I traced my fingers along the worn brick wall. The closer I drew to the familiar place, the slower and more hesitant my steps became. The meeting I was slowly approaching was not one I was looking forward to, but it had to be done. Just in case things went south, I brought back up.

The back up being in the form of a fragile Steve. I was not kidding when I said that he had lost weight while I was dead. Being the classic Steve that he is, he completely blamed him self for my death, and let his health slip away. It was something he was going to receive some sharp tongue for later, along with the rest of the group.

Steve watched as my fingers rose and fell with the bumps of the bricks. "You're stalling." He stated.

"Now what clued you into that?" I pondered out loud, with a twinge of sarcasm. "Was it two block back, when I stopped and stared at the park, or perhaps when I decided I needed some coffee? I wonder!"

I knew that the second I walked through the door we were headed for, there would be no turning back. I glanced back at Steve, giving him an apologetic glance for my outburst, but he didn't seem fazed for a second.

"You can smell it, can't you?" He asked while staring down the street.

I nodded. Once we were within half a mile I could smell the place. It had such a distinctive smell, that it would almost be impossible not to. I would be surprised if Steve couldn't smell it. Just a couple of more steps, and I wouldn't be able to deny the smell was there.

We turned another corner and the combined smell of alcohol, cigarettes, and vomit punched me in the nose. Steve wrinkled his nose in response, not enjoying the smell either. I fidgeted with the ball cap I was wearing as a 'disguise' as I stared at the building in front of me.

The neon lights in the windows burned brightly despite the sunny day. The door was held open a crack to let in some fresh air. The bricks were still crumbling, the windows were still a bit dirty, and the door was still creaky. Nothing had changed, yet it felt so different.

My eyes took in the raggedy sight of the Dog House Bar. There was a man in there I had to let know I was alive. I should have been happy and excited, but I was filled with dread. I didn't want to see how such a strong man faded away. How his bones creaked, and his smile cracked. I didn't want to see what used to be so concrete become mush. I didn't want to see Frankie messed up, even though it was my fault.

Steve put a hand on my shoulder and I turned to look at him. He didn't give me an encouraging smile, nor did I receive a nudge. What I got was knowing eyes. Eyes that had seen someone they loved wasted away, watched them become someone they are not. I had a feeling his side of the situation was much worse.

"Can you go in first?" I asked quietly. I knew that if I walked in first I would lose courage and turn around. However, if Steve walked in first I would have to follow, or I would risk leaving him alone with Frank's wrath. I didn't want to get Steve killed, so it was safe to say I was going to follow.

Steve took the first couple of steps and I was right on his heels. Step for step I stayed with him, all the way until we hit the door. He turned to look at me for permission to open the door. I took a deep breath and nodded back, I was ready.

He carefully applied pressure and the door swung open slowly. I shuffled in behind him with my head down.

However it didn't stay down long, as a loud yell cause me to jump in shock.

"HOW DARE YOU STEP FOOT IN THE PLACE? I MADE IT CLEAR I NEVER WANTED TO SEE YOU, OR ANY OF THE OTHERS EVER AGAIN!" The voice sounded loud and strong. It didn't match the man that it came from at all, at least, not anymore.

Frankie was hunched over the bar, anger marred his face, reminding me of the first time we had met. He had lost weight, and he looked fragile, like a baby bird. He also looked worn, like the word had dumped all of it problems on him. He got up from his chair and stalked towards Steve, only stopping to poke him violently in the chest, "It's all your fault, you are the reason she's gone!" He jabbed his finger again as emphasis. Frank got in Steve's face, so close I would bet that Steve could feel Frank's scruffy beard. "She would be here, if it weren't for you... you..."

I was a little concerned that Frank hadn't seen me yet, maybe it was his old age, but I had a strong suspicion it had more to do with Steve's large frame blocking me from view. Either way, I couldn't stand by and watch him accuse Steve of something he never did.

I took a step around Steve and I quickly grabbed Frankie's finger mid jab. "I am here," I growled. He stared at his finger, uncomprehending, trying to figure out what had stopped it. He knew Steve's personality, Steve would never stop him from a rant. He kept his eyes on my hand for a moment before following my arm up to my face. His eyes grew as large as dinner plates. "You look like shit, Frank."

I should have seen it coming. I really should have, seeing his fist hit me right in the face.

"Ow! What the hell was that for?" I asked, stumbling to catch my footing. My hands flew to my face to cup my cheek where it had been hit. Moaning in pain I rubbed cheek, all the while glaring at Frank. I would have launched myself at him, if not for Steve holding me back. "He needs to process this," he said as I glared at him.

I was a dog, I was territorial and protective. Frank just accused Steve, then punched me, I wanted to tear him apart. As Steve held me back, it gave the human side of my brain the take back over my thoughts. Frank thought I was dead, no wonder he reacted like that, I'm not sure my reaction would be any different. I am dead, I was dead. To him, I was a part of the past that wasn't coming back. Then all of the sudden, I popped back up alive and well, fucking up his mind.

"I'm crazy," he whispered to himself.

"No you're Frank," I replied.

"You're dead."

"Was dead!"

"I buried you, I watched as they lowered your body into the ground, I watched as your pack mourned you, as my pack mourned you! You. Are. Dead."

Steve finally let go of me, seeing that I had calmed down. With out him holding me back, I slowly approached Frank. I stopped just barely within arms reach. Frank studied my face, suddenly he jerkily moved his hand, causing me to flinch. He winced at my reaction, slowly bringing his hand up to my face, gently touching the bruise that was rapidly fading from my cheek. "Sorry," he whispered. "I'm sorry I failed you."

I slapped his hand away from my face and glared at him. "Did you feel that?" I asked. "You're not crazy, or delusional, I'm real, I'm here!" I roughly grabbed his shoulders, shaking him slightly, "This is real."

His body began shaking as he leaned into mine. I wrapped him in a hug, holding him tightly. "This is real," I whispered again. He replied by bringing his hand up to the back of my head, cupping it, holding it tightly against his chest. He could finally admit I was real, now it was time for the storm.

"What the hell were you thinking?" He asked me. "What possessed you to do that?"

"They are my pack, I'd do anything for my pack."

"No, you'd do anything for anyone."

"Maybe, but my pack is extra special, I wouldn't have been able to do that for just anyone." I glanced back at Steve, who was staring awkwardly at the wall, trying to give us privacy. "I need them, I wouldn't have been able to live if one of them died."

Franks eyes moved to Steve too, understanding filling them. "Be careful, please?"

I smiled at him, "Honestly, I was expecting that to be way more explosive."

"You're not mine to watch over anymore," he smiled and winked. Frank seemed so calm, like I was never gone. He was hiding what he was feeling from me. I was going to let it slide- for now. Steve and I had to go, I couldn't stay in public for long, or we would risk me being seen. I could see Steve gesturing it was time to leave out of the corner of my eye.

"We have to go now, don't tell anyone I'm alive, no one can know."

"Your secret is safe with me," he whispered, his eyes twinkling. It was nice seeing some life back into his old eyes.

I turned to leave, only turning back when I reached the door. "One more thing Frank," I paused only long enough to get his eye contact, "thank you, for everything."

AN

Sorry that took so long, I have no excuses.

I hope to talk to you all again soon!

However, I have another chapter...

Should I wait to post it till next week, or put it up right away?

One more question!

What are your favorite superhero movies?

-Cali