AN: This will not be a happy fic! Cursing, mentions of past rape, murder, kidnapping, and emotional and physical abuse and manipulation so you have been warned. On that note, first Pacific Rim fanfic so please review and tell me what you think.
It had been a while since Herc had this nightmare but it came in perfect clarity. This time, he was a bystander however, floating around the scene, watching and waiting. The past him was dressed in a combat uniform, standing watch on the outside of the camp. He watched as his brother, Scott, approached from behind. He raised his weapon but lowers it immediately upon seeing it was only his kid brother.
The punch was sudden and unexpected.
Herc was always the stronger of the two but Scott was able to successfully hit his brother's temple. Throwing him to the ground, Scott got on top of him, punching him several times in the face. Herc hadn't known it at the time, but he remembered waking up in the hospital and the doctor telling him he had a concussion.
When the face was split and bloodied and it was clear he was too dazed to fight back, that was when Scott had started talking. Herc remembered the crazed look in his brother's eyes, the utter ruthlessness.
"You're fucking Pentecost aren't you?" The words had been hard to hear after the beating he had received but in the dream, they were in perfect clarity. "That damn Brit? I can't believe you. What about Angela?"
The next beating goes to his abdomen. Herc counted in his head as they happened, watching himself be pummeled; three broken ribs on the left side and a punctured lung, two broken ribs on the right, cracked clavicle and sternum. Scott had then broken his left right arm, snapping it backwards from the elbow. He dislocated Herc's right shoulder as well.
After breaking his right leg, Scott pulled out a switch blade. Herc couldn't remember when he had realized his kid brother was planning on killing him but it was clear, re-watching the event from afar that it had been his intent all along.
In reality, Scott had plunged the knife in once, pulled it back out, and stabbed him again. Gunshots and yells for help had been heard after that so Scott had ran to his post, leaving his brother completely broken and bleeding out on the sand. However, in the dream, right before Scott stabs him, Herc turned into Stacker and Scott stabs him instead. Rage filled through Herc and he was suddenly not just a bystander as he rushed at his brother.
Scott stabbed him though, again and again. The pain felt real as the blood pooled around his feet. When he fell to the ground and turned his head, it was just in time to see Stacker's glassy eyes. No help was coming, Herc was all alone, and for the moment, he had forgotten that it was a dream so he does the first thing he can think of.
He screamed so loud that heaven and hell could hear him.
It ended up waking Stacker as well who had to force Herc back on the bed to keep him from hurting himself and anything around him. Herc half expected dead eyes to be looking at him but they were bright and alive. Just looking at Stacker's calm demeanor helps to ease Herc's breathing.
"Are you okay?"
The words are like the last rope being thrown at him and it saves him despite everything. Stacker knew that Herc wasn't okay, maybe he'd never be, but the words still helped.
When it was clear that Herc wasn't going to freak out again, Stacker added, "Take your time. I'll get the kids ready for school."
Herc waited until Stacker had gotten dressed and closed the door behind him before curling into himself. All of his wounds healed properly except for his left arm which is now a few centimeters shorter than his right when outstretched. The memories were all too real however.
Though the colder weather of Britain certainly wasn't Herc's thing, once he'd realized he'd fallen for Stacker Pentecost he'd wanted something domestic, just like with Angela. Retiring early from the military due to his beating and the court case afterwards was not what he'd been hoping for. After that, he'd almost immediately moved to Britain even before he'd informed Stacker of it.
Australia just didn't seem like home any more. It had betrayed him in so many ways and now he couldn't stand to see its seas and deserts.
After finally feeling like he could stand and his insides wouldn't fall out, Herc took a shower and half hoped that by the time he was done, the kids would be gone. However, he'd either been quicker than he'd thought or it was earlier than usual.
Chuck and Mako sat at the table eating cereal as Stacker rummaged for some fruit. Usually Chuck always started the day with a sour look on his face but this time he seemed pained and just a bit scared. It appeared that his cry had awakened the two children and Herc couldn't help but worry about what he might have shouted out in his sleep. The first word in the kitchen causes him to flinch, not wanting to broach the subject anymore than he had to.
"Dad, what did Uncle Scott do?" Chuck asked. He had only been eight at the time of the incident, staying with relatives while his dad and uncle had been in the service. Two years later and Herc knew he should have told his son at least the partial truth but he just couldn't deal with it, not now, and instead left the room.
Chuck looked after him angrily and quickly turned to Stacker, yelling out, "Why won't he tell me?! He's my uncle after all! Besides, what can be worse than what I've already imagined?"
"A hundred times worse!" cried out Mako, her voice heavily accented. Without realizing it, she switched to Japanese but by this point Chuck could follow along well enough and Stacker spoke Japanese perfectly so neither have any trouble understanding her.
"Whatever happened hurt your father terribly. So terribly that he doesn't want to burden you with such thoughts. He is only trying to protect you!" Mako cried out. Only a few months older than Chuck and yet she was quiet often wiser than someone twice her age.
All Chuck had to say to that was, "Well maybe I don't need protecting!" and stormed out of the room. Looking down, Mako bit her bottom lip in despair but Stacker was there, a supporting hand her back.
"You know as well as I that he is angry at his father and not you," Stacker said in Mako's native tongue.
She nodded in understanding, the tears no longer ready to fall, but looked up at Stacker and softly asked, "What did Mr. Hansen's brother do to him?"
"As I could not answer Chuck I cannot answer you. That is Herc's place to tell and the time is not now," Stacker replied, ruffling her hair. "Go, you'll need to get ready quickly so that I'm not late for work."
She nodded and ran off, leaving Stacker to clean up the mess in the kitchen.
Stacker now had a desk job so he could be home as often as possible. There was still travel involved and certain nights he didn't get home until late but it was certainly better than being stuck in the Middle East with only an occasional call here and there. Besides, he wasn't sure if Herc could've lasted on his own some nights.
He'd thought the man was getting better, nearly half a year had passed since the last nightmare, but as last night showed, it was back full force. Before he'd officially retired, the military had made sure he got some psychiatric help but Stacker couldn't help but wonder if he needed something like it again. It had taken a long time for Herc to get out of his shell and now, from the way he had looked this morning, he'd gone straight back to stage one.
Stacker finished getting dressed and quickly pushed the kids into one of the cars in the driveway. Going back inside, he decided to try one last talk with Herc. He was back in the kitchen now, making something that was currently unknown. He didn't turn around.
"Herc, if you don't want to go to work today, I can always call—"
"No, it's fine," Herc said much too quickly.
"Herc—"
"I'm fine," Herc said again.
Stacker simply shook his head and left, leaving Herc to himself. After completely healing, Stacker's sister Luna had gotten him a job as a mechanic at her shop. Like both of them, she had been in the military but a serious injury had caused her to be discharged. She was good for Herc, another Pentecost keeping the Aussie grounded.
Despite wanting to stay home, Herc made sure to leave in time to get to work. Nevertheless, his fake demeanor was spotted out by Stacker's sister immediately.
Luna Pentecost could be just as dangerous, just as smart and strong willed as her brother but with one common difference; she almost always smiled. Nevertheless, that face dropped as she saw Herc walk in. Right away, she said, "Herc? My office?"
It wasn't a command but Herc went willingly with a sigh. Luna walked after him, her cane clicking along with her. Though you could never see it, her right leg had been twisted up pretty badly.
She allowed Herc to go in first and then sat on at her desk. Gesturing forward, Herc shook his head and remained standing. Luna waited until Herc looked down, back up again, and finally spoke.
"I'm perfectly fine to work. You know that right?"
Luna gave him one more thoughtful look, so like her brother, and then finally said, "I'll give you as much leave time as you need."
"I don't need that. I need to work," Herc stressed, trying not to shout.
Luna simply shook her head and gave a tired laugh. "Come on, you're my brother-in-law. I'm supposed to take care of you."
"We're not actually married Luna."
"It's the thought that counts."
"Luna, I'm fine. You don't have to look out for me."
She gave him a look that said I'm not so sure about that. Shaking her head, she knew she wouldn't get anywhere so she waved him away, saying, "You know I'm here if you need to talk."
"Of course," he responded softly, quickly leaving the room.
Luna shook her head, not really knowing what to do with Herc. She made sure to keep an eye on him all day but he didn't slip up and completely immersed himself in his work. She wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing.
By the time that Herc went to go pick up the kids, he was able to put on a smile that he meant. Kissing them both on the forehead, he said, "I'm sorry if I worried you at all. I didn't mean to."
"It's fine," Mako replied. Chuck looked like he might try pushing on the subject of his uncle but stopped and simply nodded.
He discussed school with them both and once they were home, he felt fine once more only to have Mako walk up to him inside the house with the mail. She looked worried and the smile slipped off Herc's face.
"It…it says it's from your brother," Mako said, holding out one of the letters. Chuck's eyes widened at that but remained silent as he watched his father's shaking hand.
He opened it swiftly, appearing like he had forgotten the kids were there. His eyes scanned over the paper and he bit his bottom lip hard enough to make it bleed. "Please leave," he said, still not looking away. Mako dragged Chuck away as Herc quickly looked up something on his phone. It was the phone number of the hotel where his brother was staying. Scott had mentioned he'd be there for about a week in the letter which meant the chances of him still being there were slim.
"Yes, I believe you have a Mr. Scott Hansen?" asked Herc, his voice just barely shaking.
"One minute sir," said the voice on the other line. After a moment's pause, she said, "I'm sorry but he checked out yesterday. Was there anything else? Sir—"
Herc hung up and next checked the date just to make sure. Scott would be arriving tomorrow if the information in his letter was correct. Leaning against the counter, he took several deep breaths before trying to call Stacker but without any answer. He tried calling Stacker's secretary instead. She answered right away but Herc didn't even let her speak.
"Tamsin, I need to talk to Stacker now!" Herc said hurriedly.
Tamsin, Luna's wife, asked, "He's in a meeting—"
"It's about Scott. I don't know how he's out of jail. I don't know how he knows where I live but he sent a letter that says he's coming!"
He could hear Tamsin take in a deep breath as she quickly said, "I'll be right back."
As Herc waited, Tamsin rushed to the meeting room. Whatever they were talking about wasn't to important because they said that their need for Stacker was done and that they'd give him the report later. The moment the door was shut behind him Tamsin told him what Herc had said.
"How the hell is Scott out of jail?" hissed Stacker as he moved back to his office.
"Already figured out," Tamsin replied, handing him her tablet. "Says here that due to good behavior he got out on parole though I'm almost positive that coming to Britain doesn't count as within those limits. If he's able to get here then there's nothing the Australian government can do. I know you-we-consider what he's done probably the worst crime possible but what he's done is really quit minor and won't be on their priority."
"He raped three women," Stacker responded, his face set in stone. "Nearly killed his brother as well. He should've gotten life or even executed for what he did."
"Well there's nothing that you can do now but wait until he arrives if he does succeed in leaving Australia. You can make sure he never steps foot on your property but besides that I'm not sure what else to do," Tamsin replied, pausing. "Listen, I'll finish up here and you can go home to Herc. I'm sure he needs you now."
"Thank you Tamsin," said Stacker, immediately going into his office to gather his things. Tamsin picked up the phone again.
"Stacker will be home soon Herc."
There wasn't a response from Herc but Tamsin knew he heard it because of his labored breathing on the other side. Back at the home, Herc had to take several deep breaths to calm himself down but it didn't feel like anything was working. He hung up, afraid that his voice might betray him. All he could think about was that night. The one where his entire life was ruined.
You're fucking Pentecost aren't you?
No, no!
That damn Brit? I can't believe you. What about Angela?
Herc remembered the call, how she'd died in the accident. How could Scott have even brought her up in such a context? He had loved her with his whole heart. It wasn't his fault she hadn't gotten to the hospital quickly enough.
You're a faggot! A fucking faggot that's going to die here.
Bending over, Herc hugged himself as if he could still feel the knife wounds in his stomach. He had to remind himself that he wasn't surrounded by dirt and sand. Physically he was fine, he wasn't going to die.
You're not even worthy of your son.
"Get out of my head!"
The voice was soft and timid, scared and confused, just like when his mother died. "Dad?" Herc turned to see Mako and Chuck, looking at him with wide eyes that said they didn't know whether to step closer or run the other way. Herc slid to the tiled floor, covering his face with his hands. He was able to stop any tears that might come but that didn't mean he felt any better.
"Dad?" This time it was closer and Herc looked up to see both kids now standing in front of him.
There was nothing that Herc could think of saying and it seemed the two children were at a lost of words as well. Mako was the first to hug him and Chuck next. Herc gripped them both tight and Stacker found them like that on the kitchen floor as he got home.
Stacker moved forward, bending down and grabbing Herc's hand in a crushing grip. "Everything will be okay Herc."
"You can't promise that," Herc responded as the kids looked back and forth.
"I can because I will make sure that he does not lay a finger on this family no matter what the cost," replied Stacker. His eyes were steely and it was clear that he meant what he said. Not looking at the kids, Stacker continued. "You need to tell them Hercules. Scott is a danger and they need to know how large of a danger he is."
Shaking his head slightly, Herc let go of Mako and Chuck. "Go to the living room will you? I'll be there in a minute."
The kids ran to the couch as Stacker pulled up Herc only to have the Aussie embrace him with the steely grip of someone drowning that has just got hold of the last life boat.
"What if I can't do it?" asked Herc. "This will completely crush Chuck. He'll probably even blame at having one last family member."
"It is a hard choice but it is worth it to keep him and Mako safe. I will be there the entire time," Stacker promised as they moved to the living room where Mako and Chuck sat silently.
Stacker sat at the end as Herc sat beside Mako and turned so he could look both kids in the eyes. Taking a shuddering breath, he tried to think of the best way to say this. "You remember when I was in the hospital, right before I was discharged."
Both kids nodded their head.
"The reason I was in the hospital was because my brother…nearly beat me to death," Herc replied and it pained him to see the shock flash through the children's faces, especially Chuck's. "When the case was presented other things were brought into context and it became clear that Scott had also…violated several people's privacy."
It was the least graphic way he could think of.
"Why would he do that?" asked Chuck, his voice wavering.
"He found out about my relationship with Stacker."
Chuck hadn't liked Stacker at first but that was only because he had felt that his father was betraying his mother. Now his face turned red with fury and he clenched his hands into fists, his mind unable to comprehend why someone would do that.
Before he could utter a word though, Herc interrupted, knowing full well that allowing Chuck to vent would do the opposite of calming him down. "I did not tell you this so you would have reason to fight him," stressed Herc. "I've said this so that you know he is dangerous and that you should never approach him, talk to him, or get into a vehicle with him."
"Like with strangers," Mako responded.
"Yes…like with strangers."
"When is he coming?" asked Chuck.
"Tomorrow most likely. Hopefully you'll be in school. If not, I don't want either of you coming out of the house, understood?" questioned Herc.
Both children nodded and it allowed Herc to let out at least a little sigh of relief. "I am sorry for burdening you with this."
"It is not your fault," Mako responded and kissed him on the cheek. "I will finish my homework now if that is alright."
"Yes of course," said Herc.
Chuck didn't immediately jump up and instead looked away from his father and continued to clench and unclench his hands. "I…" he tried to start but stopped. "He used to throw me up in the air. He….he used to bring presents."
Herc looked back at Stacker who gave a small nod and got up to leave the room. Turning back to his son, Herc said, "Nothing is ever black and white. You could've never known."
"It's not that," murmured Chuck. "I owe you an apology." The words might as well have been a punch. Chuck rarely apologized and even then it was only when forced to. To elaborate, he continued with, "I always thought you didn't love mom when you got with Stacker. Like you just said I…I thought it was black and white. I see now that things can change. That you can…love another person. That you can also have your…feelings for the same one change."
He rubbed his eyes, small tears forming in them. It was a long time since Chuck Hansen had cried in front of his father and holding him close, Herc allowed him to let it out. Chuck had only seen him once while in the hospital and Herc could only imagine that the boy was trying to picture his uncle of all people doing those things to his own father.
Despite what Herc had just told him, he couldn't believe his son had gotten some understanding out of it. When Chuck had stopped crying, he gave him one last squeeze before pulling away. "Hey," he said, "come help me fix dinner."
"Really?" asked Chuck.
"Yeah, I'll help you finish any homework you have later."
The dinner was nice and for the first time in a while, Chuck really seemed to connect with his father but a dark cloud hung over everyone. The next day, Stacker woke to find the side of his bed cold and when he went outside, he saw Herc bundled in about twice as many layers as was needed for that kind of weather.
Normally such a sight would've amused Stacker but given the circumstances, he could only frown. "How long have you been out here?"
"Few hours," Herc responded, shifting but not leaving his post.
"You should really get inside. You'll end up catching a cold or—"
"I already called Luna. I'm not going in today."
"And what if Scott ends up being a day late or even a week?" asked Stacker.
"Then I'll continue to wait. He is not stepping one foot on our property," Herc hissed out.
Stacker simply let out a sigh and moved back inside, making sure to hand Herc a cup of coffee before leaving with the kids. Mako and Chuck hugged him goodbye, both with worried looks on their faces. Herc tried to put on the bravest smile for them but it was immediately dropped when the car was out of sight.
It wasn't long until his phone rang and he answered it.
"Herc, what the hell are you doing sitting outside your house in this kind of weather?" questioned Luna from the other end.
"Did Stacker tell you?"
"No, I have cameras set up everywhere. Of course he told me! You're lucky I have a business to run and can't get down there to kick your ass."
"I'd just out run you."
"Ha ha," she muttered. "Funny, now get inside before I really do consider driving down there."
Herc was about to make a smart-alecky reply but stopped as he saw the cab pull up. "Luna I have to go. I'm sorry."
"Wait-what? Herc, is he there? Is—"
"Yes," he simply replied and then shoved his phone into his pocket and made his way to the cab. He watched his brother get out and he couldn't help but grimace at how much it simply looked like the old Scott. But had there ever really been an old Scott? Or had that been just a mask he'd hid behind?
He stopped in front of him before he could even close the cab door and said to the driver, "This won't take long."
"What? Don't want to welcome your brother back from jail?" asked Scott with a grin, throwing his arms wide.
Herc almost took a step back but resisted the urge and instead said, "You step one more foot onto this property and I'll kill you."
Scott raised an eyebrow clearly not impressed. Looking at the house behind his brother he said, "I suppose you're still living with that bastard Brit. The house is too big for just you and Chuck. Speaking of which, can I see him?"
"First off, his name is Stacker. Second, you're never going to see Chuck again."
Scott's eyes narrowed ever so slightly and they seemed to catch something that sparked the cat like grin to only widen. "Haven't been sleeping well? Bad dreams?"
"That's none of your business."
"Come on, you can tell me the truth Herc," Scott replied.
"You want to know the truth? I think you should rot in jail and if they gave the go ahead to flip the switch I'd volunteer to be the one to do it. So, how about you try being a little more truthful with me because what did you honestly hope to accomplish coming here?"
Shaking his head, Scott sighed and gave a dark chuckle. "Honestly, I still don't give two shits about you and about killing me? Well the same goes for you old man. I came here to see Chuck because like it or not, he's my nephew."
The punch was swift and caused Scott to real back as the driver cried out, "Hey, I'm not sticking around for this!"
"Fine with me," Herc replied, grabbing Scott's shirt and throwing him to the ground. The cab driver drove off as Scott was able to reach up and give a good solid kick to Herc's ribs.
Herc fell back but was quick to push himself off the ground and punch Scott in the face again. He brought his fist back only to have the thin, cold metal of a switchblade pressed into his stomach. He froze above his brother, his eyes traveling to where the sharp knife had already cut his coat.
"I think it was right here that I first cut you," Scott commented. "Or was it a bit lower?"
Herc used his free hand to grab at the knife. It sliced through his clothes but the amount of layers he was wearing made the cut sallow and only sting. He got up and kicked Scott again before stepping away. His brother jumped up, holding the knife in a ready position. He seemed to be pondering rather to thrust forward or not but finally snap the knife back and put it away.
"Come back again…and I will kill you," Herc said. For the first time in a long time, he felt in control. He could tell that Scott had thought he'd be able to beat his older brother easily but this time Herc had not been caught off guard and no matter how afraid of Scott he might be, he wasn't going to let that get in the way.
Scott grumbled something unintelligible and got up from the ground, brushing himself off. "Want me gone? Fine." He spit on the ground. "Give my regards to the missus."
He took out a phone, presumably to call a cab, and began walking down the road without looking back. Herc watched him go, his eyes never leaving him until he was gone. Finally letting out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, Herc headed back inside and tend to the wounds that he had received.