loved him. Ethan would die again and again and again for his brother, even if he didn't get to heaven this time. He slid the pen out, holding it in his hand, he dug through the papers with scribbles and things, finally finding a blank page. At first, it was.. difficult to really put things into words, but after a few lines, it came easy. Almost like he couldn't stop writing if he wanted.
    Auggy was weird like that. He kept every little note, drawing, list.. anything anyone in the family would give him pinned up to his walls, which were dark and torn. He would read them when he really needed it, or just when he wanted to hear their voice reading it off to him in his head. Nobody really knew about it though, nobody ever went in his room long enough to notice. By the little things like that usually brought a smile to his face and helped him to feel less.. alienated. They always made him happy. Especially the ones Ethan would give him, Ethan was the one he worried most about when it came to how the man felt about him. Maybe it was because of how they started out, maybe it was because of all the things they've been through, maybe it was because they were brothers. He could never pin it. and he knew the way he came off to everybody would make them think he hated all of them or didn't care. He just.. didn't know how to act any different. He'd had that wall up for so long, and after all of this, it was getting even harder to take it down. But he was trying.
   Ethan woke up with a smile today, another thing that doesn't happen much. Tanning in the kitchen with everyone, the only person waiting to join was august. He leaned against the counter, standing to his feet and keeping his eyes on his beautiful wife as she handed out plates to everyone. Ethan wasn't very hungry for once, just wanting to be with everyone, but every now and then you'd catch his eyes on the stairs, just waiting for that red head to stumble down the stairs like a zombie, half asleep and dragging. August wasn't a morning person, and a lot of the shit that's been going on, surely doesn't help. Ethan knee that, but he couldn't help but be excited to see him come down. He wanted more time with his family, all together. Like the movie nights they used to have, the times they go out together. He needed more of that. Death can change your outlook.. a whole fucking lot. And it showed him he was.. ungrateful. He took everything he had for advantage. But he was done doing that, and he was going to show it.
   Izzy watched him, smiling. "Do you want me to fix you a plate, baby?" She asked, looking at him. She smiled, watching Max chow down and Gram.. who had started eating a little more. Not just picking at his food.. she was proud of him. She walked around the table and ruffled Max's hair and kissed Grams head lovingly, letting them know how proud she was of them. And just like that, there was footsteps. Slow, unsteady footsteps. "Here comes Satan." Max joked, giggling a little. Gram elbowed him, giggling a little too. "In his opinion you're Satan." He teased.
   Ethan smiled and politely refused. "I'm okay love." He smiled again, but the boy coming down the stairs only made it worse, smiling with his teeth he looked over at the two in their seats. "Be nice guys." He giggled with them, but called out to Auggy. "Morning sunshine!" He teased with them, watching.
   Auggy was still exhausted, but he'd read the little letter Ethan had put under his door and gotten a much better start to his day than he normally would have. He made it into the kitchen, replying to his tease, but his words were way too slurry to make anything out. He stumbled over to Ethan, hugging him tightly in response to his letter. Nobody else really knew about the little gesture yet, so they was all confused.
    Even Ethan was a bit confused at first, not hesitating to wrap his arms around the boy. He listened to the sleepy slurs, laughing a bit. It didn't take him long to figure it out though, making his smile grow that much more. He did help him, and that felt amazing. "I love you too Auggy." He giggled, ready to pull away whenever he had decided to do so, even if he didn't want to.
    August heard it, a sleepy little smile growing on his face. After a minute he pulled away, almost falling over but catching himself and making his way to his seat. He had an epic fucking concert the night before. And he was still feeling the after affects. "I don't think he's actually awake." Max joked. "He's sleep walking." Auggy heard it, raising his hands up in front of him like a stereotypical zombie to go along with him. "Ughghhhh.." he groaned, making both Gram and Max laugh, and Izzy even giggled. "Okay, zombie boy. You want breakfast?" She asked. August dramatically turned his whole body in her direction, nodding his head. "Me want food." He murmured. She giggled, taking his plate and putting some food on it for him.
   Ethan watched him and reached out to catch him, but he had himself in line. Ethan laughed at the pretend game they were playing, and just.. to get some of that fuzziness out of stomach. Seeing Auggy smile, laugh, that's a Rarity Of it's own, but seeing this, enough energy to play, to joke, to be involved. Especially now, it was.. unreal. He loved every moment of it. He watched him sit and decided he'd sit too, following auggys footsteps to his own seat.
    Izzy set Auggy's plate in front of him, sitting in her own spot next to her love. August let his arms fall, picking up his fork and eating. Like Gram, he didn't pick at it. He actually ate this time. He felt.. better than he ever really had. And he couldn't explain why. But he did. Almost forgetting about all his problems, enjoying this moment. "It's really good Izzy." He said, his words a little more understandable now. She smiled happily, nodding. "Thank you so much, Auggy." She said, looking at Ethan. She knew this was making him happy. She knew how much he cared about that boy. And knew how much the boy's negative mindset always affected him. So this..? This was a huge change, for the better. And she knew it wouldn't last forever, so she wanted to enjoy it while she could.
   Ethan listened, biting his lip. He was beyond grateful for this moment, his hands in his lap and his eyes on the food. Okay, now he was a little hungry. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.
    Izzy saw the way he was eyeing the food, giggling a little and pushing her plate over to him, getting up and making another plate for herself. "So how was everybody's sleep?" She asked, wanting conversation. "Great." Max replied, and Gram spoke a little more. "I slept really good, I had a really good dream." He said happily. "It's like it came to life now, everybody so happy." Auggy looked at him, smiling. "Well look at that, you can see the future." He watched Gram giggle and shake his head, looking down at his food.
   Ethan hesitated, looking at her and opening his mouth to protest, but she didn't give him time before he gave in and started eating happily. He giggled at auggys comment, not letting himself think too much on it. "Oh my god this is good." He practically mumbled, eating a little too fast. Izzy giggled, watching him. "Slow down or you'll choke.." she warned, covering her mouth so she wasn't showing off the food in her mouth.
    He looked at her covering his mouth and trying to not to laugh. His child side showing through a bit too much. He finished his bite, giggling in his hand. "Sorry baby.." Izzy smiled, meeting her eyes with his and reaching over to run her hand through his hair lovingly. "It's okay, just be careful." She said sweetly. Auggy watched, deciding to challenge the man. "I bet I could eat faster than you." He said, grinning. "Without choking."
    Ethan smiled and purred with the affection but August's idea ruined the moment, shooting his glance at him. "I doubt it." He smirked, letting his fork rest over his food. Even with Izzy's demands and pleads, he never backed down from a challenge.
   "Wanna bet?" He asked, giving him a teasing look. "August do not give him ideas." Izzy said quickly, but it was too late.
   Ethan disregarded Izzy's pleads, giving his brother his own challenging look and a smart ass smirk on his face. "I bet." He lifted his fork again, waiting to be told when.
   August grinned, leaning over his plate, leaving his fork in his hand. "Go!" He squeaked, lofting his plate up without giving a warning and scarfing it all down, using the fork as a rake to shove it all in. Izzy stared for a minute, then looked at Ethan to see what he was gonna do, if he was going to be able to beat Auggy.
   Ethan almost stopped to stare but caught himself in time, doing practically the same as it seemed there wasn't another way to do so. It didn't take him long though, slamming the plate down with a loud crash that sounded like if it was any harder, it would've shattered. He jumped a little, sitting the fork down and turning to look at August to see how far he had gotten.
    August finished a split second after him, coughing. "How the fuck did you do that?!" He panted, rubbing his mouth. Gram laughed. "You had the upper hand and you still lost!" He giggled. August looked at him. "Shit you're right." He said. "What's my punishment for losing the bet??" He asked Ethan.
   Ethan laughed, wiping his own face and staring at him. "Well.. I guess I'm just good." He smiled proudly, but when the question came up, his eyes fell to Gram. Punishment? He didn't even think about it. "Hmm well.." one thing about Ethan, when he was in a good mood, he spoke and acted impulsively. He never took a second to think, and it seemed he would've figured out how to not do that, but you know.. bad habits. "Come on, I'll show you." He stood to his feet, grabbing the boy's wrist and pulling him to the living room.
   August squeaked upon being grabbed, stumbling along after him. Izzy watched, picking up their plates and sitting them in the sink. Gram and Max put their own plates up too, watching the brothers intently. "Uh oh." Max giggled, watching. Gram stood next to him, pulling his hair back into a pony tail.
    Ethan giggled when he stood at the wall by the tv. They spent a lot of time in here, this would be a good place. He bit his lip, letting go of Auggy wrist. "Okay stay here." He laughed a bit, knowing how embarrassed Auggy would be, but.. not exactly in.. that way. He ran up the stairs and back down as quick as he can. "Keep your eyes closeddd!!" He trotted back in, standing in front of him and lifting the chains up. "Alright now! You can look!"
   August did as told, standing with his eyes closed until told to open them. He saw the chains, backing up a little farther. "Okay I don't like this already." He said, putting his hands up in front of himself. "I do not like those."
   "Oh calm down!" Ethan slouched over a little, taking a step closer. "Just for a few hours! You don't have a choice remember?" He laughed like it was still just a joke, he.. looked past the panic in August's eyes. He reached out, grabbing his wrist and closing one of shackles on his wrist and pulling him towards the wall. "Too late now." He smirked, finishing up. "You have room to sit, I'm not that mean."
   August whined and struggled against it, trying to pull free. He didn't like the feeling of the shackle around his wrist, pulling at it. "A couple hours..?" He repeated quietly. "How many?" He looked up at him almost desperately, then back at the thing on his wrist.
   Ethan saw the look, and honestly thought about giving in. "Give it.. two or three." His smile faded a bit, but he forced it back. "Unless.. you wanna be a little baby and refuse~" he leaned down to meet his eyes, poking his nose as he teased him.
   August whimpered again, hearing the tease and toughening up. "Fine.." he mumbled, sitting down and tugging at it again. Impulse. He hated it. "No more than that though, okay?" He asked, trying to act a little more brave about it. The one thought rang off in his head, Ethan was only playing. This didn't hurt him in any way. When Auggy tried to play, Ethan ended up getting killed. So he could put up with this for a little while. His phone buzzed on the table and Gram went and looked at it. "Zeke said he's coming over." He said happily. "He gets to see you all tied up too."
   Ethan nodded, watching him seat. "Ooooo~" he sang like a child, turning to walk out. "I wonder how he's gonna feel about this.." he giggled, and sat on the couch to stare at Auggy in a.. teasingly way. As if showing off that he had won the bet.
    August pulled his knees up to his chest, one arm wrapped around them while the other was being held up by the chain. Pouting. He put his face in his knees, grumbling. Izzy giggled. "He's pouting." She said, sitting with Ethan. Max joined everybody else at the table too, watching the other mope.
   Ethan giggled when she spoke and wrapped his arm around her. "He'll get over it, give him an hour or so." He looked at the rest, sitting together, then when his eyes fell on Auggy again, he couldn't help but lie his head against the back of the couch, letting himself laugh.
   She nodded, smiling a bit. "Yeah.. he will." She said softly. Max watched, looking at the way August moved his arm to try and get it loose, his eyes falling to the little metal bracelet locked around his own wrist that Zayne had scarred up so badly. "Hmm.." he almost purred, thinking. He started to just stare at it blankly, lost in thought. Gram noticed, touching his shoulder. "Max? You chill?" He asked. "Oh yeah, I'm fine." Max replied happily, looking back at August. And with that, there was a knock at the door. Zeke finally showing up.
    Ethan watched, almost starting to feel bad but not letting himself give in. Auggy agreed. He lost. It was just a game. The knock got his attention though, jumping off the couch and walking to the door. His eyes lit up, knowing Zeke would be here to see it all. He swung the door open, a wide smile on his face. "Zeke! Hi!!" He announced his presence, stepping back to let the boy in. This should be fun.
   Zeke smiled a bit at his happy reaction, confused for a minute. "Well hello.." then his eyes fell on Auggy, chained to the wall. "Kinky." He joked, knowing it would make Ethan uncomfortable. Auggy squirmed, hearing the joke and yanking at his arm again. Zeke laughed, raising a brow. "Really? You think you can beat me?" He snickered.
    Ethans smiles dropped a little to more a more pout, as he closed the door and walked with Zeke. His smile came back far too easily though, watching August. "Careful Auggy," He teased, looking at Zeke. He never had that talk with him.. maybe he should soon. "What brought you up here?" He asked, letting himself stay in the moment.
   Auggy pouted, calming again and letting his eyes fall to the thing around his wrist. "Dammit zeke, you win.." he murmured. Zeke smiled, looking at Auggy and then at Ethan. "Well I never did get to coming around that last time you guys messaged me. So.." he shrugged. "Sorry about that again.. some shit came up." He said, looking at Izzy. "Hey Izz!" He said happily, always being chipper with her. "Hi Zeke!" She greeted.
   Ethan nodded with his words but spoke up a little too quickly to defend. "No no that's okay! Trust me.. we get it.." he laughed under his breath, smiling again with the shift in the boy's voice. And the smile on his wife. He glanced at Auggy, trying to decide wether or not to leave him like that. But his attention turned to Zeke again. "Hey.. uh, do you think we can talk for a minute." His voice dropped a bit, sounding a little less light hearted and easy going. Even Ethan realized it, raising his Armand scratching the back of his head a little awkwardly. He didn't mean to do that.
   Zeke caught the way his voice dropped so dramatically, looking back at him with a look to match the tone. Serious. Far from light hearted. "Sure thing, come on." He said, walking off to a room so they could be alone and not worry everyone. August knew what it was gonna be about, watching the two walk off. Alone in the room, even if Gram, Max, and Izzy was in the room next to him it was fucking with his head. He yanked at it some more, trying to break it but being unable. "Pfft, I know the feel Auggy." Max grumbled, looking at the thing on his own wrist. But his fix for it was far from easy, like Auggy's was.
    Ethan nodded. His eyes turned towards Auggy as he left though, being so close to giving in. Just a little longer, he'll be okay. Leaning against the wall, he crossed his arms and looked at Zeke. It felt strange to be completely alone with him like this. He couldn't think of a time after they met that it had happened. "So this is.. gonna sound strange." He triedti find a way to put his thoughts into words, tried to understand them. "Demons.. that's.. we all know that a thing, and.." he stuttered for a minute, but took a breath and tried again. "When I died, I think I went to heaven." Saying it out loud, he really heard how crazy he sounded. He shifted around, letting his arms drop and his hands travel to his pockets. "If there is a heaven.. and there's hell and demons is it possible that.. angels exist?" It felt strange saying that. To realy put it into words like that. But his gaze, locked with Zekes, all it would show is the genuine worry, the curiosity. Maybe he was being dramatic, but he didn't even tell anyone about his death.. and that dream was.. putting him on edge. He couldn't say why though, it seemed like any other would be. Itvjusy didnt.. feel likebit.
   Zeke could see the discomfort, how upset he seemed over it all. He kept his eyes locked with the others. Folding his own arms over his chest and leaning one shoulder against the wall comfortably. "Well," he started after Ethan finished. "Of course.. there can't really be a hell without heaven, nor demons without angels. There needs to be an equal.. rhythm." He tried to put words to it. He was.. like a jack of all trades. He knew more than most, and has dealt with even more. So of course he could help him. He tilted his head, examining the man. "And I suppose.. you think you could be an angel?" He asked, furrowing his brows. "How did you come back? Did someone resurrect you?" He asked, thinking. "Anything else.. strange happening?"
    At first, it.. comforted him to hear him talk, to know he didn't sound as crazy as he thought. But after a little bit.. after his first few words it really started to process. "Um.. I don't.. know." His eyes fell to the boy's mouth, letting himself think. It was obvious how out of it he was when he was really thinking about the whole thing. It was so much, like Zeke could read his mind. "No I um.. not exactly." He hesitated, knowing he'd have to talk about the dream again. "I had a dream.. a couple nights ago. It was.. weird, it didn't.. feel like just a dream. It felt like those.. visions I have." The word didn't come out right, it felt off coming out. "Well that's what Auggy calls them. Anyway um.." His eyes traveled back to meet with the others. "Mum was there. She.. actually looked like an angel. Like the ones you'd see in movies and stuff. She had the wings and all that." It was a little easier to explain this time, having to do it before. "And she had this bright eyes, blue. But I um.. I did too. You know, I wouldn't reply think too much about it but it just felt different."
   Zeke nodded, listening to every word carefully. He could tell how much the man was struggling, feeling sympathy but not showing it much at all, to not make him feel small, or victimized. So he'd feel more comfortable. "I see.." He tilted his head gently to the side, thinking. He could tell exactly what it was. He knew what Ethan was, and he knew it was all too much for the poor baby to handle right now. "Don't worry about it too much, okay?" He started, keeping eye contact. "You're gonna be fine. But.. I think.. maybe you're an angel, like your mom." He explained slowly, carefully choosing words that wouldn't hurt him or scare him. "Don't.. worry. You're not gonna go through that phase where you lose your mind like August did, or any other demon, your powers will be different, if you have any at all other than.. visions." He quickly added it in. "They won't try to control you. They're not meant to be used in ill intent."
    Of course, Ethan heard the words that he expected. They just sit right. He bit his lip, pulling his hands out of his pocket and messing with the sleeve of his shirt. "An angel.." he muttered those words under his breath, letting it sink in. His eyes shot back up to Zeke after he finished and nodded, "right." He forced himself to smile a little. "But if.. wait why.. why now? They're.. They're has to be a reason right..?"
   Zeke heard the question, shrugging lightly. "You died. August's powers didn't start showing up until after his death, when he had to resurrect himself. That activated them." He was looking at the floor so he could think properly now. "So.. maybe your death triggered your ability. Yours just came in a little faster than his did." That's .. all he knew to say. If there was a greater reason why the powers started showing up now of all the times, Zeke didn't know. Maybe something was going to happen and his body knew, triggering them for its own protection, that could happen.. right? He didn't.. know. For the first time, he didn't really understand it all, but he was pretty sure that what he was saying was the right reason. That it was because of Ethan's death.
   If he let himself think about it.. it did make sense. In a way, it was almost obvious. Maybe he was being stupid for thinking anything else. He nodded, biting his lip. "Alright. Yeah." He paused for a minute, letting his own eyes fall to his hands. "Right.. um.. thanks Zeke." He didn't know what else to say other than thanks, but he let it go. He put his hand out to let it rest on his shoulder. "I won't think about it too much.." he lied, letting his arm fall back down and himself smile. "We better go back before everyone starts worrying.
   Zeke nodded softly, smiling a little at him and heading out of the room. "I think they started worrying when you went from laughing to stone cold in two seconds." He admitted truthfully. But it was light hearted, meant to lighten the mood a little. "So wanna explain why you got August chained up?" He asked, looking back at him.
   Ethan laughed a little, going along with him. "I didn't even realize." He spoke, walking along by his side. "Well.. he lost a bet. Put on the spot for a punishment, so it's all I had in mind." He smiled, finally reaching the living room and standing at the door way. He eyed the red head chained up, "should we let him go?" He kept a teasing look on his face, questioning Zeke but staring Auggy down with his arms across his chest.
    Zeke nodded, moving to stand by him and look at the boy. "Nah. Leave him be." He said, smirking a little and wandering to the kitchen. "What kind of bet did he lose?" He asked. August heard the reply, how long had it been already? He let out a quiet cry, putting his face in his knees again.
   Ethan followed, laughing a little at auggys pouts. " "I bet I can eat faster than you without choking" " he mocked the boy's voice playfully, walking to the sink. If they're can be in the kitchen, he might as well find something to do. With that in mind, he turned on the water and getting things ready to wash the dishes from earlier.
  By then, Izzy and the other two boys had to leave to go to school and work. They left a little bit after Ethan took Zeke aside to talk. Izzy has tried to wait.. but they would have been way too late if they had. She needed to keep her job, being the only one supporting the family now. She left a note saying she loved him put up on the fridge. Zeke nodded, snickering a little as he started helping Ethan with the dishes. "Pfft." He looked back at Auggy. "So.. do you plan on going back to school?" He asked, wanting to conversation with him. It had been.. way too long sense Auggy has reached out to talk with him. August shrugged a little, looking up. "I don't.. think so."
   Ethan noticed it from the corner of us eye, smiling as he read it. He listened in to the conversation, trying to decide if he wanted to jump in. He didn't blame him at all if he didn't want to go back, Ethan didn't even know if he wanted to. But at the same time, it felt so strange to be out of work.
    Zeke nodded a little, thinking. "Have you been better?" He asked, knowing about how August was the serial killer. August knew what he was talking about, biting his lip and contemplating if he should tell Ethan or not, thinking back to his reaction to the pictures of the scenes he'd created and shivering. "Yeah, I have. A lot better." He mumbled. Half truth and half lie. The darkness was still.. so close to taking full control again. He jerked at the chains again, looking back at them. "It's odd though, not really having anything to do all day." He said, trying to cover up that part of the conversation so Ethan wouldn't catch on that something was dangerously wrong. "I bet Ethan feels the same way." Zeke went along with him, but knew it wasn't really the best idea to try to hide something like this from the man.
    He paused for a minute, listening. He didn't even let the thought cross his mind that they were talking about the killings, just.. that he was upset over Ethans death. He convinced himself that was it, and August's cover up helped. He mumbled to himself quietly about the whole situation with.. the angel thing, trying to decide if he should tell August. "Oh yeah." He spoke a little louder, agreeing with him.
    Zeke smiles a bit, hoisting himself up onto the counter. "So.. is this all you guys do now?" He asked, tilting his head. "Sit here at home by yourselves?" August looked at him, snickering. "Is there a problem with that?" He asked. "It just seems lonely." Zeke said quietly. "Lonely? You wanna talk about Lonely?" August sat up right, looking at him. "You live alone." "No! I don't, that's only when I'm out of school. I live with a dorm mate when schools in session." He snickered. "So I am not lonely."
    Ethan smiled, putting his things down and turning to lean against the sink. He wanted to be in the conversation. Zeke was right.. it was lonely sometimes. But he knew Izzy was doing what she had to, and the boys had to be school. He could live with that. He could make it work. "He's right, you know." He turned to Zeke, agreeing with Auggy. Even with someone there, it had to be lonely sometimes. "Especially if you're with someone like Auggy." He teased, a smile on his face. "Always locked up in his room or in the garage." He meant it in a playful way, and it sounded that way too, but he knew what he was saying.
    Zeke smirked a little with the way Ethan teased Auggy, looking over at the red head. "Yeah.. but give him credit, he's a teenager." He got this really goofy tone in his voice. "He's in puuuubertyyyy." Even he couldn't hold back from laughing, especially when August got angry over that. "Shut the hell up!" Zeke laughed and shook his head. "Didn't you go through puberty like three times now?" He asked, realizing how funny that situation was. "I will end you, dammit!" He grabbed the throw pillow with his free hand, chucking it at Zeke, who took a hit to the face with it. "Oh scary! A pillow!" He kept laughing, going into a giggle fit.
   Ethan laughed at the boy's anger, and the pillow being thrown only made it that much better. "August! Be nice or we'll get the other wrist too!" He referred to his chains again, standing up right.
   August made a noise, looking at him. "Like hell!" He squeaked. Zeke laughed, looking at the boy teasingly. "Is that a challenge?" He asked, smirking. August grabbed another pillow. "Try me!" He almost forgot about being chained up, the joking taking his mind off of it completely. Zeke got an idea, looking at Ethan. "He's challenging me."
   Ethan smirked, shutting his mouth and glancing at august. "Oh you already fucked up auggy." He crosses his arms, ready to see what's gonna go down. August seen the looks the two of them gave, being outnumbered and chained up. "Shit." He said, right as Zeke took a run and go and launched, hitting him with the pillow to get his guard down. August yelped out of sheer surprise, falling back and exposing his torso. Exactly what Zeke wanted. He snickered, getting on top of him so he was pinned and tickling him. August squealed and started laughing, squirming and trying to shove him off. "Zeke quit it!!"
  Ethan watched, a little surprised at first but he watched, laughing at first. He decided he'd help, running to them and grabbing August's free hand. "This is your fault Auggy!!" He laughed, keeping his arm pinned against the wall.
   August let out a playful scream, trying to thrash around to get away. "Stop it!" He squeaked, tears from laughter starting to stream down his red cheeks. "Say I win and I'll stop!" Zeke said. Reaching under the boys shirt to tickle his bare skin, making him laugh that much harder. He refused for.. a while. But finally he gave in and agreed. "Fine! You win! You win!" He wheezed, and Zeke released him, rolling off. "You are one stubborn child." He panted, laughing at him. "That took way too long."
    Ethan laughed with them, finally releasing his arm. All the laughing started to hurt, making him sit beside Auggy instead of knelt down. His arms wrapped around his stomach, he leaned backwards against the couch, still letting himself laugh. It felt nice to laugh, to be so loose and soft. He doesn't do that much anymore, he wouldn't let himself.
    Ethan laughed with them, finally releasing his arm. All the laughing started to hurt, making him sit beside Auggy instead of knelt down. His arms wrapped around his stomach, he leaned backwards against the couch, still letting himself laugh. It felt nice to laugh, to be so loose and soft. He doesn't do that much anymore, he wouldn't let himself.
    Ethan was panting a bit, finally coming down from his laughing fit. He let his arm fall to the ground, sitting up to look at Zeke. "Don't get pissy." He giggled, looking back at Zeke. "Uh.. sure." He wiped some tears from his eyes, using the couch to help him up. "We gotta let Auggy off his chains first."
    Zeke tilted his head, grinning. "Or we could leave them on him, draw some attention." August followed Ethan's commands, holding his tongue, though the look on his face showed just what he wanted to say, and it only made Zeke laugh harder. "You know, you're lucky you're my friend or I would have killed you already." He finally let himself talk. Zeke smiles sarcastically. "Oh I know." He said, standing up and offering Ethan his hand to help him up.
    He took his hand happily, looking at him. Ethan laughed a bit too. "Ooo.. you're right." He teased, fumbling through his pockets to find the key. He'd still have to be off the wall at least. "I gotta throw on some clothes," he tossed the key to Zeke, trusting him to catch it. "Do as you wish with him." He smirked, turning and walking up stairs to get ready.
   Zeke caught them, acting all proud of himself for doing so. "Why do you even have these.." He mumbled to himself, then caught Ethan before he left. "Get him something too! Make him show a little skin!" He knew it would make August angry. "This is part of that bet you lost, kid." He snickered, getting to the shackles attached to the wall. August watched his every move like a hawk. "I'm going to kill you. Maybe not today. But I will kill you." Zeke looked at him, holding up the keys. "I hold your freedom in my very palm. Try me." He said, letting the key ring spin around his finger. "Fuck you!" August whined.
  Ethan heard, laughing a bit too devilishly and rushing up the stairs a little faster. He already had an idea in mind. He rushed to put on his own clothes, just some jeans and a grey shirt. But when it came to finding some for Auggy, he gave it time. Searching in the darkest corners of Izzy's clothes, he found something he knew would be perfect. He smirked to himself, lifting it up to look at it. "Oh Auggy is gonna beat my ass." He mumbled to himself, throwing it over his shoulder and stumbling down the stairs. "I'm baaackk!" He sung happily, looking at Zeke.
    Zeke looked at him, pushing Auggy towards him. "Go see what he chose for you!" He said, knowing it was bad from the way Ethan sang, and the look on his face. August stumbled to him, seeing the skirt. "You didn't.." he mumbled, taking it. "You can't make me wear this!" He whined. Zeke shook his head. "Do you wanna pussy out on the bet?" He asked. August wondered if this was really worth it, but of course he wasn't gonna back out of the bet. He snatched the clothes from Ethan and went to the bathroom to change.
    Ethan grabbed it, holding it out to show Zeke in its entirety. But he didn't have time to give much of a reaction before Auggy stormed off with it. He watched him stomp to the bathroom like a child and when the door shut he turned to look at Zeke, his smile finally coming back. He let himself laugh a bit more, sitting down at the stairway to wait.
   Zeke looked at him. "Are we being too hard on him?" He asked, but really, he didn't care. The anger the boy put off over it was the funniest thing to witness, and he wanted to see just how angry he could make him. But before Ethan could respond, August exited with the outfit on. His cheeks were bright red and his hands rugged at the skirt to make it hide more of his legs. That thigh gap. "I hate both of you." He said begrudgingly.
    Ethan wanted to protest, even with his playful tone but he didn't have time. It was fun to push Auggy, to make him angry but not.. actually piss him off. He stomped into the room, his eyes traveling from his feet to his hair. The curves the boy had were too convincing, and the hair didn't help. His skinny stature pushed the untrained eye to Auggy being feminine, and it was too fun to watch. Ethans eyes lit up at the sight, the fire behind auggys eyes only made him smile wider. "Aw look how pretty~~" Ethan sang, standing to his feet.
   Zeke choked at the sight. "I didn't know you had a sister!" He joked, watching Auggy. "Shut up!" August cried, covering his face. "Awww don't hide like that. Let's go." He said, smirking. "Off the the bar we go." He headed to the door, opening it for the boys. August hesitantly walked outside. The sun reflecting from his pale skin, making him glow almost blindingly. Zeke looked, quickly looking away. "God damn you need to get a tan! I'm blind!"
   Ethan laughed, following behind them. He didn't say too much, knowing zekes comments would be enough for now. He walked out last, closing the door and being sure to lock it after. He noticed the glow from Auggy, laughing at zekes reply as he walked in front of them. "Who's driving?"
   Zeke looked back at Ethan, then at his truck. "It is your truck after all." He said, looking at Auggy. "Unless the little lady wants to drive." He taunted. August held his tongue, knowing get frustrated was giving them what they wanted. "You know what? I think I do wanna drive." He said, looking back at Ethan. "Toss me the keys."
   Ethan looked at him, a little surprised. "Ohh But Auggy," he laughed, tossing him the keys. "Don't hurt yourself pretty girl." He giggled, walking around the truck and climbing in the passenger seat.
    Zeke climbed in the back seat, taking Grams spot in the middle. Auggy climbed in the front seat, his cheeks still red. He started the truck up, hearing her roar to life. She was getting so old. "Okay, where to?" He asked, looking back at Zeke from the rear view mirror. Zeke snickered, telling him to the directions to the place he wanted to take him. "Everyone's gonna love you." He snickered. Then he looked at Ethan. "First though.. seriously, are you okay taking him there?" He asked, wanting to make sure he wasn't gonna get his ass kicked for this, knowing an angry Ethan could do so much harm.
   Ethan watched him, tuning in to the trucks struggle to purr. He put his arm up to the console in front of him, mumbling quietly to her. But Zeke caught his attention. He nodded. "He's old enough, he'll be alright." He spoke without thinking, he didn't let himself give it a thought, and he had no idea how bad he messed up. "Just keep up with him." He looked down at his hand, focusing his attention back to his truck. "You better watch what you're doing Auggy." He sounded a little more serious, knowing Auggy didn't drive too much.
   "You gotta gotta keep up with him too, he's your brother." Zeke added quietly. He knew it was risky but.. what was life without a couple risks? Besides, the boy was powerful, and had two powerful people protecting him. Nothing could go wrong. He sat back, watching the two up front. "Does he know how to drive?" He asked, raising a brow. "I'm almost 18. Of course I know how to drive, stupid." August joked, and Zeke laughed. "Oohhhh ouch!" He went along with it as he boy pulled out of the driveway and drove off. He.. wasn't use to it, that's for sure. But he didn't get them in a wreck, so that's a plus.
   Ethan eventually sat back in his own seat, keeping his eyes out on the road. Slowly, his truck slipped his mind, and he started to let himself think with his arms across his chest. Zeke was right, the two of them could protect August easy.. right? Then his mind drifted off a little farther, wandering if he was actually gonna drink, or how much time they were going to waste there. Or who they would see there.
   August pulled up to the place, putting her in park and stepping out, amazing keeping his legs at an angle to not flash anyone as he done so. "Alright, lets go." He said, shutting the door behind himself and waiting for Ethan. He knew how to piss them off. He knew how to turn this all around on them, just.. act confident rather than being so angry over it.
   Ethan watched as he stepped out, being that little bit of insurance of it and a little surprised when he realized that Auggy could do it. "Zeke, I think he's had practice." He whispered if, but making sure it was a loud whisper, so Auggy could hear. He smirked and stepped out himself, shutting the door behind him. Ethan wouldn't really be.. too offset by it, if anything just surprised. Surprised that he'd be willing to do that. But he went along with the way he was acting. "You better be careful Auggy, wouldn't want anyone getting the wrong idea." He winked, teasing a bit as he reached out to open the door for the two.
    Zeke climbed out, watching the way Auggy strut to make the skirt sway. "I think he has had plenty enough practice." He agreed playfully. August walked inside when Ethan opened the door, Zeke followed quickly to make sure he could have eyes on the child at all times. The music wasn't too loud, but it was loud enough. The lights were dimmed, and the place seemed to be stocked full. Mostly, full of guys. Some already wasted, some getting there. The way the music played gave August that much more confidence, it being one of those upbeat songs that get you dancing. He giggled, looking at Zeke and Ethan. "This place ain't so bad!" He laughed, walking to the bar to get drinks with the other two. Zeke chuckled a little at how excited the boy was, following him and making sure Ethan was still following, and hadn't returned back out to the truck.
   Ethan followed, though he did keep his eyes on the truck for a minute beforehand. It was hard to leave her alone in public, too many people around. "I'm here don't worry." He followed the two to the bar, taking a seat off to the side. He put his elbow up on the table, watching as the other two sat. "Well, you look like you're having fun." Ethan smiled, not so teasingly anymore. The music was.. pretty annoying. And all the talking made it worse. Ethan could drink, he liked to drink sometimes, but in public? Not so much. "And you were angry~" he laughed, looking down at his arms.
   August sat, legs together and back straight. His hair fell down behind him, down below his waist. Of course, someone like him wasn't really a casualty there. Most of the people were much older, or at least in their thirties. He was visibly young, and was visually pleasing with his slightly curvy body, the long, luxurious red hair that was so very silky. That being said, of course he had all eyes on him. He ordered his drink, looking around the place at the people dancing along to the music and those who sat talking to one another, who sat alone, things like that. It was almost like the silent raves he use to go to, but with a twist. So it was easy for him to get comfortable and let his guard down. The silent raves were once his place of comfort, where he could always let his guard down. A simple mistake. Zeke ordered his own drink, but didn't plan on getting wasted. He just wanted to have a few sips. "You gonna drink any, Ethan?" He asked, turning his attention to the man.
    Ethan didn't pay too much attention to the people around them, just the two with him. "Uh.. yeah sure." He ordered a shot, craving some whiskey. He turned to Auggy, watching as he eyed everyone down, watching him loosen up and let himself be comfortable. Ethan didn't like that.
   August caught Ethan looking at him, giving him a little smile. "Problem?" He asked, seeing the look on his face. A larger man sat down next to the boy, a big bear belly. He smelled like he hadn't bathed in a while, and he looked he same way. He looked... nasty. Grimy. His hair was greasy and Unbrushed, but it was fairly short. He looked down at the pretty little thing next to him, making a quick move to slip something in his drink. "Hey there, baby doll." He flirted, and his voice could send chills down a grown man's spine. August jumped, looking up at him. "Um.. hey." He said, scooting closer to Zeke and Ethan. The man smiled darkly at the other two. "Oh.. you're a boy?" He said. "You're such a cute little boy..." he reached over, rubbing his back and trying to wrap his arm around his waist. August snarled and grabbed his drink, getting up and moving to Ethan's other side rather than next to Zeke, putting space between him and that.. nasty.. grimy old man. Zeke seen the move and stood up quickly, snarling at him. "Watch it." He hissed. But the man knew he had already won, getting up with his hands up defensively. "Can't blame a guy for tryin'." He said, walking off. Though.. he vanished into the sea of people, keeping his eyes on the red head. All he had to do was wait. August rolled his eyes, taking a drink of the spiked alcohol unknowingly. He wasn't about to let one bad encounter ruin the day for him. "Ew." He joked, shaking his head. Zeke nodded. "Yeah, ew." But he was way more serious.
   Ethan was ready to speak up, to laugh, give some kind of reaction but the man came just in time. His eyebrows fell and he let a growl escape his lips. Something about interruptions today, Zeke stepped in, so he didn't have time. He watched him move to the other side of him though, giving an awful threatening look to the man. He was so caught up in this look, he stupidly overlooked the small move he took with the drink. Ethan, left with that imprint from the disgusting fuck, acted the same as Zeke, watching him as he disappeared. But he didn't turn back to Auggy. He didn't take his shot, he just.. watched.
    Zeke kept his eyes around the boy while Ethan watched the man, two different ways of protection. Auggy watched how angry they got and pouted, taking another drink. It tasted.. off. But he figured that was where he hadn't had a drink in such a long time. "Come on.. I'm a pretty girl at a bar, remember..? That's normal.." he tried to lighten the mood and joke with them, hoping at least one of them would laugh. Or play along. Zeke looked at him again, shaking his head. "No, that's not normal." He mumbled. "It's not okay." August nodded a little, looking at Ethan. "Come onnn... have fun.." he begged.
   Ethan hesitated, but shook his head, taking a breath. He pulled his cigarettes out of his pocket and turned around to sit right. "No.. Zeke he's right." He sighed, lighting one. "I'm sure it's nothing to worry about." He closed his eyes, leaning back in the seat and taking the entirety of his shot. Ethan noticed how odd the interaction was, it definitely wasn't normal, but he knew he had to get over it. He had to let August have the good time he'd been needing.
   Zeke looked at Ethan and watched him take his shot, nodding. "Alright.. Fine." Zeke agreed reluctantly, taking a sip of his own drink. Though.. the drugs the man slipped August started taking affect, and August felt it. He looked.. sickly. Off. But he tried to ignore it. "This drink is stronger than I thought!" He giggled, thinking he was just getting wasted as he took another drink, finishing it off. Zeke laughed, looking at him and thinking the same thing. "No, it was a big drink and you're fucking tiny." He teased, watching him. Though.. he noticed how sick he looked. "Are you okay?" He asked, tilting his head. "Uh.." August started, feeling his stomach churn. "Yeah. Let me go to the bathroom real fast.. stay here, I'll be back." He said, getting up.
   Ethan noticed the way August was acting. He's seen him drunk, he's seen him so far off his eyes he had to carry him to bed. He's seen that, but this.. this was different. He stood up quickly. "You now what I gotta go too." He wasn't going to come out and say he was just going to protect him, or that he wasn't going to stay with Zeke. He knew how it would make Auggy feel, and it'd only piss him off.
   August looked at him and nodded a little, stumbling off in a half ass run. He wasn't really.. able to walk right. But he didn't even notice. In his eyes, he was walking just fine. But the movement was making him feel weaker, sicker. He was practically running now, needing to get to the bathroom fast. He moved too fast, shoving past people to get to the bathroom to vomit and losing Ethan behind him in the process, but that creepy, nasty guy from earlier was waiting in the crowd. He waited until Ethan was too far behind the boy to see him, and then grabbed him. He shoved his dirty hand over the boy's mouth so he couldn't make noise, pulling him along with him so the two wouldn't be seen. Pulled him outside and around the building, to the side that was facing the mountains and practically sanctioned off, away from anyone. So nobody could see.
    Ethan tried to follow, not really.. pushing past people like Auggy was, but forcing his way through. It seemed like an instant, he had disappeared through the people. He froze, looking around him, staring down the crowd. "August?" He called out to his brother, to no avail. He started to panic a little bit he rushed back to his spot, hoping to find Zeke there. He tried to keep his thoughts drowned. He couldn't let himself get too worried, he knows what happens after that.
   Zeke sat there, staring into the crowd, trying to find the two. Then he saw Ethan return all alone, and stood up. "Ethan?" He asked, furrowing his brows. "Where's August?" He could tell from the look on his face something was dead wrong, so he completely abandoned his spot to join the man. He stayed level headed, not letting any thoughts of what could be happening in his head. He kept a tight hold on the amulet around his neck, helping himself stay calm. He lost Rhys. He was not about to lose another friend, not about to lose a child he practically took part in raising. His eyes were glowing, letting his soul possess random people in the room to search for him, leaving his body standing vacant for those few seconds it took, but it was useless. He couldn't find him. So he returned to his own body.
    Ethan watched him, feeling his hands start to shake and his eyes roam across the room in a panic. "Zeke?" He reaches out for him, pulling at his wrist. "Zeke we have to find him!!"
   Zeke felt him grab his wrist, nodding a little. "We do." He mumbled, moving his hand to be around Ethan's wrist as he drug him around, searching everywhere. Not finding him anywhere. But what scared him even more... he couldn't find the man either. That giant, grimy bastard. His stomach dropped and his hands went cold, tightening even tighter around Ethan's wrist as he made the horrible realization. "Fuck!" He practically screamed, losing his calm for that split second. They should've kept better eyes on him, they shouldn't have made him dress the way they did. They shouldn't have brought a teenager here. They had to find him. His eyes were glowing brighter now, more.. desperate. "How long has it been?" He looked at Ethan. Thirty minutes of searching? Maybe an hour..? "Ethan?" He repeated. He never got like this. Not even in the worst possible situations.
   He shut up, kind of.. frozen now. He stopped looking around, just.. letting his mind run without thinking. When Zeke stopped, his mind kind of.. let go. He closed his eyes, that familiar pain in his chest, his cheeks burned, and for a second he could've sworn he seen August, distorted and.. distant. He looked.. pained, scared. It was dark, but it was almost like.. static. Zeke calling for him broke this thoughts and he snapped his eyes open. He looked at him for a second, zekes grip still tight on Ethans wrist, his eyes went wide. He didn't say anything, storming off, practically running through the crowd. He.. he knew what this was. Finding a door that led to the back of the building he swung it open, hearing it slam against the wall. His searching started again, looking around frantically, listening to every thing he could, trying to see him. "Over there." He was quiet, his voice sounded.. distant, but he didn't give Zeke time to say anything, pulling him towards the two. He knew where he was, he was sure of it.
   Zeke yelped when he started running through the place, still holding on tight. But when Ethan threw the door open and sounded so confident in knowing where they were, he knew to listen. He could hear something in the distance. He couldn't tell what it was, but he knew he direction, and hearing it forced him to pick up speed and around the corner, seeing the boy laying almost unconsciously, Beaten, bruised, and bleeding. And he wasn't healing. He snarled, Using his ability to throw the man off of him and as far away as possible, following after. He didn't stop to check on the boy, letting Ethan handle that part. August was curled up, fading in and out. He was dead silent though, no more sounds coming from him other than a wet wheeze, the sound of blood in his lungs, suffocating him. The same sound Serenity made all those years ago. Looking the exact same way, so helpless and broken, unable to even look up at the man above him.
   Ethan watched as Zeke threw the other away from august, but didn't let himself see him fall. He was at August's side before he knew it, on his knees and looking at him, it was.. awful. Beyond scary. He couldn't stand to see his brother like this but.. too scared to look away, scared he'd disappear again. He pulled August's in his arms despite his injuries and looked at him. "Hey hey you're okay. You're gonna be fine..." he tried to comfort him, and himself, trying to make time. Buying time for Zeke to come back, to heal him. He'd be crying, he'd be screaming but after all this shit, every time he'd lost his brother, every time someone in his family had died, his friends, hed learned that.. crying is only gonna make shit worse. It's better to keep it down. At least.. if they're still alive, like Auggy is. "You're gonna be okay, zekes gonna come and he's going to help you." He let those last few words of his echo in his mind. Ethan had powers, didnt he? The visions.. the.. thing he'd just done. Maybe.. maybe he can heal. He looked the boy down of his injuries. "Wait.." he mumbled to himself, pulling one arm from under neath him. He lifted a shaky hand, keeping his eyes still. His hand hovered over the boy's body, moving upwards. He wouldn't have noticed his eyes glowing if he didn't see the light that hit his own pale hand, a bright, electric blue, just like his dream. Was he doing it? Was he helping?
   As Ethan lifted the boy up in his arms, August tried so hard to move. To speak. But it hurt too much. Slowly.. his body was getting heavy. Going numb. His vision was.. really getting dark and narrow. He knew this feeling. He'd known it all too well, this is what dying felt like. But right as he started to give in, he felt something else. A different kind of numbness traveling up his body as Ethan moved his hand. He fought his eyes open, looking up at him, seeing those eyes. Ethan was.. healing him. He wasn't going to die again. He let his head roll back, clinging onto Ethan tightly with one hand as he let himself fall asleep. The wounds were healed, he was going to be fine.. but it was exhausting. Zeke returned only a few moments after, racing back and falling to the ground next to them, seeing Ethan healing him. He didn't say anything for a minute, just.. watching.
    Ethan watched as the wounds closed, the bruises disappeared. And when his hand froze, his eyes sparked and faded to that white color again. He.. did it. Ethan felt his tight grip on him and lifted him up a bit to hold him closer to him. His hands were shaking.. not just from losing sight of him, not from the awful scene he'd just witnessed.. but.. he knew what he did. His eyes kind of.. fell to the ground, but his hand moved to the red hair that belonged to his brother. "Y-you're.. you're okay." He muttered, his eyes wide and focused on the ground. He didn't even.. notice zekes presence. Just replaying the past events in his mind. "You're.. okay Auggy.." He had his doubts.. he had his stage of denial. Ethan didn't.. really think it was possible. He didn't want it to be. He didn't want to be like this, he wanted to be normal. Why.. why him..? Finally.. he closed his eyes, pushing the thoughts down. It doesn't matter, it's a good thing. He repeated that, convincing himself it was true. And in a way.. it was.
   August stayed unconscious, his grip loosening and his arm dropping. Zeke watched Ethan, but.. his mind wasn't really on this. They knew what August was. They.. told Zeke what he really was. He wasn't just a demon. And that wasn't the only man who was going to try to kill him. There was going to be more, they had orders to kill that boy. Zeke knee Ethan wouldn't be able to handle knowing that. Not with this new discovery of what he was. "E.. Ethan.." he mumbled, completely clueless as to what to do. And he hated it. He had always been the one to help them through everything. To protect them even when they didn't know it. But.. they were both in danger. And he knew he had no way of helping them this time. At least.. not without telling them both what was coming. "Are.. you gonna be okay..?" He asked. He was struggling to find a way. Struggling to help him before telling him something that could possibly make him abandon the fragile boy in his arms. Ethan has a family. Ethan has to be alive for them. And if he abandoned the boy, he'd be completely thrown out of the loop, other than the magic he was given, he would not be in danger. His family wouldn't be in danger. His life would be much closer to normal. To safety. But he knew it would break the man to have to do that.
   Ethan pulled himself away from his mind, feeling his grip loosen, he pulled him a little closer to not let him fall. Slowly, his head turned towards Zeke, knowing there was something he needed to say. He.. knew he would be okay.. confused, yeah, but he'd be fine. He just kind of.. nodded, silently. What else he was uploaded to do, he didn't know. He just kind of.. stared at him, holding on to one of the only things that kept him sane, kept him going every single day. He held on to him tight, thankful.. beyond grateful to feel the movement of his chest, the warm breath.
    "Um.." Zeke started, his eyes falling to the child in his arms. "That.. that guy.. he was ordered to kill August.. and he's not the only one.." he explained quietly. "He's.. he's not just a demon.." he took a deep breath, sorting through what he was suppose to say. "His mom.. she was possessed by Satan when he was conceived.. he's.. he's the son of Satan." He said quietly. "There's a lot of people after him.. to kill him and to take him to Satan.." he looked back up at Ethan, to see how he was taking the information. And he prayed to whatever god there was he wasn't going to just break down right there. This was not the safest place to lose your grip. And they were not under the safest circumstances.
    Ethan listened, but the words didn't really.. register. He just.. nodded. "Okay." He muttered, his own eyes falling on auggy asleep in his arms. "We..." he paused, standing up but keeping him in his arms. "We need to go home." Ethan wasn't thinking, he wasn't letting those words sink in. He just.. he wanted to go home. August needed rest, he needed it too. "I don't.. I just want to go home." He looked at Zeke, digging his nails into August's arm without thinking about it. Later.. he'd let himself really think about, later he knew he'd really process it all. He just.. couldn't right now.
   Zeke nodded slowly, standing up and looking at the two of them. "I'll drive you guys home, okay..?" He said quietly, having he keys in his pocket. He started walking to the truck, listening to the man behind him. August stayed asleep, his head rolled back and his eyes closed very weakly. There was still blood staining his body, and there was no telling if when he awoke, if he would remember any of it or not. If he would understand why he was soaked in his own blood, why he was still in Izzy's destroyed clothes. Zeke got to the truck, opening the door for Ethan to lay him in back, but he knew he'd probably just choose to hold the boy the whole way home. But he had to be sure.
   Ethan nodded, and would've thanked him if he could think straight. He himself was in his own little dazed state, adrenaline and borderline panic attack, a hint of sleep deprivation, mixed perfectly. He stumbled to the truck, hesitating for a second. Not really for any reason, but he climbed in the back seat as carefully as he could without waking August. Eventually, he was able to lay August down but keep his head in his lap. His eyes stayed focused on August, his fingers combing through the boy's hair. He waited for Zeke to get in, finally deciding to speak up about what he had said. He gave it only the slightest bit of thought, only enough to understand. August was very literally the spawn of Satan, the devils child. "Zeke." His voice was.. dead, Monotone. "I don't care." His eyes traveled to look at the front seats, but his fingers resumed their path through the boy's hair.
    Zeke shut the door gently, quietly to not wake the boy up. He climbed in the front seat, hearing Ethan's voice, his words. He knew.. even in this state that the man was in, how unstable he was at the moment, he knew he meant it. He knew that Ethan knew what could happen, but he.. meant it. He nodded softly, glad that the man couldn't see his face, because there was a little smile there. A little hint of a smile. He knew he shouldn't have been smiling in his moment, he knew it was the worst moment to be smiling or feel any bit of joy, but he did. And he couldn't pin point why. As he started up the truck, the loud sound she made as she first started was the culprit to barely wake August up. He made a sound, moving slightly to hold onto Ethan again. Tightly. But his eyes stayed shut, his body stayed limp other than those hands that cling tightly to the man's shirt, which was now stained with his blood.
    Ethan felt it, holding him that much tighter, that much closer. "You're okay Auggy.." he whispered quietly, finally feeling his body loosen again, he lied his head back, his eyes staring out the window. For a minute, he thought he would fall asleep, but he refused. "We're gonna be home soon..." he mumbled to himself quietly, things that someone should've said to him, comforting things. "He's okay, you're okay, everybody's okay.. you're okay.."
   Zeke heard the quiet mumbles, keeping an eye on him. He would have said something. He would've, but.. he was too lost in his own thoughts. Wondering how he was gonna fix this. How he was going to protect both of them. Even if he was younger than Ethan, he had to protect him. He had to find a way to make it easier for him, he always tried to. Even if he wasn't the best at it, it was better than nothing.. right? He pulled up to the house, looking back at him. "Hey, Ethan..? You're home." He said softly, shutting the truck down and clinging out, opening the door for him. August was still awake, but barely. He didn't comprehend any of what was being said or done. And just like that, he was dead to the world again.
    Ethan looked at him, listening as the truck cut off. "Oh." He looked down at Auggy, seeing how.. peaceful he was when he was sleeping. He.. almost looked like a child, not a care in the world. For a second, he smiled, a small, struggled one. He looked to the door handle. His movements were so slow.. dragged, it was clear he wasn't in his right mind. He opened the door, stepping out and pulling Auggy out after him. Shutting the door, he looked at Zeke, Auggy in his arms, dead asleep. "Stay." The word itself has more emotion in it than anything else he has said in the last little bit, almost like he was begging him to. He knew that.. Zeke shouldn't be alone right now. He knew that.. he didn't want to be alone. But.. he wouldn't make him. He stood there, waiting for an answer, like he had asked a question.
    Zeke held the door open still, hearing the word with much more emotion. He looked at him, nodding. "I was planning on it." He said quietly, for the same reasons Ethan wanted him to stay. He knew Ethan and August should not be alone, that they couldn't be. He gave the smallest reassuring smile, bowing his head gently. His eyes fell on August, covered in blood. "You should.. change clothes.. I'll clean him up for you.." he said quietly, wanting to take that extra worry off his shoulders.
    Ethan hesitated, but he let him, nodding as he walked into the house. It wasn't too late, so thankfully, no one was home yet. He lied august on the couch, looking down at him. A little bit of his hair fell in his face again, he reached down, moving it out of the way and stumbled up the stairs to clean up himself. He knew he could trust Zeke with him. He knew he'd be okay with Zeke there. He.. always was.
   Zeke watched the man head up the stairs, calling out only loud enough for him to hear. "It's gonna be okay. Things will get better.." he knew it wasn't much, but he knew Ethan really needed to hear that right now. He turned to August, huffing quietly. He wandered to the downstairs bathroom, the one with the boys regular clothes and the towels. In a matter of minutes he had him cleaned off and in his good clothes, all without waking him up. He threw a light blanket over him too, watching over him. Waiting for any sounds from upstairs, or Ethan to return to downstairs.
    Walking up the stairs, he heard zeke.. just barely. He froze for a second, letting himself hear it. Soon though, he was back, climbing himself up. He walked to the empty bedroom, sliding off his shirt first. He lifted his hands up, looking down at them. The blood didn't really.. exist to him. Just the memory.. of him healing august. Flashes from that moment. He.. did that. He took his first deep breath in a bit, letting his arms fall to his side again before finishing up. He didn't bother with a shirt. Changing out of the jeans into some sweats, he was left exposing his pale, freckled body, which didn't happen too often. But he couldn't really care less at this point. He was down the stairs within a few minutes, watching the two in the living room.
     Zeke heard he quiet steps coming down the stairs, thankful he didn't hear anything concerning from up the stairs. He knew Ethan didn't hurt himself, there was nothing there to worry about, so he kept his eyes on August for a moment. He finally looked up at Ethan, not paying any mind to the attire. He nodded his head gently as a greeting. He didn't want to talk too loud right now, he didn't know if he could. He had his hand wrapped tightly around the amulet without even realizing, his eyes with the dimmest glow.
   Ethan almost..smiled a little, making his way through to the love seat by the couch. He sat down, swinging his legs to rest on the arm on the opposite side. His eyes traveled to the ceiling, one arm behind his head and the other resting on his stomach. He didn't care too much for the silence, and he was able to.. kind of be known to the world. "Zeke?" He spoke quietly, his voice still a bit distant but not nearly as much. "Everyone dies.. right? Angels, demons, humans."
   Zeke looked at him, hearing the question. "Everyone dies." He responded quietly. "With us though.. it's a little different." He said, looking over at him. He was talking in a whisper, but having something to talk about soothed his nerves. Being able to tell Ethan what he wanted to hear for once today soothed his nerves. "We can choose when to die, when to come  back.. we can always take it back. You just.. have to know how." He looked at him, then at August. "I haven't taught him yet.. or you." There was one way they could die, and they'd have no control, and they'd never come back. But he needed to focus on the good. He didn't want to, he had to.
    Ethan glanced over towards him, his voice was low, almost a whisper, but not exactly. "So there's no.. goodbye, no.. dead for good?" He was hoping to hear different, hoping to know there was some way to kill people like them, for good. He needed to hear it. No one loves forever, it just doesn't work that way. Ethan sighed and sat up, looking at Zeke. "How do we kill him?" His eyes were dark, heavy. "If he's going to do this, if he's going to put Auggy, my family, in danger.. how do we kill him?"
    Zeke looked at him, knowing who he was referring to. "You know about the demon blades, right?" He asked, looking at the other. "Those can end a life for good, no bringing anybody back. That's what he used on Auggy.. if you let him slip today, if you didn't heal him.. you would've never got him back." He explained. Then he looked at him. "You can't go after Satan, that's too risky, Ethan." He said quickly, a reply to the last remark he made. He knew Ethan wanted to, he knew he wanted to hear that they could easily get rid of him, but that would have been the most dangerous lie Zeke ever told. But.. he knew Ethan really needed this dead. "I'll.. I'll talk to Adrian.. he's defeated him once, I'm sure he could kill him if he had us with him." He said. He had been friends with Adrian ever sense the man took over hell and set him free.
    Ethan pushed his hair back, listening to him speak. "I need to be the one to do it." He sounded crazy, he realized just how insane he did sound, wanting to go after satan but he knew he had to be the one to kill him. "I need to know he's dead." He wasn't refusing any help Zeke was offering but very.. very sternly telling him how he felt about it. He knew something was off when August wasn't healing, he knew about the blades Zeke were referring to.. he just didn't.. know how he would get one.
    Zeke looked at him, taking a breath. "Ethan.. you know how August gets when he loses his mind?" He asked quietly. "When that kid killed you and you were scared of what August done to him.." he reminded. "Those nasty looking killings, you know about them by now, I know you do. The serial killer.. Those was August out of his mind. August has nothing compared to Satan." He warned, looking at the boy. "He's getting there, but he is still a child. Satan's has thousands of years of practice. You just started learning about all of this.." he knew there was no talking Ethan down, but he wasn't trying to talk him down, he was just warning him that it wasn't as easy as he put off that he thought it would be. "You can be the one to kill him, but please.. let us help you. You can't go after him alone."
   Ethan in a way wasn't.. surprised to know. He'd never suspected him of it, but hearing it wasn't really significant. He just kind of.. nodded, looking away. "Yeah." He bit his lip, standing up. "Right well.. I think I'm gonna go lay down." He looked at August, now clean of blood and in his normal clothes. "Just.. watch him for a bit.. if you don't mind." In a way, Ethan was.. happy that Zeke was offering the help, begging him to let him, he knew he couldn't take down the big man himself. Even with an army, it'd be difficult. He realized that, with what little he did know. He looked up at Zeke, his eyes were dark, almost.. empty looking, but he gave that glare. Deep down, someone in that void of his eyes you could see a thank you, an appreciation for everything that Zeke had done. He was.. a savior for the two, and Ethan knew that. He knew he.. owed him a lot, and letting him sleep over or feeding him sometimes wasn't nearly enough. He owed the boy his life, he never doubted that. And one day, he'd pay him back. Someway, somehow, he'd know when the time came.
    Zeke watched him stand, seeing the darkness in his eyes hurt.. but he could see the little thank you in the look he gave. "Sure thing.." he said quietly. He didn't see anything he done as anything big, he didn't see a reason for Ethan to ever have to repay. He took a silent breath, still looking at him. Then his eyes traveled to the sleeping teenager. He.. didn't want him to ever meet his real father, he knew that would be.. more than chaos. It was credible that it would be the end. For everyone. But if Ethan was hellbent on killing Satan, they'd need all the power they could get to at least damage the man. And he knew Ethan had a point, they had to kill him. To protect everyone. He waited for the man to go up the stairs before pulling out his phone to try to talk to Adrian about it.
   Ethan turned after a minute, walking up the stairs and running his fingers through his hair. He was just tired, that's all. Making it to his bed, he kind of.. flopped on it, turning a bit to lay comfortably on his back. He kept one hand under his head, his eyes open. God he'd missed this bed. He missed everybody. He bit his lip, shifting the pillow under him a bit before closing his eyes. He let his mind run, thinking about it all. This is satan. The devil, the host of all evil, the villain in every horror movie, this is.. crazy. But he let it slip his mind, he let it go. Just.. pushing everything down, he just wanted to sleep for a little bit.
  Zeke tooka little while, talking with the other. Adrian has defeated Satan in battle before, he thought he'd killed him. But the other had escaped and taken up residence in a mortals body. He spread his seed, creating two sons, and taken up life in the body of a teenager, still over in America. Bastion. He was laying low, so no one could find him to attempt his life again. He was going to do this until he was strong enough to return to hell, to end the reign of Adrian and take his seat in the throne once more.  He.. he had sent out people to get August and Calcifer, not to kill them. To bring them to him so he could use them. But not to kill them. There was a third part with insights on the whole situation, and that would be a whole new threat until it was discovered. But.. nobody knew about that yet. For all anyone knew, it was just them against Satan. It turned four, and the others came home. Izzy seen August outcold on the couch with Zeke watching over him, confused. "Zeke?" She asked. He popped his head up from his phone, giving her a convincing smile. "Hey Izz. Ethan went upstairs to nap." He said, not wanting to worry her or inform her of anything Ethan would probably want to do himself. "He should wake up soon." Max and Gram entered, not seeing anything wrong. Gram went to the kitchen to get a drink, Max plopped down on the couch next to August. The sudden movement woke him up again, groaning quietly. "Dammit Max.." he mumbled, sitting up angrily and rubbing his face.
   Ethan just barely got close to sleeping, but the door breaking through the silence broke him from it. He opened his eyes again, letting out a loud audible growl of pure frustration as he turned to his side and pulled the cover over his face. He was exhausted, and he was going to sleep somehow.
   Izzy looked at Zeke as he spoke, nodding easily and wondering to the kitchen without much question. Max looked at August, shrugging. "You should be asleep in your room, not on the couch." He said, and August growled. "Fuck you, tiny whore." He stood up angrily, stretching. He didn't remember a damn thing, Zeke could tell from the way he seemed so careless. "Where's Ethan?" He asked, his voice was slurred and groggy. "Asleep in his bed where he should be." Max snickered. August shot him a look and shoved him over, watching him fall on the floor with a thud.
   The loud bang from max hitting the floor was enough for him, turning to his back and throwing the covers off. "Hey!!" He growled, loud enough for everyone downstairs to hear. He stood up, stretching his arms out a little and walked down the stairs a little less.. mindlessly then before. He eyed everyone, an angry glare. "Can I sleep?" He hissed, not really expecting an answer.
   Max looked up at him, not expecting the anger. Neither did August, throwing his hands up defensively. "Shit, sorry." He apologized, scratching his head. Max snickered at him. "Hah. You got in trouble." He pulled himself to his feet, walking past August and to the kitchen. Zeke bit his lip at the others anger, getting up easily and stuffing his phone in his pocket. "I'm uhh.. gonna head home." He said, heading to the door. He looked at Izzy, smiling playfully. "Take care of them for me." He was teasing August and Ethan in a way, but not enough for either to notice. Then he dispersed, shutting the door behind himself.
    "Shut up Max." He growled, walking past the others and into the kitchen. He finally noticed Izzy, letting himself smile and kissed her gently. "Hey baby.." he reached out to the cabinets for a glass, filling it with some water from the sink. He took a drink, leaning against the counter and letting a yawn out. He wasn't.. actually angry, just a bit annoyed. He watched Zeke leave, ready to protest but didn't have time. "Be careful Zeke!" He called out, just barely before he heard the door shut.
    Max's cheeks went red when he got yelled at too, pouting but following orders. Gram.. still hadn't really made a sound, sitting on the loveseat and watching tv, legs pulled up to his chest. He'd already taken off his jeans and got comfy. Even if his legs were sticks again, he hated pants. Izzy looked at Ethan, hearing how agitated he sounded. "Awww you're cranky.." she giggled. "If I knew you was asleep I would've took them to the store or something so they could let off steam instead of coming here." She apologized, she kept a little smile on her face at how annoyed he was with them.
   Ethan looked at her and smiled, taking another drink. "No that's alright." To be fair, he didn't know he would be either. He glanced at Gram, not saying anything, but acknowledging his existence. Ethan remembered it all, but he was trying his best to forget it. Especially his plans on the most dangerous thing he could possibly do. "I am pretty hungry though, that.. sounds like a good way to make it up to me." He smiled a little wide, sitting his cup down, already half empty.
   She looked at it, giggling. "And you was dehydrated." She kissed his forehead, washing her hands and getting everything ready. "What would you like for dinner? You can choose." She said, looking in the living room at the kids. They were lively, she always enjoyed it when they was happy like that because it was.. rare. She walked to the cabinets, kneeling down to examine what they had.
   "Little bit," He laughed, agreeing with her. "Mm I don't care.." he wasn't good with making decisions and food was no different. "If it's food, I'll eat it." Ethan watched her, eying her down a bit, but broke his own train of thoughts. "Did you miss me?" He smirked, waiting for her to look at him again.
    She grabbed some boxes of noodles and pasta, and some cans of corn. She was gonna make her own favorite today, so they wouldn't get fed up with having Ethan's favorite everyday. August and Gram seemed to really like hers, anyway. "Hmm.. let me think about it." She teased him, setting the stuff on the counter before moving to him and wrapping her arms around him. "Of course I did." She said softly, looking up at him.
   He smiled, holding her waist and keeping her as close to himself as he could. "You better have." He started, leaning down and kissing her neck gently. "Or id make you miss me." He teased, whispering into her ear quietly so no one else could hear.
   She giggled, always adoring when he did things like that. She purred, lifting an arm up to run her fingers through his hair gently. "Oh? And how's that?" She asked,  looking up at him playfully.
    He pulled away, looking down at her. "I'd show you if we didn't have these little brats walking around." He laughed a bit himself, letting his eyes fall to her lips and leaned down to kiss them softly.
   She kissed back, closing her eyes. "You hush.. you know you love them." She said happily, her cheeks warm with a rosy pink blush. But she decided to pull away to cook, but gave him something to look forward to. "How about this.. you can show me tonight when we're alone?" She smiled, turning her attention to the food once more.
   "Yeah yeah," he let her go, stepping to the side a bit to stay out of her way. "What? Don't you think I'm just absolutely irresistible?" He turned towards her, leaning his elbow on the counter with his cheek in his palm. He laughed at himself, but watched her cook. She really was beautiful. It was never easy to really say what it was, just.. it seemed like she would glow. When he's look at her everything else just.. stopped, and it was just the two of them in the entire world. When she'd smile though, that was it. He would fall at her feet, and he was pretty sure she knew that.
   Ethan giggles and felt his face heat up slightly. He wasn't really expecting an answer, let alone that. But he stayed quiet, smiling to himself about it like the idiot he was. He looked down at her, one arm around her waist and his hand in her hair. "Of course, Love." He smiled, holding on to her a little tight. "And I love you too Izzy."
   She smiled happily, staying put wrapped around him lovingly. August was the one to interrupt their moment, a slam of the fridge door and the sound of s pop can opening. He took a drink, setting the can down on the table and wandering to look at what she had cooking. "It smells really good, Izz." He complimented, making her smile. "It just got started.. it doesn't have a scent yet." August looked at her, shaking his head. "Oh it does. I'm just advanced." "Yeah, advanced." Max teased him, making the retard symbol hitting himself in the chest. August looked at him, furrowing his brows. "I'm gonna make you fucking advanced if you don't quit it." He snickered playfully, leaning on the counter for a minute. His head was killing him. "Fuck me." He groaned, grabbing the pill bottle on top of the fridge.
    Ethan glared at him a little bit let's her go. "Be nice guys." He laughed a bit at Auggys anger, almost completely forgetting how tired he was before. He noticed him reaching for the bottle and his smile fades a bit. He.. didn't remember does he..? Should he tell him? He bit his lip and looked away quickly, taking his attention to his wife. "I'm gonna go shower baby, I'll be back down in a few." He smiled, kissing her head gently and rushing up the stairs before anyone could stop him.
    August popped the pills in his mouth and downed them, only getting a drink after he'd swallowed them. He noticed how as soon as he walked in, Ethan found a reason to leave. He furrowed his brows a little, putting the bottle back up. "Okay baby! Hurry back, dinner will be done soon." Izzy called out, looking at the boys. "Headache?" Izzy asked, and Auggy nodded. "Yeah, straight from hell." He agreed. Gram looked in at them. "How was your day?" He asked, looking at Auggy. "You guys do anything?" August looked at him, shrugging. "Hell if I know. I slept all day." He replied, returning to his spot on the couch.
   Ethan walked into the bathroom, closing the door behind him and freezing up. He turned and looked into the mirror, biting his lip. He let himself breathe for a minute, turning and finally turning the water on for a shower. It didn't take him too long, only a few minutes before walking back down the stairs, a towel around his neck. His hair was a total mess, but decently dry. "About done?" He called out, standing by the table.
    Izzy has finished up making dinner by then, making plates. "It is done!" She replied happily, walking over to show more affection. "Have a good shower?" She inhaled, giggling. "You smell really good."
   "Oh I did." He smiled, biting his lip a little and running his down a little farther than he should have. "Too bad I was alone though." He teased a little, pulling away slightly. "Well thank you." He giggled, kissing her softly. "Smells amazing, love."
   She squeaked, feeling his hand travel too far down. She kissed him, pulling away with a smile. "I know, I know.. but I have to feed you and the kids." She said, taking her seat after making everybody plates. "Thank you love.. I hope it's good." She said softly. Gram and Max took up their seats quickly, August following behind a little slower.
   Ethan took his own seat, excited to eat. "I knoww." He whined a little, bit picked up his fork just ready to eat. First though, he looked around the table, happy to see everyone together. He took his first bite. And it was amazing, closing his eyes. "Mm.." he mumbled quietly. "It's so good.."
    Izzy watched him, smiling. She took her first bite only after he did. "I'm happy you like it.." she said softly, always happy to see the reactions Ethan would give. He was a foodie, he was an amazing cook and god, he was so cute when he'd get so excited over food. Just another thing she loved so much about him.
Ethan giggles at her staring, covering his mouth a bit and looking down at his food. He nodded, taking another bite. Ethan loved food, everything about it. How he kept his body in the shape it was in, is completely unknown even to himself.
    Izzy smiles, continuing her meal. Gram had finished his meal off already, looking at the now empty plate. He was slowly getting a better eating habit, as was August, who had already gotten a way more healthy shape rather than skin and bones like he was before. Filling in the curves, much healthier looking. But right now he was only picking at his food, his headache not having time to mend yet. "So.. did you sleep all day, too?" Gram asked quietly, looking at Ethan.
    Ethan looked over at him, hesitating to answer at first. "Uh.. yeah." He smiled, trying his best to cover his hesitation. He was proud of Auggy, he looked much much better, along with gram, he was working his way up there. In a way, he still.. beat himself up over his death, all the things that happened because of it. But he was getting better.
    Izzy giggled at his reply. "So Zeke was babysitting you both all day?" She asked, looking at him. August shrugged. "Pfft.. it's his part time job outside college." He joked. "Why does he even go to college.. what is he going to do.." he criticized, more like talking to himself rather than the others. He saw no point in going to college, especially someone like Zeke, who just didn't seem like they needed it. "He seems more like a handy man." "Maybe he wants to be a superior handy man." Max proposed, and August looked at him. "Good point." They we're joking, but they weren't laughing, making it seem like a serious conversation.