WhIP

by footfungus

nederlands verhalen over mijn otp

108. Life is Strange 2 Sean and Daniel 17

The Wounded Brother

Svenne14

Summary:

The wolfbrothers are back on the road again. Homeless. Sean's getting worried about his younger brother's health. Really worried. They need a safe place, money, and food. Can he trust these... strangers, to help with that?

Notes:

This chapter serves as a (very) brief introduction to episode 3. Just to show a bit where Sean and Daniel's minds are at. I will go deep into the tense relationship between them in future chapters.

Chapter 1: Weed, Videogames & Child Labor

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Humboldt County, California — Two months after Beaver Creek.

Sean woke up. Sweating like a pig. Another bad dream. Every night, he's visited by the people he caused pain during their time on the road. His grandparents, Mushroom, dad, and… Chris. Fuck. He looks at his little brother. Daniel's sleeping. He almost looks… peaceful. The last months had been… difficult, for his younger brother. That's probably putting it mildly. Leaving Beaver Creek and his grandparents behind was bad enough, then… Chris. Sean had carried the screaming wreck that was his brother, onto a train. When Daniel woke up, he was silent. Didn't even cry. Not a sound. Nothing. Sean had no idea of what to do.

He was like that for… days. Maybe even weeks. Completely silent, not responding to anything Sean said or asked. Barely even looking him in the eyes. Once again, they were back to traveling without direction, at least it felt like it. Hop on a train, ride it until it stops, rinse and repeat. Sean learned quickly that company is not anything you want when train-hopping. Sure, it could be a nice guy. But it never was. Not for them, at least. Drug addicts beat Sean up, trying to steal money he didn't even have, psychopaths tried waving knives in his face. He had lost hope, and Daniel's condition was really fucking worrying him. A lot. That's when they boarded yet another train. Somewhat crowded with people, actually. Great.

"Shit. People. A lot of them. I really don't want any more trouble… we should just… sit in the corner." Sean thinks, motioning for his brother to follow.

"Oh, Finn, you are so full of shit." A loud, sarcastic female voice said. Sean looks over, seeing a girl, maybe a few years older than himself, with purple hair.

"I swear, Cassidy! I didn't smoke your pot, Penny did." The man called "Finn" laughs, pointing at a third person. A person obviously stoned out of his mind.

"Man… how- how you find out that shit, Finn? Can- can you read minds?" He's not even joking. It's a serious question. Damn, is he stoned… Sean can't help but laugh a bit.

"Hey, what the hell was that? Is someone in here?" Shit! No matter what happens, Sean Diaz is still a fucking moron.

"It's da police, y'all! Run!" Whoever this "Penny" character is, he sure likes his pot. It's not like Sean can hide for long, he might as well show his dumb face.

"Hi… sorry. I- I don't want any trouble. It's just me and my brother." He stands in front of Daniel, making sure they can't see him. Who knows what could happen?

"Don't worry, pups. We're all friends here. We don't want any more trouble than you do. Just… a couple of friends, hopping trains together. You're more than welcome to join us if you want to?" Finn could definitely speak convincingly. Sean studies the rest of the group, carefully. They look… nice? Smiling, laughing, and caring. Could this be… the break he so desperately needs?

"Do- do you mean that?" Sean almost expects to hear "no."

"Sure I do, friend. Now, I'm Finn, that's Cassidy." He points towards the girls with purple hair.

"Hi there…" She seems… nice.

"The stoned guy? That's Pennywise or just Penny." Yep. Penny's stoned.

"It's- it's a fucking UFO!" Yeah… Sean's going to introduce himself later.

"Resting bitch-face, that's Hannah" She looks… pissed.

"Hmm, hey." She mumbles, looking away. What the fuck did he do wrong?

"The shy one over there is Jacob or just Jake." Jake, as they call him, really stands out from the rest of the group. All the others have torn clothes, very… unique styles, tattoos, piercings, Jake has neither of these. He looks very… clean, for a lack of better description.

"H- hi. Hello. Nice to meet you." He seems terrified. Of… everything.

"… and finally, the two sleeping party animals there? Ingrid and Anders, from Norway." Great. Tourists.

"Vi sover inte. And we're from Sweden, pucko!" Anders mumbled in response.

"Nice to meet everyone, I guess. I'm- I'm Sean." Was it really that clever, telling people his name? Probably not, but they seem… nice. Sean's interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Daniel's footsteps. His brother was curious about all the laughter, and all the new voices he heard. He slowly walked forward, standing side-by-side with Sean.

"Oh, sorry, Enano. This is Daniel. He's my little brother." Members of the group exchanged worried looks with each other. Shit.

"Are you two… running away?" Sean appreciated Cassidy's choice of words. Daniel did not like it when people asked if they're running away from home. They don't have a home to run away from.

"Yeah… guess you could call it that. We've… been through a lot. Especially… Daniel." Sean's choking up, something the others took notice of. Providing with a bit of distraction.

"Well… a pleasure to meet you, Daniel. You can call me… Cassidy. Or, Cass." Cassidy approached Daniel, introducing herself in a ridiculous manner, bowing at the end. Daniel didn't react. However, he did look directly at her. It's more progress than Sean's made over the last few weeks.

"And I am Finn McNamara, my lad. An honor to meet ya. Why don't you come and sit down over here?" Finn pulls out the most ridiculous Irish accent he's ever heard. But Daniel seems to be, at least paying attention to it. Sean sits down, Daniel right next to him. He talked for hours with the others, Daniel, still silent. Silent, but not as… tense, as he always was. Almost like felt a bit more… safe, with these people Sean didn't really know anything about. Still, he had to admit, they gave him a sense too. A sense of feeling like he belonged somewhere. Just… speaking with people closer to his own age. As he felt Daniel's head on his shoulder, knowing his brother's asleep, he decided. Wherever they go, we go. For now.

"Sean, can I… ask you something?" Cassidy looks at him, a painful look in her eyes.

"Yeah, sure Cassidy." She doesn't know that much about them. He just said they're running, that's it.

"It's about… Daniel." Shit. SHIT! Does she… know? No. that's impossible. He never let his brother out of his sight. Calm down, dude. Calm down. Breathe.

"Ok, go ahead. Just… careful. Don't wake him up."

"Why is he… silent, Sean?" Not exactly the… question he was expecting. Not one he's been wanting to answer either.

"He- he's been through a lot of… bad shit. Too much. For anyone. For a while, he was getting better. Then… he saw… he saw his best friend… die. Right in front of him. He hasn't spoken since." Sean's been going through it, hundreds of times in his head. But this is the first time, he actually says it.

"Holy shit, Sean… I'm- I'm so sorry." Sean can see it, she really is sorry.

"Yeah… I don't- I don't know what to do anymore. I just feel… broken." Is that how he defines himself, going forward? Broken?

"Sean, we're all broken here. Every single one of us. It's not for me, to tell you how… but you're no different from anyone else here. Except that, you have a brother. To care for, and who cares for you, Sean." A brief second of hurt appeared in Cassidy's eyes.

"Yeah… thanks. So, where are you guys headed?" Sean wants to change topics.

"To a… farm. We've actually got a job there. Decent money too. You could come with us, you know…" Decent pay? He really needs money, so it's an easy decision.

"You- you mean it?"

"Sure I do, Sean. Finn can put in a good word, and then, Merrill's gonna put your ass to work. No problem." There was, however, one problem.

"But… what about Daniel?" He's too young to work. Sean's not going to have him work. Not a chance.

"Don't worry, Sean. We'll help you take care of him." Sean didn't even know Jake's still awake. He didn't speak much, but when he did, it mattered. At least, now it did.

"Thanks, Jake. Seriously." He didn't know what else to say.

"It's fine, Sean. Besides, some time away from each other… might be good for both of you." Maybe… he had a point. Sean's been doing nothing but watch his brother for months. Never resting. Daniel, at times, must have been suffocating. Some time apart might be… good. He looks at Daniel, the latter's still asleep.

"We're going to be fine, Enano. We're going to be fine." Sean never had much hope. Not in the cabin, and not when going towards Beaver Creek. Now, he actually feels… hopeful. Even, if it's just a small amount.

One month later…

Jake was right. A little time apart had done wonders for both brothers. While Sean had been away, working hard, the others had taken turns, watching his little brother. Taking care of him. Slowly, Daniel began to come out of his shell. Not as the old Daniel, but still… Daniel. Still… Enano. For the first couple of days, Sean didn't notice a difference. On the fifth day, Daniel walked right up to him, giving him a hug as he came back. The day after that, Sean dropped a water bottle on Daniel's head, resulting in the first exchange of words in… a long time.

"Ouch! Watch it, Sean. Fucking asshole!" Daniel wasn't furious, just a bit annoyed. Sean, however, has never been happier at being called a "fucking asshole."

"I'm sorry, Daniel." He apologized, trying to hide his wide smile. It carried on like that. A "good morning, Sean" here, a "thanks, Sean" there… Daniel was feeling better. A lot better. Thinking about it… Sean realized, he did too. There was one thing, however… one thing, making him feel… uneasy.

The work, as Cassidy had put it? It was on a farm, yes. But not on a regular farm, but a pot farm, deep inside the redwood forest. It's not like Sean's got any moral difficulties, doing this… job. All he does is trimming weed, more or less. His problem is with the people running it.

Their boss, at least officially, was named Jonathan Merrill. A man with a look, so scary, that he could make Hank Stamper his bitch, if given the chance. Merrill did also have, a different side, a softer side. Finn told Sean that Merrill's got a kid of his own, long away from here. Maybe that's why he was so nice… at first. Since Daniel felt a lot better, he got bored staying at camp all day. Merrill had ordered everyone in for work, to clean up after a storm. Everyone. Meaning, nobody could watch Daniel. Sean refused to let him sit there, on his own. He remembers those supply runs, back at the cabin. How ashamed he was. Leaving him alone, stealing. He swore it would never happen again. Sean had to choose between two evils, and in the end, Daniel had to go with them. On the condition that he didn't say anything to Merrill, and didn't touch anything. At all.

Daniel had the time of his life.

No, really.

Why?

According to Finn, Merrill's daughter was about ten or so years old. Same age as Daniel. For Merrill to see a child, the same age as the one he's got, and rarely sees, must have struck a nerve of sorts. Merrill had immediately pulled Sean and Daniel aside, with Sean preparing himself to be yelled at. Except that… Merrill didn't yell. He wasn't even angry, or upset. Just… worried. Merrill told Sean that his brother's far too young for "this shit." That he shouldn't have to work, but that he understood why they had no choice. He also had a suggestion for Sean and his brother, something that only existed because Merrill doesn't like child labor.

So, Sean Diaz spent his days, working hard. Either outside in the heat, or inside, no air condition, uncomfortable chairs, shitty supplies, shitty everything. Daniel?

Daniel Diaz sat inside Merrill's private office unless Sean's on a break. If Sean's working, Daniel could borrow Merrill's Playbox, along with dozens of games. He could watch television, hundreds of channels, way too many for him to care about. He could eat like a king, from Merrill's private cookie-stash. Daniel felt… not happy, but better. A lot better. He was actually treated… good, by Merrill. Sean's extremely grateful to him for doing it, no matter what his reasons may have been. It made it easier, knowing his brother didn't have to work. Sadly… it didn't last.

Enter Joseph Costello Jr…

Or, Big Joe, as they called him.

A seven feet tall, four hundred pounds, mountain of a man. As mean as he was big. He was introduced to the group by Merrill, telling them Big Joe's their new "driver." Everyone knew that there's more to it than that. Hannah had heard Merrill talking on the phone like he owed someone money. That expensive car he drives, all the stuff in his office? Whoever he works for, probably thinks he's stealing from them. Big Joe's here to keep an eye on him. Meaning, Big Joe doesn't really answer to Merrill. Sean didn't care about that. Not as long as it didn't affect his brother.

Which it did.

From one day to the other, all of those privileges… gone. No more playing video games in a room with AC, while your brother's sweating outside. No more cookies. Worst of all… no longer, did Daniel Diaz get to be spared from working. It struck both him and Sean like a bomb. Sean hated it. Daniel had finally gotten better and been given a break. Then, it gets taken away. Again. Now, his nine-year-old brother sits next to him, trimming marijuana. His hands are red, filled with rashes from the plants. But he's not crying. Neither does he show fear. Daniel's sad, of course. But this is… different, somehow. It had nothing to do with cookies or video games. More with… life. And how it never, ever gives him a break.

Obviously, Daniel's scared too. Big Joe had pointed an automatic rifle at him, telling him to get to work. Still, he doesn't show fear. Not anymore. As Sean looked into his little brother's eyes, he could only see one thing. And that made him worried. Because, the one thing he saw, in his brother's eyes…?

Anger.

Rage.

Waiting to be unleashed. Yet, something, someone, is holding it back. His brother's a ticking time bomb. The question is, how long?

How long, before the bomb goes off?

Notes:

A bit of a "meh" introduction, I know. The rest will be better, trust me (Stroh-rum was NOT a good choice of drink last night).

I switched around Merrill and Big Joe a little, because I felt that Merrill was a character that could have been a lot more in the game. Merrill kinda seems like he wants to "teach" Sean, at times, how to raise his brother. While Big Joe is just an asshole...

As for the Swedes, Ingrid and Anders, I threw in some Swedish lines for them. Easy for me, since... I'm Swedish.

Chapter 2: The Angry Little Wolf & The Big Bad Brother

Summary:

There's a tension, growing between the wolfbrothers. Daniel feels neglected, alone, and is learning every day why child labor's illegal. Meanwhile, Sean's having the time of his life. He feels like he belongs here. It almost feels like... home.

Notes:

This chapter gives a bit of insight into the tension between the brothers. The first part is Daniel, the second is Sean.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Somewhere in Humboldt County, California…

Daniel was sitting right next to the small lake, alone, thinking. Thinking about how long they've been here. When they're going to leave. If they're going to leave. He hates it here. Daniel Diaz absolutely fucking hates this godforsaken place. He hates having to sleep in a tent, right next to his big brother. He hates the fucking mosquitoes, driving him crazy every single day. Daniel hates the fact that he's forced to work. As in, really work. His hands are swollen and red because apparently, he's allergic to marijuana… of course. There is, however, one thing he hates more than anything in the world right now.

Sean.

His brother.

He sometimes had that feeling, back at the abandoned cabin. At that time, it made him sad, and he would cry. Now, it doesn't make him cry. Actually, he hasn't cried since… Chris. Nowadays, he just feels… angry. At everything. Angry at the situation they're in, at himself for putting them there, angry at the world in general. Most of all, he's angry at Sean. Angry, because his brother doesn't care anymore. Sean never asks him "how was your day, Enano?" Never. He never does… anything, with Daniel anymore. He feels… neglected, ignored like nobody ever takes him seriously.

Sean's always too busy, hanging out with everyone else at their camp. He never thinks about his little brother. Daniel felt that Sean was careless when they got here. He just handed Daniel off to anyone he could, just so he could be alone for a few hours. Granted, Daniel had enjoyed that time he spent in Merrill's office, but still… his own brother just… handing him away like that. It just made him even angrier. Everything did. He wasn't sure why.

Daniel did know one thing. In Beaver Creek, he got to be a kid again, and it was wonderful. Really, it was. He would do anything to return to that. But, he can't. The price he paid, or, Chris paid, was just… horrifying. He never wanted anything like that to happen again. So he knew. He knew Daniel Diaz had to stop being a kid. Daniel Diaz… had to grow up. He's already working, just like everyone else. No one gives a shit about him, Sean's doing a piss-poor job at the moment. He needs to learn how to make it on his own. Not, because he wants to, but, because he needs to.

Deep down, he knows everything he's telling himself is just… bullshit. He's still a kid and wants nothing more than a hug from his big brother, and then cry on his shoulder until the pain goes away. Those thoughts, he pushes back, into the deepest, and darkest corners of his mind. A place which, he never intends to open. He can't rely on Sean anymore. His brother just keeps finding new ways to disappoint him. Every day, it seems.

Yesterday, Sean had told him they could do some training after work. They hadn't done that in a long time. Daniel's just happy to be doing something with his brother. Or, so he thought. After work, Sean said that he was too tired. Instead, he just talked with Cassidy, all night.

Cassidy.

He doesn't like her. Daniel, that is. Sean, however, seems to be really into her. Daniel doesn't get her. She's not necessarily… mean, just… weird. Plus, she treats him even more like a kid than Sean does. She talks to him like he's five years old. He hates it, and he hates her. He hates how she's… changing his brother. Sean's just… different now. It doesn't feel like his brother anymore. The real Sean would always make time for his little brother. It's not exactly like he can talk to anyone else here either. Finn's sort of cool, he actually treats him like an adult, which feels good. The swedes he can't understand. Like, at all. Jake feels, somehow even younger than Daniel. Hannah's kind of scary, still, she's nice to him. Not much for doing stuff though.

So, he's stuck here. Nobody his own age, a brother that doesn't seem to care, and he spends nine hours a day, learning what child labor means. And, why it's illegal. Whenever he gets a chance, however, he sneaks out here. To the lake. Secluded. No one can see him. Nobody. Daniel spends hours there. Training, on his own. He's more powerful now than he could ever have imagined. Deep down, he knows he should train how to control his power. It would be the smart, and right thing to do. But he can't. Doing so would only remind him of all the times he did it with Chris. All the… good times.

So he avoids it. He doesn't train control. Just… power, destruction, a tiny bit precision, then… more power. Daniel's enjoying how he can feel himself, getting stronger. He's more accurate too. Last week, Big Joe had been an even bigger asshole than usual. Daniel used his powers, completely unnoticed, even by Sean, to make Big Joe fall flat on his ass, giving everyone a laugh. It's all he can do out here. Train. Train, and think. Luckily, today was just a thinking day, someone's coming.

"Hey, Enano. What are you doing out here?" Sean. Part of Daniel wants to hug his brother. He misses him, so much. The other part just wants to scream.

"Nothing, just… thinking." Sean sits down next to him. Guess it's time for a serious talk. Again.

"Are you alright, Daniel? You've been kinda… distant, for a while." Oh, so now you noticed?

"It's nothing. I'm- I'm ok." He's not ok. Not even close. As always, give Sean the answer he wants, and he'll stop. He can't say that everything's fine, Sean wouldn't believe him, and then, they would have to talk about it. Tell the truth, that… everything fucking sucks? They would definitely have to talk about it. After a bit of trial and error, Daniel found out that the perfect answer is "ok." It's not great, but not horrible either, just… ok.

"Are you sure, Daniel? You know you can talk to me about anything, right?" No. I can't. You're never there, and even when you are, you never take me seriously.

"Yes, Sean. I'm sure." Daniel answers, already getting a bit mad. Sean doesn't say anything, so the brothers just sit in silence. Nobody saying a word.

"Sean, can I… ask you something?" He's not really asking permission, he's just trying to be cute about it. Like he was… when he was a kid.

"Sure, man. What's up?" Sean seemed a bit happier, hearing his brother talking to him. This would change quickly.

"Sean. I- I- I wanna know about mom. Please?" He wanted to- no. he needed to, so badly. Sean never wanted to talk about it. This time, was no exception.

"What the FUCK, Daniel? I already told you! I am NEVER talking about that woman again, ever. My mom's dead, Daniel. DEAD! Yours too…" Daniel doesn't even know why he keeps trying sometimes. It's like talking to a brick wall. Daniel's changed a lot over the last few months. He went from being kid-Daniel to depressed-Daniel, then back to kid-Daniel. Then, after a brief stint as mute-Daniel, he's now just angry-Daniel. Any of his previous selves would have been incredibly hurt in this situation, and ran away, crying. Angry-Daniel is different.

"Whatever. I bet you wished I was dead too, Sean. Asshole." Daniel doesn't really believe that. Deep down, he knows it. But he's been hurt, so many times now, by his big brother. The same big brother he looks up to- or at least used to look up to, more than anyone else in the entire world. In Seattle, to hear his father say he did a great job was always a good feeling. However, it was never fully great, complete, until he had gotten Sean's approval as well. Then, he truly could feel proud. Now, every time his brother opens his mouth, Daniel expects him to say something to disappoint him. To hear that brother, scream at him like he just did? It feels like a dagger through his little heart. Over, and over again.

"What the- why would you even say something like that, Daniel? Why? I don't get it. This… attitude of yours. What's wrong with you, man?" That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Wrong. What is wrong, with Daniel Felipe Diaz? He knows there's something… up, with him. He always feels so… angry. The problem is, he's got thousands of things he wants to say, but his young, fragile mind, can't find a way to say it. Like a few days ago, he called Cassidy a "fucking moron" for no reason. He might believe he's grown up, but he's still a kid.

"Like you care." Daniel sounds so bitter, so full of anger and disappointment. All he wants is for Sean to care. He just wants to feel… loved.

"Daniel. Enano. I'm your brother. Of course, I care. Don't say shit like that." Sean sounds genuine, but he's not. Daniel never really took that much comfort in what his brother told him when he was sad. Obviously, it helped a lot, at times. But, there's something else that was even more important. Whenever Daniel was sad, in need of comfort, Sean would always hug him, let Daniel cry on his shoulder. Then, look into his eyes, and just… smile. It always made the pain go away, or at least, made him feel better. Now, Sean just stared at the lake, talking. No smile, no hug, no nothing. He didn't care about his adorable Enano. Not anymore.

"Hey there, city boy. I've been looking all over for ya." Great. It's… her. Time to go.

"Oh, hey Cass. What's up?" Sean, too preoccupied, doesn't even notice how his little brother sneaks off. Just like yesterday, and the day before that. He knows that he's not being fair to Sean, but every time he tries to give his big brother another chance, he just ends up hurt. Again. Nothing makes sense anymore. If Sean cares, then why is he acting like he doesn't? Daniel doesn't know, and that… that makes him angry.

The next morning…

Time to get up again. Sean could admit that the work sucked, at best. Other than that, it was almost a paradise to him. He felt… home. Like he belonged somewhere. He's never really felt that before in his life, not even in Seattle. But he loves it here. No society judging you, no pressure to be someone you're not. Everyone's just themselves, and Sean loves it. The only thing he doesn't love about this place is that Daniel's forced to work. He hates it. He would do anything, just to make his brother not have to work. It just… isn't right.

Sean always gets up around six in the morning, eats something, maybe some coffee. He wants Daniel to sleep as long as he possibly can. Sean's been noticing some disturbing changes in his little brother's behavior over the last few weeks. Daniel's become more and more… distant. It's happened, on more than one occasion, that Sean found him far out in the woods, just sitting there. Deep in thought. Sean knows what his brother's thinking about. No, it's not Chris, or Mushroom, not even their father. It's something far… worse.

He's thinking of… her.

Karen.

Sean hates it when he yells at his brother. But as soon as he hears… that name, it's like throwing a can of gasoline on a fire. All control goes out the window. He can understand, in a way. Daniel never really knew their mom. He was just a baby when she left. Daniel doesn't… remember. He should be happy about that. Sean wished he didn't remember. Part of him wants to tell his brother what he wants to know. Sean, however, knows he can't. It still hurts.

So, he avoids it. Every time Daniel asks, Sean gets angry, refusing to talk about it. Like he always has. There's also another thing, he's seen in his brother. Daniel's angry. All the time. At everyone. Everything. Sean, for the life of him, can't understand why. Sure, they've been through a lot, but why now? There's something else to it, got to be. Sean swore, he would be a better brother. Considering the circumstances, he feels like it's a promise that he's kept. He treats Daniel good. Sure, Daniel working isn't ideal, but there's no choice.

Sean sits alone, drinking his coffee, thinking, worrying.

"Morning, Sean." Great, Hannah. Sean's uncertain about her. She's a bit… complicated.

"Morning, Hannah." Have to say something…

"Everything ok, Sean?" Does she really want to know?

"Not really. I'm worried… about Daniel. He's just… angry all the time. I- I don't get it. I didn't do anything." Sean can hear how frustrated he really is.

"Maybe that's the problem…" She's actually trying to help? Wow, someone's having a good day.

"Uh, what do you mean?" Sean's not following. What exactly, is the problem?

"Maybe the problem is that you haven't done anything, Sean? The two of you… have been through a lot. Your brother's gonna need more than just a simple hello, to get him through the day." Who the hell does she think she is? He does everything for Daniel. Everything.

"How the f-… I do everything… for that kid, Hannah. Everything. I make him food, tell him bedtime stories-"

"Do you talk to him, Sean?" There she is. Hannah the bitch.

"What? Of course, I talk to him, he's my brother." She's just being an idiot now.

"No, you dumbass. I mean, do you really talk to him? Any deep, brotherly talks? How he feels, or what's happened since… Seattle? Anything like that?" Since when did Hannah become a shrink?

"No, why would we do that? Daniel doesn't even want to." Sean doesn't either.

"Of course he doesn't, you idiot. No kid wants to talk about shit like that. It's… painful. But he needs to talk about it, Sean. Otherwise, he'll just keep repressing everything, until it's no longer possible. Then, everything comes back. Like… a bomb." Sean never thought about it that way.

"I tried talking to him… he just… doesn't want to." Sean feels like he really did try, yesterday.

"No, you didn't. Daniel wants to talk with you, more than anything. I… I can see it on him." What the hell is he talking about?

"How do you know that?" Sean sounds angrier than intended. He's really uncomfortable, talking about this with Hannah.

"I- I- I really don't wanna talk about it. See you later, Sean." She storms off. Seems like he hit a nerve. Probably for the best, time for him to wake up Daniel anyway. Sean goes inside their tent. Daniel's still sleeping, he's not moved a muscle since Sean saw him the last time. Daniel looks so… tired. Worn out. The kid's even skinnier here than at the abandoned cabin. In the cabin, they were starving. Here, there's plenty of food to go around. His hands are still red, swollen. Dozens of small cuts, from every time he accidentally cut himself with the scissors. Sean hates having to do this. But… he has to.

"You don't have to work anymore, Enano." A lie and he knows it. Just like yesterday, and the day before. Sean whispers it to himself, trying to feel less bad about waking Daniel up. For work.

"Daniel? Hey, Enano? It's time to get up." Sean remembered when he was just a kid, and had his… issues, with his semi-depression. He remembered the days when he could sleep. For as long as he wanted. Then, when he woke up, those first five minutes were always the best part of the day. Always. He forgot all about his mom ditching him, and any other troubles. Five minutes later, it all came back. He wonders, every morning if his brother… goes through the same thing, every day. It scares him.

"Uhhh… just… a little… longer, dad. Please?" FUCK! Sean did not expect to hear that. Obviously, Daniel's not even aware of what he just said, still, Sean's shocked. Dad…

"Come on, Enano. It's me, Sean. Time to get up, man!" He wants to let him sleep, so badly.

"Sean… can't I sleep just a little longer?" Shit. It's a dumb idea. But then again, Sean's a dumb person.

"… sure, Enano. A little longer." Sean may be smiling, but internally, he's punching himself in the face.

It couldn't have been more than fifteen minutes. Sean had left the tent, then he heard the dreaded truck, honking its horn.

Big Joe.

The seven-foot, four hundred pounds, bald gorilla, wielding a machine gun.

Shit. Time for work. Daniel's still sleeping. Sean runs into the tent.

"Big Joe's here, Enano! Wake up! NOW!" Daniel's barely moving. Fuck's sake, this is not the time. Sean lifts his brother up, running towards the truck. Along the way, he grabs a few leftover sandwiches. Better than nothing. Daniel's got to eat.

"Uh? What- what the hell? What are you doing, Sean? Let me go! I said, let me go!" Sean didn't answer. Daniel felt… humiliated. It's like, he can't even walk on his own. Sean's got to do it for him. Sean probably thinks he's too young…

Work was pain, as usual. Daniel didn't make things easier either. Sean, Daniel, Cassidy, and Finn, were put on trimming duty. For nine straight hours. It got stale real quick. Daniel wasn't doing anything, really. Just… pretending to work. Sean couldn't really blame him. However, the situation they're in is kind of serious. Behind them, sits Big Joe. With his M4- assault rifle. He needs to get Daniel to… do his part. Even if he hates himself for it.

"Hey, Daniel? Everything ok?" Shit, he looks exhausted.

"This sucks ass, Sean. My hands are itchy, and I'm tired." Sean can tell. Daniel's fingers are bleeding, due to him scratching them so much.

"I know, man. Just… four more hours to go." Wow, Sean… great way of comforting him.

"Four more hours? Of this bullshit? It feels like I'm in fucking prison…" His language… is just out of control, these days. Sean fights to stay calm.

"Now, calm down little man. It's not too bad. Remember that thing I told ya about, yesterday? If you play it cool, then I can teach you later." Sean had no clue what the hell Finn was talking about. Daniel seemed to catch on though.

"Really? You mean it?" Wow. His entire personality changed. Just… like that.

"Course I do. I would never lie about that, little man. But right now… we gotta get through this, ok?" What the…?

"Ok, Finn. Thanks." Now he's calm? And… smiling? What the actual fuck?

"Yeah. Before you know it, that time will have just… flown away, Daniel." Cassidy said, smiling at him. Once again, Daniel's entire personality shifted. This time, to the worse.

"Whatever. I'm not talking to… you." His little brother swearing, that's one thing. It's just… rude, in general. However, his little brother being a stubborn brat, towards a girl Sean may, or may not like… that's something completely different.

"Daniel, that's enough. Sit down, get to work, and SHUT THE FUCK UP! Just… fucking behave! For once! Do you think this is prison? Guess where I'm going if they catch me, Daniel? Prison. REAL PRISON! Stop complaining about everything, please!" Sean knew it. He fucked up. Big time. He expected to see that familiar sight… Daniel's eyes, redder and redder, filling up with tears, followed by his brother saying a quick curse at him, before walking away. Neither happened.

"Whatever…" Daniel just ignored him, continuing on with his work. Just as slowly as before. Sean could see it in his eyes though. How filled they were, not with tears, but pain. Pain, and anger. So much anger. But why? Sean's at a loss for words.

"… see you now." Daniel mumbled something. Barely audible.

"Did you say anything, Daniel?" Sean asks, not sure if he should sound angry, or apologetic. He settles on a weird middle-ground.

"I said: If only dad could see you now, Sean. He would be… ashamed of you… of us." Sean doesn't answer. He just feels… hurt. Broken. Physically damaged, beyond repair. What Daniel said, hurt him. It really fucking hurt him.

Later that day…

Nobody had said much for the remainder of their work-day. With Big Joe finally dropping them off back at camp, Sean felt like he needed to take upon Hannah's advice. Talk to him. Really talk to him. It won't be easy, but he's going to try.

"Hey, Enano? I was wondering… can we talk for a while?" He can already tell, this is going nowhere. His brother may have changed a lot. But Sean still recognizes Daniel's please-kill-me-now look, from a mile away.

"Talk about what, Sean?" The brothers move a bit outside the camp, getting some sort of privacy.

Sean thought a lot about what to tell him exactly. What to talk about. Sean remembers himself, a depressed kid, everyone was "worried" about him. It pissed him off. Many times. People don't… get it. The thing is this time, "people" equal Sean.

"Why don't you tell me? Anything… you wanna talk about?" Oh, shit. There's that one thing…

"Well, I-"

"Except Karen." Sean does his best, sounding calm, and collected. Still, saying the name sends shivers down his entire spine.

"It's not that, Sean. It's- it's… no. Forget it. It's dumb." Daniel's so close to opening up to him, only to back away at the last second.

"No, Daniel. What you… feel, is never dumb. Don't ever believe that. Daniel. Ask me, or tell me anything, and I swear on our father's grave… that… I'll do what I can. Ok, Enano? Please… I'm- I'm really trying." Sean's close to tears. Something extremely rare, in front of his brother.

"Ok, Sean. Thank you. I guess… I just… feel… like-" Daniel's just about to open up his darkest secrets to Sean. However, he's interrupted. By the person, he least wanted to see.

"Hi there, city boy. So, you wanna get that tattoo, or what?" Daniel's fucking fuming. His entire face is red. Not, because he's embarrassed. It's red because he's angry. Cassidy interrupts him now, of all times? And, apparently, she's going to tattoo Sean. She just keeps changing him.

"Uh, hi, Cass. Listen, we're kinda having a little talk here." Even Sean realized just how piss-poor timing this was.

"Oh, my most humble apologies." She says, smiling at Daniel. Then, she walks away. This only pissed him off more. Once again, she talks to him like a baby.

"Ok, Enano. You were saying…?" Sean tries to smooth things over.

"… whatever. You don't care. No one does." Daniel walks away. Sean doesn't try to stop him. He doesn't know what to say anymore. It used to be so… easy. Just a quick hug, a tap on the shoulder, tell him "it's ok, Enano." now, the kid doesn't even look him in the eyes.

Sean hopes that all this is behind them when they reach Puerto Lobos. If they reach Puerto Lobos. Does he… still want to go there? Work and Daniel-conflicts aside, Sean fucking loves it here. He's somewhat sure, Daniel does too. Easier to know if the kid actually talked to him. But he didn't. Daniel refused to talk to him. Yet, he appears to be upset at Sean. Constantly. Sometimes, it's like Daniel doesn't even want to be near him. Like he… avoids him.

Is that why he's sitting out in the woods, all alone? To avoid his big brother? Should Sean be worried that… Daniel might be thinking of running away? Running away… to… her? No, he's smarter than that. Still, it didn't change the facts. Sean Diaz had a little brother who's pissed at him, and he's got no fucking clue why.

Notes:

I'm finding this episode A LOT harder to write than the first two. There's a lot of new characters, some I want to explore a little (Hannah), others that I don't like. At all (Finn). I'm aware of the fact that nothing's really "happened" yet. But the next chapter will have a few more interesting details.

A few things worth mentioning (since writing kinda works as a therapy for me):

A lot of the emotions both Sean and Daniel feels/felt, are stuff I've taken from personal experiences. Like the whole thing with "the first five minutes in the morning being the best" because I didn't remember yet.

Same thing with Daniel telling Sean that he's "ok." Because Sean's not going to believe him if he says he's good, and he's not telling the truth. So, the middle-ground is the answer to avoid talking about it. I used to do the same thing. USED TO.

Chapter 3: Open Wounds

Summary:

The tension between the wolfbrothers gets closer and closer to the boiling point. Sean finds out quite a few new things about his little brother. Some of them... really scare him.

Notes:

A deeper look at the tension between the brothers. Once again, the first half is Daniel, second is Sean.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

The next day…

"Hey, Enano? Time to get up." Great. Time for work. Again. Every day felt like a struggle for Daniel. A struggle to keep his shit together. He did his best, trying to "grow up." But it wasn't easy. Especially when almost nobody takes you seriously. Not even your own brother. Finn kind of did, which Daniel appreciated. A lot, actually. But it didn't matter how hurt Daniel had been by Sean yesterday, he's still his big brother. Nobody could replace him. Daniel didn't want to replace Sean either. He just wanted… Sean to care. To give a shit. But he never did. Instead, he screams at him, in front of everyone else. Like yesterday, at work. It wasn't the first time. Most likely, it wasn't the last.

Daniel gets up, not saying a word to his brother. He doesn't even look at Sean. It still doesn't make sense to him. How can Sean, his brother… the same brother who stayed with him for a week at the hospital when he had the flu. That Sean. How could he just… stop caring?

"Listen, Enano. I was thinking… maybe we could do some training, later today? If you want to?" Daniel wants to. More than anything. Right now, he just wants to run towards his brother, hug him, and scream "yes." It's just… he doesn't want to be disappointed again. Still, worth a shot.

"Sure, I guess." He answers, sounding sadder, than anything.

"Come on, Daniel, talk to me. What- what's going on, man? I'm… worried about you." For just a split second, Daniel could see all the worry in Sean's eyes. Then, it went back into frustration. Daniel wants to talk, just not… here.

"Not here. When we train." Daniel makes it clear, this is not negotiable. Sean accepts defeat, groaning.

Daniel used to look forward to growing up. Getting a place of his own, make his own decisions, a job, and so on. He used to look forward to it. One of those things, he already has. That is a job. Daniel doesn't like it. As a matter of fact, he hates it. Daniel always knew that child labor was a thing, and that it's illegal. Now, he understands why. Every single day, the same boring shit. Nine hours. Non-stop. Cut a plant, take a new plant, rinse and repeat. Plus, his allergies make his hands itch constantly. It feels like torture.

If he's not trimming weed, he's put on some kind of physical labor. He had spent an entire day, putting up a fence around the farm. Every single muscle inside his body was in pain. The next day, he couldn't move. But he doesn't cry. Not anymore. He has to grow up. For… his own good.

Daniel's just staring, emptily at the massive pile of weed in front of him. This isn't a prison. This is worse than prison. He can't even bother to pretend to work. Why should he, really? Sean takes his share of the money, anyway? Daniel forgot the fact that Big Joe's standing behind him.

"Hey, ese! Get to work!" Did- did Big Joe just speak Spanish? Daniel's so mad, his entire face is red. He could make Big Joe… go away. Easily. But he settles with staring at him, hoping he will spontaneously combust.

"You got something you wanna say to me, amigo? Huh?" Big Joe got closer to him. Daniel might have his powers. But Big Joe's still about, four times his size and a really threatening image. Daniel backs down.

"Yeah… didn't think so. Fucking kids…" Daniel bites his own tongue, not to say anything back.

"Daniel, you can't keep doing things like that. You're gonna end up in big trouble." Yeah… thanks, Jake. Can't be worse than it already is. It really can't.

"Whatever, man. I- I don't… care." He doesn't know why, but he was so close, to bursting into tears. Almost like he's about to break… even more.

"Listen, little man… I know it sucks. But right now, you just gotta hang in there. You're not gonna be here forever, trust me." Finn. He always knew what to say. Daniel immediately felt calmer. At least, a little.

"Ok, Finn. Thanks." Hang in there. For now.

"Ok, how about shut the fuck up, and get to work, people? I can't fucking hear my music!" Big Joe doing what Big Joe does best, being an asshole. Daniel didn't want anymore… trouble. Instead, he got to work. For real, this time. It was hell. He wasn't sure what his scissors cut most. Weed, or his hands. He really sucked at this. Even, when he genuinely tried.

"Ow, motherfucker!" He cut his finger. Deep. Blood was pouring down his entire hand. It hurt like hell. He's glad Sean's working outside today. Otherwise, he would probably scream at him, to use the scissors the right way.

"Oh my god, Daniel?! Are- are you- ok?" Jake looked like he's about to faint.

"Yeah. I'm fine." He wasn't, obviously. All he wanted, was for Sean to just come here, wrap some gauze around his wound, tell him he would be fine. All that shit. But… that's not happening. Not anymore.

"Here, Daniel. Let me help you. Come on, give me your hand." Again, Finn. He wraps one of his old bandanas around Daniel's hand, stopping the bleeding. Then, he turns to Big Joe.

"Mr. Big Joe, a first aid kit would be nice… if, you do not mind?" Big Joe looks like he wants to strangle Finn.

"For fuck's sake… why the hell did we give the kid a pair of scissors, to begin with?" He's pissed, but walks out of the room, coming back with a first aid kit.

"Here. Next time, you can bleed to death for all I care." Daniel's in too much pain to care about what he heard.

"Ok, Daniel. I'm gonna have to clean your wound a little. This is… gonna hurt. Like hell." Daniel just nods, looking the other way.

"OW! Holy fucking- fuck!" Yep. It really fucking hurt.

"Shh, it's ok. Everything's ok, little man. It's done now. You're all patched up." Work was over for today, meaning everyone's moving towards the truck. Finn and Daniel are the only two people inside the room. Daniel doesn't know why, but it hits him like a bomb. Everything. Just… everything. How much he hates it here, the work, Cassidy, Sean not giving a shit. Not to mention, everything that happened to him before he got here. It hits him, all at once.

Daniel Diaz falls to his knees, and he cries. For the first time in a month or so, he cries out his pain. All those promises he's made to himself about growing up, completely forgotten. He's always been a sensitive kid. When he's been sad, a very select few could comfort him. His father, his brother, Lyla, and… Chris. Two of those are dead, one he'll probably never see again, and the last one… stopped caring. Now, as he feels Finn hugging him… it feels… good. Usually, he would kick and scream if someone had done that. But Finn feels… safe. It's definitely not Sean, but Sean might not be coming back. At least, not the way he would want him to. He lets Finn embrace him, crying into his shoulder.

"It's ok, Daniel. Everything's gonna be just fine." Still not Sean, but it works.

"Please- please don't tell anyone…" Daniel doesn't want anyone to know about his little breakdown. Especially, Sean. Finn's answer is just him, smiling at Daniel while moving his finger across his mouth as if closing a zipper. Yeah, he's not telling. Daniel took a few minutes to compose himself, clean his face from tears, and then walked out to the truck. Just another, regular working day.

As he got back to camp, he immediately ran towards his brother. He's not getting away this time. Sean promised training, Daniel promised to talk. Win-win.

"Hi, Sean. You ready to… you know?" Daniel realized that he actually sounds excited again. But… he doesn't feel it.

"Can't we do it… you know, after dinner, Daniel?" He's starving, honestly. But he doesn't want to be disappointed. Again.

"No, Sean. Let's do it now!" Daniel tries to pull out his old "come-on-please-because-I'm-cute" look. It felt… weird, doing it now.

"Ok, ok. Come on, let's go, Enano." Wow. Did- did it work? Is Sean… is Sean actually going to… do something with him?

"So… where should we go, Sean?" Daniel asks, playing dumb. He knows exactly the spot. He's been there dozens of times, training on his own.

"Let's go to the lake, Enano. It's secluded, and outside the camp. No one should see us there." Exactly. The lake.

The wolfbrothers reach the lake, walking side-by-side. They both come to a halt, suddenly. Daniel can see how his older brother's in deep thoughts.

"Sean…?"

"Ok, Enano. Let's start with our team howl!" After telling him this, Sean turns his head towards the lake, howling. As loud, as any human possibly can. Daniel, for a millisecond, wonders if his brother's clinically insane. Then, he remembers. He stands next to Sean, his brother- no, his big brother, and howls. Equally loud. For a few seconds, Daniel's taken back to that night… the night before he found out about dad. They had camped next to a river, at least, Sean told him so. That night, the Diaz brothers died. In their place, the wolfbrothers were born, howling at the moon.

Daniel knew now, the real reason they were out there, to begin with. But it doesn't change the fact that he did have a good time. Well… until he poisoned himself with berries, that is. He got to laugh at Sean falling, only to then, take revenge. Just… brotherly bonding. But… a lot of things have happened since he was the zombie-king of pride rock. Most of them are bad. He just wants this to be some kind of… brotherly bonding, or… anything positive, involving his brother. It's all he wants.

"Ok, are we ready?" Sean asks. He actually sounds… like Sean.

"Fucking A!" Daniel's starting to feel hyped up now. He doesn't even notice the look Sean gives him as he swears.

"Think you can move this tree trunk, Enano? We should go to the other side." Duh… of course he can.

"Duh, Sean." Daniel lifts the tree trunk, with ease. He's actually the reason this tree's on the ground, to begin with. However, Sean doesn't need to know that.

"Dude?!" Sean looks terrified. Daniel almost dropped the tree trunk on his head.

"Ha ha ha! You should've seen your face." Daniel says it on pure impulse. Outwards, he's laughing at a joke he pulled at his brother's expense. Inwards, he just scared the shit out of himself. He temporarily lost control, almost… killing Sean. He never loses control like that. Daniel never even felt it happening. He tries to ignore it, for now. He just wants to have fun. For once.

"Yeah… really… funny, Daniel." Daniel saw it now. Sean's worried. At least he cares a little…

"Ok. What's the training session, bro?" Just calling Sean "bro" again, felt so incredibly good. Sean looks around a bit, thinking.

"Ok, I got it. We're gonna try something new today. I want you to… focus… on those ugly-ass mushrooms over there, and destroy them." Sean smiled at him, which felt good. But Daniel still felt an invisible knife pierce his heart. Mushroom… still, he wants to have a good time.

"Dude, they're gone!" He knows he can do this. Why? He's done it about thirty times before. Sean doesn't need to know about that either. He looks a lot more focused than he actually is. Either way, the mushroom's blown away. Literally.

"Holy shit, man! Damn…" Yeah, Sean. Damn.

Sean's next training exercises are more about control and precision. All of them are easy-peasy for Daniel. Still, it feels amazing, doing something with Sean again. He's missed it. So fucking much.

"That's some next-level shit, Daniel. I'm- I'm impressed. I'm… proud of you, Enano." Sean's… proud of him. Daniel fought so hard now, not to cry, not to hug his brother. To hear that Sean's proud of him, was almost euphoric.

"Thanks, Sean. I- I sort of… train on my own… sometimes." He doesn't look down, at the ground, in shame. Like he used to. Instead, he looks Sean right into his eyes. If his brother's really proud of him, it won't matter if he's been training on his own.

"Yeah… I kinda… suspected, a little." Sean smiles. Daniel returns his smile. Sean's back. His big brother's back. His caring, loving big brother, Sean. That's it. Daniel's made up his mind. He's hugging his brother. He's not pissed anymore. At least, not that pissed.

"… You didn't tell anyone, did you?" Sean's smile disappears, turning serious. Very serious.

No.

Please, no!

NO!

He was there. Right there, in front of him. Sean. The real Sean. Then, he vanished, without a trace. Daniel's feeling his anger, boiling inside him.

"What?! No way! Why- why would I?" Daniel's angry. Sad. Disappointed. He knows, he shouldn't be surprised.

"Not even Finn?" Is Sean deaf? He just said, very clearly, no.

"No! You- you don't even trust me, Sean. You… you never do." Anger and sadness, both about to reach a boiling point.

"Daniel-"

"Oh, whatever! Just… go away, Sean." Daniel's so angry he wants to scream. But his voice is failing him. He's close to tears.

"What's wrong with you, man? Why are you making a drama out of everything I say? You just, keep throwing this attitude at me for no reason… I'm sick of it." NO REASON! Daniel's got all the reason in the world to be mad at Sean.

"Am I a bad big brother, because I hang out with other people?" No. You're just… a bad brother. In general.

"You're ALWAYS with them, it… SUCKS!" There are so many things he would like to tell Sean now. But he doesn't know how. Telling another person, someone you care about, that you miss him… it's difficult for anyone. For a traumatized nine-year-old, it's impossible.

"Oh, come on, Daniel. Don't be like that." Really? Sean's not even trying. Daniel knows him well enough to tell if he's trying, or not.

"I bet you… don't want me around anymore." He looked out, towards the lake. Away from Sean. He didn't want Sean to see him cry.

"Don't say shit like that. You know it's always you and me, Enano." Sean says it but never acts like it. Daniel closes his eyes.

"I know it sucks, but you have to grow up. Now." You fucking disgrace of a brother… words could not even describe how hurt Daniel felt. "Grow up." He's been doing everything, to achieve just that. Without Sean helping him. Fuck this. Fuck THIS, fuck this PLACE, fuck EVERYONE HERE, fuck BIG JOE, FUCK CASSIDY… and, fuck you, Sean. Just… fuck you.

Daniel opens his eyes, letting out a flood of tears. He aims his hand towards the lake, reaching out. Daniel knew since before, something huge was at the bottom. He's never been able to lift it. Now, he focuses all his anger, his rage, his fear, his disappointment, his sorrow, at whatever object rests at the bottom of the lake. He can feel it now, it's a tree. A massive tree. Daniel uses all of his negative emotions, letting them fuel his powers, lifting a massive tree trunk out of the lake. He doesn't even know why he's doing it. It doesn't matter. Nothing matters anymore. Fuck everyone. Daniel suspends the tree trunk high above them. The thing's the size of a mansion, by far the biggest thing Daniel's ever lifted. He should be amazed, but he's not. He doesn't care.

"Daniel! Stop! Now!" Oh, right. Sean. Daniel just turns around, looking at his… bad brother. Just… looking. Sean's stuck, staring at the tree trunk. A shame, really. If Sean were to look into his little brother's eyes at this very moment, he would have understood… everything. Sean would have seen, just by looking at Daniel's face, when his don't-cry mask was off. He would have seen all of Daniel's pain, suffering, anger, sadness, loneliness… just how broken his little Enano truly is. Instead, he stared at a levitating tree.

"I'm not a kid, anymore." Daniel says, simultaneously letting the tree fall back to the bottom of the lake. It was a lie. The biggest lie he's ever told. Complete and utter bullshit. He's more of a kid now than ever, and he knows it. But without someone to comfort him, care for him, make him feel safe… what fucking choice, does Daniel Diaz have?

Sean just stood there. In awe, in shock… in fear. He didn't even notice how his little brother purposely bumped into him while walking away. What the fuck just happened? He had no idea Daniel could do… that. He's both proud, pissed, and scared to death, all at the same time. Sean feels, once again, like a failure. No matter what he does, he fails. He was a brother and failed. He tried to be a better brother and failed that too. Then, he was forced into becoming a parental figure, failing miserably at it. Sean feels terrible about some things he just said to his brother. His very fragile brother.

"You hate me, Enano. You must fucking hate me." He just sits down. Staring at the spot, where the massive tree came from.

Several hours later, Sean returns to camp. Everyone's sitting around the campfire, Daniel included. The kid looks… sad. Very sad. Sean sits down close to Daniel but decides to keep his distance. He doesn't want to make a scene, but he wants to show his brother that, he's there for him.

"Wooooh, it's a fucking UFO! Look y'all, look! Seriously!" Ok, Penny really should watch how much pot he smokes sometimes. How often too…

"They're finally coming to take you back, friend. Run, man. Fast as hell!" Is anyone here sober? Penny and Finn sure as hell ain't.

"Tripped on a few words, but y'all baked… who gives a shit?" Cassidy finishes her song, Sean applauds, thanking her. Daniel gives him a glare. First, Sean thought his brother's just being a brat again, then, it hit him.

"Wait… that glare, him not speaking to Cassidy, calling her names, saying she's weird… oh, fuck. I'm so stupid. It's fucking obvious. Sean Diaz, you're an idiot!" Sean thinks, only to then, mentally bash his head with a wooden log. How could he not realize that Daniel's jealous? He thinks that Sean and Cassidy are… together. Which they're not. However, Sean can admit it, he wouldn't exactly mind it. Of course, Daniel's pissed at him, he feels Cassidy gets more attention than he does. If you're a kid, it doesn't have to make sense or be true, it just… is. Sean makes a mental note, he needs to talk to Daniel later.

"Hellooo? Sean? Still with me, sweetie?" What the- Sean really zoned out this time.

"Uh yeah. Sorry, Finn."

"You almost had me worried there… now, I'll say it again: take a puff, and pass it to a friend." Finn hands him a joint. After today, Sean could really use it. Like, a lot. But he can see Daniel, in the corner of his eyes…

"Nah, I'll pass…" It sucks, but Daniel shouldn't have to see his brother high. It's common sense.

Ingrid and Anders, the swedes, go to bed. Sean just learned a new word. Apparently "godnatt" means "goodnight" in Swedish. Sean's kind of neutral about those two. They don't really talk much, they both suck at English. Especially Anders. But they're both decent people. Sean turns his focus back to the campfire. Hannah's telling a story of a dog she had to leave behind, Blackflag. He glances towards his brother, and Sean can see how he's shaking. Daniel's being reminded of Mushroom, and… what he did to that cougar.

Hannah finishes her story, and everyone raises their beers (or sodas). Then, it gets silent. The kind of awkward silence everybody hates, and everybody nearby feels equally awkward. When the silence is finally broken, it's by the person least expected. Daniel.

"I- I miss our puppy Mushroom… so much." His voice is shaking, his eyes turned downwards, staring at the ground. This was a completely different Daniel, compared to the one lifting the tree out of the lake.

"She was our rescue dog, and… my best friend. For over a month, when I felt like I had nobody else. But… she didn't make it here. She- she was… killed. By a cougar." Daniel's got tears in his eyes. Sean wants nothing more than to just embrace him, and tell him it's going to be alright. But he's not sure if it would make things better, or worse.

"Shit… sorry, little man. That's rough." Sean's uncertain how to feel about the… interest, Finn seems to take in his little brother. Spending time with him, that's one thing. Giving his cute little brother cute nicknames, that's something family does. Still, Sean finds it really difficult, saying no to Finn. He's not sure why.

"Damn… sorry for ruining the mood." Hannah's a semi-bitch, as usual. "The mood" is more important than what his brother went through.

"Nah, it's nothing. We can do worse. Let's hear everyone's worst memory!" Finn's ideas we're always… unique, but this one? Really?

"Why the fuck would we do that?" Cassidy's not amused, that's for sure.

"Why the fuck not…?" Sean really doesn't want to go through with this. Nope. It would break him. Twice. Hearing Daniel, and then, himself.

"Aw, fuck y'all! I'll start, bitches. Anyway… bring out the violins. This is my… friend, Jinx." Penny tells the group about his lost friend. Sean's not really paying attention. He's starting to become nervous. He knows, they won't just let him back out.

"… and what about you, Jake?" Sean had barely noticed him sitting there. Jake's a very… strange man. Hard to tell what the deal is with him.

"Ok… just, don't laugh." Jake shares how he lost his faith. It's a weird story. The way he describes that "reverend" gives Sean shills. He's glad he'll never have to meet her.

"Family ties are a mess, Jake. Trust me, I know how it feels to be rejected." Shit. Why did he say that? Daniel's sitting right there! What's he going to think about that shit?!

"Cassidy? You're next." Jake turns to her.

"Uh-uh, nope. Pass. I already sang a drunken song. Just like my mom. Now it's Finn's turn." She wasn't in any mood for revealing things about her past.

"No way, Cass. I don't carry around any… bad memories. I just… go with the flow. Like a… river." What the fuck's that even supposed to mean?

"What about… me?" Daniel's silent, sad, and shaking voice said.

No.

Please, no.

"You're the man I was waiting for. Go ahead, little man. We're listening." Shit! Fuck! No! Sean wants to run. But he can't. He watches as Daniel takes a deep breath.

"It's not only one bad memory. It's… many. I miss my dad, I miss him so much. Every day. It's… my fault, he died. My fault we had to run. And when we ran… Sean… got knocked out, and dragged into a gas station by this redneck." Daniel turns towards his big brother. Sean's already hurting. A lot. As he sees Daniel's face, covered in tears, he knows he's failed. He failed his little Enano.

"That guy… he- he… hurt me too. He hit me. I- I ran. I hid in the woods for hours. I was scared, I didn't even know if Sean was alive. Then… I found out about dad. From the news. Sean didn't tell me. He… couldn't." Daniel chose his words carefully, to not hurt Sean, he could tell. This was, however, the first time Daniel really spoke about… this. At least, in-depth.

"Then, we stayed in this abandoned cabin. In the middle of nowhere. I hated it, at first. Sean had to go on supply runs, once a week. It scared me. Every time, I thought he wouldn't come back. That he's been arrested, or… left me there. I was too scared, to go outside. I sat there. For eleven hours. Cold, hungry, thirsty, covered in… you know. I felt guilty, about everything. Sometimes… a lot of times, I felt like I was… cursed. A monster, a beast, a demon, a freak, an abomination."

What the fuck? That last part had gotten to Sean. He knew Daniel's been in a really bad place, especially since Beaver Creek. But he didn't know it's this bad. Is that, how his little brother, his Enano, sees himself? A monster? The others don't know why, obviously, but Sean does. He slowly moves closer to his crying little brother, putting his arm around him. Daniel leans towards him, temporarily forgotten that he's actually pissed at Sean.

"And then, I got to meet my grandparents. For the first time in my life. And I met Chris, the best friend I ever… had. He- he died… because of… me. Chris… died, saving… me. I'm not worth saving." Jesus fucking Christ.

"So… we ended up here. I have to work. Every day. I'm nine. I shouldn't be working. My hands are bleeding, every day. I hate it. I miss… my old life, in Seattle. My friends, my room, my Playbox. I miss my dad." God. Sean feels so guilty about him working. He hates it too.

"But, there's one thing I miss, more than anything else. Even more than… dad. I miss the person I used to look up to, more than anyone else in the world. The person who could just… brighten up my days, just by being around, caring. I miss my… brother. I- I miss you… Sean." OUCH! Sean had no clue, Daniel could speak like… that. How could something that sounds so… beautiful, hurt so much? Because, holy shit, those words were painful.

Daniel's finished speaking and is now sobbing in silence, head leaning on his big brother's shoulder. The rest of the group seems completely stunned. Cassidy's crying, a lot. Finn's just staring, emptily. Even Hannah seems to be shedding a tear. And Jake, is- is he… praying? Looked like it, but he instantly stopped as soon as he realized Sean saw him.

"I'm so sorry, Daniel. I- I failed you. I failed you." Sean whispers into his brother's ear. Then, Daniel breaks out of the hug.

"I- I'm kinda tired. I'm gonna go to sleep." Great. Did he put his guard up again, or what? Sean doesn't need to think twice, he follows his brother.

"Yeah, me too. Goodnight everyone." Nobody answers. Everyone's still in shock.

When Sean enters their tent, Daniel's already in his sleeping bag. Sean lies down, next to him, wondering what the hell he's going to say.

"I'm sorry." It's all he could think of.

"I am too, Sean." Daniel's apologizing. In a way, Sean wants him to. The thing with the tree, earlier today, was very dangerous. But that's not what he's apologizing for, Sean knows it.

"Daniel, look at me, Enano. It wasn't your fault. It was an accident. Nothing else." He tries to sound convincing, reassuring, but he can't. Not because he blames Daniel for everything. But because it wasn't an accident, and Sean blames himself. Daniel just sighs.

"Daniel…? Do you really believe that you're a… monster?" Daniel immediately turned to his side, so his back was facing Sean. It's all the answer he needed. Shit.

"Daniel…" He puts his hand on his little brother's shoulder.

"There's nothing wrong with you." He can feel Daniel's body, shaking.

"You're amazing, awesome. You're… my little cub. My... Enano." It was like pressing a button. Daniel turned back towards Sean, face completely flooded with tears, jumping into Sean's arms. All those tears, pushed back for weeks, releasing at once. Daniel didn't know if the real Sean was back, or if it was just temporarily. Either way, he needed it. So badly.

Sean sat for hours, holding his younger brother, giving him comfort. Thinking, how badly he screwed up. Again. When Daniel's finally settled down and fallen asleep, Sean carefully sets him down. Sean's exhausted, mentally and physically. He swore, to be a better brother. If anything, Daniel's… stories, at the campfire were the official confirmation. He failed. He feels lost. Sean knows they can't stay here forever. It's definitely not good for Daniel. In more ways than one. But if they couldn't stay here, where would they go?

Suddenly, something pulls Sean out of his thoughts. An arm. Daniel had woken up, and put his small, scarred arm, across Sean's chest. He probably believed Sean to be asleep. As Sean looked towards his brother, the latter actually smiles at him. It's been a very long time since Daniel smiled at him. Sean smiles back, obviously.

"It's ok, Enano. Go back to sleep." The wolfbrothers fall asleep, each brother dreaming different dreams. Daniel's dreams are happy and nostalgic, about their days in Seattle. Sean's dreams are… just the opposite. Filled with worries, fears, about both past, and future. And of course, everything Daniel said at the campfire. Sean needs to come up with a plan, so they can leave. For his brother's sake.

Notes:

I feel pleased with how this chapter turned out. Easily the best chapter in episode 3, so far.

There were a few changes I felt necessary to make here...

Instead of Daniel "pretending" to drop the tree log on Sean, I made it so he actually drops it. Then, pretends it was a joke. When he really just lost control. I just felt that he wouldn't really do that. No matter if morality/brotherhood is high/low.

Daniel's story at the campfire was changed in order to make Sean realize, even more, how he's (supposedly) failed. Plus, I really really really think some therapy might be good for Daniel.

A lot of stuff I take from my own experiences when I was a kid. I have 2 older brothers and I was basically the "Daniel" in the family. So, it's easy to relate, in many ways.

Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 4: I Never Meant To Hurt You, Never Go Away

Summary:

Sean's got a plan now. Everything's figured out, sort of. All he needs to do is collect the upcoming payday. Nothing can go wrong with that, right?

... Right?

Notes:

The final chapter. This one's switching a little back and forth between Sean and Daniel.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Late next morning…

Sean knows he's dreaming right now. But it doesn't matter. He's inside his room, in Seattle. With dad. His father seems… troubled, concerned. Sean knew a deep talk was coming. He used to hate it when he had these dreams. It felt like torture, seeing his dead father, in front of him, as nothing happened. Now, it's the only way he stays sane. No matter how strange it may sound.

"I'm worried about you, Hijo. Both of you." It still sounds like him. Every single time.

"I know… me too." Sean confesses. He couldn't even lie to his father when he was alive.

"Your brother, Daniel? He's very… troubled, Sean. What's the problem?" Dream or not, he can still get some kind of advice. Maybe…

"I don't know… he's- he's pissed at me. I think I… messed up. Big time." Yeah, he kind of did. Ignoring his brother for weeks. Of course, he's pissed.

"Sean, you're his big brother. He looks up to you. More than anything. Especially now… when I'm not around." His father's got a constant smile on his face. Like he always has, or… had.

"I know he looks up to me. And I tried, dad. I tried to be a good brother, but I failed. I failed." Sean can't look his father in the eyes. He feels ashamed.

"Sean. Both of you, have been through a lot. You've done everything you could, in order to take care of yourself, and Daniel. I'm proud of you, Hijo." Fuck. Still, he knows it's not real. But it feels so damn good, hearing those words.

"I- I miss you, dad. So much. We… both do." Sean tells his father this, every time this dream appears. It never gets any easier.

"I miss you too, Sean. I'm sorry that things turned out this way." His father looks sad, almost… bitter. Sean's been wanting to ask him one question, but every time, he chickened out. Not anymore.

"Dad…?" Sean's voice is shaking.

"Yes, Hijo?" His father, smiling towards him. Does he really want an answer to this?

"I- I need to know… do you… blame us, for what happened?" Sean holds his breath if that's a thing when you're dreaming. His father's face turns very serious.

"Sean. What happened was-" Then, his father's serious tone's interrupted.

"SEAN! Get your ass up, NOW!" What the fuck's that? Almost sounds like-

"Oh, no. Shit. Shit. Fuck!" Sean curses at himself, and his own stupidity. He overslept, again. Big Joe's in no mood, clearly. He quickly gets dressed and runs to the truck.

"Sorry. Shit, I'm sorry." Everyone looks annoyed at him. But seriously? Why the FUCK, did no one wake him up? Really? Really?

"Hey, Hermano! Next time, you're walking. Got it?" Yeah… Big Joe's an asshole, as usual.

"Yeah. Got it." Sean takes a seat, next to his brother.

"Morning, Enano. How are you doing today? After… you know… last night?" He needs to show Daniel he still cares.

"I- I'm not sure. A little better, I guess. Talking about it, felt good. Difficult, but… good." Daniel actually looks at him now when they're talking. Progress is being made.

"You seem… tired, Daniel. Did you get any sleep?" His little brother looks exhausted.

"No. Not much. You- you talk in your sleep, Sean. It's… scary." Well, this is something new. Sean had no clue that he's talking in his sleep.

"What do you mean? What… do I say?" Why did that question feel so incredibly awkward?

"You… keep apologizing. To dad, because you… failed me. Over and over again." Daniel looks uncomfortable talking about this. Sean can understand.

"Shit… I- I didn't know… I did that." He almost said that he's sorry. It would have felt a bit… misplaced, right now.

"There's another thing, but… I don't think I should… say it." If Daniel looked uncomfortable earlier, he looks like he's about ready to pass out now.

"Enano? You need to tell me. Please." Sean tries to sound… nice. No way Daniel can just say that and expect Sean to drop it.

"Promise me, you won't get mad, Sean. Promise me!" Daniel's serious now. What the hell is this?

"I promise, Daniel. I will not get mad. Now, what do I say?" What can he possibly say, in his sleep? Something very creepy to Daniel, and apparently, something Sean himself, doesn't want to hear? Daniel leans closer to him, whispering in his ear, nobody else in the group will hear it.

"You cry, Sean. For mom… begging her to, either come back or not leave you. You've been doing it almost every night since… Beaver Creek. It's… horrible, Sean." Sean's first, immediate impulse, tells him to do what he always does when his mother's brought up. Scream. But he promised. He would not get mad. Sean just stares, emptily, biting his tongue until he tastes blood. He had no idea. Sean never had any nightmares about his mother. This hit him like a punch to the face. It also made a lot of old emotions resurface. Parts of his life that, then eight-year-old Sean Diaz decided to forget about.

"It's- it's ok, Sean. You're gonna be ok, big brother. I promise." Daniel's words pull him back to the real world, and he feels his younger brother's arms around him.

"Thanks, Enano. Thanks." Maybe… he didn't completely fail him, after all?

Work sucked, as always. But one thing made it bearable. The wolfbrothers were now officially on good terms. The longer the day went, the more they went back to their old habits. Messing around with each other, inside jokes that only they understood, and they loved it. Every second of it. Daniel loved being with his big brother again. The old Sean, who's loving and caring, not screaming and ignorant. Meanwhile, Sean's happy for another reason. Sure, he's obviously happy about making peace with his brother. But there's another thing, something Daniel doesn't know.

Sean's got a plan now.

Today's payday. Sean's made a decision. After collecting their money, he's going to have a talk with Daniel, see what he wants to do. If Daniel wants to leave this place, then they'll leave. Sean does what's best for him. He has to. All that remains, is to collect that last payday…

"Uh, this is so boring… what's everyone doing with their payday?" Cassidy asked as they were sitting outside Merrill's house, waiting.

"I- I think I now… just not ready to talk about it yet." Sean's always been a bad liar. Avoiding the subject was always a better tactic for him.

"What, Sean? Are- are you… proposing to me? Oh, my… a simple beer keg would've been fine. Or some hookers and cocaine?" Cassidy pretends to be shocked and surprised, only to then continue to mess with him.

"Cassidy, please… there's a child present." Jake's not amused.

"Ah, relax. He's probably heard worse… what do you think, Daniel? How are you spending your payday?" Daniel and Cassidy got along a bit better now. Thank god…

"Oh, oh, I wanna triple bacon burger, with cheese, large fries, and a huuuge milkshake!" Sean knows what he's talking about. That diner they ate at, long ago… he can't help but smile. Enter Finn…

"Oh hell yes, fuck the hookers, bring in the burgers!" Sean's not sure if Finn realized what he just said, or not.

"… isn't that usually… what one does… with… hookers?" Sean had to turn around to make sure. Yes, Jake just asked that, very seriously. Now, he looked like he wanted to run away, never look back again. What kind of life has he had? Must have been… weird.

"Ok! Sean, Cassidy, Finn, and… whatever the fuck your name is, get inside." Sean's so glad to see Big Joe, for once. Saved by the bell…

"Daniel. You know you have to wait outside, right?" It sucked, it's unfair, but it's just… how it is.

"Yeah, Sean. It sucks, but… I'll wait." Sean and the others walk inside, while Daniel waits outside, alone.

With nobody to talk to, and nothing to do, Daniel quickly got bored. He began wandering around, without any particular direction in mind. Then, he heard people talking. Two of them. Merrill and Big Joe. Daniel knows he shouldn't spy on them, but he's always been too curious for his own good.

"So, Merrill? How's it looking?" Big Joe sounds completely different here. Not the same cocky, arrogant tone. He almost sounds… worried.

"Bad, Joseph. Really bad. We don't have any other choice. There won't be a payday for them this month." What the hell? No payday?! Daniel's literally bled for Merrill and his fucking weed, and now they're not getting paid? He carefully moves closer, to get a better view.

"No payday, huh? Well, you're gonna have to tell them. Not me!" Both of them sound… worried, almost… scared.

"I know, Joseph. Just… stay here. We both know they don't… like you. It's easier if you're not there." Merrill leaves the room. Daniel feels like he should do… something. But what? It's in times like these, Daniel curses the fact that he's so much like his big brother. Zoning out, deep in thought. From out of nowhere, Daniel felt a sharp pain in both of his upper arms, then he saw his feet leave the ground.

Big Joe had seen him.

"What the FUCK are you doing here?! You piece of shit! you fucking spying on us, HUH?!" Daniel never had time to answer. Big Joe dragged him into the house, towards the same door Merrill just walked through.

"Get in here, you little SHIT!" Big Joe kicks the door open, throwing Daniel on the floor.

"What the fuck?" Even Merrill's slightly shocked by this.

"Don't move! Now, EXPLAIN!" Merrill pointed at Daniel first, and then at Big Joe.

"This little fucker! He was snooping around your office!" Ok, that's just bullshit. Daniel never entered the house. He looked through a window, that's it.

"No, I wasn't!" Daniel screams.

"For fuck's sake, Daniel! I told you to wait outside!" There he is again. Screaming Sean. The bad brother. Fuck him.

"I told you, Sean. There would be consequences for your brother's actions. Now, you both need a lesson. You all, need a lesson. So first of, NO PAYDAY!" Shit! This can't be happening. He had it all figured out, and once again, fate just says "fuck you, Sean."

"Now, come on boss. We earned that money." Finn decides to negotiate with Merrill.

"… SECOND, Sean, you and your brother, are FIRED! If you're not of my property by the next morning, Big Joe's going to take care of you." No… no. Why?

"This is bullshit, Sean and Daniel are good workers." Finn tries again, but Merrill's in no mood.

"QUIET! Shut. The. Fuck. Up." Cassidy had warned Sean once, that Merrill could be nice, but also really scare when he's pissed. Now, Sean truly understood the meaning of that.

"Joseph? Teach him a lesson!" Merrill left the room, while Big Joe walked towards, not Sean, but Daniel. Shit. Sean wants to do something, but he's completely frozen. He can't move. All he sees before him, is this giant, throwing his nine-year-old brother on the floor, preparing to beat him up. Then, he hears a familiar sound. Fuck! An ashtray levitates and flies hard at the head of Big Joe. The entire room goes eerily quiet.

"Ok… who did that?!" Nobody answers. They all saw it. Finn, Cassidy, Jake. Nobody said a word. But, Big Joe's demanding an answer.

"I said: WHO… DID… THAT?!" Sean acts on pure impulse, to protect his brother.

"I- I did. It- it was me." The last thing Sean Diaz sees for several hours is the image of Big Joe's massive fist closing in on his face. Then, everything went dark.

"Is he… going to be ok, Finn?" Daniel was really worried about his brother. They had to walk back to camp. Jake and Finn carrying the unconscious Sean, while Cassidy and Daniel walked beside them. Daniel felt horrible. Once again, he messed up, getting someone he cares about hurt. What might be even worse, did they… see? Did they see him, using his powers? He really did it, this time.

"Yeah, Daniel. Don't worry, he'll be… fine. Just a bruise, and a bad headache." Shit. It's bad enough that he got them fired. But Sean's going to have a bruise for weeks, serving as a reminder of it. Great. Just… great. Sure, he wanted to leave this place. But… not like this.

"Ok, we're almost at camp. Just a few more minutes." Jake, again stating the obvious. Then, Cassidy comes to a sudden halt.

"Wait…" She says it, almost as a whisper. Yet, it was clear to everyone, this wasn't a friendly request. Daniel doesn't like where this is going.

"Put Sean down here." She says, pointing at a large tree.

"Why, Cass? We're almost there." Finn and Jake, both seem confused.

"You know why. Both of you. We all… saw it. Sean… did something. I need some fucking answers." She almost seems… afraid. Everyone's completely forgotten about Daniel, at least, so it would seem.

"Sean? Wake up." Jake tries to carefully wake him up.

"Aw, for fuck's sake…" Cassidy's about to freak out.

"Sean! Wake the fuck up, man!" She screams at him, scaring Daniel. He just stands there, quiet. Everyone saw him, but they think it's Sean. What should he do?

"Uhhh… what- what happened?" Sean slowly wakes up. He's obviously hurting.

"Big Joe knocked you the fuck out, sweetie." Well, that's one way to put it.

"Sean. What… happened? Back there?" Cassidy chooses her words carefully. Daniel's convinced he could see the exact moment when his brother remembered everything. Sean went from groggy and tired, to fucking terrified.

"Oh, shit." Just… a whisper. It's the only answer he could give. Sean's got no idea what to say, or do. Daniel's never seen him like this. So… defenseless. He needs to act. Only one thing to do at this point. He takes a large pine cone on the ground, making it levitate with his powers.

"Sean… didn't do anything. I'm… sorry." Daniel lets the pine cone fly closer to the others. They stare at him, completely stunned.

"… but I do what I can to protect him. Even, if I made… a lot of mistakes." Sean apparently found the strength to get back up. Everyone in the group, turning towards him. Sean knew it. There was no way out of this.

"So, I guess… we kinda have a lot to tell you guys…" So, Sean told them. Everything. Leaving out, only the parts that would be too difficult for Daniel to relive. Everyone listened, still in shock. No one interrupted. Whether out of respect, or fear, Sean didn't know.

"... so… that's everything, I guess." Their story sounded a lot more crazy, telling it out loud, all at once.

"Wow… that's- that's mental." Cassidy's still a bit shocked.

"It is. It's been… difficult. Especially the first months." Sean says, putting a hand on Daniel's shoulder.

"Do you have any idea… where it… comes from?" Jake had always been a bit… strange. But now, it's like a completely different person. He was talking to Sean, yet, his eyes were staring down at the ground. Also, for reasons unknown, he was holding his wrist in a very firm grip.

"No idea. It started in Seattle. But… I don't know. I'm kinda starting to think it doesn't matter." He hasn't thought about it, in a very long time. So, it's true.

"But, I still can't remember anything, Sean." Daniel whines.

"Don't… worry about it, Enano." Just be glad you don't have to remember.

"Damn… you're so… unique, Daniel." Cassidy said, seemingly calming down now. Time for Sean to do the difficult part.

"That's why I need your word. Never tell anyone, about this. It's for Daniel's sake. To keep him safe." Come on. Please don't argue.

"No problem, Sean. This stays here, between us." Ok, Cassidy's fine with it.

"Sure thing, little man. I would never do anything that might hurt you. I'll be quiet, I swear." Thank god. Everyone now turns their attention to the silent member of the group.

"Jake…?" Please don't. Please… don't.

"I- I don't know, Sean. What- what if he has these… powers, for a reason? Maybe we have to… help him, guide him?" Aw, shit.

"What's he talking about, Sean?" Daniel's definitely in need of some type of help, but not that kind.

"Nothing, Enano. Jake, do not make this into some religious bullshit. I need your word, don't tell anyone." Please…

"Come on, Sean. I could never do that. To either of you. It's just… this thing… feels like it blew my mind. I think I need a break." Jake's still in shock, by the looks of it.

"Don't worry, we're cool, Jake." Not really, no.

"Ok. Talk to you… later." Jake walks back to the camp. Sean doesn't trust him. At all. Shit.

"So, Sean? What are you gonna do now? You know… since you guys got fired?" Shit. He forgot about that. He had a perfect plan, all laid up. Now, it's blown to shit. They don't have enough money.

"I- I don't know. Figure shit out, I guess." Finn looks like he's deep in thought.

"Uh, fuck this. Come on, I need a drink." Cassidy says, starting to walk towards the camp.

"Hang on a second…" Finn's awakened. Whatever he's been thinking about, he's about to let them know.

"There's a lot of money around here…" Yeah. No shit. Sean saw that pile, just laying on Merrill's desk.

"Oh, no… what the fuck is this?" Cassidy seemed to be picking up on what the deal was here.

"Merrill's safe! It's like a fucking ATM!" Yeah, probably. Sean's starting to feel dumb right now.

"I know! I've seen it! In the backroom!" Daniel says, full of excitement. A rare thing these days.

"How are you outlaws gonna get the combination?" Cassidy asks, full of sarcasm. Finn doesn't answer. Instead, he just looks. At Daniel.

Oh, you have got to be fucking kidding me?!

No fucking way!

"What, me?" Daniel seemed surprised.

"No way, Finn. No fucking way! Don't even fucking go there!" Wow. Sean knew Cassidy could have a… temper, but not at this level.

"It's easy, Cass. We go in, Daniel opens the safe, grab money, out. Simple." Now, Sean's starting to get pissed. Hearing Finn talking about his brother like that. His nine-year-old brother.

"I don't wanna hear any more of this shit, Finn. It's stupid, it's reckless and dangerous!" A mild way to put it.

"No, Sean. Daniel IS the danger! How are you gonna get to Mexico, huh? Hitchhike?" Ok, Sean's just getting more upset.

"I get it! You're pissed at us because you didn't get paid. I would be too. But… this? It's just… wrong, Finn." He manages to stay calm. But it won't take much to make him go completely full-on rage mode.

"Ok. Ok. Whatever. Just… having a brain fart. Don't mind me. I'm just… gonna get high, forget all about it." Finn walks away in defeat.

"He just needs his ass kicked every once in a while." Cassidy still looks pissed.

"Yeah… it's a really fucked up idea." Sean still can't really comprehend what he just heard.

"Uh, now I really need a drink." Cassidy heads back to the camp, leaving the wolfbrothers alone.

"I know I fucked up, Sean. Please, listen to me-" Nope.

"Dude! What the fuck were you thinking?! Now, there are three more people that know about your powers." Danial had good intentions, going towards Merrill's house. He really did.

"But… Sean-" Again, nope.

"No, Daniel. Why can't you ever listen?! I don't even know how we're supposed to get to Puerto Lobos now." Sean takes a few deep breaths, calming himself down.

"Fuck Puerto Lobos." Daniel says, before running back to camp. Away from Sean. Screaming Sean.

Daniel sat for himself, looking at the campfire. Thinking. About… right… and wrong. What's supposed to be the morally "right" choice in this situation? Stealing is wrong. Daniel might be young, but he's old enough to know that. He remembers how much he despised Sean for stealing, back at the cabin. But Merrill and Big Joe? They're bad people. Is stealing from bad people… really that bad? He felt conflicted. Part of him wanted to rob Merrill. They could get to Puerto Lobos within a day or two. Sean would be… Sean again. The other part of him can almost feel his father, looking down at him, silently shaking his head. Daniel sits there. For a long, long time. Now, he's made a decision. Not an easy one. He's still conflicted. But it's decided.

"Fuck it!" He whispers to himself, getting up, searching for Finn. He can see Sean walk of with Cassidy, of course… in a way, it's good. Sean wouldn't be thrilled. Finn's sitting right outside of camp, on his own.

"Hey, Finn." Daniel looks confidently at him.

"Hey, Daniel. What's up?" He makes some space, so Daniel could sit down. He didn't. They're not going to sit here and talk.

"I wanna do it, Finn." For a split second, Finn appeared confused. Then, he had the widest smile on his face.

"Holy shit, my man!" All that confidence, always made Daniel feel… better, happier.

"You- you sure… Sean's ok with this?" Finn turned slightly serious.

"Sean doesn't get it. I don't… need him." It really hurt Daniel, saying that. He needed Sean, more than anything else in the world. But he had to lie, for the greater good.

"Ok, little man. Then… let's go, before anyone sees us!" They sneaked off, into the forest, towards Big Joe's nearby cabin. Daniel felt a thrill, unlike anything he ever felt before. Avoiding being discovered, quickly getting from point A, to point B, then back to point A. Everything, without anyone discovering them. The thrill, the excitement, the suspense. He knew it was dangerous, very dangerous. Still, he actually… enjoyed himself.

"Ok, Daniel. Think you can break through this fence… quietly?" Finn, you have no idea… said fence was open within two seconds. The only sound, coming from the lock dropping to the ground.

"Holy shit, man… nice job!" Finn seemed amazed. In awe. Daniel just… took it all in. All those kind words. Then, he pretended it was Sean saying them. It really should have been. Sean should have been here with him. Not Finn.

"Ok. We need a car. I can hot-wire that one if you can get us ins- oh…" Daniel's way ahead of him. He opened the car door, then started the car with his powers.

"Come on, Finn. Get in, quick." Finn gets inside, and they drive towards Merrill's house. Nobody knows they're coming.

Upon arriving at Merrill's house, Finn parks the car at a safe distance. Then, they both get out.

"I'm not sure, Daniel. There's a lot of surveillance cameras here. We might have to… go around, or something." Finn looked a bit uncertain. Daniel, on the other hand, just smiled at him.

"We don't have time for that, Finn. Watch." Daniel focused, intensely.

"Uh… watch what, little man?" Finn's sounding a bit confused.

"Just… watch." Daniel said, and then closed his fists simultaneously. The result? Every single surveillance camera imploded at the exact same time. Daniel opened his palms, smiling proudly.

"Holy shit! Awesome job, Enano!" Daniel felt a sudden sharp pain in his heart, hearing that. "Enano." Sean calls him Enano. Sean, and no one else. Never. He didn't like Finn doing it, but… that's for later. Time to move in.

They went inside the house. So close. All that money, Daniel could almost… smell it. Dad's beach house in Puerto Lobos, as much Chock-O-Crisp he could eat. That bacon burger with the milkshake. Almost done. Then, they can leave this awful place, and never return.

"Ok, Daniel. It's right here, behind this door. Open it, but be quiet." Finn whispered to him. Daniel tried to focus, but the pressure's starting to get to him. The previous thrill and excitement, replaced, by another familiar emotion. Fear.

"Ok, Finn. Just… give me a minute to-" He didn't get a minute. Not even a second. Before Daniel got to speak, Cassidy and Sean burst through the door behind them. It was hard to tell which one's the most pissed off. Cassidy, or Sean?

"Ah, you scared the shit out of me." Finn's trying to negotiate their way out of it.

"Good. What the fuck are you doing, Finn?" Cassidy's really pissed off now. She looks like she could punch him in the face.

"Quiet. You're gonna wake Merrill." Finn's almost… pleading.

"No fucking way, Finn." Daniel's seen his brother mad. A lot of times. He's seen him mad, angry, furious, pissed, everything. But never… like this. It's… scary.

"Come on, Sean." Finn, again trying to sweet-talk Sean.

"How the fuck could you do this, Finn? And use a fucking kid?" Sean's sounding both angry and scared, simultaneously.

"He's nine years old." Thanks, Cassidy, for stating the obvious.

"He asked me for it. I didn't force him, man." Something's bothering Daniel about this situation. It's not the fact that their little argument is getting louder and louder, or that Big Joe might discover that his trucks are missing. No, it's none of that. What bothers Daniel, is that he's at the very core of their argument. Finn's defending himself, not for the attempted robbery, but for taking Daniel along. Cassidy and Sean, are pissed at Finn for the very same reason. Meanwhile, all of them speak about Daniel, like he wasn't even in the room. Sean hasn't even looked at him since entering the room, just referred to him as "a fucking kid."

"Are you an idiot? He's way too young to make that kind of decision!" Wow. Just when Daniel thought his big bad brother couldn't fall any lower, that happened. That… hurt. Sean just said that anyone who thinks Daniel Felipe Diaz can make decisions of his own is an idiot. Sean, his own brother.

"He's an… old soul. He knows what's going on. Listen, we can do this in five minutes. In… and out. You guys can go to Mexico, and you never have to hear from me again." Finn's trying. But it's pointless. Daniel can tell. No matter how disappointed and sad he is at Sean right now, he needs to say something. To try to convince him. Daniel stepped forward and spoke from the heart.

"I just wanna help, Sean. So we can get out of here. Go to Mexico. I know this isn't… how dad raised us. I just… messed up, so many times, and I… want to help you. Help us. I just… want it to be over, Sean." Daniel's voice is calm and collected, and the tears in his eyes, are very real. He wasn't bluffing. Sean slowly ran the palm of his hand across his face, to calm down. Then, he got to one knee.

"Daniel. I know you only want to help. Your intentions are good, Enano. Just like you are. But I'm asking you, as your brother, to trust me on this. To trust me, when I tell you that this isn't the right way, Enano. We'll find a way to work things out, we always do. Just… not this, ok?" Deep down, Daniel knew that his big brother's right. He just wanted to launch himself into his arms, apologize, over and over again. But, Daniel Diaz… is also a kid. Kids can sometimes have… difficulties, understanding complex emotions. This situation, if anything, is complex. Daniel's got too many thoughts spinning around inside his young mind. Too much to comprehend for someone of his young age. Thousands of different scenarios, playing themselves out, all at once.

"Enano, it's time for us to go." Sean said, with that sweet, gentle, caring tone. It didn't matter. Had Sean waited a minute or two, Daniel might actually have decided for himself that it's time to leave. It's something he would spend a lot of time wondering about, in the future. When Sean told him, it didn't matter how nice he sounded. Daniel thought of it, as an order. He doesn't like to be bossed around.

"No! Why- why should I? I'm sick of this. For weeks, you just ignore me, Sean. You don't give a shit anymore. I had to grow up on my own because you never cared!" Daniel's screaming, but he doesn't care.

"Who gives a shit? Let's go, Daniel. We're leaving. Now!" Sean tried playing nice. Now, he just wants to get as far away from here as possible.

"Don't touch me." Sean tried to grab his little brother's wrist, but it was too late.

"I can do… WHAT I WANT!" Before Sean's able to react, Daniel's used his powers to literally blow up the door to Merrill's office. Shit.

"What the FUCK are you doing here?!" Double-shit! That voice… Merrill. Sean runs into the room, horrified at the sight before him. Merrill's pointing a shotgun at his brother. His very little brother.

"Don't shoot, please don't shoot!" Sean's begging Merrill, not to shoot.

"Don't fucking move. How many are you?" Merrill sounds… eerily calm. Sean would rather have him scream, to be honest.

"It's just us, just us." Cassidy says as she's the last one to enter the room.

"Ok. Now, move your asses over there." Merrill's pointing at the far corner of the room, keeping the shotgun pointed at them.

"Hi, boss. Listen… uh, I know this looks bad-"

"Quiet! I don't want to hear any more of your shit. So… what was your big fucking plan, exactly? Work here, and then rip me off? Pathetic…" Merrill may just be taunting them now, but Sean kind of agree with him. The plan was stupid. Always.

"Now… who's the genius behind all this?" Merrill asks, walking slowly towards Finn.

"As if I didn't know… this is how you repay me, huh?" Merrill sounds more… disappointed, than angry.

"No- no, it- it's not about you-" Finn's getting desperate.

"No! You're right. It's not about ME, Finn. As always, it's about YOU!" Finn's just standing there, silently. Merrill walks up to Sean.

"I thought you were a smart kid, Sean. I really did. I gave you chance after chance to prove it. But after this… you're giving me no other choice." Now, he just sounds… sad. Sean doesn't like this. Not the slightest.

"Hey, it's me!" Oh, shit. The door opens, enter Big Joe, wielding his beloved M4- assault rifle. This just keeps getting better and better.

"Did you search them?" Big Joe asks.

"Nah, go ahead." Everyone's getting searched. Sean's not necessarily bothered by it himself. But he can see Daniel starting to cry as Big Joe searches him. Fuck's sake.

"Ok, they're clean. Nothing." He declares, continuing to point his rifle at them.

"Ok… down on your knees." Fuck. Is this… it? Is this how the story of the wolfbrothers ends?

"Please, sir. Don't do this…" Sean's literally begging for mercy. Then, Merrill points the shotgun at him, and him only.

"Don't… test… me…" Sean had never stared down the barrel of a gun before, it wasn't a pleasant experience. If he survived this, he wouldn't want to do it again. Ever. No matter what.

"Do what he says, Daniel." Sean pushes back his tears, as he watches his little brother get down on his knees, waiting. Waiting… to be executed. Fuck. How did it come to this?

"Merrill, no. come on now." For fuck's sake, Finn. There's a time for talking, and there's a time for shut the fuck up. This is the latter!

"Hey, pothead? You deaf? He said get the fuck down!" Big Joe's more pissed than ever before.

"Daniel… you got this, Enano." What the actual FUCK?! Sean's not sure which part pisses him off the most. Finn poking at Daniel, trying to get him to use his powers, or Finn calling Daniel "Enano". Sean's the only one allowed to do that. Not dad, not Lyla, nobody else. It's… how it is. Also, fuck you, Finn. Trying to put his little brother in even more danger.

"I said: Get the FUCK down!" Big Joe screams, then a gunshot's heard. Finn's been shot in the leg. Sean would be lying if he said he didn't have it coming.

"It's not like I want to do this. Those I work for, are even worse than you can imagine. Steal my money, and you're stealing their money too, which means… I pay. I… have a family to look after too." For a split second, Merrill looked into Daniel's crying eyes. He instantly turned away, avoiding anything reminding him of his own child.

"I can't have you play me… anymore." Merrill's standing over Finn, shotgun in hand.

"Sean…?" Daniel, his little brother, Enano, turned towards him. His face, covered in tears, his entire body, shaking in fear. But Sean knew. He knew what Daniel asked of him. It wasn't a question of "are we going to be ok?" Daniel's asking for permission to use his powers, in order to make everything ok. Sean stands before the crossroads of a lifetime. If they do nothing, they might die. And even if they don't, Finn's very likely to. Something Sean, at this point, wouldn't care about. Finn betrayed him. But Daniel still cares about him. Daniel would never forgive Sean if Finn ends up dead. If Daniel cares, Sean cares. Plus, it's the right thing to do. Even if it's dangerous… for him. Sean looks at his brother, then says three words. Two of which Daniel wanted to hear, and one, more symbolically. For both of them.

"Do it, Enano!" So he did. Without hesitating, Daniel easily took the shotgun and assault rifle away from both Merrill and Big Joe. Then, Sean runs up to Merrill, tackling him to the ground.

"GO! Get out!" While Sean screamed at the others to get out, Merrill took advantage and headbutting him, making Sean fall backward. Sean sees Merrill holding a gun in his hand, pointing it at him, and pulling the trigger.

BANG!

"Oh, god!" At first, Sean's convinced he's the one who was shot. It's not until he hears Cassidy, that he looks at who was standing behind him. Daniel. Fuck. No. God. No.

Daniel's been shot in the shoulder, the blood is pouring out. He's in pain, Sean can see it. He must get to him. Now. But before Sean can take another step, a large shockwave hits him, and everyone else in the room. He gets knocked to the other side of the room. Sean's not giving up. He needs to reach his brother. Daniel needs to know he cares.

"Daniel! Enano! Little cub!"

"AAAHHH!" The last thing Sean Eduardo Diaz remembered, was a surreal amount of pain, centered around the upper left part of his head. The last time he would hear his brother's voice for a long, long time, he screamed. In pain. For help that would not come. Then, everything became dark for Sean Diaz. Part of it, forever.

Daniel was panicking. He's in pain, everyone's unconscious, and nobody's there to help him get through it. No big brother, telling him to breathe, just… breathe. No Chris, telling him that he's not a monster. Now, he's all alone. All alone, realizing he's in way over his head. He's losing control, and he can feel it. With one, painful scream, Daniel unleashes all the anger that he's been keeping inside him. The entire house turned to ruins within an instant. The young wolf, exhausted, falls to the floor. Or, what's left of it. The last thing he sees before slipping into unconsciousness is the image of his big brother, Sean. At the far end of the room, covered in blood. With a piece of glass, stuck in his eye.

Daniel never meant to hurt Sean.

He never wanted his big brother to go away.

He wishes they could stay together.

Sean won't go away. Everything he did, he did for his Enano. Nobody can say he never tried.

He wants to protect him so that he never dies.

Because nothing can separate the wolfbrothers.

Notes:

Episode 3 has been a pain to write, a lot harder than I expected it to be. But I'm pleased with the last two chapters, and how I managed to squeeze in a few things that I kinda wanted there from the start.

A few things, like Daniel's thoughts when everyone's arguing about Finn bringing him on the heist, is something I really wanted in there. The argument feels very... off since they all talk about him like he's not even there, or just an object.

I also felt like I had to do SOMETHING with that song at the end, because it's... amazing.

Series this work belongs to: