Angel's POV
After Lilly and Humphrey left I went back into the house and locked the door behind me. I then went to go to my room, passing the living room to go up the stairs.
"Hey Angel, want to join us?" mom asked as her and dad watched TV. I would have if I had the patience to sit and watch something.
"I'm fine" I answered and then made my way up the stairs. I passed Rick's room which was at the top of the stairs and just stared into the darkness. It seemed so odd not having him here. Obviously he wasn't always here, especially with Kate in his life now, but knowing where he is instead. It rubbed me the wrong way. I went to pass his room but turned around and stepped inside it. I turned on his light and then took my shoes off at the door. I then sat on the bed and sighed to myself.
"I miss you so much big bro" I said to myself. I then laid down on top of the blankets and rested my head onto the pillow. I think I'm gonna sleep here tonight. I can't stand sleeping by myself right now. Then I remembered I had Shaky now. I pulled out my phone and texted him.
A. Hey, what are you up to?
S. nothing, just laying in bed, enjoying your scent
A. Creep.
S. When are you coming around again? We have to watch Dexter and do some more heavy lifting.
A. So that's all I'm good for huh is heavy lifting?
S. you know I love you
A. Aww I love you too, Shakes. Want to do something tomorrow?
S. you bet
A. Alright. Sleep well. I love you.
S. love you more.
A. Oh don't start that shit.
S. okay fine, but I really do love you.
A. Love you more
S. fuck off, I'll talk to you tomorrow.
A. Okay, night.
S. night.
I put my phone back in my pocket and shuffled my head to snuggle into the pillow. It smelled like my brother, it smelled like Kate too, and the sex they had. Based on the smell of sweat I was picking up Kate was definitely the bottom, of course she fucking was.
"Angel? Angel?" my dad called. I lifted my head.
"In here!" I called back. Dad opened the door and stared at me.
"What are you doing in here?" he asked.
"I might sleep in here," I answered.
"I know you miss him, me and your mother miss him too, but I got some great news. I just got off the phone with the police department and they got him. Even better, when your brother wakes up he'll get to take him to court to testify against him and lock him up" dad smiled. I smiled as well.
"That's great news, holy shit I can't wait to see the look on his face when he gets locked up" I said. Dad patted my shoulder.
"They're gonna hold him until your brother is able to move about, it will happen but it may take awhile" dad explained.
"As long as it happens" I said. Dad smiled and patted my shoulder.
"Sleep well, '' dad said. He then left the room and turned off the light. I took my socks off and since I was wearing sweatpants and a T-shirt I felt no need to take anything else off. I then got under my brother's blankets and pulled out my phone one last time. Kate needed to know about this. I messaged her, telling her about what happened and what is to come and then turned over to go to sleep. And thanks to my brother's scent I did just that.
Humphrey's POV
I woke up to the beautiful smell of Lilly's fur. It always smelled so sweet. I opened my eyes to find my muzzle still buried in her neck from last night's cuddle. I smiled as I sniffed and then I puckered my lips to give her a soft and loving kiss. She hummed happily as she smiled in her sleep. She was so cute. I carefully lifted my arm away from her and slowly slid out of bed. I stretched and then made my way to the bathroom where I could smell something being cooked. Smelled like bacon. I went into the bathroom and took my morning piss and then brushed my teeth. Before going downstairs I peeked in my room again to see if Lilly was awake. She wasn't. I closed my bedroom door and made my way downstairs.
Walking into the kitchen I saw my mom cooking eggs and bacon. She turned to me when she heard my footsteps. She smiled and then turned back to the pan.
"Morning sweetie" she greeted. I reached into the fridge and grabbed the milk gallen and placed it on the counter.
"Hey, didn't know you were off today" I said as I grabbed a glass and some chocolate syrup.
"Yeah, due to my job bringing in more people that means I get less hours. So I guess you're stuck with me" mom said. I poured milk into the glass and began mixing in the syrup.
"Please, I'm not stuck with you. I've missed you, I feel like I haven't spent time with you in ages" I said. Mom came over and hugged me and then gave me a kiss. I was always a mommas boy and I had no shame over it.
"Aww, my sweet boy. Glad Lilly didn't take my place completely yet, speaking of which, where is she?" mom asked as she went back to cooking.
"Sleeping," I answered.
"Still? You must have really worn her out" mom teased.
"Mom we didn't- we didnt do anything last night" I said. Mom eyed me from the stove and hesitated.
"Really? Anything wrong?" mom asked.
"Yeh, our friends at the hospital and another friend won't leave the hospital," I explained. Mom took a sip of her coffee and then leaned on the kitchen island.
"Things will get better Humphrey. They always do. For example… I met someone" she announced. I smiled as I felt joy with a small amount of fear.
"Oh yeah? Good for you. How long has that been happening?" I asked.
"Well I didn't want to rush anything but we've been talking for about a week. His name is Lyle, he's a cop" mom explained. A cop? Why the hell would my mom date a cop?
"How did you two meet?" I quizzed. Mom turned back to the stove and started taking the bacon out of the pan.
"We started talking at a bar one night when I got off work, and we wanted to meet again so we exchanged numbers," mom answered.
"Good, I'm happy for you" I said. Mom slid me a paper plate of bacon and eggs so I went in the fridge and grabbed the pack of english muffins to put in the toaster.
"Humphrey sweetie, I don't want you to think that you have to get used to him or anything, I don't know if this will last, '' mom said. I saw what she meant though. The last time she tried to replace my father was when I was in middle school about four years ago, and before that in elementary school. They all had their moments but in the end they just didn't make the cut.
"No mom I understand, '' I said as I made my bacon and eggs into a sandwich. I then took a bite out of it and holy shit she was such a better cook than me. Don't get me wrong I was good, I learned from her but mom's cooking was always the best.
"Glad you like it" mom said as she caught me smiling. I put the sandwich down as I readied an uncomfortable question.
"So mom… can I ask why you were always so cool with me and Lilly… doing things here?" I asked nervously. Mom made herself a plate and then sat down. She didn't make her breakfast into a sandwich.
"Because Humphrey it's a healthy thing for you two, if it were someone I didn't like I'd have a problem but Lilly is such a sweet girl. And girls, especially at that age have their needs, and I want you two to have a safe place where you can do it. I mean if you weren't doing it here then horny teenagers always find somewhere to do it, and it's always in the worst possible place. I just don't want you two to have to do that. Besides, what better place to have sex with your partner than in a nice, warm bed" mom explained.
"I can see that," I admitted before taking another bite. "Thank you" I said.
"For breakfast?" mom asked.
"Well it was more for the whole giving us a place to safely have sex thing, but yeah, thanks for the breakfast too" I thanked. Mom laughed and then took another sip of her coffee.
"A lot of parents would frown upon such a thing but I don't see why, you know it wasn't my idea" mom said.
"Oh yeah? Who was it?" I asked.
"Eve's" mom answered, making me almost spit out my food.
"Eve? Like Lilly's mom?" I asked.
"Yeah. you know we used to talk a lot, and when you and Lilly started dating she and I talked about it. We both agreed that if our kids where gonna have sex than they should do it in the safety of their own home" mom explained.
"I always thought she would kill me if she found out," I said.
"Well Lilly and Kate are going to grow up sometime, all we ask is that you guys do it with acceptable people and thank God because I don't think you kids could have chosen better partners" mom said.
"Morning guys" we heard Lilly say from the doorway. We turned to see her walking into the kitchen.
"Good morning Lilly, how did you sleep?" mom asked her.
"I slept well thanks" Lilly replied.
"Glad to hear, breakfast is on the counter if you're hungry" mom offered.
"I might just take you up on that offer" Lilly said as she grabbed a plate.
"Did you want to stop at your place today and get Kate some things?" I asked as Lilly started making her plate up.
"Yeah, whenever you want to go is fine by me" Lilly answered. I nodded and then took another bite of my sandwich.
"You know you kids never told me what happened to your friend. Why is he in the hospital?" mom asked.
"Someone stabbed him," I answered.
"Oh, no wonder why you two are so shaken up. Who did it?" Mom quizzed. Lilly sat down next to me and started eating.
"Some jock, the police swung by the hospital yesterday but we haven't heard anything since then" Lilly said. She then put the fork full of eggs in her mouth. I looked at the oven to check the time. It was 12:43 in the afternoon. Yeah, we definitely slept in.
"Hey Lilly, after you get done eating did you want to go? Or chill for a bit?" I asked.
"We should go as soon as possible, but I think I might sit for a few minutes. Just a few" Lilly said. I nodded and then ate the rest of my breakfast. I then stood up and tossed my plate in the trash.
"The food was great mom, thanks" I said. Mom simply smiled and held up her coffee mug as if to give a quick cheers. I then walked over to the downstairs bathroom to wash my hands. Usually I would do this in the kitchen after being so close but we had run out of hand soap. I washed my hands and then stepped out of the bathroom, checking my phone as I walked down the hall. I then saw that I had a missed call from Angel. Apparently she had tried to call me at almost one in the morning. I stood outside of the kitchen and dialed her back as my mom and Lilly talked in the background. The phone rang two times until Angel picked up.
"Hey Humps," Angel said, making me scoff.
"What could you possibly have to tell me at one in the morning?" I asked.
"I wanted to tell you that they got Garth last night, and they're holding him until Rick can make a case since he's refusing to admit what he did," Angel explained.
"I mean clearly he did it" I said.
"Well no fucking shit but they say that they need to hear it from him since he was the only one to witness what happened" Angel said making me bust out laughing.
"I'm sorry, but witnessing your own stabbing, yeah I'm sure they need that. I swear the law gets stupider and stupider" I explained.
"Well, as long as he gets locked up I could give a fuck about what they need. If anything it gives Rick the final move, he deserves it" Angel said. Maybe that's why they were doing it. To give Rick the final blow. "So what are you doing today?" Angel asked.
"Oh uh me and Lilly are going to bring Kate a change of clothes. possibly hang out for a bit. What about you?" I asked.
"Ehh, probably hang out with Shaky, unless you guys want to do something, I can't stand being alone," Angel said.
"Don't you have other friends?" I asked.
"Yes but you guys have always been my go to. It feels like such an effort to talk to anyone else" Angel answered.
"Understandable, well text Shaky and let us know, we'll come pick you up if he's busy" I offered.
"Sounds good, later Humphrey, and tell Lilly I said hi" Angel requested.
"Will do, later Angel" I said.
"Bye" Angel responded before hanging up. I slid the phone in my pocket and walked back into the kitchen as Lilly ate the rest of her breakfast.
"Angel says hi" I said to Lilly as I sat next to her again.
"Aww Angel, I haven't seen her in ages. How's she been?" mom asked.
"Been doing well actually, but since her brother is in the hospital she's been… I don't want to say clingy but…" Lilly said.
"Of course she's clingy Lilly, her brother is in the hospital" I said.
"Never said it was a bad thing," Lilly responded.
"Well you two go and I'll see you later tonight?" mom asked.
"Well we have school tomorrow so I'm gonna stay home, but I swing by, I always do" Lilly said.
"Oh I know you do sweetie, well you guys be safe" mom said as she got up.
"We will" I called as she walked into the living room.
"You ready to go?" Lilly asked.
"I thought you wanted to sit for a bit," I said.
"I said a few minutes, it's been a few minutes" Lilly smiled. I sighed.
"Alright let's go" I said. I gave Lilly a quick peck on the lips and then got up and began making my way to my room to grab a pair of shoes. Once that was said and done we said one final goodbye to my mom who was sitting on the couch and then left. The air outside was warm but still pretty cool at the same time. I guess it was that point in the day where the day was still trying to warm up the cold of the night. I sat in my car and turned it on. Once Lilly hopped in we were off. We listened to music on the ride over so nothing was said. But I just kept thinking about how much I missed Rick. whatever this family was, it had only been a thing for a couple of weeks and yet I felt as though I was fully connected to everyone. I Cared about everyone in the group before all of this but now… now I would go to hell and back for the people in this group. We pulled into Lilly's driveway and I turned off the car.
"Want me to wait here?" I asked.
"No, come in for a minute," Lilly answered. She then hopped out of the car and began walking over to the house. I followed her up the steps and in the house. Once inside I was greeted with the usual smell of her house. Always smelled nice and homey.
"Hi guys, what brings you here?" Eve asked as she walked over from the kitchen to greet us.
"I live here," Lilly answered. Eve laughed and then turned to me.
"How are you Humphrey?" she asked.
"Fine," I said.
"We were going to bring Kate some clothes and maybe a toothbrush," Lilly said.
"Oh so that's why she didn't want me bringing anything to her, well you guys better get a move on, Kate must feel really disgusting" Eve said. Lilly nodded and then we both walked up the stairs. Once there we entered Kate's room where I noticed her dad through the window. He was fixing up something in the backyard. Must be getting around to finishing that finally.
"You know which toothbrush is Kate's right?" Lilly asked.
"Yeah, want me to get it?" I offered.
"Yeah, I'll grab her an outfit or two," Lilly said as she started rummaging through the closet. I walked over to the bathroom and went under the sink to grab a small plastic toothbrush tube that was for taking your toothbrush places when traveling. I remember seeing them when I used the bathroom here once and I ran out of toilet paper. They kept extra rolls under the sink. I put Kate's toothbrush in the tube and then walked it back over to Lilly where she already had two outfits.
"This is the one right?" I asked opening the tube for a second to show Lilly. She peered into it and then nodded.
"M-hm, now can you go grab a small bottle of soap for her? Maybe a washcloth?" Lilly asked.
"Yeah" I answered. I wish she would have told me that when I was in the bathroom the first time. I walked in the bathroom again and grabbed a washcloth and body wash bottle. Reading the label it seemed perfect. A small bottle of body wash, and shampoo mix. I even found a small tube of toothpaste to go with it. I wrapped the wash cloth around both bottles and walked back over to Kate's room where I saw Lilly coming out.
"Got it?" she asked. I nodded. "Good, we should get these to her," she said. She then started descending down the stairs, I followed.
"Are you guys hungry or anything?" Eve asked as we passed her.
"We already ate, thanks though," Lilly said.
"Alright, bye guys" Eve said.
"Bye Eve" I said. I then shut the door and began walking to the car after Lilly handed me the clothes so that she could lock the door. We got in the car, started it up, and then we were off again.
Kate's POV
I found myself growing impatient more and more by the second. Every beep of the heart rate monitor was just another reminder of a second that had passed. I closed my eyes as another tear fell down my cheek. I gripped Rick's hand once again.
"Rick… please… wake up… I just need to hear your voice… I need you back in my life again… please… wake up… wake up… wake up…" I whispered. I then rested my head on his chest as I began crying again. "Please… wake up, wake up, wake up… I miss you so much" I cried. Days of just sitting here with false hope. Thinking today is the day. But everytime it was just me, him, and the doctor that would occasionally change his IV bags. His bruising had gone down a lot to the point where they were just barely noticeable. So if he was getting so much better then why couldn't he just wake up.
"It was supposed to be a fun night, just you and me. But I just had to split up, I had to leave you alone. I… I hate myself… I know after everything I shouldn't blame anyone but I can't help it, I blame myself and I hate it. I should have never left you, you deserve so much better than me, I don't deserve you, I don't deserve you" I repeated as I cried. "It was supposed to be a night of fun and love, but you're still here, I promise I'll never leave you again, I swear, please wake up, and please don't hate me…" I cried to myself for a bit. All this time without him. It hurt. I never realized how much I loved him until I lost him. I loved him before but my God did I realize it now.
"You… you still love me don't you? Those were going to be your last words… that you love me… you were going to use your last words on me… I don't deserve that, I don't deserve your love, I don't deserve your virginity, I don't deserve you Rick!, I don't deserve you…" I sobbed. I then cupped his cheek with my hand. "But I still love you…" I whispered. Just then the curtain opened and I saw Humphrey and my sister step in with some clothes and such.
"Hey Kate, you okay?" Humphrey asked.
"No," I sniffed.
"Kate… you can't keep killing yourself over this" Lilly said.
"I know, you guys have been making a huge effort and I appreciate it, but I won't be even remotely happy until he wakes up" I said.
"Well… at least take these and go freshen up, we brought you some clothes, and a toothbrush, and Humphrey was even smart enough to grab some toothpaste" Lilly joked.
"Thanks guys" I smiled.
"Of course, we'll be here while you go freshen up" Humphrey said as he sat in Angel's seat from yesterday. I nodded and then stepped into the bathroom. The shower in there was your standard hospital shower. Awkward and weird. I placed the clothes by the door and then grabbed the toothbrush and toothpaste. Let me just say, brushing my teeth never felt better. It had been too long. I brushed for about three minutes until I was satisfied, going for refills on the toothbrush two times, by the time I was done my mouth burned from the mint taste. Everytime I breathed in through my mouth I felt an icy cool sensation, it felt great. This shower would feel even better though. Even if it was in the hospital. I undressed and got to work, scrubbing my body and fur until I felt squeaky clean. I must have been in there for twenty minutes, ten minutes on the body and ten minutes on the hair. I could not stop scrubbing. When all was said and done I dried off and put my new clothes on. A black long sleeve which I rolled up to my elbows, and black sweatpants, and of course new panties and bra. I stepped out of the bathroom feeling like a brand new wolf.
"Feel better?" Lilly asked.
"Oh my God yes. Thank you so much for bringing me this stuff" I said.
"No problem, hey Kate. you know what I would bet would make you feel even better?" Lilly asked. I put my dirty clothes on one of the counters and turned around, and then with a smile Lilly and Humphrey stepped to the side to reveal Rick smiling at me, awake. My eyes widened as I felt so many emotions. He then raised his hand a bit and waved to me.
"Hey Kate," he said.
