#rozthehellhound

[the-smallest-star]

//Patch's parents

[the-smallest-star]

"Theres my boy!"

"Hi Mom. Gluttony really has done you and Dad good."

"Well you recommended this as a good place to retire baby. C'mere."

"Did Opal ask you to meet me at the station?"

"It was Gritt actually, he sounded all kinds of worried. Everything okay Honey?"

"Just... some trouble with an old boyfriend of his. They tried to involve me."

"Ahhh, so thats why he wanted you to stay with us in Gluttony for a while. Well, he's a good big brother looking out for you. We've got the spare room all set up for you, and I could use some help cooking dinner. Always helps take your mind off of things."

"Thanks Mom."

[the-smallest-star]

The autumn air was cool for both imps as they stood before the front door of a city home. It was an old one, just on the edge of Pentagram City in a neighbourhood swarming with hellhounds, imps and some demons who didn’t really care about living near both. A better neighbourhood than Imp City but still not the greatest.

“... this is a bad idea.” Patch muttered, fidgeting with his jumper in unease while his brother turned his attention back to him. “Patch, they need to know.” Gritt urged. “I know I know, but... they went through so much. They’ve grieved me, cried over me... what if they think I was pretending to be dead?” “They saw your body, they know you died. And yeah I don’t know how they’ll react, but you said they loved you right?” Gritt prodded, Patch responding with a nod, “Then once you’ve explained they’ll be happy to have you back.”

“You’re right... but... can you knock?” The nervous twin asked, earning a raised brow from his brother. Even so Gritt complied, reaching out to rap on the solid wooden door.  “Who’s there!” Called a gruff voice, one that would make others think twice. “Gritt Mr Bones, I need to talk to you and... someone is here to see you.”

The shuffling of large paws on wood could be heard, keys jingling and the door cracking open. A grey wolfish looking Hellhound answered, spectacles resting on his nose. He wore a button down shirt but a well loved leather jacket over the top. His gaze was on Gritt before flickering to the other and freezing, his jaw dropping.

“P.... Patch?” His voice was softer, hesitant as he inched out. A trembling paw slowly reached for the imp, brushing against their cheek. The instant it met with warm skin it almost recoiled, but he forced it to stay. He had to be sure. “Hi Pa.” Patched croaked out, trying to blink back tears. “.... ROZ!!!” The bellow caught Gritt off guard, blinking as he heard hurried steps and an equally large Hellhound joined him at the door, brown fur patches and pierced ears with a large comfortable sweater. A shriek left her on seeing Patch, looking like the might faint for a moment until Bones grabbed her hand, moving it to touch Patch’s other cheek.

“H... how?” She breathed. “We’re not sure, all we know is magic dragged him from the void and gave him a second chance.” Gritt answered, a small smile on his face as he watched both hounds drop to their knees and drag Patch into the biggest fluffiest hug they could.

“Our little boy! Oh thank the sins, we missed you so much!” Roz wept as she rubbed her cheek against his head, Bones chuckling through his tears as he ruffled Patch’s hair, “Your brothers and sister are going to go crazy when they see you again! We couldn’t even bare to strip your old room, I can’t believe it!” “I almost didn’t come back, Gritt convinced me. I-I was scared to, after everything that happened I didn’t know if it’d hurt you more to see me again.” Patch explained, Bones giving him a soft bonk on the head. “Of course it hurts to see you, but in a good way. We thought we’d never get to hold you again!” He scolded before turning his attention to Gritt with a smile, “Thank you for talking some sense into him. You’re always welcome here Gritt.”

There was an ache in Gritt’s chest watching the family reunited. It was one of envy, of longing... Patch had found parents that were... well, parents. So ready to shower him in unconditional love and praise. Gritt didn’t know what that was like. So instead he smiled and nodded, keeping his hands in his pockets. “Is it okay if I stay here until I can get back on my feet? I promise I’ll be looking for a job first thing so I can pay-” Patch began until his mother interrupted. “Like fuck you are, first thing we’re doing is going to a doctor to look you over baby. If they give you the all clear then you can look for work.” She chuffed, Bones nodding in agreement.

Didn’t seem like they were going to let Patch go right now, so Gritt reached over and ruffled his little brother’s hair, “Text me later okay? You know where I am.” Patch nodded with a tear filled smile, “We’re still on to hang out later this week right?” “Course, see you later.” Gritt hummed as he turned and set off, leaving them to catch up. As he walked he lit up a cigarette to help with his building feelings.

He was happy for Patch and his family, they were back together and would heal over time. But he still felt like shit. Why didn’t he have what they had? He knew it wasn’t their fault, but seeing it-... so many people missed Patch.

It stung.

Gritt shook the thoughts from his head as best he could, trying to shove his feelings as deep down as they would go. A hit of his favourite drug of choice and a few shots would help, so he continued his walk to go home.