CHAPTER 9: CONVERSATION WITH HORATIO
-Here, let me take a look at you. -, Flavia said softly, sitting beside her brother on his bed.
He had always had problems with exposing himself, both physically and emotionally, and Flavia knew it well. He was shy about the way he looked, even if his sister never understood why. Sure, he was not overly muscular, he had never been; he kept in shape, though: he was slim (much too slim in her opinion) and she recalled fondly that he loved running. After all, she loved it too thanks to him. People at school used to pick on him because of his red hair, he had told her once, and because he was a reserved type. But now he was a full grown man, an handsome man if she said so. So, why was he still hiding beneath his suits and sunglasses?
Flavia touched his exposed chest. He shivered.
-Sorry. Cold hands. -, she smiled at him, trying to offer silent comfort. He smiled too.
-You haven't changed a bit, have you?-, he asked fondly.
-Nope. Sorry. Okay, seems like you are recovering pretty fast. -, Flavia replied, back to business. It was true: all his wounds had already cauterized, they were still an angry red, but otherwise fine.
-So… am I going to… transform?-, he asked suddenly, his voice small.
-I'm afraid so. All the signs point towards it. -, she shrugged, defeated.
-You mean this fast, miraculous recovering? And what I… felt… at the hospital?-
Pain, Horatio. You can say it. You were in pain.
-Yes. You will feel it again, and soon. It's part of the transformation. Your body will change and adjust itself to help you bear with all the crap that is now in your blood system and in your cells. -, Flavia explained.
-How will these changes affect me?-, Horatio asked, dreading the answer.
-Well, I'm happy to say that it's not necessary for werewolves to transform with the full moon. That's bullshit. -, Flavia replied cheerfully.
-When, then?-, her brother pressed on.
-When you're under stress or pressure. It really depends on the person. Everyone react differently to different kinds of stimuli. The change really starts in our brain, it's all a matter of chemical reactions. It's a virus we are dealing with. -, she patiently stated.
-So I heard. –
Flavia nodded, satisfied. She should have known that he would know. He seemed to know everything.
-So there's a chance I'll be able to keep the transformation at bay?-, Horatio asked suddenly, apparently strengthened by her words.
Flavia held up her hands. –Don't sound so hopeful, bro. It's not that simple. See, you'll be affected by the changes even when you're in human form. –
-How so?-, how he looked positively scared.
-Well, you senses will be sharpened, for one. At first you'll be overwhelmed by these new sensations, it really is a matter of habit. These things can come in handy, that's for sure, but you'll fall victim to strong emotions more easily as well, therefore to transformations. –
-I'm fucked up. -, Horatio summarized bitterly.
-Now, now, don't say that. And wash your mouth, mister. You are a very reserved person, keeping emotions in check is your thing, so it will be easier for you. I'll help you train if you like, we'll come out of this together, you'll see. We've always helped each other, right?-
A powerful surge of love erupted from Horatio's heart. He hugged his sister fiercely. She yelped in surprise.
-Another thing… you'll be more prone to human contact. Werewolves are extremely social creatures. –
-Pack's instinct. Woff! –
They both laughed at Horatio's antics, then quickly sobered up.
-Will I be… a danger to the others? To my colleagues?-, he wanted to know. That was the main point of the whole conversation.
-I don't think so, no. You'd never cause harm to those around you, you're a good person, Horatio. That counts for something, you know? Your innermost personality will remain intact, trust me. -, Flavia replied earnestly.
-Okay. Good, that's good. That's settled, then. I'll be a good, little wolf. –, Horatio joked, seeming relieved.
-Yes, you might just be…-
Just then, Flavia's stomach growled impatiently. She smiled sheepishly.
-Why don't we go downstairs and cook something? Your favorite, maybe?-, Horatio offered, standing up and helping his sister stand as well.
-You've got spaghetti? Horatio, I love you! Let's go. –
-Wait, I've got to dress. -, Horatio laughed at his sister's eagerness to eat spaghetti.
-I'd suggest something comfy, nothing too fancy. A T-shirt, maybe? And sweatpants. This way, it'll be better if you start feeling unwell. –
Horatio got the subtle message. It would be easier to strip him off if he lost consciousness or if he developed a fever and started convulsing. He had gathered that he needed to be kept cool and that human touch was oddly comforting.
-Okay, I'll throw a T-shirt on. But that's against my moral code, y'know that, right?-
Flavia grinned at her brother. Of course she knew.
***CONTINUES***
