WhIP

by footfungus

nederlands verhalen over mijn otp

126. Life is Strange 2 Sean and Daniel 35

Wild Wild World

LaundryBasket (LaundryBasket_LuLuGal)

Summary:

Roles are reversed for the wolf brothers and Daniel is the older one who is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his younger brother Sean through their journey to get to Puerto lobos. Not only do Daniels powers surface and get more and more powerful every day but seems his brother Sean has some powers of his own.

Daniel starts out right where Sean started in the game but it's where he goes that changes the most. The ages are a little different as well, Daniel is 17 and Sean is 12. This fan fiction follows the story of the game but will have some major changes as well.

Life is Strange 2 and the characters do not belong to me but I love them!

Notes:

(See the end of the work for notes.)

Chapter 1: The Beginning: Roads

Chapter Text

"I don't even want to go tonight." Daniel broods as the bus begins to leave and Noah flips off some of the guys still inside.

"So you'd prefer another night of staying in, eating junk and playing video games?"

"Yes! And I know you would too!"

"Come on Daniel, we're in high school and it's about time we went to a party! Besides everyone will be there!"

"Then we definitely shouldn't go." Daniel cringes at the thought of being surrounded by drunk high school idiots. It's bad enough he's forced to see and deal with them on a daily basis but to purposely be around them is asking for a headache. He has no idea what's gotten into Noah or why he's no longer content with the low profile and dare he say loser status they so proudly hold.

"Don't you have any girls in your sight that you would like to woo tonight?"

"Woo? What century do you live in? And no, there is not a single girl I could possibly have interest in." Even if someone showed interest in him it still would never work. Everyone here is either a jerk, fake, or pretentious.

"A guy?"

"Dude."

"Hey, just saying."

Daniels phone buzzes, breaking up the delightful conversation.

'Coming home soon hijo?'

Daniel sighs, shoving his phone back into his pocket as they reach the other side of the street and Daniels house is in sight.

"Who was that?"

"My dad. He's always wanting to know where I am, what I'm doing, who I'm with, it's freaking annoying. He already babies Sean enough for the both of us, can't he just leave me alone?" Daniel says with a huff of annoyance. He knows his dad cares and wants to be a part of his sons life but it's getting to be too much.

Maybe it's just the fear of letting his father actually in past his walls. Doing so would only set them both up for hurt. It's like his dad has a perfect idea of who Daniel Diaz should be and he keeps disappointing the man.

"At least you have a dad that cares where you are, if I disappeared for a week my pops still wouldn't notice." Noah's resentment is tangible in the air.

As they keep walking they pass Daniels jerk off of a neighbor just lounging under his proudly placed American flag. As if that made the prick better or anything.

"Hey lovebirds, back from the looney bin?"

"Hey duck face, mind your own business." Noah flips the guy off which rewards them with the bird in response.

"Gah your neighbor's a prick." Noah makes a face. Daniel's quick to agree.

"I know your dad would kill us here so wanna go back to my place to medicate?" Noah says as soon as they reach the Diaz residence. He slides his cigarette pack out from his front pocket, basically dancing with it. Daniel shoves it down out of his face.

"No dude, later tonight." He says in a hushed tone.

"Tonight? So does that mean you're coming?"

Daniel sighs, knowing he'll regret it. "Yeah I'm coming." Noah whoops. "Only because someone has to be there to make sure you don't make a fool of yourself and choke to death when you're drunk. Besides, what else am I going to do?"

Noah pops a cigarette in his mouth and salutes Daniel. "Don't leave me hanging man, Skype ya later. I'll send you a list of things you should bring tonight!"

Daniel gives his own salute before making his way to his front door, hoping his dad's in the garage and his brother's in his room to avoid as much interaction as he can. Sadly luck is not on his side.

Both members of his family are lounging on the couch playing some video game and the front door opening alerts them. Sean basically jumps from his seat, excitement written on his face.

"Daniel! You'll never guess what! I beat your high score!" He says happily and dad chuckles.

"It's true hijo, I saw it with my very own eyes."

"Bet you can't beat my score now." The proudness in his brothers face is annoying and Daniel feels the need to get his score up again just to spite the kid.

Daniel rolls his eyes. "What are you five?" Dad gives him a look. As if Sean doesn't act like a five year old all the time. "Whatever." He makes his way to the kitchen, grabbing a soda from the fridge as his dad stands up from the couch.

"Come on Daniel, don't you want to spend some time with your hermanito y papito?" The man opens his arms up for a hug from his older son. Daniel cringes at the Spanish and backs away from the contact.

"No, I have...stuff to do."

"Stuff?" That gets him an eyebrow raise.

Daniel nods and retreats quickly to his bedroom trying to ignore the look of hurt on his dads face. At the slam of his door he can hear Seans disappointment turn to joy at dad agreeing to play one more round with him before getting back to work.

With his door closed Daniel feels like he can finally breathe. He admits he misses the days where he would spend hours with his brother, playing games and messing around. Their dad would always join in later smelling like oil and grease and ruffle his head looking tired but happy to be with his boys. Daniel shakes the thoughts and the look of his dads disappointed face when he rejected the mans hug comes back to him.

He wants things to be like they once were. But with each day he can't help but pull away further. The house and family are all the same, it's just Daniel that's changing.

He looks around his room finding comfort in the organized chaos, the books and papers strewn around and his smelly uniform for work he desperately needs to wash laying on the ground. He turns on his radio and flops down onto his bed resuming his book where he left off until his phone buzzes.

'Recipe for a lit time, emphasis on LIT:'

Of course this is from Noah.

'Snacks to accompany the munchies

MONEY for booze or weed haven't decided which is more important...scratch that bring it for both

Blanket never know if some cute girl will get cold and need a little warming up...or guy if ya know what I mean ;)

Yourself bro wont be a party without you'

Daniel chuckles and he types out a quick reply, sending it as his eyes land on a foreign paper laying on his desk. Getting up quickly and grabbing it reveals it's one of Seans dumb drawings. Immediate irritation pokes at Daniel.

"Sean! I told you to stay out of my room!" He yells out and knows he's heard when the brat yells back.

"I wasn't!"

Dad doesn't respond which means he's most likely in the garage by now which also means Daniel can get things for the party without being bugged. He tosses the now slightly crinkled paper in the direction of his trash can and peeks his head out his room. Sean's locked away in his own and the kitchen area is cleared.

Snacks will be easy to grab, money too seeing as the "drug money" jar is looking pretty generous, a blanket should be simple to find as well if he remembers right seeing an old one in the garage.

He decides on sodas and chips, also snagging some cookie dough to snack on in the meantime. He ends up freezing over the jar of money. He knows the jar literally says the money is for drugs, which Daniel fully intends to use it for that very purpose but he still can't shake the guilt at taking it. He wipes off bits off cookie dough from his fingers and rolls his eyes at himself, it's only like ten bucks, he'll work an extra shift and pay the jar back.

He snags the bills, packs his stuff then heads downstairs.

His dad is listening to music in the garage but it's still not loud enough to cover the sound of Daniel walking down the stairs. Daniel is just about to grip the blanket on one of the shelves when his dad calls out to him.

"Hey Daniel, that you?" His dads voice carries over but is slightly muffled.

"No it's me, Sean." Daniel says deadpan.

"Hey, while you're down here impersonating your brother why don't you give me a hand."

"With what?" Daniel drags his feet walking into the garage. His dad is laid underneath the car, being in his "element" at ease in the garage.

He ends up scavenging the room for some stupid flex headed wrench or whatever that happens to be in the very last place he looks. His dads excitement of him finally finding the wrench, even though he made a quip of searching "wrenches" on Google, brings a somewhat warm feeling to his chest.

Dad moves out from under the car, Daniels car, and wipes grease from his black hands.

"You got to learn to trade. Designing, athletics, engineering, I don't care...as long as you put your heart into it." Dad says in the most dad talk voice.

"I know. I just have no clue what I want to do, I'm not good at anything." Daniel says, folding his arms feeling somewhat defensive.

"You're only sixteen years old, you'll figure it out. Trust me, it took me a while too."

Daniel thinks about it, about the boxes of things they've needed to get rid of for years that still collect dust here. The memories they still hold on to. He thinks about the garage and his dads life...

"Do you...have any regrets?"

"Of course not. I have you boys, a wonderful life. What more could I ask for?" Guilt prods itself at the edge of Daniels mind. "And maybe one day, when I retire, I'll go back to México, to Puerto Lobos...but until then..."

"Yeah, I know, heard it a thousand times."

"Yeah yeah, you know. I don't even know why I'm fixing up this sweet car for you." His dad moves to work on the engine.

"You don't have to...but you know I'm...grateful for it." Daniel looks down.

Dad smiles up at him. "Of course son."

Daniel thinks about the party and that he still needs to Skype Noah, shaking the momentarily feeling of happy. He actually needs to ask his dad for some money and the $10 is not gonna cut it but his dad beats him to it.

"So does this 'stuff' you're having to do today have anything to do with a party?"

"How...did you know?"

"Your brother may have mentioned something." Of course.

"Little snitch." How on earth could Sean even know...

"Hey that little snitch cares a lot about you hijo. He looks up to his hermano." Dad sighs and Daniel sees the mans age in his eyes. "He just wants to spend time with you more."

"Yeah it would be a lot easier if he wasn't so annoying."

"Try to be there for him. That's what the people in our lives are for, especially family. In the world at this time we got to stick together." He straightens up and squares his shoulders to Daniel. "So I'm guessing you're needing money for tonight? Just be honest with me, are you using this money to buy alcohol, weed?"

Daniel hesitates, he knows lying to his dad has never turned out ok and that he appreciates the truth no matter what. He decides to be honest and is surprisingly rewarded with $40 and that warm feeling again when his dad appreciates the truth from him.

"Thanks, dad."

"Just be careful, that's all I'm asking for, ok? I know what crazy stuff kids can get into these days."

Daniel nods silently, questions running through his head about his dads own teenage years.

"Now get out of here before I change my mind about that cash. And keep an eye on Sean while you're home."

"Fine." Daniel moves to leave.

"Hey, not so fast Danny-boy. Don't tell me you're leaving without giving your papito a hug!"

Daniel rolls his eyes but doesn't want to bring that hurt look back to his dads face. After a beat he steps forward into the embrace, grease from his dad getting on his flannel shirt and all.

"Have fun, but not too much."

"I won't." Dad lets go and moves back to under the car. "Bye..."

"I love you hijo." Dad says out just as Daniel leaves the room.

Daniel pauses. "Love you too dad." He says over his shoulder.

Noahs been waiting long enough so Daniel heads back up to his room.

He's about to sit down when the crinkled paper by the trash catches his eye again and Daniel sighs, picking it up to place properly in the bin. That's when he gets a better look at it. The pen drawing actually looks pretty cool and he's forgotten how good his brother's gotten at his skill the past year.

The drawing is of a little wolf standing off center being tailed by a bigger one with it's tail wrapped around the two. It's clearly the two brothers even without the clearly written "Wolf brothers" below it. Sean must've drawn it for him. He feels a little bit of guilt for crinkling it and decides that Noah can wait a few minutes longer to Skype.

His brothers door is closed but not locked and he opens the wood to reveal Sean on his bed with the sketchbook dad gave him for his last birthday.

"What?" Sean says, without even looking up.

Daniel takes a breath to refrain from being snippy back at his brother. "Just saying hi."

"Well you didn't want to say hi earlier." Sean says evenly. Daniel runs a hand through his hair. He restrains himself from leaving to the comfort of his own room but stays by the feeling of needing to somewhat reconcile with his brother.

"Yeah well...how's it sound tomorrow I show you what it really looks like to beat a high score." Daniel says and Sean finally looks up, smiling playfully.

"As if you could. I bet your superhero trading cards on it!" Daniel scoffs.

"You're on, I don't even like those kid cards anymore." Daniel smiles easily, which feels like the first time that day.

"Even Power Bear?" Sean says with an eyebrow raised. There's no way he'd give that up, it's the one piece of his childhood he refuses to say goodbye to.

"Ok fine, you got me, you can have all but Power Bear if you beat me. Deal?"

"Deal."

He shifts from one foot to the other the comfortable feeling in the room suddenly becoming empty with words that need to be said. Sean looks down at his drawing book but doesn't pick the pencil up, then as if connecting the dots in his head jumps straight up, colored pencils flying.

"Wait! You're going to a party tonight aren't you? At Thomas' house?"

"Seriously how did you know?"

"Noah told me." Sean gives a devious grin. "Can I come?"

"No way. I'm not bringing my snot faced little brother to a high school party."

"Lyla and I are going to be high schoolers soon."

"In like three years. Until then you are not allowed anywhere near these parties. Got it?" Sean huffs and settles back comfortably on his bed to start drawing again.

"Yeah, that's what dad says. Injusto."

"Yeah whatever, injusto everywhere." Daniel smirks and leaves for his own room.

He finally settles down to Skype Noah who is currently only wearing boxers.

Daniel raises his eyebrows. "Is now a bad time?"

Noah rolls his eyes. "I'm picking my outfit dude. If I wore what I did at school no one would stop talking about it."

"Of course, I agree you should just go in your boxers, that will catch all the girls' attention."

"Har har. Speaking of girls Jessica will be there and I think tonight is the night I'm going to make my move."

"You've said that the past two years, do you think this one is gonna stick?"

"Have faith in me man! The past two years were just a warm up for tonight."

Suddenly Daniels bedroom door opens and Sean runs in. He's got his Squad wolf sweatshirt on and his skateboard in hand.

"Hey Daniel wanna see me do a new trick on my board? I forgot to tell you I finally got the pop shuvit down!" He comes closer to the screen. "Hey Noah!"

"Sean what do I say about staying out of my room?" Daniel turns on him.

"I just..."

"No. Out!" Daniel grabs his brother by the hood and drags him out the room slamming the door behind him.

"Lyla thinks it's cool!" Sean says through the closed door.

"Great, go bug her then!"

Daniel falls heavily back into his chair and Sees Noah shake his head in a laugh as he pulls a long sleeve over his head.

"He's always barging in and getting in my space." Daniel sighs and grabs his book from his bed, he does not want to forget it tonight.

"I'm so glad I don't have an annoying brat brother." Noah says and it twinges something in Daniel.

"Back off Noah, only I can call him annoying."

Noah laughs again then puts his hands up in surrender. "Ok ok, no problem bro."

They talk a bit more about tonight but mostly about the calc test coming up and how Mr. Henderson is being a stick about grades. Noahs going off about the unimportance about needing school at all to be a professional gamer when something outside catches Daniels attention.

There's yelling coming from the front yard and one of the voices is clearly Seans, and clearly in distress. Daniel stands quickly and sees his neighbor in his brothers face, his own red and angry.

Without hesitation Daniel makes a beeline for his door to leave the house, leaving Noah yelling behind him.

Coming up to his brother and neighbor he can hear the words being exchanged and Sean is apologizing for something. That's when Daniel notices his brothers skate board gripped tight in Bretts hand.

Daniel steps forcefully in between the two allowing a glare to settle on his face and without a seconds hesitation pulls Sean to stand behind him.

"Back away from my brother." He says as calmly as he can but still it comes out as a growl.

"Screw you Diaz. His dumb board smashed straight into my porch and left a big ugly dent, just like your kind's done to our country." Brents voice just makes Daniel want to punch his ugly face in. He closes his hands into fists.

"I'm sorry Brett, I didn't mean it!" Sean says coming out from behind Daniel.

Daniel pulls Sean back, covering him from their neighbor. "Back off Brett, it was an accident, he's just a kid."

"He's a freaking retard! You both should go back to your own country!"

"We're Americans you white trash." Daniel spits back.

As expected, Bret does not like that and throws Seans board across the lawn. "What did you call me, Jorge?" He yells, shoving a bit at Daniels chest.

"You heard me," Daniel leans forward. "Big, fat, white trash."

The punch is expected but it still surprises Daniel as pain explodes in his cheek. He punches Brett back in an instant then yells to his brother.

"Get inside Sean!" His brother stares back at Daniel, big eyed and frozen in place. "Go!" Daniel yells again.

Brett shoves Daniel aside and it startles Sean backward. The punks nose is bleeding from the punch and the blood stands out brightly against his white shirt. Seans eyes are clearly glued on the image. He shakes out of his stupor and turns to run towards the house. He's in the middle of yelling for their dad when Brett catches him by the hood of his hoodie. The yank of it going backwards chokes his little brother.

Anger rises in Daniel and all he sees is red as he harshly pulls the punk backwards and moves to push him away him once the guys hands are no longer on Sean. The hatred and anger seem to be boiling up in him until it all shoots out with the shove at Brett who in turn flies backwards, straight into his porch hitting his head hard on the white wood. Daniel stares in shock, anger dissipating and looking at his hands that never actually touched Brett yet somehow...

He stares at the form on the ground not moving, barely breathing and his own heart stutters. There's a gasp behind him and it brings Daniel back to remember, Sean.

"Daniel you..." The fear in his brothers eyes, Daniel realizes, is no longer because of Brett but because of him. "Is he..."

Daniel looks over Sean, who seems to be ok, then runs to the side of the unmoving form. He's breathing, thank goodness, but not much more. Panic replaces all anger and Sean comes running up next to him.

He didn't even touch him...

Police sirens ring through the air. Voices shout and theres a gun, a freaking gun pointed at the both of them.

"I swear officer It was an accident!" Things are moving too fast.

"Get down on the ground I will not ask again!"

"Daniel?" Seans fear rings through the air.

"He was picking on my brother! I didn't mean-"

"On the ground!" The gun is closer, closer to his brother.

The ground is cold and the grass is long dead. He can see Brett choking on his own breath from here.

Suddenly dad is running out and the gun is pointed at him. A gun. At his dad.

"They're good kids officer please."

"Dad I didn't mean to-"

"Quiet Daniel!"

Sean grips his head his eyes scrunching hard at the raised voices all around. Daniel feels the same pressure rising up in him. It's unbearable.

"Dad!"

The gun goes off. His dad falls. Sean and Daniel scream. Everything explodes.

Chapter 2: Nightmares: Roads

Summary:

Setting camp and making it through another night in the woods can't keep wandering thoughts away. Daniel notices something about his brother that begins to worry him more and more.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Blood. His hands. Dead eyes.

Every time Daniel closes his eyes he sees it again, plaguing him, reminding him that this is real. He grabs another log for their fire and shakes the current spiraling thoughts from his mind.

Build a fire...that's all he has to worry about in this moment. Sean is off by the shore fervently drawing something and Daniel's fine as long as his little brother is never out of his sight. The sun is still visible but will most likely be going down before they know it.

"Sean it's going to get dark pretty soon..."

"I'm almost done!"

Daniel sets up the logs into a makeshift teepee, grateful to his da...grateful that he learned how to build one as a kid. An ache strikes him and he suddenly needs his brother to be next to him.

"Sean!"

"Ok, I'm coming!" Sean jumps off the rock he was perching on and bounds over, clearly exhausted from the past few days but still having the energy of a kid.

Sean doesn't know what happened. Or at least his brother doesn't understand. The moment things went to hell is all such a blur even for Daniel.

The screaming, the...the gunshot, then suddenly it's as if all the energy that was building in Daniel released at once and the world exploded. Bodies on the ground and blood everywhere. The police officer was thrown across the street and Sean was out cold.

With his hands on the bullet wound...Daniel has never felt more alone in the world and he knew he had to get Sean out of there.

The moments that followed were a blur as well and the next thing he knew was his little brother was in his arms, his backpack was slung over his shoulders and his life was left behind. Daniel thinks back to the energy he felt and the deep concern he had for his brother.

When Sean started to come to after it all he mumbled something about everything being "too loud" and complained about his head hurting. It definitely flared up questions in Daniels mind and concern for the both of them.

"That looks great! Did dad teach you how to build a fire?" Seans words startle Daniel and the mask he's been holding over his face slips a little.

"Uh...yeah." Daniel says hesitantly.

"I can't wait to learn too, when do you think he'll teach me?" Daniel looks down to avoid his brothers hopeful gaze.

"Next time, Sean." Daniel swallows heavily. "What did you draw?" He says, needing to talk about anything else. He rubs his clammy hands on his jeans. Sean pulls out his notebook, proudly showing the sketches on the page.

"I drew some fish I found in the water. We could've even gone fishing here if we brought our poles. When dad comes do you think he could bring them?" Sean sits next to his brother handing over the notebook.

The drawing is good. Really good. Sean captured the rocky shore and nearby swimming fish perfectly, the water ripples even look pretty realistic too. Daniel grips the notebook and finds himself grateful his brother had it in the pocket of his hoodie when everything went down.

"Yeah..." Daniel breathes out. "He's not...coming though Sean. I told you, this is just a trip for us two." He hands the book back to his brother.

"I don't get it Dan, I don't remember even planning this trip. And I had no time to pack anything either." Sean looks down. "To be honest I don't really remember much of what happened right before we came on the road. And why didn't dad give us any tent supplies?" The questions flares up something in Daniel and he digs deep into his backpack for his lighter.

"Why did we come alone Daniel?"

"Stop asking so many questions ok? It's annoying. We're out here, you're stuck with me and dads not coming! Ok?" Daniel winces at his own voice rising. His brother visibly recoils.

"Ok."

Once the lighter is found Daniel scrubs a hand over his face. "Just stop. Sean, we'll be fine, everything will be fine. We're just having to be like...like real wolves out here ok? Hunting for our food, looking out for our pack..." His brother nods with a smile but then his eyebrows furrow in confusion. He thankfully drops the subject.

The brothers work at getting a fire started and surprisingly enough, it's within only a few tries that flames, however small, start rising up. The feeling of triumph is short lived when Seans stomach growls loudly.

"Do we have any food left?"

"A little..." Daniel sighs.

The chips and soda got them through the first night and next day but then Daniel had to give in and buy them some fast food and the burgers were a sight for sore eyes. Daniel feels an oncoming headache at the thought of how much money they have left. He still has the money that was given to him but used the $10 "drug money" plus some on their fast food splurge. He has no idea what they'll do.

As Sean nibbles on the rest of the chips and Daniel opens the last soda, pulls out his phone and glances through the millions of text messages he's been avoiding. All from his teachers, neighbors, people from school posing as caring friends, police officers, and of course Noah.

Daniel opens up the texts Noah and feels a weight of dread hit him again. Of course his friend is nervous and scared for Daniel...he worries about Noahs anxiety spiking, especially with the way Noah keeps messaging him. Daniel looks at the string of texts.

'Bro you left me hanging!'
'What the heck!'
'Where did you go Dude this radio silence is really pissing me off'
'What in the actual heck is happening on your street'
'ANSWER YOUR PHONE'
'The police came by asking about you'
'Im so sorry about your dad Daniel I cant image how that feels please tell me youre ok'
'Where are you Daniel I really need to hear from you Its all driving me crazy tell me youre ok'
'Please'

Daniel hates this. He hates not being able to talk to his best friend. He knows that if he responds it opens up risks of Daniel and Sean being found, tracking is a possibility especially since the police are searching for them. The battery blinks at him telling him it's almost dead and Daniel pockets his phone.

He looks to his brother. Sean looks impossibly old with the firelight dancing across his features as if giving Daniel a glimpse of what the road will do to the kid and it terrifies him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Daniel jolts awake, visions of that day swimming through his mind.

That energy he felt, he can't let it go, can't forget about it either. The way that Brett flew back without Daniel even touching him? Or even the whole street block basically exploding...did he...

Daniel sits up to get his thoughts in order and looks over to his brother. Sean is fast asleep but seems to be mumbling in frustration, that same furrow of his brows creasing his forehead. Everything about him down to the sleep tousled hair makes Sean look even younger than he is and Daniel finds himself smiling fondly, wanting his brother to keep that for as long as possible.

A small breeze makes it way into their little cave and the still burning embers of their fire start to flicker. Daniel blows at it, adding a few more logs and twigs to bring it back to life. Thank goodness for the blanket he packed or they would be a lot worse for wear.

Once the flames are rising high (relatively high), Daniel knows there is no way he can go back to sleep, even though his body is aching for the release. He knows he won't be able to rest without feeding in slightly to his curiosity.

He moves down the hill just slightly as to not wake Sean up and thinks about that energy he felt again. If he's right and that burst of...whatever it was came from him, if he really was able to shove Brett without even touching the guy it opens a lot of possibilities.

The thought alone should scare Daniel but he finds himself wanting to lean more into the chance of it being real.

Taking a look to his brother one last time, Daniel then moves to an open patch of dirt, grabbing a few rocks and sticks and settling himself down. He focuses hard on the small items, willing them to move even just an inch. He tries putting a hand out, both hands, standing, sitting, everything. He feels like an idiot and honestly slightly delusional.

How on earth did it happen the first time? When he moved Brett he was filled with so much rage about the punk hurting Sean it was blinding. Is it connected to emotions?

Daniel laughs at himself. Man, he is really losing it.

Putting his head in both hands he thinks about that second explosion, there is literally no explanation for it. He felt so much pain, he was so scared...no he was terrified and then the gun went off and...Daniel shudders as if hearing it again. His hands grip at his hair and the emotions rise again.

His dad...oh gosh his dad. The pain is agonizing.

A cry out from the cave jolts Daniel out of his thoughts to see Sean thrashing. The emotions are still like a wave rising and crashing over Daniel and he stands up quickly on unsteady feet to reach his brother.

Sean releases whimpers sounding so in destress it tugs at Daniels chest. He races to his brother, scolding himself for even leaving him for a moment.

He moves to comfort Sean but the shake to the kids shoulder does nothing but the moment Daniel touches Seans bare neck his brother jack hammers up, almost head butting Daniel in the face.

In the heat of the movement Sean releases the most heart wrenching cry in the form of their dads name. Daniel can see that Sean is clearly still gripped tight in the nightmare by the glaze to his eyes and shake of his hands when he turns his brothers head to look at him.

"Sean you're ok, you're ok." Daniel continues a mantra of soothing words not even caring what he actually says as long as it calm Sean down and help him realize his big brother is there.

"I saw...dad I saw him. He's not-I don't know I don't know...I can't..." Sean is babbling but the words still freeze Daniel, does Sean remember?

"It's ok Sean, it was just a nightmare." Daniel says as calmly as he can.

"It was so loud." Sean says quietly, bringing his older brother back to when he said it only days ago. "I heard..." A vice grip tightens around Daniels chest.

"What do you mean Sean?" He feels his brother shudder in his arms.

"Everything is so loud, it's like I can hear everything."

Notes:

I know it's been a while but thank you for your support on this story so far! As always comments really make my day and kudos warm my heart! Thank you and let me know what you think!

Chapter 3: Convenience: Roads

Summary:

The boys find a gas station where things escalate quickly.

Notes:

I know its been a hot minute since I last updated. Thank you for all your support in this story! I know so far it is pretty close to what the game is actually like but I've got big plans for it coming up. Gonna be some fun changes in the story!

I love feedback and comments! Thank you!

Chapter Text

$32.30 is all Daniel has left to his name to keep him and his brother alive. He grips the cash tight and runs the numbers through his head again. They have enough money for some bread, two hot dogs and some water leaving them with only a few bucks. Not exactly enough to keep them surviving for much longer but enough for now till Daniel can think of something else.

After last nights wonderful turn of events the brothers eventually fell into a fitful sleep, still clinging to one another for comfort. When the sun rose so did they and they quickly packed their things heading back on the road.

Daniel had asked about Seans nightmare and feigning innocence or not Sean had no idea what he was talking about, but the look on his brothers face said differently.

To their luck the gas station they found was not too far from where they camped. The topic of food wasn't necessarily something Daniel's been wanting to think about but he knew he had to finally face.

"Daniel! Look at these cool key chains!" Sean yells his way from the front counter jerking Daniel out of daze, staring at the newspaper with their photos on it. The words "Police officer found dead next to body of Esteban…" being seared in Daniels mind. He quickly hides the now somewhat crinkled paper and shakes off the panic creeping in, stowing it away to worry about later.

The "Mini Mart" is nothing too fancy and for some weird reason stocked up with dead eyed wooden carved bears, including the smaller version in the form of a keychain his brother is currently adoring.

"You like it that much, go on and take one. We have a surplus if you can't tell." The owner says smiling, showing the first hint of kindness since the two brothers came in.

"Really? Thanks!" Sean excitedly but carefully takes one off the hook and looks at it more closely. The whole place has a weird woodsmen vibe and the lady running it even more so but Daniel has to admit that was kinda nice of her. Sean leaves with his new souvenir in hand to see what else the tiny place has to offer.

"What are you kids doing way out here in the woods? You don't look like you're from around here." She says, straightening up and losing the smile.

"We're camping." Daniel says without hesitation.

"Where are you camping? You don't seem like the type to be coming around these parts." Wow nosy much?

"First time." Daniel hopes his tone screams 'I don't want to talk' enough for her to leave him alone. He steps to leave the counter when she opens her mouth again.

"You seem a little young to just be out here alone with your brother. Where are your parents?" Ok she officially is annoying now.

"We're not alone. We're camping with my dad. He sent us over to get some snacks and I'm 17, not exactly a child." Daniel says a little too snappy but he's hungry and doesn't need some old hag poking around in their business. He walks away from her to grab a water bottle.

His phone buzzes in his pocket reminding him that he's low on battery and he scans the room for an outlet. Luckily he finds one but some dude is sitting right next to it at the back table. Daniel debates the chance of another awkward conversation but his need to charge his phone wins out.

The guy is on his computer looking at some blog of...ok yeah that is something Daniel does not want to see. He moves quickly to the other side of it, getting the screen out of sight.

"This uh...seat taken?"

"Taken? No, all yours kid." The guy says nicely, smiling as he pushes his glasses up his nose. He's a larger man who should be intimidating but instead reminds Daniel of a big teddy bear, harmless to him and his brother.

Daniel offers a closed smile and pulls his charger out of his backpack.

"I bet you're thinking I'm pretty messed up huh?"

"What?"

The guy motions to his computer.

"Ah, no man. You do you." Daniel raises his hands in defense and plugs his phone into the wall. Dang, only 2% and he's got about 10 more text notifications.

A warm chuckle comes from the guy. "I wish more people had that attitude. I'm a blogger, and these people are doing exactly that, doing their own thing, only naked." He finishes a little awkwardly.

Daniel nods, not knowing what to say...to that.

"I'm Brody by the way." He says, giving a salute.

"Daniel."

"So you and your brother out here camping?" Daniel was just asked this question but this time it seems a lot less like an interrogation.

"Yeah, thought it was time I taught him a few things like skipping stones, making a fire, stuff like that." Other than Noah blowing his phone up he sees hes got another text from some police officer telling Daniel to turn himself in, that they 'only want to help'. Bunch of bull.

"Your folks aren't with you?"

"Nah, just the two of us." Daniel likes this Brody guy, doesn't feel like he has to lie to him.

"That's cool dude, good ole bonding with the bro." He says somewhat awkwardly.

"Daniel! Daniel! There's a dog!" Suddenly Sean comes rushing to the table and stops next to Brody, glancing at the computer screen. "What the..."

"Hey! Don't look at that!" Daniel grabs Seans arm to yank him over to the other side of the table bringing out a chuckle from Brody.

Seans excitement comes back full force. "There's a dog at the front and it's free Daniel! That means it's looking for a home! I know that Dad has never let us keep pets before but maybe he'll change his mind! I mean just look at this puppy." Sean grabs at Daniels sleeve, pulling him up from his seat.

"Sean, we can't get a dog."

"Please just look at it." Sean succeeds in getting Daniel to stand up.

"I'll watch your stuff." Brody offers with another smile. Daniel nods at him and pulls on his backpack. His phone isn't too important so it isn't like the end of the world if it did end up getting stolen, he should probably get rid of it anyways.

Daniel sees the dog and of course it's literally at the feet of the lady at the front.

"Look how cute he is."

"She. She's a girl." The owner says smile completely gone at this point.

"Don't you think she would fit perfectly in our family?" Before he can even let his brother down easy the lady takes it upon herself to shut Sean down.

"We need adults to take care of her, not a couple of kids." Daniel knows he makes a face at that but returns his attention to his brother.

"We can't take care of a dog right now Sean." The disappointment is clear on his brothers face but he nods understandingly. Daniels grateful for the joy this little pup brought to Seans face and wishes more than anything that they could bring it along but he really does not have the mental capacity to take care of a dog on top of everything else.

Daniel grabs everything they need, sadly only being the few items they can actually afford and brings it back to the counter. Once again the interaction with the lady is sour and she keeps giving Daniel a look that leaves him on edge.

After reluctantly handing over his money Daniel sees a map on the counter. "How much is this?" The lady hands back his change.

"Lucky for you it's free, go on and take one."

Daniel nods his head in thanks and heads back to get his phone. Brody is packing up his things and they say their goodbyes. On their way out Daniel resists the temptation to slip a Choc O' Crisp into his pocket but doesn't want to give in to what the lady is probably already thinking of him. Regardless of how much he wants to get it for Sean.

The picnic table outside is empty and Daniel sits him and Sean down to gather themselves, check out where the heck they are and eat something before they keep going.

The sound of tires on gravel signal an old truck pulling in and Seans head jerks up moments later out of his hotdog and what Daniel can only pin down as a look of terror masks his brothers face. "Sean? You ok?"

Sean sets down his hot dog, visibly upset. "I don't like that guy Daniel, can we….can we please go?" Daniels concern raises with his guard and he turns to see an old dude with a beard and gut walking straight towards them.

Sean is already standing as Daniel quickly packs their things.

"What are you kids doing way out here? I sure hope you paid for all of that." They guy says once he's in earshot. He motions to their "feast" as if hot dogs and bread suddenly are the most costly items on the menu.

"We didn't steal anything. I paid cash for all of this." Daniel allows the irritation to seep into his voice and he slings his backpack over his shoulder, standing in front of his brother.

"Then why don't we take you both inside and double check, just to be sure." Are you freaking kidding me?

"No, I paid for everything here and you have no reason to believe otherwise."

"Don't start with me boy."

"Back off old man. Come on Sean, we're leaving." Daniel places a hand on Seans shoulder but the man grabs his arm even faster.

"You're not going anywhere, if you're innocent then you'll have no problem proving it."

"Get off me!" Daniel shoves at the guy but apparently it's the wrong thing to do when a fist connects with his stomach dropping Daniels body to the ground. The hit shoved all air out of his lungs and hurts like a mother.

"Daniel!" Sean looks like he wants to run to his brother's side but the hick moves towards him.

"Sean run!" Daniel chokes out. His vision is wavering but he can clearly see the fear in his brothers eyes as they connect with the mans, leaving Sean frozen in place. "Sean!" The guy's arm raises above his brother but Daniels world goes to black before he can see the blow.

Chapter 4: Prisoned: Roads

Summary:

The brothers are locked away.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

It's the pounding in his head and fire in his stomach that wakes Daniel. His hands ache and any movement at all results in a digging pain into his wrists making him realize he's zip tied to a freaking pipe in the wall.

His heart starts to race as his eyes dart around trying to get a hold of his surroundings. It's dark and cold, rain pounds on the windows outside and theres a door with a hazy window leading to the familiar store front inside. They must be in a back room of the store…

"Daniel?" Seans voice reaches out to him. The room is only dimly lit by the neon sign outside but it's enough to see his brothers hunched over figure on the other side of the room.

"Sean? Are you alright? Why didn't you run? I told you to run!" Daniel tries to not let his voice raise but the anger he feels makes it impossibly hard. He pulls at the plastic at his wrists. There's no telling what this psycho is planning on doing...and he most likely called the police already. Everything's gonna fall apart right in from of him. Again.

"I couldn't...I just I couldn't leave you Dan." Sean says quietly, and as Daniels eyes adjust he realizes his brother won't look at him. "He…that man wants bad things to happen to us." Seans haunted voice sends chills down Daniels spine. Shit, whatever that prick said to his little brother…they have to get the hell out of here.

Light floods into the room as the door opens and that jerk off comes in. "I see you're finally awake." He pulls up a chair like this is some casual conversation and not like he's currently committing child abuse.

"You freaking kidnapped us you perverted hillbilly." Daniel spits out and tugs hard at his restraints, not showing that the plastic digging into his skin hurts like hell.

"You watch your tongue boy." The man comes up and his boot collides roughly with Daniels face. Sean audibly gasps. "I know who you are and what you did in Seattle, and a thug like you doesn't deserve to live in this country. Maybe I should call ICE and make sure you're even a citizen…"

Daniel feels the rage boil up in him and he can practically feel his brother trembling from where he sits.

"The police are on their way ready to lock up you criminals."

"We didn't do anything!" Daniel yells, feeling his anxiety rising. He can't let them separate him from his brother.

He looks to Sean and it's in the new light cast on the room, more importantly his brother, that Daniel gets a glimpse of blood on his brothers face. His wide terrified eyes and the droplet of blood dripping down his nose. That man hurt his brother.

Daniels vision goes red, his whole body feels overwhelmed with the anger.

"You expect me to believe that? If you're so innocent why did you run? Such a great example for your brother huh? Teaching him to be a killer like you." The voice sounds far away.

"Stop…" Daniel almost misses the choked off plea of his brothers, tears openly streaming down his face now.

The room seems to vibrate and Daniels skin feels uncomfortable against the clothes on his back, itchy and restless.

"You're the reason we need to build that wall. Now you hang tight you hear?" The words are the last straw for whatever was building up in Daniel and a scream rips itself from his throat.

The man gets violently thrown through the door, crashing hard into the shelves in the store straight to the back wall, breaking the glass door refrigerator with his body. He doesn't move.

Almost dizzily Daniel recognizes small whimpers coming from the side of him. Sean looks completely in shock and Daniel doesn't blame him.

Daniel takes a breath. Sean being next to him and knowing that the police will be there any minute being the only things stopping him from having a full blown panic attack because really, what the hell just happened?

There's a pair of scissors on the desk near the door and Daniel digs into that feeling again, thinking of his brothers bloodied face and allowing that familiar rage fuel him. He focuses on the metal and his skin gets slightly itchy, not nearly as bad as before but still there.

Sean gasps as the scissors float up in the air and across the room, straight into Daniels open hands. Yeah he definitely is going to need to pack this all away to freak out about later.

Once his zip ties are cut he wastes no time in rubbing at the abused skin, turning straight to his brother who seems to be staring off into space, tear tracks shining in the leaked in light.

"Sean?" Those round brown eyes dart to meet Daniels and he faintly realizes Seans not only scared, but most likely scared of him. Daniel wants to hold his brother close to help calm those shallow breaths but the don't have the time.

"D…Da…" Seans whimpers seem to echo against the walls of the small room, or in their case prison.

"You're alright Sean, we're gonna be alright and you can cry all you want later but we really need to run okay?" Daniel shoves down his own rising panic to send a reassuring smile to his brother.

He scoots closer to the shaking kid and can now see the blood on his face up close. The scissors shake as he brings them up to cut the plastic tied around Seans small wrists.

Once free, Daniel tells Sean to stay where he is, grabs his bag, and rushes into the store. The sight of the unmoving body of the old man makes something in Daniel twist but he focuses his attention to what they need. If the old man is dead good riddance, right? He grabs what he can, a sleeping bag, hastily grabs food and then his eyes land on the cowering dog and he knows he can't turn away.

After packing away what he could in his bag he holds the rest of what he gathered, taking his brothers hand with his free one and making their escape through the back door.

Rain pelts his face hard and his feet hitting the wet pavement sends vibrating shocks through his body. Whether it's his imagination or not the sound of sirens make him push his body harder as he drags his brother with him.

They run through trees, tripping over things they can't see in the dark and Daniel tries his best to just breathe but it seems like an impossible task.

Sean struggles to keep up and Daniel yells out words of encouragement to keep going. It's only when a faint light in the distance can be seen that he feels the panic ease slightly. It's a familiar car and a blur of a person through the rain covered windows can be seen.

Daniel lets up on their pace and Seans labored breathing fills his ears. He lets go of his brothers hand to rush up to the car, banging on the back window. It obviously startles the man, who in turn opens the car door.

"You scared the shit out of me! Are you guys ok?" It's Brody from the gas station thank goodness. He looks over the two drenched and terrified boys. "You are not ok…" He realizes.

"That flipping hillbilly went psycho and locked us up! He attacked us!" Daniel says surprised at the desperation in his own voice.

"Say no more, get in." The man gets out and guides Sean to sit in the back and tells Daniel to get in the front.

Once in, Brody starts driving immediately getting them further and further away from what could have been the end of the road for the brothers.

The bundle in Daniels arms squirms and he pulls back the blanket, letting the dog take a breath. They are in absolutely no position to take care of a dog but they need a win, Sean needs a win. Brody gives Daniel a small smile at seeing the pup.

"Hey, Sean, I uh got you something." He says, handing the panting dog to his brother. Seans eyes go wide and he reaches for the pup eagerly, cuddling it close. Theres a little more light back in Seans eyes after seeing the dog and thats all Daniel needs right now to be ok.

The road is empty and Sean doesn't say a word, just sits there petting the wet fur on the dog. Daniel can't even imagine what is going through the kids head. Being lost, kidnapped, attacked and then seeing Daniel practically kill a man without even touching him? Shit.

"Whatcha gonna name him?" Brody asks, noticing the kid behind him is only a shadow of the ball of light he met just a few hours earlier.

"'S a girl." Sean says so quietly, blending in with the sounds of the road.

"Sorry kiddo," Brody says with an easy smile. "What's her name?"

Sean just shrugs his shoulders, focusing hard on petting the pup. Daniels worry floods in, knowing it will take a while for the two of them to recover front his night. Will probably be a while before Sean wants to get close to Daniel again after seeing what he did. Daniel has a sinking feeling it isn't the last time he'll have to do something like that though, especially if it comes to protecting Sean again? He's willing to do anything.

Notes:

Thank you for the support in my story! Tell me what you think and I'm always up for theory's and requests!

Chapter 5: Goodbyes: Roads

Summary:

Brody shows the brothers some kindness and more light is shed on what's going on with Sean.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Sean's long since fallen asleep, holding the dog close to him and letting out soft snores to the rain pattering their windows. The rain had washed off most of the blood on his face from the bloody nose that hick gave him and Daniel makes note to check him out when they settle down and make sure nothings broken.

"Glad he can get some shut eye, he's a sweet kid." Brody looks back fondly. The man had explained a bit of his life on the road and his family and he really seems like a down to earth dude with a surprisingly bright outlook on this crappy life. Daniel is grateful they ran into him and not some other racist creep.

"Yeah, he's exhausted. The past few days have been..." hell. They've been hell. The world moves in blurred dark colors past his window.

"I can't even begin to imagine what you two have been through."

Daniel doesn't know what to say to that. It's hard to even believe this is all real in the first place. Hard to believe just how shitty his life has turned just from one moment. Hard to believe he's got powers for shits sake.

Daniel resorts to riding in silence and Brody doesn't prod, instead turning his soft music up a notch.

It's only when the rain settles and Daniels bladder calling is too much to ignore that they pull over. They park the car at some lookout in front of a desolate destroyed town, settling against the outside of the car for a moment, looking at what must've been a horror that demolished countless lives in front of them.

"Man. Look at that... Oregon is like the edge of the world," Brody starts with a smile but sobers quickly. "Hey listen, I know what happened with you guys in Seattle..." His words are careful, as if one syllable out of place could make Daniel run. Daniels blood still all but runs cold. Brody saved them, but would he call the cops? Would he turn them in? "Do you want to talk about it? I'm a good listener."

Daniels heart settles slightly.

"We didn't…I don't know…what happened." Daniel breathes out nervously, looking back at his sleeping brother. The weight of the situation rests on his shoulders and he wants nothing more than to get it all out, feeling as if it could suffocate him.

It's his fault. His power exploding like that is why they're on the run. But they wouldn't have to be on the run in the first place if it weren't for the trigger happy freaking cop.

"The cop shot my dad." He spits out quickly. "Our prick neighbor was picking on Sean and I was just defending my little brother. My dad came out to stop the fight and the cop shot him with no damn reason." The sorrow for losing one of the most important people in his life slowly gets swallowed up with the rage of how truly unfair it is. How shitty it is. It's not freaking fair. "That shit cop killed my dad!" Daniel squeezes his eyes shut tight along with his fists gripping at his hair, feeling a surge of anger run through his veins. Theres a strong wind that hits them, along with that twisting in Daniels gut. Shit, he has to calm down.

"Hey, it's gonna be alright, take a deep breath kid." Brody softly lays a hand on Daniels shoulder, an action that should bring comfort but instead only tightens the feeling in Daniels chest.

"I…I can't…" he tears himself away from the man gulping in the air around him but still can't get enough to his brain.

Faintly he hears Brody telling him to breathe but the words are muddled over the roaring in Daniels ears and wind pulling at his clothes.

He blinks and is suddenly standing at the fence at the lookout, shaking hands trying to ground himself through holding tight to the creaking cold metal beneath them. His world is crumbling to pieces.

Daniels not sure how long it is until his breathing is somewhat normal again but Brody is there through it all. The wind settles down probably leaving Brody more than confused. The dampness to Daniels eyes surprises him as much as the impromptu panic that hit. He lets out a final breath, making eye contact with the man next to him before ferociously scrubbing at his eyes. Embarrassment hits hard but all that's in the older mans eyes is understanding.

"Sorry I don't…"

"Hey you have every right to panic. It's scary what you've been through and I know this sounds impossible, but you're gonna be okay." Brody is so calm it drives Daniel crazy.

"You're right, that does sound impossible." His own voice shakes.

Brody looks down at the view in front of them. "I know you must feel a lot like this town right now, broken and empty…wiped out…but that's the past kid. Whatever happened to you is in the past now." Brodys hand on Daniels shoulder is a lot less confining this time, and feels a lot like Estabon. Brody turns them both around and motions to the sleeping form inside the car. "You got each other. You may not see it but…what you and your brother have is the most important thing. He really needs you, Daniel. And you need him. I can tell he doesn't know what happened, at some point... you're gonna have to tell him." Who the hell is this guy? Why does he even freaking care? Why does it make Daniels heart ache?

"I know. I just wish I didn't have to. Sean's been through enough already."

"Trust me, telling him will help you get through it together. Sometimes heartache with another person makes the two of you stronger."

Daniel lets the words sink in. Seriously this man is like one walking inspirational quote after another. Daniel feels annoyance at not being annoyed at the dude. He nods at the other and the man slides his hand off of his shoulder, leaning against the fence.

"So…what's your plan kid? Where are you going?"

Daniel takes a breath, looking down at the town again. He sees where homes and lives used to be. Lives destroyed in a second like his own. They didn't ask for this disaster just like he didn't ask for his. Spite bubbles up in him.

"I have no idea. Our family owns a bit of land in Mexico but I don't...I don't know. I don't know what the hell I'm doing but I'm not turning back."

"Turning back will never help you move forward. Mexico is quite the long haul but I believe in you boys. Do you have any family there? Your mom maybe?" Ice shoots down Daniels back at the thought.

"No, no way in hell. All we have are grandparents in the US that want nothing to do with us." Sean and Daniel really are alone in all this.

"So you've still got a long ways to go then. We've shot the shit long enough. Time to hit the road…I'll drop you by a motel. You guys could use some time to yourselves."

Daniel sits with Sean on the beach watching the waves move as if in slow motion back and forth. Sean halfheartedly throws a stick for the dog every time the pup brings it back up to him. Ever since waking the kid up he's been too quiet, seemingly lost in his own world and refusing to make eye contact.

Brody comes up from the motel across the street, glancing sadly towards the downcast little brother before pasting a smile on his face.

"I got you two boys a room for the night."

Daniel stands quickly. "Seriously?"

"It's only a room, no big deal. Look, I had tough times when I started out...some strangers saved my life."

Brody hands the room key over to Daniel which he accepts gratefully.

"I don't even…"

"You're welcome kiddo, thought it was about time I helped someone." Brody says with a smile, ruffling Sean's hair which brings out a small smile of his own.

"Go grab the dog okay Sean?" Daniels says, to which Sean runs over stick in hand.

"Your room is room 10 on the second floor alright?" Brody takes a look over at Sean before pulling Daniel further aside to continue. "Look, I don't want to freak you out or anything and you're a smart kid but really have to be twice as careful now. With what happened at the gas station and everything…you really should get rid of your phone. You can always get a burner later. Trust me."

Daniel nods along to the man, knowing he's most likely right.

Brody pats Daniel on the shoulder reassuringly.

"Talk to Sean, he deserves to-"

Sean chooses that moment to come up, holding the dog and interrupting the man.

"Are you leaving Brody?" Sadness layers his words and Daniel feels it in himself. Regardless how weird the man might be, he helped them. He's carried them along with him and shown them a kindness that was desperately needed for the two brothers.

"Yes I am, but not until I give you a goodbye gift..." Sean's eyes widen in curiosity and he looks to Daniel in excitement.

Brody reaches down, pulling up his worn backpack from beside his car.

"You really don't have to-" Daniel starts.

"Nonsense, and don't you dare argue about it. I'll leave it right here if you do."

Brody hands the backpack to Daniel, who in turn grips tight at the worn straps.

Daniel takes off his own backpack to try the new one on for size, enjoying the comforting weight of it on his back.

"Brody…thanks."

Sean's pouting at the whole exchange so Daniel hands the kid his old bag. "Looks like this ones yours now."

"I always get your old stuff." Sean says under his breath but takes the bag nonetheless.

"Hold on... I didn't forget you. I've had this since my first road trip... and it's always kept me safe." Brody reaches into his pocket, pulling out a red bandana handing it over to Sean. "Now it can do the same for you my dude." The man says, smiling as Sean takes the fabric.

"Thank you Brody! Is it alright if she wears it?" He kneels down with the panting dog already tying it around her neck.

"Of course! It's yours to do what you want with it!" Brody smile flickers slightly. "It's time for me to hit the road again."

Daniel feels something turn inside at the thought of seeing the man go.

"Hey, don't look so sad... You can contact me on my blog... "A Tribe Called West". So... you better keep me posted when you can... Okay?"

"Yeah, thanks Brody. For everything. I don't know what we would've-" Daniels words get cut off by the bear hug the man pulls him into.

"Of course my dude. Bro-hug!"

As soon as Brody is open Sean goes in for a hug too, arms holding the man tightly.

"I wish I could stay with you kids but the road calls."

The finish their goodbyes and watch Brody get in his car, sighing off and making some comment about thinking of a better goodbye later. "Take care my dudes."

Once Brodys headlights are out of sight Sean sighs heavily, holding the dog tight once again. "I'll miss him."

"Me too." And he will.

The room is much nicer than Daniel was expecting. Two beds, a bath and tv is probably typical for a roadside motel but right now after days of rocks and dirt this is a luxury.

Sean's gone back to being quiet and sulky which only continues to increase Daniels worry for the kid.

They've settled down, Daniels plugged his dead phone in and Sean's claimed the bed closest to the door for himself, sketching the sleeping pup.

"You sure you don't want to give the dog a name? We've got to call it something other than 'the dog'." Daniel tries, forcing a bit more enthusiasm into his words hoping for something of a reaction from Sean. "How about a famous skaters name or something? That Tony guy? You like him right?"

"She's a girl, Daniel. But…" Sean pets the pups fur, brow furrowed slightly in thought. "What about Hawk?"

"Hawk? That's what you're going to go with?"

"Yeah like Tony Hawk…" The kid sounds more unsure of himself which is not Daniel wanted.

"Hawk's a good idea, fits her." Daniel offers a smile to which Sean sends one back.

"Yeah! It's kinda cute in a weird way."

Daniel smiles at the bit of life coming back into his brother as he pets the dog with a little more warmth.

"Alright now you really need to get into the bath, you smell like shit." He goes up closer to the kid, taking his face in his hands checking out his nose. Nothing seems to be broken and it's stopped bleeding a while ago with only smeared blood left to show for it. Damn that freaking hick really did a number on him.

"You don't smell all that good either." Sean quips. "Can I bring Hawk in?"

"Yeah whatever." It would be great to wash off the last of those Hicks anyways.

The moment Sean is behind the closed door Daniel grabs his phone. The 20% is enough to get him through what he needs from it before getting rid of the device for good.

Giving the bathroom door a double check before going out to the balcony Daniel quickly dials Noah's number before he can change his mind.

It takes only two rings for his friend to pick up.

"Daniel?" Damn, Noah sounds like shit.

"Hey Noah."

The line goes silent for half a second before blowing up. "What the hell Daniel! You couldn't freaking send me a text saying 'I'm okay'? Or 'I'm alive'? I've been worried to death! Shit." The kids voice is raw and breaking and Daniel feels like shit for adding to the guys number of problems. Probably hasn't slept at all since the brothers left.

"I'm fine Noah. I'm with Sean and we're on the road."

"Daniel I'm so freaking sorry about your dad. I'm so sorry. The cops are looking everywhere for you man. They interrogated me, my family, hell, everyone one on the block even the gang. What happened?"

"A cop shot my dad that's what happened." Bitterness rises up his throat.

"What are you going to do?"

"We're on the run, you know they'd separate me from Sean and I'm not about to let that happen. They want someone to land the blame on and my dad wasn't even…" he chokes on his own words as he hears Noah sniffling through the line.

"I'm here for you man, whatever happens I'm here."

"I know."

The sea breeze touches up against Daniels heated skin, leaving a line of goosebumps behind.

"Listen man, I gotta go and I have to chuck my phone. I can't let anyone track us." This call is probably too long already.

"This is so freaking messed up."

"I'll call you the next chance I get alright?"

"Yeah you better make that a promise man."

"I will." He just hopes he can keep it. "And Noah? Thanks bro." His eyes sting at another goodbye he's having to go through.

Daniel hangs up, leaving himself in too much silence.

He stares at his phone until enough courage gathers to click on his photo album. Photos flash before his eyes, him and Noah, the gang, late night food runs, further back are more of Sean and finally…dad. He took it all for granted.

A sharp pain seems to hit him right in the chest, all enveloping of his deep mourning of his dad. It's different than what he felt at the lookout with Brody. It's not breath taking and stomach turning, not a literal whirlwind of emotions.

This pain is quiet and world shattering. It grips tight at him refusing to let go, stopping everything in place freezing him in this moment. He misses his dad and feels like a little boy crying out for his father to make it all better. Estabon always could.

The last photo on his phone is one of the three of them at Christmas. Sean took it as a selfie, short arms making it so his face is too close to the camera and partially cutting himself off as well. But the three of them are smiling. Daniel wishes he smiled more these past few months, too stuck up in being a moody teenager. He wasted so much damn time. Now there's none left…nothing left but the pain and this twist in his gut.

The phone in his hand crushes without so much of a twitch of his fingers. Much like a can with too much pressure and the screen goes black. He chucks it, releasing his breath and feeling the grip on his heart loosen. He can't keep falling into this hole of loss and pain and panic, he needs to be here for Sean 100%.

He shoves the rest of his emotions deep down, putting a cap on it to never come back up, leaving the balcony and all those painful memories behind.

When Daniel returns to the room it's empty. Sean must still be in the bath. Daniel moves to one of the beds to take his shoes off but freezes in place once he hears the soft sobs coming from the bathroom. Tripping over his untied laces he knocks at the bathroom door with maybe a bit too much force.

"Sean? Hey you okay in there?" He's only met back with Hawk barking. The door is locked and still nothing from his brother but now choked off cries. "Sean answer me or I'll break this door down and you know I will."

It takes a moment and Daniels in the process of digging deep to move the lock with whatever force is running through his veins but Sean finally unlocks the door. Daniel swings it open to see his brother sitting on the ground, hair wet and clothes slightly damp, clutching tight to the dog.

The most heart wrenching part is the tears streaming down his flushed face. Daniel is by his side in a second.

"Sean, hey talk to me bud." His hand gravitates to the kids hair, untangling the wet knots.

Sean hiccups in a breath and hugs Hawk tighter.

Daniel thumbs away a rolling tear. "Sean?"

"Where's dad, Daniel?"

Shit. Shit. Shit.

"What-"

Sean's eyes dart up, watery and red, to look his older brother in the eye.

"Where is he?" He whispers, as if knowing the answer already.

"Sean…" Does Sean know? How the hell? And if now how on earth is he supposed to tell his baby brother that their dad…

"No..." Sean covers his mouth with both hands, letting go of the squirming pup and squeezing his eyes tight. " Dad ." His tears are streaming freely once again.

"Sean I was going to tell you, I promise ." Daniel pulls Sean into a tight hug, baffled at how Sean even knows.

"The man who locked us up...it's like...I could hear what he was thinking Daniel." Chokes out, stumbling over his own words through his hiccuping breaths. Daniel grips onto to his brother, furrowing his brows at the words. "He was so mad and he wanted bad things to happen to us...he was thinking about Seattle and... dad ." Sean chokes the word out in another sob, muffled into Daniels shirt until he looks up.

"I could hear him Daniel and I thought it wasn't real but then I…I can hear you too. You're louder tonight more than ever and and-I can feel how sad and angry you are." Daniels mind is reeling, what the hell is happening to them? Did this tragedy somehow unlock freak powers within them both? And suddenly Sean can hear people's thoughts?

Sean cries out in the most heart wrenching yell closing in on himself and pulling tears from Daniels own eyes.

Tears that he hasn't allowed himself to cry. Tears for their dad, for their life. Tears for them both now so damaged and broken.

Daniel cries with his brother, holding him close and whispering reassurances. With every tear Daniel makes a promise. He will never leave his brother and he will do whatever he can to get them to Mexico. Whatever it takes.

Notes:

Thank you for your support! Let me know what you think!

Chapter 6: Practice: Rules

Summary:

Daniel and Sean explore what their powers can do and Daniel begins asking if they should.

Chapter Text

Daniel admits that reaching inside tapping into his rage to channel his powers is the easiest way to do it. There's plenty of it for him to draw from and it has some sort of fiery spark that ignites within him.

He raises a hand up, focusing on the rock in front of him, welcoming that twist in his gut before it lifts. With a subtle flick of his hand the rock goes flying into the icy water.

It should scare him how fast his powers are increasing but since the night in the motel any emotion but anger and care for Sean seems to be gone, or buried so deep he can't feel them anymore. It's fine, it's what he wanted, emotions only cause more hurt and make things messy anyways.

"That one was so much bigger Daniel!" Sean yells from his perch on a boulder. Snow is dusted on his head and shoulders reminding Daniel they should head in soon. The itch in Daniels throat and tightness of his chest agree immediately at the thought.

Sean seems to be doing okay, his spirits have lifted somewhat since they've found this abandoned cabin. The days seem to be slipping through their fingers, seeming impossible that it's already almost Christmas. The first without dad.

He's decided it's best they stay away from people for the time being. He's not sure how unstable his own powers are, and he knows it was overwhelming for Sean. Too many crazy people out there, too many thoughts and emotions trying to reach his little brother. The weeks on the road and in homeless shelters were getting to be too much and they really needed this win.

The fact that Sean can read his thoughts, even though it's only when they're linked to strong emotion, is concerning to say the least. How this 12 year old kid can connect to anyone hearing any thoughts scares Daniel the most. Daniel himself has tried his best to not let his mind wander to any dark places, worried his brother could catch on and hear it at any time.

Once they found solace after that night at the motel Sean and Daniel had the conversation of their powers and it might have been the strangest conversation Daniels ever had.

Sean's not dumb, Daniel knows this, and the kid of course knew that something was going on with his big brother. Most likely ever since what he did to Hank at the gas station he knew.

He thought Sean would be terrified but the kid absolutely loves the fact that his older brother can move stuff with his mind. Daniel's grateful that the kid sees him more as a superhero than the monster he feels he could be. Already is…going by the horrors that seem to have followed it already.

Daniels training is a lot easier to go about than Sean's is. Daniel wants to help him with controlling it more so racist freaks can't force upon the kid their thoughts. Teaching Sean how to not only block out thoughts but read even the ones with less emotions seems a little daunting as he questions himself if he should.

Sean seems to be fine with using his powers, unlike the headaches that hit Daniel when he's pushed himself too far. The biggest fear is if the emotions of the thoughts could effect his brother mentally long term in any way.

There was one night at a shelter that some whack job half out of his mind came stumbling towards their sleeping bags and almost puked all over their stuff. The rest of the night Sean felt as if his own thoughts were chaotic and it scared the crap out of Daniel seeing his brother out of it like that. They packed their bags the second the sun was up and got as far away from that place as possible.

"You should try lifting something else." Sean breaks Daniel out of his thoughts.

Daniel looks at their surroundings and clears his throat for what feels like the fiftieth time of the day. "Alright just one more then we need to head inside, deal?"

"Deal."

Sean jumps from his perch, giving Hawk a pat on the head before looking around. "Hmm…how about lifting a tree out of the ground?"

Sean says with a twinkle in his eye as if a tree coming out of the ground is the coolest thing that could ever happen. Daniel thinks a second before shrugging and letting the kid choose which tree will be his next victim.

It's not too big but Daniel has to dig a little deeper than he has before, reaching for the roots buried in the ground. It feels just out of touch, but then he sees that hicks face in his mind and the tree dislodges from the ground completely, like a child pulling a flower from the dirt. It shakes something inside Daniel as he pulls it entirely out from the ground.

Not wanting it to fall on the two of them he releases the tree in the opposite direction letting crash into the forest behind it.

The force of the release inside of him brings Daniel falling onto his hands and knees to take a breath. A headache blooms at his temple triggering the cough he hasn't been able to shake for days now. He realizes Hawk has been barking since the rumble began and Sean shushes her gently.

"That was so cool! Woah, you okay Daniel?" Small hands are on his back.

Sean looks way too concerned for Daniel's liking. He quickly stands shrugging his brother off and clearing his throat hoping it doesn't send him into another coughing fit. "Yeah of course. I'm fine."

Daniel gets a cold every winter and it seems luck isn't on his side this year either, just add it to the list of crap they already have to deal with.

Last year the cold ended up turning to pneumonia when Daniel refused to admit he was sick. When an overnight bonfire with Noah led to his friend practically carrying him home the next morning Daniel knew he screwed up. Noah had been crying his eyes out about his delirious friend being half out of his mind with fever only to be met with a stern but concerned Estabon.

Dad had taken care of him, even though it was Daniels idiotic self that got him to that point, his dad still took care of him. Took him to the doctor, made him soup and got him medicine…held him like a kid when his fever rose too high in the night.

He wishes he thanked his dad more for that. For simply being there for him. He still got the biggest lecture of his life when he was better though, but he's grateful. It hurts he'll never be able to make up for that.

"Daniel?" Sean tears him out of memories and thoughts once again and by the look on the kids face he knows exactly where his older brothers mind was at.

"I'm fine. Let's head inside okay Sean?"

"Come on focus Sean. Try again." Daniel does his best not to let his own tiredness seep into his voice but with every day it's harder to hide things from Sean. "You've got to try harder to block me kid."

"I'm trying Daniel, I am!" With the whine to his voice Sean really sounds like the kid he is and Daniel takes a breath backing down a little.

"We just want to make sure no one can force their thoughts or emotions on you, got it?"

"I know…" Sean picks at his socks. "Can we take a break now?" The kids eyes drift over to his sketchbook.

"One more time then you can do whatever you want. Okay?"

Sean nods eagerly.

"Alright do you want to try and block a strong emotion or read a small one?"

Sean contemplates for a moment, petting some of the matted fur on Hawk. "Read." He says finally before fixing his posture, ready to give it a try.

Daniel knows it's easier for the kid to read emotions so he lets it slide. They're both tired and it's getting late.

"Ok you know the drill." Daniel closes his eyes and digs deep for a memory, pushing his persistent headache to the side.

He tries not to let any of the past months come to mind but thinks of a memory he has with Noah.

The two of them, before they became hateful of the world and people around them, actually thought that they could make it on the Basketball team. The memory is one of the first nights they practiced at the neighborhoods crappy park basketball court and Daniel can't even remember how many shots he shot but couldn't make for about an hour.

"Hmm you're…mad and….I feel you weren't gonna give up. Is this a good memory?" Sean says, eye squeezed shut and brow furrowed.

"You tell me flaquito."

Noah had made a few baskets before Daniel could even get close and his frustration was growing minute by minute.

"Okay um…Daniel it's too muddy." Sean's used that word a few times before when the thoughts and memories aren't clear enough.

Soft fingers land onto Daniels open palm and he jumps slightly at the contact, opening his eyes to see Sean's still shut in concentration. He's told Daniel that physical contact is as if turning on a light or coming out of water, makes everything clearer.

"You're playing basketball." Sean says with more confidence.

"And you're cheating Sean. You'll only get stronger if you do it the hard way." Still, Daniel feels pride swell up at his brothers progress.

"Both ways are the hard way." Sean says, a bit exasperated.

Daniel goes back to the memory and the moment he finally makes a shot.

"You're excited!" Sean yells out.

Daniel can't help but let out a laugh at his brothers own emotion filling the room. He was excited, that moment he made the shot Noah and him freaked out acting like maniacs running all over the court.

Daniel doesn't even realize it but the memory blends into another one. Years later, Noah and him both were hardened towards the world and high schoolers specifically. Dreams of joining the basketball team were long forgotten but love of the sport still there. A few other guys from school were at the court smoking as Noah and Daniel would take a puff in between games.

A moment Daniel will never forget is when he threw the ball a little too low and a little too hard and it hit the rim before ricocheting straight back to hit him square in the face and-

Sean sucks his breath in, pulling his hand quickly from his brothers. Daniels eyes fly open to see Sean's hand hovering over his nose and open eyes watering.

"Oww…"

"Sean what happened?" Fear trickles up Daniels spine, already knowing the answer.

"Dude you got hit in the face." Sean says with a smirk before wincing again.

"You felt that?" Daniel hovers his hands over Sean, afraid to touch him again.

Sean shrugs his shoulders before a small trickle of blood begins making it's way from his nose.

"Shit Sean you're bleeding." Daniel jumps up from their bed to grab whatever he can to stem the flow, picking up one of his t-shirts, it might be old and definitely needs a wash but Sean is bleeding .

He pushes it up agains Sean's small nose bringing out another wince from the boy.

"Dude this stinks ." Sean says but let's Daniel keep the fabric there. After a few minutes Daniel pulls the shirt away to reveal smeared blood beneath his brothers nose but it seems to have stopped bleeding.

Thank goodness. When it happened to Daniel his nose was gushing blood for an hour.

"Is this the first time you've felt it like that?" Daniel asks, finally allowing himself to gently set a hand on his brothers shoulder, making sure his mind is clear of the memory.

Sean only shrugs again, eyes downcast as if getting caught for doing something wrong.

"We're done with training. No more." Daniel tosses his ruined shirt aside.

"What? Ever?"

"For a few days alright? You were freaking bleeding Sean, that's not normal!"

"Nothing about this is normal." Sean looks so small. And he's right. "I'm okay. Daniel I promise."

"Go clean up." Sean hesitates before going to the bathroom and Daniel scoffs at his exclamations of the water being freaking freezing.

Hawk whines at the door and Daniel thanks the heavens for an out to have a moment for himself. The dog runs through the snow as if it isn't negative twenty degrees and Daniel sits on the porch. He knows sitting outside will do nothing for his sickness but the fresh air, however piercing, clears his mind.

Is what he's doing wrong? Is he making things with Sean worse?

Shit, dad would know what to do. And Daniels only a cheap imitation of the man. It's completely screwed up.

Sean not only saw but felt that memory, enough for him to be in physical pain. What more could effect him?

Chapter 7: To the Grandparents: Rules

Summary:

Daniel decides it's time for the brothers to keep moving forward.

Notes:

Thank you for all the sweet support with this story!

Chapter Text

They've been here too long. Daniel is grateful that they found this old abandoned cabin, even though they've been living off canned ravioli for weeks. But there's something Daniel would never admit to Sean, he's scared. His cold is stubbornly holding on and he's afraid it could get to a point as bad as last year. That he'll be down for the count and not be able to take care of Sean.

The closest store to them is about 15 miles away and while Daniel can do it, he'd rather spend what energy he has getting the both of them somewhere warm and safe. Who knows if he tries taking that trip alone again as sick as he is…he might not make it back this time. There's no way he's going to risk it. Not when Sean is counting on him.

They need to move on and as painful as it is to admit, they need help. Their grandparents have been on Daniels mind for days and even he isn't stubborn enough to not consider them as an option at this point.

Telling Sean isn't easy. They've fallen into a pattern here but as he's been trusting this far, his little brother is willing to trust him again.

"Sean are you almost ready?"

"Yeah Daniel." Sean says shoving the last of his thing into his bag before looking around. "Where did Hawk go?"

"I let her outside." Daniel grabs their water canisters.

"I'll go find her!" Sean leaps from his stuff, throwing on his coat and heading out the door.

"Fine but hurry back!"

Daniel is packing their water when he feels it.

Distress. Fear. Panic.

The feelings make him stumble in his step, leaving him disoriented in his place.

Sean .

Daniel runs from the house, ripping the door open not bothering to close it. He knows exactly where his brother is by the emotions that call out to him and get stronger with each step.

Daniel passes through trees and turns the corner, hoping to find his brother perfectly fine. His heart immediately stops beating in his chest at what he sees.

Sean kneels, frozen in place holding their puppy tight to his chest. Standing right before him, right before his little brother, a cougar three times his size bears it's teeth looking ready to launch an attack.

"I said STOP !" Sean calls out with a power behind his words Daniel has never heard before.

The cougar stands for a moment just looking at the two of them before shaking itself almost out of a daze. It growls once again, taking a step forward.

"Sean…you need to back away now ." Daniel says calmly though his blood inside begins to boil. He slowly moves closer and closer to his shaking brother.

Once in arms length Daniel pulls Sean up and pushes the kid behind him, focusing all his strength, all his ability on the beast in front of them. His power rips apart his insides exploding in his head but he shoves it all down, forcing the animal away from his brother and their puppy. With a scream the animal flys backwards hitting a tree before falling to the ground unmoving. The sound of it's spine snapping against the trees echos around them.

Everything in Daniel releases blacking his vision out for a moment until it clears and he's on the ground.

"Daniel!" Sean sobs shaking his shoulder as his older brother struggles through coughs that wrack his body.

"I'm fine Sean…Hawk?" He says once he can breathe, even though he can't tell what's up and what's down but he needs to know if the dog's okay…

"I think she's hurt." Sean says, fresh tears springing to the surface.

If the cougar was close enough to hurt their puppy, how on earth did Sean get her away from it?

Daniel looks at sweet Hawk. The cougar must've missed chomping down on her side and only clipped her back leg. Crimson blood slowly stems down from the jagged cuts, sluggishly bleeding onto Sean's arms into the snow.

She's okay. Sean's okay. Daniel has no idea how it's possible but they're all relatively okay.

"What can we do to help her?" Sean's voice sounds so small and he holds the whining pup closer.

Daniel shakes away the last black spots from his vision before giving the puppy a pet on the head. Though still whining she licks at his fingers.

"Let's get her cleaned up and wash that wound then we can bandage it up. Okay Sean?"

The boy nods, still sitting in his place.

"Hey, look at me kid. Are you okay?"

Sean finally looks his brother in the eye. Daniel expects hysteria for everything that just happened, but Sean's eyes are distant and engulfed with unshed tears. He whispers. "I made it stop somehow. I don't know how but I did."

Sean's cry out to the animal to stop echos in Daniels ears. That power behind it was more than just a desperate kid crying out. "You did and I'm so proud of you. Whatever happened you protected pack and that's all that matters okay? We protect our pack."

Sean nods his head quickly bitting his lip.

"Come on, let's go take care of her." Daniel gingerly takes the puppy from his brothers arms, feeling an ache at the whines it evokes out of her.

He thinks about the million ways this could've gone wrong. They could've lost Hawk. He could've lost Sean. The cougar being a casualty while it should make Daniel scared of his abilities, only leaves him more grateful for them. As twisted as that may be, he realizes how true it is that he would kill for his brother.

Daniel looks at the both of them, wincing at their torn clothes and grime on their skin. Whatever, it's as good as it's going to get and Claire will just have to deal with it.

He looks at the bundle in Sean's arms, a mixture of excitement and tiredness from the pup. They've done what they can in terms of wrapping her leg up but they've already had to redress it twice over their journey to their grandparents.

Daniel is worried about an infection, worried about nerve or muscle damage and worried if the cuts are lethal. He hopes that the Reynolds will let them bring her in and help not only the two brothers but the puppy that's become family too.

They stand on the front doorstep cold, exhausted, and ready to sleep in a real bed again. The journey to get here was far too long and Daniels just grateful they finally made it. He honestly doesn't think he could last another day on the road.

"What if they don't want to see us?" Sean asks softly, shifting Hawk in his arms.

Daniel thought he was over with being mad at everything having to do with Karen's side but seeing Sean fidget and worry his lip at the doorstep of their grandparents renews that flame of hate inside Daniel.

He grits his teeth and forces out the next words.

"They're family. They have to." The bitterness is clear in his tone and he doesn't exactly try to hide it. His fingers hover over the doorbell.

They can't exactly turn back, they're out of food, money, overall out of options. Because of this stupid cold Daniel is in no state to be taking care of his brother right now and he's too tired to keep going any further.

"Daniel?" Sean's concerned eyes peek into view. "It'll be okay, they'll help us out. Like you said they're family." Sean shouldn't have to be the one to comfort his older brother, but it reminds Daniel that they're in this together. They're bonded by this horror they've fallen into but sticking together because family is so much more than blood.

Daniel stifles a cough and jams his finger into the small bell.

Apparently the old couple doesn't get visitors all that often, especially in the middle of the night. It takes another ring but he can finally see a shadow of a person through the glass.

"I'm sorry, we don't want any..." Claire says as she opens the door but clearly recognizes them before she finishes the sentence.

"Is that...Daniel?" Her eyes burn into the teenagers'. "And you must be Sean. Stephen! Get down here!" The old man comes to join them, muttering something under his breath until he recognizes them as well.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

"Stephen watch your mouth!"

Claire clearly notices the two boys shivering in their thin layers and motions for them to come inside. "Goodness, come in. You must be freezing."

Sean hesitates only slightly and looks to Daniel as if saying 'you still wanna go through with this?' Daniel nods and crosses the threshold behind his brother.

Suddenly in the warmth of the home, Daniels chest constricts and he can't stop the coughs that wrack his body.

"Oh dear, Stephen why don't you take Sean upstairs and into some warmer clothes. I'll get some medicine for that cough."

It's that moment Hawk decides to speak up and squirms her head out of Sean's hold.

"Goodness! Is that a…" Claire takes a step back with a hand over her mouth.

"She's our puppy and she's hurt. We saved her but I don't know if she's okay." Sean says with a wavering voice that seems to melt the older couple slightly.

"Uh…well let's take a look at her then." Stephen says hesitantly.

"Stephen, a dog in the house?" Claire says slightly under her breath.

"Please. She's all we have." Daniel says, looking Claire in the eye.

"Alright, we'll just take a look at her then." Claire says somewhat reluctantly.

Stephen beacons Sean to follow him upstairs and after another look to his brother and a nod from Daniel, Sean excitedly follows the man.

Claire leaves Daniel at the front room to wait for her. Within moments Daniel is completely alone. Sitting down at the table is such a relief for his aching body and it takes everything in him not to just lay his head down and sleep here.

Claire returns far too soon with some tea and medication.

"You have to take better care of yourself, what if you got Sean sick?" Claire hands him a cup of steaming tea which he's grateful for, but the words sting nonetheless. "You're lucky he's alright."

"He's fine, I'm taking care of him." His own words come out far too defensive and Daniel can't bring himself to care. He out of all people is the only one who cares enough about Sean to take care of him right.

Stephen comes back to interrupt the silence. "Sean is changing right now. Poor kid was frozen."

Daniel knows it's his fault, he made the kid walk in the freaking snow but they don't have to keep stabbing at him for it.

"It looks like the puppy has a nasty injury on it's leg. I was able to clean the thing up and put a fresh bandage on and I can take her to our local vet in the morning."

"Thank you Stephen." Daniel says and the old man smiles back at him.

"Can I speak with you a moment Stephen? Drink up your tea alright Daniel? We'll be right back." Claire says and Daniel knows everything can tip into chaos for the wolf brothers just by the look in her eyes. Shit, was he an idiot for coming here?

They speak in hushed tones and must think he's deaf and dumb. They know about Seattle and there's an obvious debate going on between the two on what to do with this mess that has fallen into their laps. Or more accurately onto their front doorstep.

Then what Claire says sinks in Daniels stomach. "What if Daniel is guilty? Sleeping in our home…next to us…"

Of course that's what they're going to think. Of course they'll believe whatever they've heard about Seattle.

The couple returns with smiles on their faces as if they haven't been entertaining the fact their grandson could be a killer.

"You alright honey? Do you want more tea?"

"I'm fine." Just freaking get to it.

"Well…Daniel…do you want to talk about…uh…" Stephen looks over at Claire and she continues for him biting the bullet.

"The police called us a few weeks ago…they're looking for you as suspects…in a homicide. And for an assault in a gas station." She pauses as if the words themselves drag her down. "Now, if you want us to help you, did you…hurt that police office in Seattle?"

Unbelievable, his dad dies and they want to lay the blame down on him.

"This is all bullshit, I never touched him!" Daniels head pounds along with the words.

"Hold on Daniel, don't get mad. We have to ask…we only know what we saw on the news." Steven says calmly but the fire in Daniel doesn't calm down. The room itself feels like it's heating up.

"All I know is that bastard killed my dad!" Daniel chokes out and both their faces fall.

"Oh sweetie."

Claire reaches out for Daniels hand but he pulls back quickly, feeling as if he could explode at the touch.

"We are so sorry for what happened to your father...but why did you run away if you're innocent?" Easy to say when it isn't her.

"My dad died. You really think I could let Sean see him like that? I had to protect Sean I couldn't let him see that." The words seem to tumble out of his mouth faster than he can catch them. "The police could take Sean away from me, throw him in foster care or some shitty place. He did nothing wrong and he doesn't deserve to ripped from the last family he has." Daniel can feel the fire within spark in his eyes, anger heating up his whole body.

"You can't say that for sure Daniel. I hate to think of what could've happened to the two of you out there all alone. You need to think of long term solutions now."

"I'm freaking trying but I can't do everything. I can't ." Daniel knows he's way too in over his head. "I didn't even want to chance coming here but we had no other choice!" He doesn't want to tell them about his plan for Puerto lobos. They would immediately disagree, they've never been fond of dad being part of another culture anyways. Why freaking bother when he knows how that conversation will end.

"Daniel you can't just run away like…like…fugitives! How can you take care of Sean like that?"

Fugitive . That's the only way this world is ever going to see him now. Sean's accepted their dads whole culture, the language, the music, everything. But Daniel hates it. Hates the looks and comments people give. Hates the stereotypes and people questioning a teenager more if he killed a man than the actual person that shot his dad.

A freaking fugitive.

"Im not a fugitive." Daniel growls out. "I'm taking care of my brother the best I can. I'm doing my best…he's my brother and…and…" His words start to get lost in his throat that's closing up. The air seems too thin in this furnace.

"Take a breath for us Daniel." The words stab through the ringing in his ears and Claire stands making her way around the table to be by his side. "Take a deep breath honey."

Daniel follows her breathing until the tingling throughout his body calms to a stop and he can see straight again. He's not going to lose control, not here.

"You two are gonna stay with us." Stephens words startle them both.

"Oh, Stephen...maybe we should..." Claire starts.

"After your mother left...your dad never really wanted us in your life...I can't blame him...but you're still part of our family and...we want to prove it, okay? Let us take care of you, even just for a while." Stephen says with a sad smile.

Daniels chest aches and he nods in gratitude at the older man. Claire sighs, resigned to her fate.

"There are some rules you need to keep if you're going to be staying here and I don't want to drop this topic…but we can talk about it all in the morning." Claire stands but keeps her eyes on Daniel. "Sweetheart I think you might have more than just a cold." The sudden chilled hand on his forehead feels heavenly against his heated skin. Though it feels amazing Daniel pulls back from the touch.

"Just as I thought, you've got a pretty nasty fever there. It's best we get you into bed to get some rest."

Quiet steps echo down the stairs and Sean pokes his head around the corner with a freshly washed Hawk in his arms. Like Stephen said, the dog has a new clean white bandage wrapped around her back leg. Daniel motions for the kid to come over and holds back a chuckle at the large fireman t-shirt drowning his small frame. Daniel forgets the kid's only 12, this being a slap in the face reminder.

"Hey Sean, they're gonna let us stay for a bit alright?" Daniel says tiredly, words a lot softer than how he was speaking to the old couple.

"Really? You're gonna let us stay?" The kids smile is a big genuine Sean smile and he hugs Stephen tightly. "Thank you!"

Hawk backs happily at the raise of emotion in the room.

Stephen lets out a surprised belly laugh and returns the embrace. "Of course! How could we turn our sweet grandsons or this sweet puppy away?" The old man sends a wink towards Daniel and for the first time in weeks it feels like things might just be okay. At least for tonight.

"Daniel are you sleeping?" Sean says, just as Daniels about to give into his body's demands into sweet oblivion.

"Yes." He grudgingly grunts back, swallowing at the scratchiness to his throat.

To finally be laying in a bed again is more than Daniel could wish for right now. The soft sheets against his freshly cleaned skin and warm pajamas, he can close his eyes and almost picture being back home. Almost.

Claire had insisted on saying prayers before leaving them for the night and Daniel had almost forgotten the older couple were the religious type. He wonders how different his and Sean's lives would be if Dad were the same. Probably wouldn't have changed anything.

She wished the two of them and Hawk health and comfort, and she prayed for dad too…Daniel doesn't think anyone's gonna hear her but the effort is there or whatever.

Because of the warmth and medicine he feels his fever is finally beginning to lower but the exhaustion keeps a tight grip on him.

"Do you think Claire and Stephen know where mom is?" Sean whispers quietly. He pets at the sleeping dogs fur. With a sigh and being fully awake now Daniel props himself up on his elbow to look at his brother.

"Why do you care?" It harsher than Daniel means to sound but Sean doesn't flinch, as if expecting this sort of response. The kid however seems to shrink under his brothers gaze.

"I just...I don't know anything about her and…it's harder to remember her…" his voice gets smaller with each word.

"She left us Sean. She's the reason you don't know anything, and trust me that's a good thing. Now stop thinking about it." Daniel rolls over, getting comfortable again, saying loud and clear that the conversation is over.

A few minutes go by before Sean pipes up again, evoking a sigh from his brother. "Claire and Stephen are happy we came here." He says in a voice that's a lot less timid. "They're worried and scared but happy..." Daniel grips his hand in the sheets hoping Sean didn't catch any horrible thoughts from the old couple. They put on a happy face especially for Sean but the things they're thinking and saying behind the brothers' backs…there's a good chance of Sean hearing it.

"Go to bed Sean, don't worry about it okay? It doesn't matter what they think. It's you and me till the end. We won't be here long anyways." Daniel can feel his brothers eyes on the back of his head. "And remember Claire and Stephen can't know anything about our powers right?"

"Right Daniel. Keep it a secret." Sean whispers and turns in the bed to face towards the wall before letting out a small goodnight.

Notes:

I love all you amazing people and I am excited to continue with this story! I am always open for feedback and suggestions! Kudos warm my heart and comments make my day!

I hope you like this story as much as I enjoy writing it!